Sell Leroy DRC Richebourg Wine
A Top-Tier Cellar Hidden in the City and a False Alarm
Last Wednesday afternoon, Imperial Cellar's WhatsApp pinged with several breathtaking photos. In the pictures, two bottles of 2013 Domaine Leroy Richebourg lay quietly in front of their original wooden case, while another photo showed a well-preserved bottle of 2000 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) Richebourg. To release Richebourg from both of these major wineries simultaneously on the Burgundy map indicates a collector of no ordinary caliber.
The seller was Mr. Lam (a pseudonym), a seasoned wine enthusiast who has been involved in medical device supply in Hong Kong for many years. A few days later, our team visited Mr. Lam's private cellar on Hong Kong Island for an on-site appraisal.
When asked why he was parting with these "divine" vintages, which are in their prime drinking window and possess extremely high collection value, Mr. Lam shared with a wry smile his recent experience: "Last month, the building I live in underwent electrical system maintenance. Although my cellar had a backup power supply, there was a brief glitch during the switchover, causing the climate control system to shut down for about two hours."
Although subsequent measurements showed minimal temperature fluctuation in the cellar and the wine was unharmed, those two short hours caused Mr. Lam immense psychological distress. "At that moment, I suddenly realized that collecting these top-tier wines had transformed from an enjoyment into a huge psychological burden. They are too precious, too fragile. Rather than constantly worrying about equipment failure, I decided to entrust them to people who appreciate them and have more professional equipment to care for them while they are in their most perfect state."
We fully understand Mr. Lam's decision. For many clients with multi-million dollar wine collections, "unburdening" their collection and releasing psychological pressure is often a magnanimous choice made after reaching a certain level of collecting.
Battle of the Titans: Rigorous Appraisal Process
In Mr. Lam's cellar, we donned gloves and began the meticulous appraisal process. This is not only a responsibility to the buyer but also a sign of respect for these legendary vintages.
1. 2013 Domaine Leroy Richebourg Grand Cru (two bottles)
Affectionately known as "Red Head," Leroy's owner, Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy,'s dedication to biodynamic farming has resulted in wines of unparalleled intensity and vitality. 2013 was a challenging vintage that ultimately delivered astonishing results.
Appraisal Details: We first examined the iconic red wax capsule. Leroy's wax seals are notoriously fragile, but both bottles had remarkably intact seals, with only very slight signs of natural weathering. The lettering on the label was clear, and the embossed texture was evident. Under a strong flashlight, the wine showed Leroy's characteristic clear yet deep ruby hue, with an excellent ullage perfectly maintained at the high neck, proving Mr. Lam's excellent storage conditions.
2. 2000 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru (one bottle)
The millennial DRC Richebourg is now at its peak drinking window. DRC's Richebourg is known for its robust structure and velvety tannins, offering a stark contrast to Leroy's exuberant intensity.
Appraisal Details: For a 2000 DRC, anti-counterfeiting checks are paramount. We carefully verified the exclusive bottle number (Bottle No. 00329) on the label, the proprietor's double signature, and the unique hidden marks. The capsule's color and tightness were normal, with no signs of re-corking. The cork's length and the vintage branding on its top were clearly visible through the glass.
Mr. Lam watched as we meticulously checked every detail, nodding in approval: "I chose Imperial Cellar for buyback precisely because of your professionalism. I feel confident entrusting my wine to experts." Ultimately, both parties concluded the transaction on the spot at a very satisfactory price.
Overview of Collected Products
| (Wine Name) | (Vintage) | (Qty) | (Region) | (Classification) | (Condition) |
| Domaine Leroy Richebourg | 2013 | 2 | Burgundy (Côte de Nuits) | (Grand Cru) | ,, |
| DRC Richebourg | 2000 | 1 | Burgundy (Côte de Nuits) | (Grand Cru) | , （）, |
Imperial Cellar FAQ
Q1: For top-tier wines like Leroy or DRC, will the absence of the Original Wooden Case (OWC) significantly affect the buyback price?
A: Original wooden cases do add value for full cases (usually 3 or 6 bottles) of top-tier wines, enhancing their overall collection value. However, for individual bottles of premium wine, our primary assessment focuses on the wine's condition, ullage, label integrity, and authenticity. As long as the wine itself is well-preserved, Imperial Cellar will offer a highly competitive buyback price even without the wooden case.
Q2: My wine has been stored for over a decade, and I've noticed a slight drop in the ullage. Can it still be purchased?
A: A slight drop in ullage (wine level) due to water evaporation through the cork's tiny pores is a normal physical phenomenon as red wine ages. Generally, as long as the ullage remains at or above the base neck, it's considered excellent for wines over a decade old. If the ullage drops to the shoulder, our professional appraisers will assess its actual impact considering the vintage and winery. We encourage you to send us photos for a preliminary free appraisal at any time.
Q3: How long does Imperial Cellar's buyback and payment process take?
A: We understand our clients' emphasis on efficiency and privacy. Once you provide clear photos via WhatsApp, we can usually provide a preliminary quote within a few hours. After confirming your interest, we can arrange for a specialist to visit your location (e.g., home, cellar, office) for a physical appraisal. Upon successful appraisal, full payment is made immediately on the spot, either in cash or via bank transfer, without any delay.
Finding the Next Connoisseur for Your Cherished Collection
Every transaction of top-tier wine is a transfer of trust. Whether you're looking to streamline your cellar space, alleviate the psychological burden of storage equipment, or simply convert peak-condition wines into cash, Imperial Cellar (Hong Kong) will be your most professional and reliable partner. We possess years of deep-rooted market channels and appraisal experience, ensuring your treasured collection receives its rightful value.
Contact Imperial Cellar for a professional appraisal:
- WhatsApp: 9673 7259
- Tel: +852 9673 7259
- WeChat: Sam96737259
(Friendly reminder: Please prepare clear photos of the front, back, ullage, and capsule of the bottle to help us provide you with a more accurate quote.)
