Reported by The Drinks Business on the 3rd August 2020, Christie’s New York Wine Department announced that the online sale of the renowned collector, Benjamin Ichinose’s wine raised a record US$2.3million, making this the most valuable digital sale Christie’s has held since it launched its online auctions.
The Ichinose Collection achieved over 200% above the pre-sale estimate and the top lots were ‘blue- chip’ Bordeaux and Burgundy, including a Jeroboam of 1970 Romanée-Conti (US$75,000); six bottles of 1971 Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Musigny from Comte de Vogüé (US$43,750); a magnum of 1929 Château Mouton Rothschild and a further two bottles of 1929 Haut-Brion. Also among the collection were bottles of 1961 claret from Chateau Lafite, Cos d’Estournel, Petrus, Ausone, Armand Rousseau Chambertin, an imperial of 1973 Mouton Rothschild, and six magnums of 1961 Bollinger R.D.
Christie’s Head of Department, Chris Munro commented: “This collection represented one of those rare opportunities to acquire great wines from an impeccable source, and our clients responded with enthusiasm. Well cellared, bought with strict guidance from importers and producers from a hugely knowledgeable and loved collector, we are delighted to report that nearly every bottle offered from this impeccable collection found a new home. The exceptionally strong results, including a number of world record prices, witnessed in this sale demonstrates the success of Christie’s Online platform’s ability to showcase important collections to the broadest possible global audience. This tremendous sale result is a fitting tribute to one of the wine world’s greatest collectors.”
With fine wine sales continuing to achieve record values and press headlines in the current environment, collectors and investors are looking at investment grade wine as a tangible alternative asset to protect wealth and diversify their portfolios.
To find out more and start your wine investment journey, see our essential Guide to Collecting and Investing in Fine Wine, or speak to a member of our team on +44 (0) 203 384 2262.