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Market ‘consistent’, says Zachys
US-based auction house Zachys has revealed its top-selling lots of 2023. Zachys’ annual review showed its most expensive lot was The Macallan Six Pillars Collection of single malt Scotch whiskies, citing a price of US$606,250 (£476,373). Burgundy’s Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) dominated the remaining places in the top 10:
2. DRC, Romanée-Conti 1988 (12x75cl) – $412,358
3. Château Mouton Rothschild 1945 (12x75cl) – $200,000
4. DRC, Romanée-Conti 1988 (1x 6-litre) – $150,672
5. DRC, Romanée-Conti 2002 (6x75cl) – $142,739
6. DRC, La Tâche 1999 (12x75cl) – $126,879
7. DRC, Richebourg 1989 (1x 6-litre) – $106,250
8. DRC, La Tâche 1971 (1x 3-litre) – $106,250
9. DRC, La Tâche 2009 (12x75cl) – $103,090
10. Domaine d’Auvenay, Chevalier-Montrachet 1995 (10x75cl) – $100,000
(Prices include buyer’s premium)
There have been reports of fewer active buyers in the secondary market, with some prices falling versus peaks in 2022. Yet Zachys said it entered 2024 in an excellent place, describing the auction market as steady and consistent. ‘Collections featuring the best of the best continue to realise historically high prices and even defy market expectations when placed in the right hands.’
Nick Pegna, Sotheby’s global head of wine & spirits, was also upbeat in December 2023. ‘The market has demonstrated that unique wines and spirits, priced correctly, have an enduring appeal,’ he said.
‘Mature Bordeaux continues to have a strong following, as do a number of key Burgundy domaines.’