FEATURES ARCHIVE

Christie’s Wine sales in Hong Kong offer a warm welcome to new clients as well as those returning in search of their next purchase. Here, Christie’s expert Michael Au offers his personal tips for buyers ahead of our Hong Kong sale.

It’s reassuring to know that wines in Christie’s sales offer superb condition and impeccable provenance information. Why might two bottles coming from the same château—and the same vintage—vary dramatically in condition?
Many external factors can affect wine and its longevity after bottling; condition can vary greatly based simply on how they were handled and kept when aging in the bottle. Exposure to hazardous storage conditions, extensive handling and travelling can all greatly diminish the lifespan and value of a wine, so it is very important to know exactly where your bottles have been stored and how many times, if any, that they have changed hands previously. We focus on bottles sourced from only the most pristine and reputable cellars of the world, predominantly European collections where the bottles have only seen one single owner since leaving the vineyard.

How would you advise first-time buyers to approach selecting wines in your sale?
First, decide if you want to enjoy a great bottle now or to ‘lay down’ a case for the future. Historically, wines tend to appreciate in value as they reach maturity and become ready to drink. Most clarets need at least a decade in the bottle before the wine’s most darling attributes are presented. For example, the 2005 vintage was a recent star vintage which is just hitting the auction market now. This means you can still buy it at a reasonable price, but it will need to age for over a decade before it becomes accessible.

Secondly, pay attention to the condition notes listed in the catalogue, all lots offered in our sale are inspected by our team of specialists and we research carefully on the provenance of our offers, and  communicate these findings exactly through the published notes. You will also find research on vintages and which years are most appropriate for cellaring or drinking now by reading the tasting notes written by Christie’s experts.

What are your personal recommendations this season?
Without doubt, the Château Lafite-Rothschild, Cos d’Estournel and Calon-Ségur from the 1949 vintage—it's not very often that one can buy 60 year old wines that have remained in single ownership since the time they were made. These three 1949 vintage wines, including an extremely rare and possibly unique Jeroboam of Lafite-Rothschild, have been stored in the perfect Bordeaux Cellars of a very well-known Negociant House, promising perfection—both in taste and appearance. An enticing opportunity for anyone celebrating a 60th Diamond Jubilee or Birthday—or indeed the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Estimates range from HK$ 75,000-100,000 for the Impériale of Calon-Ségur, HK$ 90,000-120,000 for the dozen of Cos d’Estournel, and HK$ 180,000-240,000 for the Jeroboam of Lafite-Rothschild.

Any more highlights for connoisseurs of Bordeaux?
To really “wow” a dinner party, we have some very special “verticals”—lots of each of the five prestigious Bordeaux First Growths, each lot featuring bottles from the 1991-2002 vintages. Truly the ingredients of a memorable evening which will impress your guests, novice to experts alike!