Ravenel Autumn Auction 2015 Taipei Finest and Rarest Wines took place on December 4 and December 5. This auction collected a total of 905 lots, presenting exquisite older vintage wines from the new and the old worlds as well as an abundance of Japanese and Scotch whiskies through rigorous and quality selection. This auction reached US$3,243,086 in total revenue, 85% sold by lot and 125% sold by value, setting a new record in the history of Ravenel’s wine auction. Ravenel therefore commands a superior position in Taiwan’s wine auction market. As always, Ravenel appreciates the continued support and recognition of distinguished collectors everywhere.

First to be covered is the Bordeaux cellar. The results from this year’s Autumn Auction showed that older and century vintage wines were particularly favored. Nearly 90% of the 181 Bordeaux lots were sold. Among the older vintages, Château Margaux 1900 magnum (two standard-size bottling) was sold for US$ 25,107 and Château Mouton Rothschild 1945 magnum (two standard-size bottling) fetched NT$ 18,651. The rest, such as Château Cheval Blanc 1947, Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1955, and Château Lafite 1986, were all sold for excellent values. In addition, as a spotlight of this auction, a collection of 15 consecutive vintages with initial production years ranging from 1979 to 1993 from Château Le Pin was sold for an astounding US$333,333.

As for selected wines from France’s Burgundy region, 58 vintage wines from DRC including Romanée-Conti, La Tâche, and Montrachet were all sold, once again setting a brilliant auction record. Among these special vintages, DRC Romanée-Conti 1990 (two standard-size bottling) fetched US$39,454, and DRC Romanée-Conti 2001 and DRC Romanée-Conti 2001 (two bottles in a wooden case) were sold for US$37,660. In the enthusiastic atmosphere, DRC La Tâche 1976 even went through a series of 20 competitive bids. Other vintages from Burgundy, such as Henri Jayer, Armand Rousseau, Domaine Dujac, Leflaive, Ramonet, and Domaine des Comtes Lafon, were also highly acclaimed by collectors. The red and white wines from Burgundy brought in a remarkable result with 87% sold by lot.

In addition, , for the first time ever, Ravenel collected “Balloon Venus,” a sculpture by U.S. artist Jeff Koons in collaboration with Dom Pérignon, and a bottle of Dom Pérignon Rosé 2003 for collectors passionate about art. As soon as the auction began, they were immediately sold for US$53,800, which marked the highest price among the wines sold in this season. Sweet wines including d'Yquem, Egon Muller, and Tokaji Eszencia from Hungary also yielded remarkable results.

Whiskies continued on a high note from where they left off earlier in this year’s Spring Auction. Among the 330 lots, 91% were sold, which once again made a new record in this category. First, all of the highly sought-after Japanese whiskies were sold out. Among them, 30-year Karuizawa geisha label, Karuizawa 1981, 20-year Yoichi, Karuizawa 1967 double-circle label and 18-year Yamazaki: 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games Special Release were all sold twice of their estimates. 30-year Karuizawa samurai label 1-10 was even sold for US$57,387, a stunning sale that made it the highest valued piece in this auction.

As for classic Scotch whiskies, the Macallan Fine and Rare series once again brought satisfactory results owing to their rarity and exceptional quality. The Macallan 1946 and 1950 were respectively sold for US$35,867. As another amazing spotlight of this auction, the rare Glenfarclas Family Casks of 14 different years from 1953 to 1971 were all sold for great value after several fiercely competitive bids.

Owing to its authoritative endorsement and global popularity, the instantly popular Malt Maniacs Awards winners first presented in the previous season once again set the record of 100% sold by lot. All lots were subjected to intense bids. Among them, the winner of the 2014 Supreme Champion, Kavalan Solist #S060904031, began at a bid of US$150 and eventually sold for US$1,435 after 25 bids.

Kinmen Kaoliang, presented only in autumn, also produced brilliant results. Among them, the Black Golden Dragon vintages from 1970s to 1980s and several years of Red Label Vintage Kaoliang were particularly favored, realizing nearly 80% sold by lot. In addition, many lots were even sold over the high estimates. Japanese sake, appearing for the first time in the 2015 Autumn Auction, also delivered remarkable performance with all 5 lots sold out. The 2000 Kakunkou and Isojiman Nakatori Junmai Daiginjo 35 also sold well beyond their high estimates.

Ravenel’s Wine Department wishes to once again express its gratitude for the continued support and recognition of collectors everywhere. We look forward to continuing to provide our discerning customers with the most abundant selection of wines and the most professional services while remaining committed to offering the lowest buyer service fee in the industry.