Held on two consecutive days, June 3 and June 4, the 2016 Spring Auction Taipei “Finest and Rarest Wines” closed successfully Saturday evening. The auction collected a total of 940 lots. With rigorous selection of wine quality, Ravenel presented exquisite fine wines from the new and the old worlds as well an abundance of Japanese and Scotch whiskies. This year’s Spring Auction reached nearly US$2,400,000 in total revenue and over 70% sold by lot. Facing the market correction in Asian wine auctions today, buyers still gave Ravenel full support to maintain a stable foothold in Taiwan’s fine wine auction market. As always, Ravenel appreciates the continued support and recognition of distinguished collectors everywhere.
The auction began with Bordeaux cellars. The results showed that wines from celebrated chateaus in legendary years were particularly favored. The market of cellar vintages is also recovering stably. The oldest vintage of this auction, Château Margaux 1900, was sold for US$12,979. The rest, such as Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1955, Château Latour 1966 and Château Cheval Blanc 2005, also yielded good results. A collection of 66 consecutive vintages with initial production years ranging from 1945 to 2009 from Mouton, one spotlight of this year’s Spring Auction, was sold for an astounding US$ 100,951.
As for wines from France’s Burgundy region, vintages from DRC once again had conspicuous success. Among the lots sold, a three-bottle wooden case of DRC 2005 was sold for US$ 45,068 and Assortment 2012 also fetched US$ 46,870. La Tâche 1976 and Montrachet 1986 also yielded remarkable results after several enthusiastic and competitive bids. In addition, Domaine Leroy Musigny, Domaine Comte George de Vogüé Musigny and wines from renowned chateaus such as Henri Jayer, Armand Rouseau, Leroy, Leflaive and Coche-Dury were all highly acclaimed by the collectors.
Although under the impact of the current market pullback in whiskies, still over 70% of the total 340 lots were sold. Among classic Scotch whiskies, Macallan Fine and Rare series once again set remarkable records because of their rarity and quality. Among them, a Macallan 1938 was sold for US$ 30,646. Balvenie’s classic Vintage Cask, Glenfarclas 50-year Family Cask series and the limited editions of Port Ellen (a silent distillery) all produced good results thanks to collectors’ warm support.
Hitting a home run in last year’s Autumn Auction, Japanese whiskies also reached a good result this year with more than 80% sold by lot. Karuizawa Samurai Label 1-10, Karuizawa 1980/1981/1982, Karuizawa sumo label 1981/1982/1983 and Karuizawa 1986/1987/1988 were all sold. Yamazaki 1984 Mizunara Oak, Yamazaki 1986 Sherry Wood, Yamazaki the Owner’s Cask series, Yoichi 20 Years Single Malt and Yoichi Color Label also fetched values over high estimates after fierce bidding.
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.