Zachys, a renowned auction house, recently conducted a historic auction that achieved a remarkable total of $11.16 million (£8.3 million) for a rare collection of 19th-century Bordeaux wines. This collection, owned by the late Jacqueline (de Rothschild) Piatigorsky, a descendant of the Rothschild family famous for Château Lafite, featured wines that were esteemed for their vintage quality.
The auction was significant not just for its monetary success, but also for the historical value of the wines included. Every lot found a buyer, shattering initial estimates and setting world records within minutes of the auction’s opening. Notably, a magnum of the illustrious Château Lafite Rothschild 1870 sold for a staggering $387,500, significantly exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $75,000. This wine, considered one of the finest of its time, was produced shortly after the Rothschild family acquired the estate.
In addition to the magnum, a single 75cl bottle of the same vintage fetched $187,500, which also exceeded expectations. Both the magnum and the bottle were recorked using wine from the same vintage, although the specific details of the reconditioning were not disclosed.
The overall auction featured 177 lots, predominantly from Château Lafite Rothschild, totaling $6.49 million. Among other noteworthy sales was a double magnum of Lafite Rothschild 1878, which sold for $312,500, far surpassing its high estimate of $40,000.
Other wines also drew impressive bids; a three-bottle lot of Château Haut-Brion 1899 sold for $106,250 against a high estimate of $18,000. The results of the auction showcase a thriving interest in fine wines, despite recent market challenges.
Charles Antin, Zachys’ global head of wine auctions, emphasized the auction’s significance, describing it as the pinnacle of his career, while Zachys’ CEO Eileen Rizzo acknowledged the auction house’s strong ties with Château Lafite Rothschild, underscoring the unique provenance of the wines.
This event reflects a continued enthusiasm among collectors for fine wines, showcasing the potential for historic pieces to command extraordinary prices at auction. The success of Zachys’ recent auction may inspire further interest in fine wine collections and investments.
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