Henri Jayer Burgundy wine from the legend's cellar goes down well in Asian auction

Henri Jayer Burgundy wine from the legend's cellar goes down well in Asian auction

Christie's auction of Henri Jayer Burgundy wine from his cellar caused a bidding frenzy in Hong Kong

Henri Jayer is a simply legendary figure in the history of Burgundian wine-making. Born suitably enough in the Vosne-Romane, Jayer took a degree in oenology from the University of Dijon and then set about making a name for himself amongst the grapes.

Now regarded as a byword for high quality, the offerings from Christie's Finest and Rarest Wines: From the Private Cellar of Henri Jayer, was always likely to impress, and impress it has.

Held out in Hong Kong, the event was a white glove auction - that is it was 100% sold for an overall total of HK$66m (US$8.5m) across just 102 lots.

Every single one of the Top 10 lots was bought by an Asian private bidder, reminding us that the market has matured from a time when only Bordeaux wines led by Chateau Lafite drew really exceptional prices.

The top three lots, all of which at least doubled their top estimates, were as follows:

12 bottles of Vosne-Romane Premier Cru (Cros Parantoux) Vintage 1985 were listed at HK$800,000 - 1,000,000 but sold for HK$ 2,057,000.

12 bottles of Vosne-Romane Premier Cru (Cros Parantoux) Vintage 1989 were listed at HK$ 380,000 - 480,000, but brought an astonishing HK$ 1,815,000.

Last of the three was a case of 12 bottles of Richebourg Grand CruVintage 1979, which brought an excellent HK$ 1,815,000.

"Tonight's sale demonstrated the enduring passion of our Asian clients for the wines of Burgundy." commented Head of Wine for Christie's Asia, Charles Curtis,

"With 17 lots over HK$1m and an average lot value of HK$647,350, this once-in-a-lifetime sale gets a high bar indeed and confirms once again the dominance of Hong Kong in the market for fine and rare wine."