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Wines from the Cellar of William I. Koch

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Sotheby’s is delighted to offer a selection of wines from the cellar of one of America’s foremost collectors, William I. Koch. This unprecedented three-day sale features over 20,000 bottles grouped into approximately 2,700 lots. Jamie Ritchie, CEO & President of Sotheby's Wine Americas and Asia commented, “Bill Koch has one of the greatest cellars in the world, packed full of legendary wines that all collectors want to try. Bill focused on the highest quality: the greatest producers from each region, together with the best vintages. As a very generous host, he purchased significant quantities, so he could enjoy them on multiple occasions, with many friends around the table. We are delighted to offer this wonderful selection from his very impressive cellar, which will give collectors the opportunity to buy and enjoy these wines. As you would expect, the wines have been stored impeccably and are in exceptional condition.”

Mr. Koch succeeded in assembling a cellar of almost unprecedented breadth and quality, with top Bordeaux and Burgundy from some of the most highly regarded vintages of the 20th century.  Included in his Bordeaux selection are more than 125 lots of Château Latour (including 6 Magnums of 1961, estimate $42-$60,000), over 100 lots of Château Lafite (including 6 1953 Magnums, est. $24-$35,000), and more than 80 lots of Château Mouton Rothschild (including 10 bottles of 1945, est. $80-120,000).  The Burgundy offerings feature over 200 lots from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (including 1 6-Litre 1995 Romanée-Conti, est. $70-$100,000; 1 6-Litre of 1985 La Tâche, est. $22-$32,000; 1 3-Litre 1971 Richebourg, estimate $8,500-$12,000; and 1 6-Litre 1986 Montrachet, est. $24-$35,000).

From other regions of the world, Mr. Koch will also be offering 12 Bottles of 1990 Barolo, Monfortino Riserva, Giacomo Conterno (est. $8,500-$12,000) and 12 Bottles of 1982 Barbaresco, Santo Stefano Riserva, Bruno Giacosa (est. $8,000-$11,000) from Italy; 7 Vintages of Bryant Family Cabernet, including 11 bottles of 1994 (est. $4,200-$6,000) and 7 Vintages of Colgin Cabernet Herb Lamb, including 11 bottles of 1994 (est. $2,200-$3,000) from California; 6 Magnums 1962, Vega Sicilia Unico (est. $8,500-$11,000) from Spain; and 12 Bottles 1971 Grange (est. $7,500-$10,000) from Australia.

When asked about this special sale, Mr. Koch said, “My cellar is the result of nearly four decades of collecting. I aimed to assemble the very best Bordeaux and Burgundy where you could taste the love and the passion that the vintner had in making it. With around 43,000 bottles, I could not possibly consume everything in my cellar so I am delighted to offer this selection to allow collectors all over the world to enjoy the glorious moments that come with these wines.”