Collectors Raised a Glass to Koch

In a landmark event for the global fine wine community, the exceptional cellar of esteemed collector William I. “Bill” Koch achieved an astonishing $28.8 million at auction, setting a new record as the most valuable single-owner wine collection ever sold in North America.

The celebratory three-day sale, held at Christie’s Rockefeller Center, reached 154 per cent of its low estimate and drew enthusiastic participation from collectors around the world.

Notably, 42 per cent of registrants were new to Christie’s wine auctions, reflecting a generational shift in the market.

The most valuable lot was a rare Methuselah of 1999 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Conti, which sold for $275,000.

Close behind was a lot featuring three Magnums of the same vintage, which realised $237,500, more than double its high estimate.

These standout results demonstrate the continued reverence for Burgundy’s most celebrated domaine.

Reflecting on the sale, Bill Koch commented:
"It has been a joy to build this collection over the years. My hope is that these wines, so carefully curated, bring as much pleasure to their new custodians as they did to me."

Large-format bottles performed exceptionally well, particularly those from Burgundy. Domaine Georges Roumier emerged as a highlight, with multiple lots surpassing expectations.

The top result from the domaine was six Magnums of Bonnes Mares 1985, which sold for $200,000, more than twice its high estimate. A single Magnum of Bonnes Mares, Vieilles Vignes 1988, achieved $87,500, nearly ten times its low estimate.

"This truly was a once-in-a-generation auction from one of the world’s most iconic cellars. The extraordinary breadth and rarity of wines on offer captivated collectors across all ages and regions." - Adam Bilbey, Global Head of Wine & Spirits at Christie’s.

Other exceptional highlights included eight bottles of Domaine Leroy Musigny 1999, which sold for $187,500, and six Magnums of the iconic Château Latour 1961, which achieved the same price.

These results underline the strength and global appeal of both Burgundy and Bordeaux at the highest levels of collecting.

The sale represents not only a remarkable achievement in the auction world but also a celebration of a collector’s passion and legacy, shared with a new generation of connoisseurs.