A Burgundy Collection Reallocated: 2013 Domaine Leroy Chambertin and 2006 DRC Échézeaux

Burgundy remains a focal point for many collectors. Within it, Domaine Leroy and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) are two of the region's most closely followed producers.

This source presents a recent Hong Kong handover involving a long-time collector. It frames the sale as a decision to redirect capital from wine into a new business project.

Collector story: redirecting capital from the cellar

The seller is Mr Lin, a private-equity executive in Central and an experienced Burgundy collector. The source says his cellar contained several notable bottles and that he decided to sell part of the collection.

Reason for sale: The source says Mr Lin was not leaving wine collecting. He and several partners were preparing a high-end Japanese omakase restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui, and he chose to convert several Burgundy bottles previously held as an alternative asset into funds for the project.

"Rather than leave the capital in the cellar, I would prefer to put it to work in the new business," the source quotes Mr Lin as saying.

Bottle-review record

According to the source, Mr Lin contacted Dibao Wine through a friend. After an initial WhatsApp exchange and review of photographs, an appraiser identified as Sam visited Mr Lin's temperature-controlled cellar in Wong Chuk Hang.

The parcel comprised three bottles of 2013 Domaine Leroy Chambertin Grand Cru and one bottle of 2006 DRC Échézeaux Grand Cru.

The source records the following observations from the visit:

1. Capsules and wax seals: the Domaine Leroy red wax appeared intact, and the DRC capsule showed no visible oxidation or sign of movement.
2. Fill level (ullage): all four bottles were described at into-neck level. That observation is consistent with good storage, although it cannot by itself prove the cellar's full temperature and humidity history.
3. Label condition: the labels were described as clear and without obvious staining or damage; importer information and anti-counterfeit labels were present on the backs.

For scarce wines such as Domaine Leroy Chambertin and ageworthy DRC Échézeaux, bottle condition can materially affect secondary-market interest. It does not by itself establish a price or future return.

Why the source says the seller chose a direct buyer rather than auction

The source says Mr Lin considered the auction route but was concerned about commissions stated at up to 20%, a waiting period of several months and the risk of a lot remaining unsold. No auction house, fee schedule or consignment date is supplied, so those figures are retained as his stated rationale rather than a universal comparison.

The source describes Dibao Wine's proposed route as follows: a review informed by Liv-ex references, no stated handling fee for this case, an in-person inspection and a bank transfer after agreement. The source says that arrangement suited Mr Lin's need to fund the new project. Other cases may involve different risks, timing and terms.

Wine and condition record

Common questions

The source answers several practical questions for owners considering a sale:

Q1: I want to sell wine. What is the first step? A: Photograph the front label, back label, capsule or wax seal and overall fill level, then send the images by WhatsApp for a preliminary review. Any service terms are confirmed separately.

Q2: If my wine doesn't have the original wooden case (OWC), will it affect the resale price? A: A single bottle of DRC, Domaine Leroy or Pétrus can still attract interest without its original wooden case if its condition, fill and provenance are acceptable. An original case may support completeness, but no price outcome is assured.

Q3: Is the transaction process safe? How long until the funds are credited? A: Dibao Wine may arrange an on-site inspection or an in-store handover. If both parties agree after inspection, they confirm at that stage whether settlement will use cash, FPS or bank transfer, together with the actual timing. Arrival of funds is confirmed separately for each transaction.

Q4: Do you only purchase Burgundy fine wines? Do you also buy Bordeaux or whisky? A: The source lists high-end Burgundy wines including DRC, Domaine Leroy and Rousseau, and Bordeaux classified-growth examples such as Château Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild. DRC belongs with the Burgundy examples, not the Bordeaux classified growths. The source also mentions Champagne including Dom Pérignon and Krug, and high-end whiskies including Macallan and Karuizawa.

Conclusion: converting an inactive part of a collection

A bottle can carry the work of its producer and the character of its terroir. When an owner's financial plan or collecting focus changes, a sale may provide liquidity, but it remains a personal decision rather than financial advice.

If you also have idle high-end red wines to sell, whether for cash flow, asset restructuring, or simply to streamline your wine cellar, Dibao Wine can provide a bottle-specific review based on condition, provenance and dated market evidence. Pricing, inspection, privacy arrangements and settlement timing are agreed case by case.

Contact Dibao Wine to request a bottle-specific review:

• WhatsApp: 96737259
• Tel: +852 96737259
• WeChat: Sam96737259

Dibao Wine—Hong Kong fine-wine collection review