Discussion
Anyone ever bought wine at auction? Never done it before, but I'm looking at buying a couple of cases of Port at a Christies Fine Wine auction.
Any hints, tips or advice?
I'm assuming that if I stick to big name auction houses then that ensures that the sellers are all large scale merchants and all the wines have been properly stored etc.
Any hints, tips or advice?
I'm assuming that if I stick to big name auction houses then that ensures that the sellers are all large scale merchants and all the wines have been properly stored etc.
I've bought port in such a manner. Basically, its all in the labelling and the bottle seal. Essential to view, and ask any advice if the expert is about.If that's not practical., consult by phone. Always be aware of situations where items essentially the same have very different pro rata estimates. It can be just different vendors stipulating different reserves, it can be other things of course.
Its UK law, that an auctioneer cannot give an estimate that is below any reserve (if there is one) placed on the lot.
Obviously , the seal is of import , as if not sound the wine is useless , and of course, there has been label forgery going on. You are doing the right thing in going to an established specialist seller, who should be able to spot these things.
Obviously, you've done your work on the respective vintages/growers, and what the merchants are retailing them at. Although , that can be done fairly quickly once the cat has been received.
Other than that, set your own bid limit, do not go beyond it, never forget the buyers premium!!
Pip Pip!
Its UK law, that an auctioneer cannot give an estimate that is below any reserve (if there is one) placed on the lot.
Obviously , the seal is of import , as if not sound the wine is useless , and of course, there has been label forgery going on. You are doing the right thing in going to an established specialist seller, who should be able to spot these things.
Obviously, you've done your work on the respective vintages/growers, and what the merchants are retailing them at. Although , that can be done fairly quickly once the cat has been received.
Other than that, set your own bid limit, do not go beyond it, never forget the buyers premium!!
Pip Pip!
Bebs said:
I was the auctioneer at Christie's wine department from 1990 to 2006 so I know a little bit about it 
What would you like to know?
If we're talking about, let's say Christie's (or somewhere else equivelantly top-end), can I safely see, say, a case of 63 Fonseca in the catelogue and just bid on it online/over the phone, knowing that it'll be exactly as described (i.e. A1), having been properly stored/transported etc etc?What would you like to know?
(I've actually already taken the plunge and just bid on something coming up at the auction tomorrow, so fingers crossed I can rescue at least one case from the clutches of the investors and actually drink it!)
Nefarious said:
Bebs said:
I was the auctioneer at Christie's wine department from 1990 to 2006 so I know a little bit about it
What would you like to know?
If we're talking about, let's say Christie's (or somewhere else equivelantly top-end), can I safely see, say, a case of 63 Fonseca in the catelogue and just bid on it online/over the phone, knowing that it'll be exactly as described (i.e. A1), having been properly stored/transported etc etc?What would you like to know?
(I've actually already taken the plunge and just bid on something coming up at the auction tomorrow, so fingers crossed I can rescue at least one case from the clutches of the investors and actually drink it!)
The majority of lots come out of bonded warehouse or large private cellars. Rule of thumb is that anyone that has wines as this sort of value are aware of what it is and will store it correctly. Its a great way of picking up wine at below or at trade value
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