A top collector plans to auction their extensive collection of rare wines for charity through Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
The sale, dubbed the Philanthropist’s Cellar and slated to take place in the city on March 31, will feature a smorgasbord of classic Bordeaux and Burgundy with an estimated value of $7.7m.
That’s a lot of wine.
Great vintages by heritage producers like Mouton Rothschild, Le Pin and Latour are available by the case in what is sure to be a major event in the international wine calendar.
Adam Bilbey, head of wine for Sotheby’s Asia, said: “Having the opportunity to crack open the cases and inspect these historic gems is a memory that will not be forgotten, I look forward to recounting these inspection stories and the great generosity of this kind Philanthropist with wine lovers across Asia and the world.”
The proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Rural Education Action Program (REAP), which works to improve sanitation and education in isolated communities in China.
Kevin Ching, CEO of Sotheby’s Asia, said: “I would like to thank the anonymous consignor, whom I have known for over 20 years, for his great generosity and for entrusting Sotheby’s with this hugely important sale.
“This is probably the most magnificent wine collection ever to come to auction in Hong Kong, and the most valuable sale almost anywhere else in the world from which the entire net sales proceeds are donated to charity.
“This auction is excellent news not only for the most discerning wine lovers, but also many of those who are much less fortunate than us in this world.”
