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Seven million euros. This result, never before achieved at a public auction, was brought by a private collector's sale at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, dubbed the "Sale of the Century". The 30,000 bottles of a private collector were estimated at five million euros, but enthusiasts from all over the world outbid each other at the event, which took place from 3 to 7 April. Twelve bottles of 1988 Domaine Leroy, for example, fetched 58,330 euros, six bottles of Chambolle-Musigny Cru Les Amoureuses 1986 by Georges Roumier 43,745 euros. Six magnum bottles of Château Petrus 1982 changed hands for 55,625 euros, twelve bottles of Château Rayas 1978 were sold for 62,500 euros. Furthermore, twelve bottles of Château d'Yquem 1990, six bottles of Meursault-Perrières 1982 by Coche-Dury or twelve bottles of Château Mouton Rothschild 1982 were auctioned.
The heirs of the late collector, who had been building up the collection since the 1970s, decided to sell because they feared the danger of burglaries. 90 per cent of the lots found buyers.
(al / Source: La Revue du Vin de France)