Bill Koch, the billionaire industrialist, yachtsman, and wine connoisseur, is auctioning off his world-renowned wine collection, described by Christie’s auction house as “one of the greatest single-owner wine collections ever to come to market.” This remarkable selection, featuring rare and historic wines, is set to captivate collectors and wine enthusiasts worldwide when it goes on sale in June at Christie’s in New York.
Koch’s wine collection is distinguished not only by its extraordinary selection of Burgundy and Bordeaux wines, but also by its impeccable provenance. Known for his fierce battle against wine fraud, Koch’s interest in wine integrity stems from a personal experience more than 20 years ago, when he was duped by counterfeit bottles.
In 2005, Koch purchased a portion of internet entrepreneur Eric Greenberg’s 70,000-bottle wine cellar for $3.5 million. The collection included prestigious wines like a 1928 Château Latour and a 1921 Château Pétrus magnum. However, Koch discovered that some bottles were fraudulent, including 24 bottles he had purchased for $355,000. Following a widely publicized legal battle, Koch emerged victorious in the case. This experience solidified his commitment to rooting out wine fraud, and his collection today is renowned for its thorough verification and authenticity.
The upcoming auction offers a wide range of fine wines that appeal to both connoisseurs and collectors. Among the standout lots are two bottles of the 1982 Château Lafleur Pomerol, with an estimated value between $26,000 and $38,000, and a magnum of 1990 Henri Jayer Cros Parantoux, valued at $24,000 to $38,000. The 1990 Henri Jayer vintage, in particular, is considered a bargain, as its average retail price is $20,597 per bottle.
A six-magnum lot of 1990 Petrus is expected to fetch between $38,000 and $50,000, despite each bottle having an average retail price of $5,105. Additionally, the collection features historic wines such as a 1900 Château Lafite Rothschild, estimated at $4,000 to $5,500, and a six-bottle lot of the legendary 1945 vintage of Mouton Rothschild. Another notable lot includes a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s Les Gaudichots from the 1929 vintage, which represents a significant moment in winemaking history.
The auction also offers a mix of more contemporary selections, including a six-liter bottling of DRC La Tâche and verticals of some of the most renowned wines ever produced. Beyond Bordeaux and Burgundy, the collection spans wines from Champagne, the Rhône Valley, Italy, and the New World, including Napa Valley reds and Penfolds Grange.
For collectors seeking a chance to acquire some of the finest wines ever made, Bill Koch’s collection offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history.
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