Dibao Wine Case: Château Lafite Rothschild 2005 and Pétrus 2012 Find New Collectors
Mr. Lam contacted Dibao Wine by WhatsApp after more than 30 years in finance. He had marked major project successes by buying leading Bordeaux wine...
In This Article
Every temperature-controlled cellar reflects part of its collector's life. This case describes Mr. Lam's decision to reduce a Bordeaux collection after his tastes and health priorities changed.
Seller Story: Changing Tastes and a Health-Led Decision
Seller Information:
- Name: Mr. Lam
- Occupation: Retired investment banking executive, 65 years old
- Place of Residence: Mid-Levels, Hong Kong Island
- Reason for sale: Health considerations and changing interests
The source says Mr. Lam contacted Dibao Wine by WhatsApp on a Wednesday afternoon. After more than 30 years in finance, he had marked major project successes by buying leading Bordeaux wines and stored them in a temperature-controlled home cellar.
During the home review, Mr. Lam said he had chosen the bottles carefully and found them difficult to part with. Following a medical check-up, his doctor had advised him to reduce alcohol consumption. His growing interest in aged Pu'er tea also meant he wanted cellar space for tea cakes, so he preferred to pass the wines to another collector.
Bottle Review: A Selection of Classified-Growth Bordeaux
The source describes the bottles as carefully stored and says the review considered label integrity, fill level and cork condition. Those case observations remain subject to physical verification.

The two bottles highlighted in the source were Château Lafite Rothschild 2005 and Petrus 2012. The source describes 2005 as an exceptional Bordeaux vintage and says this bottle of Château Lafite Rothschild showed balance and ageing potential. It describes the 2012 Petrus as a scarce Pomerol wine made from 100% Merlot, with a silky texture and complex aromas. These are source tasting and market descriptions, not guarantees about an unopened bottle.

After inspecting the bottles and comparing dated market references, Dibao Wine made Mr. Lam an offer. The source says he accepted and completed the transaction on the day described in the case; no amount is disclosed, so the result is not a general price benchmark.
Wines Listed in This Case
| Estate | Source Chinese Name (English Rendering) | Vintage | Appellation | Condition Assessment |
| Château Lafite Rothschild | Château Lafite Rothschild | 2005 | Pauillac | Source: full-neck fill and very good condition |
| Petrus | Pétrus | 2012 | Pomerol | Source: intact label and very good condition |
| Château Ausone | Château Ausone | 2003 | Saint-Émilion (Saint-Émilion) | Source: original presentation and very good condition |
| Château Cheval Blanc | Château Cheval Blanc | 2012 | Saint-Émilion (Saint-Émilion) | Source: very good condition |
| Château Latour | Château Latour | 2016 | Pauillac | Source: full-neck fill and very good condition |
| Château d'Yquem | Château d'Yquem | 2013 | Sauternes | Source: clear golden colour and very good condition |
How a Bottle Review Works
This case illustrates why identity, provenance and physical condition must be checked before a market reference can be applied. The following questions explain the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: If my wine label has slight damage or stains, will you still buy it back?
Dibao Wine's reply: A bottle with light label damage or staining can still be considered. Label condition may affect collectability, but fill level, seal, seepage, storage history, authenticity and current demand also matter. Any price requires inspection and agreement.
Q2: How long does the entire buyback process take?
Dibao Wine's reply: Send clear photographs of the front and back labels, capsule and fill level by WhatsApp for an initial review. The source mentions a process that can sometimes be completed within 24h, but inspection availability, payment method and timing must be confirmed for each case.
Q3: Why is there a difference in buyback price for the same wine of the same vintage?
Dibao Wine's reply: Even the same wine and vintage can differ after years of storage. Temperature, humidity, light exposure, fill level, cork condition and provenance all inform a review. Professional storage records may reduce uncertainty, but they do not automatically produce a higher offer.
Request a Bottle-Specific Review
If your collecting interests have changed or you are considering a partial cellar sale, Dibao Wine can review leading bottles including Château Lafite Rothschild, Pétrus and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) and other leading estates using bottle-specific evidence. No transaction or price is assured.
To apply the Château Lafite Rothschild discussion in this case to your collection, prepare the vintage, bottle count, fill level and clear label photographs, then contact WhatsApp 96737259 for an initial, non-binding review.
- Tel: 852 96737259
- WeChat: Sam96737259
Dibao Wine—fine-wine and spirits collection reviews in Hong Kong.
Further Reading for Bordeaux Collections
- Related comparison: Pétrus and Château Lafite Rothschild in the secondary market —Adds vintage, bottle-condition and demand context for Château Lafite Rothschild.
- Related Lafite case: a 2008 Château Lafite Rothschild bottle with the 'Eight' mark —Compares different Château Lafite Rothschild vintages and collection narratives.
- Related guide: estates, vintages and evidence used in secondary-market reviews —Provides wider context for assessing a Bordeaux collection.
- Related Lafite analysis: collecting context and secondary-market evidence —Adds market context without implying a current price.
Send label, vintage, volume, capsule and fill-level photos. Di Bao Wine will review the visible condition and current demand.


