Hong Kong – In response to the ever-growing global demand and appreciation for high-quality and rare wines, Christie's Wine & Spirits Department is announcing a magnificent line-up of auctions this autumn, spanning Hong Kong and London. Once again, we are presenting a significant wine collection from another European cellar. The season will be led by "The Dr A. Botenga Cellar: Six Decades of Collecting", featuring an extraordinary single-owner collection amassed by a devoted and discerning connoisseur. With its international appeal, the collection has been carefully curated across two live sales – the first in Hong Kong on 24 November and the second in London on 1 December.

"The Dr A. Botenga Cellar: Six Decades of Collecting Part I", presented in Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 24 November, represents a remarkable selection of 753 lots with a total low estimate exceeding HK$30,000,000 / US$3,853,000. The sale will primarily focus on mature legendary vintages from the 1940s to the 1980s, with a particular emphasis on First Growth Bordeaux wines — the collector's primary interest. Highlights include Lafite, Latour, Margaux and Mouton 1945, 1947,1961; a vertical Mouton collection from 1945-1995; ultra rare Haut-Brion 1926 in bottle and magnum purchased from Christie’s auction in 1979 featuring the collection of the late Clarence Dillon, owner of Château Haut-Brion.  There is also a rare selection of other classed growths from old vintages, including esteemed bottles such as Cos d'Estournel 1947 and 1961, Gruaud Larose 1921 in magnum, as well as Léoville Las Cases, Montrose, and Pichon Baron 1961. Additional highlights include iconic right-bank wines such as Pétrus, predominantly sourced from the 1940s to the 1980s, including 1945, 1959, 1961; and 1982 available in standard bottle and imperial.

Within the collection, there will be a remarkable ensemble of 175 lots comprising Red Burgundy from esteemed producers such as DRC, Henri Jayer, Drouhin, de Vogüé, and Rousseau, as well as White Burgundy from  Leflaive and Ramonet. Adding further depth and allure to the sale, a notable selection of outstanding Champagne, Rhône, Port and Australia's Penfolds Grange will also be presented.

"The Dr A. Botenga Cellar: Six Decades of Collecting Part II", will be offered at Christie’s King Street on 1 December and follows directly on from Part I. The London sale has a low estimate of £1,800,000 and includes arguably the greatest offering of mature Bordeaux presented in London this decade. Like the Hong Kong sale, Part II celebrates the greatest wines of Bordeaux in legendary vintages from the golden era of wine making in the region. All the First Growth Chateaux feature in legion, with vintages reaching back to 1914 and including every five star vintage of the pre and post-War years. An additional element to this collection is that many of the rarest wines are offered not only in bottle, but also in halves, magnum and in some cases larger formats – notable examples, include Lafite-Rothschild 1945 in half bottle and the towering legend of Latour 1961 in magnum and bottle format. Moving to the Right Bank, Christie’s is thrilled to present one of the most comprehensive collections of Petrus seen in many years, with vintages ranging from the 1960s, through to the late 1980s, and featuring in a wide range of formats.

About the Collection of Dr A. Botenga

Dr Botenga’s lifelong passion for wine led to this remarkable collection of top vintages – not only through extensive study, research, and personal meetings with producers, but also meticulously selecting and tasting many of the twentieth centuries landmark wines. He developed close relationships with prestigious Bordeaux Chateaux and Burgundy Domaines. His wine journey began in a different era where insider knowledge guided the acquisition of wines directly from producers or through trusted importers in Holland. The collection showcases a curated selection of wines, complete with preserved original invoices and accompanying images, for this catalogue.

Regarding the sale, Dr Botenga expressed his heartfelt sentiment, “The auction is a tough one since every bottle I have carefully selected and has a place in my heart. My hope is a fellow wine lover will be able to place these special bottles in their own cellar.”

Edwin Vos, Senior Director, International Head of Wine exclaimed with delight, “Dr Botenga's selection is a genuine reflection of his personal taste. It is evident that this collection was curated by someone with profound knowledge and a discerning eye, prioritising the merits and exceptional quality of the wines over price points. Collaborating with Dr Botenga to prepare this auction's selection of wines has been a delightful experience, as we had the privilege of hearing first hand from one of the great wine connoisseurs.”

Adam Bilbey, Global Head of Wine and Spirits commented, "With successful sales already accomplished in Hong Kong, Los Angeles and London and an exhilarating season ahead, the upcoming sale from Dr Allard Botenga promises to be an absolute highlight! Dr Botenga's cellar represents the passion and discerning palate of a true wine lover and connoisseur, who dedicated six decades to tasting broadly and amassing one of the world’s remarkable collections. There is something truly special for everyone to discover and appreciate. We are immensely honoured to present this extraordinary collection, further cementing Christie’s reputation as a leader for bringing the most important single-owner cellars to market."

Alongside the collection of Dr A Botenga, Christie’s Hong Kong Autumn Auctions will also feature Finest & Rarest Wines live sale on 25 November, offering a diverse selection of over 300 lots that appeals to a wide range of collectors and wine enthusiasts.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Preview:

Hong Kong | 15 – 18 November | Christie’s Galleries, 22/F, Alexandra House, 18 Charter Road, Central

Auctions:

Location: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, No. 1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong

24 November | Live Auction | The Dr A. Botenga Cellar: Six Decades Of Collecting Part I

25 November | Live Auction | Finest & Rarest Wines

Location: 8 King Street, St. James's London, UK

1 December I Live Auction I The Dr A. Botenga Cellar: Six Decades of collecting part ii

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