Editor’s Note
This article reports on the record-breaking auction of Burgundy wines from the legendary cellar of collector Pierre Chen, marking a historic moment in the wine market.
Sotheby’s announced today a resounding success for its “L’Atlas de l’épicurien” auction, dedicated exclusively to Burgundy wines, which was held on July 2nd at the Couvent des Cordeliers in Beaune. Reaching a total of 2 million euros, this historic sale marks the end of the dispersal of the largest and most valuable wine collection ever brought to market, originating from the legendary cellar of collector Pierre Chen.
“Live in the Vines”, which presented the crème de la crème of Burgundy wines from Mr. Chen’s cellar, marked the first single-provenance wine auction held in a region renowned for its Grand Cru vineyards. This success follows “The Ultimate Champagnes”, the very first auction dedicated exclusively to champagne, organized by Sotheby’s in Paris on June 20th, which also set several world records. Representing the first European chapter of “L’Atlas de l’épicurien”, that sale totaled 1.35 million euros.
In total, these two historic auctions in France generated a combined amount of 3.3 million euros (3.6 million dollars), making it the most valuable wine auction ever organized by Sotheby’s in France. Notably, 45% of the lots were sold above their highest estimates, with an average hammer price per lot of €7,198, nearly double the global average for Sotheby’s wine sales between January and June 2024. Asian buyers were the most active, accounting for over 70% of total spending.
The success of “L’Atlas de l’épicurien” testifies to the enduring appeal of Burgundy wines, considered by many to be the best wines in the world. The sale also highlighted the vision and passion of Pierre Chen, an exceptional collector whose contribution to the world of wine will never be forgotten.
• 2007 Domaine de La Romanée-Conti: Montrachet, 3 bottles – 50% more than the previous world record, at over €15,800 per bottle.
• 2005 Domaine de La Romanée-Conti: La Tâche, magnum – world record, at €35,000 per magnum.
• Domaine Leroy Chambertin 2011, 3 bottles – world record price, at over €16,600 per bottle.
• 2014 Domaine de La Romanée-Conti: La Tâche, 3 bottles – world record price, at over €9,100 per bottle.
• 2005 Domaine de La Romanée-Conti: Échezeaux, 3 bottles – more than double the previous world record, at €10,000 per bottle.
• Rousseau Chambertin 2009, 12 bottles – world record at over €5,700 per bottle.
• Rousseau Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St Jacques 2010, 6 bottles – world record price, at over €3,900 per bottle.