NEW YORK, NY.- Sotheby’s announced that it is to offer selections from the cellar of one of America’s foremost collectors, William I. Koch. The unprecedented three-day sale will feature over 20,000 bottles grouped into approximately 2,700 lots. With an estimate of $10.5/15 million, the sale is set to bring one of the highest totals for a Sotheby’s Wine auction. Mr. Koch assembled 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 including ten bottles of Château Mouton Rothschild 1945 estimated to fetch $80/120,000.
William I. 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.”
Jamie Ritchie, CEO & President Americas and Asia Sotheby's Wine 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, in a special three day single-owner auction, which will give collectors around the world the opportunity to buy and enjoy these wines. As you would expect, the wines have been stored impeccably and are in exceptional condition.”
William (Bill) Koch is recognized as an entrepreneur, champion sailor, collector, and philanthropist. Ranked as one of the 25 most generous individuals in the United States by The Journal of Philanthropy in 2011, Mr. Koch may be best remembered for his mission to help less fortunate children receive a high-level education. Over the years, Mr. Koch has contributed money, time, and energy to help individuals, teachers and classrooms get the support they have needed. As founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oxbow Carbon LLC. Mr. Koch created the world's largest marketing company of fuel grade and calcined petroleum coke. As a sailor he was a winner of the 1992 America’s Cup and four world championships. Mr. Koch’s contribution to the world of fine wine has extended far beyond building one of the world’s great cellars. For more than a decade, he has been America’s pre-eminent campaigner against wine fraud successfully exposing widespread deception at the highest levels of the market.
