Sell DRC La Tache 1999 Mid Levels Wine
In the world of fine wines, the name Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) consistently shines with a crown-like brilliance. Among its offerings, La Tâche is a treasure highly sought after by countless wine collectors.
Today, De Bourg is excited to share a recent real-life wine recovery story that took place in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong. This was more than just a business transaction; it was an exchange of passion, history, and trust.
The Connection: An Invitation from a Senior Collector in Mid-Levels
Last Tuesday afternoon, our WhatsApp chimed with a message from Mr. Tsang (a pseudonym), who resides in Hong Kong's Mid-Levels. Mr. Tsang is a senior executive who has worked in the financial industry for many years, and also a sophisticated and seasoned red wine collector.
【Seller Profile and Reason for Sale】
- Seller: Mr. Tsang, 58, retired principal, avid wine enthusiast.
- Reason for Sale: Mr. Tsang recently planned to emigrate overseas with his wife to enjoy their retirement. Due to limited wine cellar space in their new overseas home, coupled with the risks and high taxes associated with international shipping of fine wines, he decided to "slim down" his extensive wine collection. He hoped to transfer some of his treasured, aged top-tier Burgundy nectars to new owners who would appreciate them, allowing these exquisite wines to be opened at their most perfect state.
On-site Inspection: Details Reflect the Collector's Diligence
After setting an appointment, our appraisal team arrived as scheduled. Upon entering Mr. Tsang's temperature and humidity-controlled wine cellar, we were immediately impressed by the sight – rows of top-tier winery bottles neatly arranged.

Mr. Tsang carefully brought out the stars of this consignment: DRC La Tâche 1999.
As you can see in the picture, Mr. Tsang meticulously cared for each bottle. To protect the labels from Hong Kong's humid climate, he specifically wrapped each bottle in cling film (a common practice among seasoned collectors to preserve original labels). We gently peeled back parts of the cling film for professional appraisal:
- Label Condition: Impeccable, with clear lettering, and the 1999 vintage and unique bottle numbers (such as No. 18565 and No. 08462 as shown in the picture) were clearly visible.
- Ullage (Fill Level): Excellent, the wine level remained very high, indicating that the cork's seal had been perfectly maintained over the past two decades.
- Capsule and Cork: The foil capsule was intact, and there were no signs of leakage from the cork.
These details all speak to Mr. Tsang's cherished care for these wines.

Wine Information Summary
To provide a more intuitive understanding of this treasure, we have compiled the core product information from this recovery:
| Item | Details |
| Winery Name | Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) |
| Wine Name | La Tâche Grand Cru (Monopole) |
| Vintage | 1999 |
| Region | France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits |
| Grape Variety | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Bottle Numbers | Including No.18565, No.08462, etc. |
| Recovery Condition | Excellent preservation, labels protected by cling film, high fill level, no leakage |
| Market Appraisal | 1999 is a legendary vintage for Burgundy, with a full-bodied structure and strong aging potential. It is currently at the peak of both drinkability and collectible value. |
Trust and Transaction: Professionalism Achieves Win-Win
After a careful inspection, De Bourg's appraisers explained the current market conditions to Mr. Tsang in detail. The 1999 La Tâche has consistently performed strongly in the auction market. Combined with the near-perfect preservation of this batch of wine, we immediately offered a highly competitive buyback quote.
Mr. Tsang nodded after hearing the offer: "I've contacted a few other recovery merchants, but your De Bourg team is the most professional. Not only do you inspect the wines thoroughly, but your pricing is also fair and transparent. I feel confident entrusting my wines to you."
Both parties readily agreed to the deal. De Bourg completed the bank transfer on the spot and arranged for professional temperature-controlled vehicles to safely transport this precious collection back to our specialized cellar.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help more clients like Mr. Tsang who need to transfer their fine wines, we have compiled the following frequently asked questions:
Q1: What types of red wines have high recovery value? A: Typically, wines from the Bordeaux First Growths (such as Lafite, Mouton, etc.), high-end Burgundy wineries (such as DRC, Leroy), Dom Pérignon Champagne, and certain top-tier whiskies have very high recovery value. Vintage, ratings, and market rarity directly affect the price.
Q2: Will wrapping wine bottles in cling film, like Mr. Tsang did, affect the recovery price? A: No, on the contrary, it's usually a bonus. Cling film effectively prevents labels from mildewing or getting damaged. As long as the label itself is intact and has not been damaged by moisture trapped inside due to improper wrapping, it typically ensures the pristine appearance of the bottle, leading to a better recovery price.
Q3: Why is the wine's fill level (ullage) important? A: The fill level is a crucial indicator of a red wine's storage condition. A low fill level usually means the cork may have dried out, allowing air to enter the bottle, leading to excessive oxidation and even spoilage of the wine. Wines with a high fill level maintain their quality and command a better recovery price.
Q4: What is the process if I want to sell my red wine? A: It's very simple! Just take photos of the front label, back, seal, and the entire bottle of your red wine, and send them to our WhatsApp or WeChat. Our appraisers will provide you with a preliminary free valuation. Once you confirm your interest, we can arrange free on-site wine inspection and collection anywhere in Hong Kong, with immediate payment.
Contact De Bourg to Unleash New Value from Your Idle Fine Wines
Do you have fine wines sleeping in your cellar for years? Whether it's to organize your cellar, convert an investment into cash, or shift life priorities, De Bourg is your most trusted partner. We are committed to providing the most professional appraisal, the fairest pricing, and absolute privacy protection.
Feel free to contact us for a free valuation:
- Tel: 852 96737259
- WeChat: Sam96737259
- De Bourg – Your Expert in High-End Wine Recovery.
Burgundy Market Cross-Reference
- Building on "[De Bourg Fine Wine Recovery Case Study] Aged to Perfection, The Legacy of Exquisite Burgundy...": La Tâche Annual Ratings and Market Popularity Chart: Is Your Collection at its Peak Value? - Supplementing judgment on Romanee Conti's vintage, bottle condition, and market demand.
- Comparing Romanee Conti in "[De Bourg Fine Wine Recovery Case Study] Aged to Perfection, The Legacy of Exquisite Burgundy...": Richebourg vs. La Tâche: An Analysis of Burgundy Grand Cru Status in the Secondary Market. - Helps compare the differences between Romanee Conti and Romanee Conti in the secondary market.
- Cross-reference for "[De Bourg Fine Wine Recovery Case Study] Aged to Perfection, The Legacy of Exquisite Burgundy...": How Do Different Vintages and Producers of DRC Richebourg Showcase Differences in Terroir and Winemaking Philosophy? - Suitable as a cross-reference for valuing Burgundy collections.
- Valuation Supplement for "[De Bourg Fine Wine Recovery Case Study] Aged to Perfection, The Legacy of Exquisite Burgundy...": The Gateway to the DRC Family: A Guide to Collecting and Monetizing Echézeaux and Grands Echézeaux - Uses market articles to supplement the pricing logic behind the case.