Joseph Lau Wine Sale at Christie’s Doubles Estimate

The third instalment of Iconic Wines from Joseph Lau opened Christie’s Luxury Week in Hong Kong on 22 May with a resounding result, achieving HK$72.89 million (US$9.35 million) in total —more than double its presale estimate—and a 100% sell-through rate.

Held at The Henderson, the sale featured 213 lots from Lau’s renowned cellar, with nearly 70% of the lots selling above their high estimates. The event drew strong international bidding, and marked a generational shift in the wine market: millennials accounted for 55% of new buyers, while more than 40% of total buyers participated online.

Leading the auction was a 10-bottle lot of Henri Jayer, Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 1999, which sold for HK$3.25 million (US$416,865)—more than triple its low estimate. Wines from Henri Jayer performed especially well, achieving 200% hammer above low estimates.

Building on the success of Parts I and II, the total for Lau’s wine collection across all three parts now stands at HK$198.23 million (US$25.43 million), with a 98% sell-through rate by lot and a combined hammer price 185% above low estimate.

“The results achieved are a testament to the rarity, esteem, and impeccable provenance of Joseph Lau’s wines,” said the auction house.

Christie’s confirmed that Parts IV and V of the Joseph Lau wine series will follow in future Hong Kong sales.