[Emperor Vintage Cellar Collection Log] A Mid-Levels Collector's Relinquishment: The Magnificent Handover as Top-Tier DRC Meets Classic Lafite
Last Thursday afternoon, the weather in Hong Kong was pleasantly warm, with a hint of early summer heat. The Emperor Team arrived as scheduled at Mr. Leung's residence in the Mid-Levels for an on-site valuation and collection of high-end fine wines. This collection experience not only allowed us to witness a batch of perfectly preserved premium wines but also hear the touching story of a seasoned wine enthusiast and his wine cellar.
Collector Profile and Reason for Selling
Seller Information: Mr. Leung, 55, engaged in import and export trade, a seasoned fine wine collector.
Reason for Selling: Mr. Leung is well-known among his friends for his love of wine, and he even installed a top-of-the-line temperature and humidity-controlled wine cabinet in his living room. However, after receiving his annual medical check-up report last month, his doctor, seeing his elevated uric acid and blood lipid levels, issued a strict "alcohol restriction order."
"Actually, just looking at them every day is a pleasure, but the doctor is right, health is most important," Mr. Leung said with a smile, gently caressing the glass door of his wine cabinet. "Instead of letting these fine wines sleep in the cabinet, missing their optimal drinking window, it's better to let Emperor help me find new connoisseurs who can truly open and appreciate them. I'll start by selling a few Lafite and DRC bottles; consider it my first step in compromising for a healthy lifestyle."

Treasures in a Professional Wine Cabinet: Unboxing and Appraisal
Opening Mr. Leung's wine cabinet, under the cool light, rows of prestigious wines were meticulously arranged. What surprised us most was Mr. Leung's attitude towards his wine—as you can see from the pictures, each bottle he intended to sell was carefully wrapped in cling film by hand. This is a very professional wine storage tip that perfectly prevents precious labels from molding or being damaged due to the high humidity inside the wine cabinet.

Our appraiser carefully removed the fine wines. We used a professional high-beam flashlight to check the clarity of the wine, and carefully verified the ullage, cork condition, and the integrity of the lead capsule. Thanks to the perfect temperature and humidity-controlled environment, the condition of these wines can be described as "auction-grade."


Below is a list of some of the core products Mr. Leung entrusted Emperor to collect:
| Wine Name (Chinese) | Wine Name (English) | Vintage | Capacity | Region | Appraisal Condition |
| 羅曼尼·康帝 踏雪 | DRC La Tâche | 2019 | 750ml | 勃艮第 | Perfect, excellent ullage, label like new |
| 羅曼尼·康帝 踏雪 | DRC La Tâche | 2020 | 750ml | 勃艮第 | Perfect, excellent ullage, label like new |
| 羅曼尼·康帝 沃恩羅曼尼一級園 | DRC Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru | 2009 | 750ml | 勃艮第 | Excellent, well-protected with cling film |
| 拉菲古堡(大拉菲) | Château Lafite Rothschild | 2005 | 750ml | 波爾多 | Perfect, a legendary vintage, full bottle |
| 拉菲古堡(大拉菲) | Château Lafite Rothschild | 2016 | 750ml | 波爾多 | Perfect, extremely youthful condition |
| 拉菲古堡(大拉菲) | Château Lafite Rothschild | 2018 | 750ml | 波爾多 | Perfect, original lead capsule intact |
(Note: The same batch also included Mr. Leung's treasured Château d'Yquem 2011 and Opus One 2018, both of which were collected at excellent prices.)
Deconstruction: Why do high-condition fine wines receive the highest valuation at Emperor?
In the second-hand fine wine collection market, "clear provenance" and "proper storage" are the two core factors determining price. Taking Mr. Leung's 2005 Lafite as an example, 2005 was a legendary vintage for Bordeaux, with immense market demand. However, after nearly two decades, many circulating wines may show minor seepage or label damage. Mr. Leung's wine, having been stored in a professional wine cabinet, maintained its ullage at the highest point of the neck (Into Neck), and its label showed no signs of age thanks to the protection of cling film. For top-tier wines in such condition, Emperor's appraisal team immediately offered a price 15% higher than the market average collection price. Mr. Leung expressed great satisfaction with our professional valuation and honest, non-pressuring approach, and the deal was concluded on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help more collectors like Mr. Leung understand Emperor's collection services, we have compiled the following frequently asked questions:
Q1: My wine label is slightly damaged or moldy. Will Emperor still collect it? A: We absolutely will! Label damage or mold is common in Hong Kong's high-humidity environment. While it may slightly affect the price, as long as we confirm the wine's condition is good, ullage is normal, and provenance is genuine, Emperor will still offer the most competitive collection price in Hong Kong.
Q2: Do you offer on-site collection services like for Mr. Leung? What are the fees? A: Emperor provides free on-site appraisal and collection services for all customers in Hong Kong. Whether you are in Mid-Levels, Repulse Bay, or Kowloon and the New Territories, simply make an appointment in advance, and our professional appraisers will arrive on time, without charging any handling fees or travel expenses.
Q3: Once the price is confirmed, how is payment settled? A: We promise "on-site appraisal, immediate payment." After price confirmation, we can settle the full amount instantly via cash, FPS (Faster Payment System), or immediate bank transfer, according to your preference. The process is safe, transparent, and fast.
Q4: I don't know the specific vintage and English name of my wine. How can I get a quote? A: It's very simple! You just need to take clear photos of the wine's front label, back label, and neck (foil capsule) with your phone, and send them to us via WhatsApp or WeChat. Our expert team will provide you with a free preliminary valuation in a short time.
Let Your Collection Flow, Turn Value into Cash
Every fine wine has its life cycle; instead of keeping it in a cabinet for admiration, let it bloom in the glass of someone who appreciates it. If you have any idle fine wines, whiskies, or brandies due to various reasons, feel free to contact [Emperor]. With our most professional judgment and sincere attitude, we provide the most reasonable monetization solutions for your collection.
[Emperor Fine Wine Collection — Your Exclusive Fine Wine Butler] Feel free to send photos for a free professional valuation!
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