In a landmark event for oenophiles and collectors alike, Sotheby’s is preparing to unveil one of the most extensive and valuable wine collections ever presented to the market. This unparalleled assemblage comprises a staggering 25,000 bottles of exceedingly rare and exceptional wines, many of which originate directly from the estates where they were cultivated. The collection has garnered pre-sale estimates amounting to a staggering $50 million.
Dubbed “The Epicurean’s Atlas: Journey Through the Legendary Cellar of Pierre Chen,” this extraordinary wine treasure trove will be dispersed through a series of five dedicated auctions. These auctions are slated to be held in prestigious locales, including Hong Kong, France, and New York, with accompanying tasting events scheduled in London, commencing in November 2023.
The esteemed proprietor of this illustrious wine collection is none other than Taiwanese entrepreneur Pierre Chen, a luminary figure in the world of art and business. Chen’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1977 when he founded the thriving electrical component company, Yageo, ultimately cementing his status as one of Taiwan’s wealthiest individuals. Over the span of four decades, Chen has amassed a formidable collection of both fine wines and modern art. Notably, his art collection boasts at least seven Picasso masterpieces, two significant works by Francis Bacon, and creations by renowned artists such as Hockney, Twombly, Richter, Doig, and Freud. Some of Chen’s prized paintings are currently featured in the Tate Modern’s exhibition, “Capturing the Moment.” In tandem with his passion for art, Chen has curated a treasury of exceedingly rare wines, including selections from vineyards that produce only a scant few bottles annually.
The forthcoming auction promises an array of wine lots that are sure to captivate discerning connoisseurs. Among the standout offerings are six magnums of Henri Jayer Vosne Romanee Cros Parantoux 1er Cru from the 2001 vintage, each bearing an estimated value of US$50,000-70,000 per magnum. These exquisite bottles originate directly from the cellar of Henri Jayer, representing the final wines he crafted before his retirement in 2001. Another noteworthy lot is the trio of magnums of Salon Le Mesnil, Blanc de Blancs from 1971, with an estimated value of US$6,000-8,000 per magnum. Of equal allure is a 6-liter Imperial bottle of Petrus from the heralded 1982 vintage, valued at US$45,000-65,000, considered one of Bordeaux’s most exceptional offerings from the “ideal” 1982 vintage. Rounding out the collection is a magnum of Château Latour from the renowned 1961 vintage, with an estimated value of US$12,000-16,000, widely acclaimed as one of the finest vintages since World War II.
This monumental auction, featuring Pierre Chen’s unparalleled wine collection, is set to be a historic moment for wine enthusiasts and collectors, offering an extraordinary opportunity to acquire some of the world’s most coveted and exceptional wines.
