One Richebourg Case: Domaine Leroy 2013 and DRC 2000

A private city cellar and a brief alarm

On the previous Wednesday afternoon, Dibao Wine received WhatsApp photographs of two 2013 Domaine Leroy Richebourg bottles beside their Original Wooden Case and one 2000 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) Richebourg. The source presents the three-bottle group as unusual because it brings the two producers together in one case.

The seller was Mr Lam, a pseudonym for a long-time wine enthusiast working in medical-device supply in Hong Kong. A few days later, the team visited his private cellar on Hong Kong Island for an in-person inspection.

Mr Lam explained that his building underwent electrical maintenance the previous month. Although the cellar had backup power, a fault during the changeover stopped temperature control for about two hours. He cited that incident when explaining why he was releasing the bottles.

The source says later measurements showed only a small temperature change and reports Mr Lam's belief that the wine was unaffected. That account cannot prove the liquid's internal condition. Mr Lam said the two-hour episode turned collecting from enjoyment into a psychological burden, and that he preferred to pass the bottles to another collector with suitable equipment.

The article generalises that some clients hold collections valued in the tens of millions and may reduce them to ease storage anxiety. It supplies no valuation for Mr Lam's cellar, so that general claim is not applied to him.

Two producers, one careful inspection

At Mr Lam's cellar, the team used gloves and recorded visible bottle details. The checks support documentation, but do not by themselves prove authenticity or the wine's internal condition.

1. Domaine Leroy Richebourg Grand Cru 2013 (two bottles)

The source links Domaine Leroy's 'red wax' identity and the concentration of its wines with Mme Lalou Bize-Leroy's commitment to biodynamics. It describes 2013 as challenging but ultimately impressive; that is source vintage commentary.

• Recorded observations: The team recorded Domaine Leroy's red Wax Capsule, light natural weathering, clear label printing, a raised texture, deep ruby colour under a torch and an Ullage reading of Into Neck. These are visible observations; they do not prove continuous storage, authenticity or the wine's internal state.

2. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru 2000 (one bottle)

The source describes the 2000 DRC Richebourg as being at a strong drinking stage, with powerful structure and velvety tannins contrasted against Leroy's more exuberant profile. Drinking windows and style remain source opinions.

• Recorded identity checks: For the 2000 DRC bottle, the team recorded Bottle No. 00329, the two owner signatures, hidden label marks, capsule colour and tightness, and the visible cork length and vintage imprint. No obvious re-capsulation sign was reported. These checks document the bottle; they are not a conclusive authentication.

• 

The source quotes Mr Lam praising Dibao Wine's care and saying he felt comfortable handing the bottles to knowledgeable people. It then says the parties settled at what it calls an ideal price, but supplies neither the amount nor a benchmark.

Items recorded in this purchase case

Dibao Wine frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q1: How can the absence of an Original Wooden Case (OWC) affect a Leroy or DRC bottle?

A: The source says an Original Wooden Case can add context and presentation value to a 3- or 6-bottle case. For a single bottle, it says the inspection focuses on visible condition, fill, label and provenance indicators. Any offer is case-specific, and an OWC does not prove authenticity on its own.

Q2: Can a bottle stored for more than a decade still be considered if its fill has fallen slightly?

A: The source explains that fill can fall as moisture moves through cork over time. It calls Base Neck or higher a strong level for a wine more than a decade old, while a Shoulder level requires vintage- and producer-specific assessment. Photographs can support an initial review, not a final valuation.

Q3: What process and payment options does Dibao Wine describe?

A: The source says clear WhatsApp photographs may support an initial indication. If the seller wishes to proceed, the team can arrange an in-person inspection at a residence, cellar or office. After inspection and agreement, the listed payment methods are cash or bank transfer. Timing is agreed for the individual transaction.

Finding another collector for the bottles

The source presents fine-wine handover as a matter of trust, whether a seller wants to free cellar space, reduce storage anxiety or release a bottle at a preferred stage. Dibao Wine describes long-standing market and inspection experience, but that does not establish an outcome or value.

Contact Dibao Wine for a complimentary initial assessment:

• WhatsApp: 9673 7259
• Tel: +852 9673 7259
• WeChat: Sam96737259

Prepare clear photographs of the bottle front, back, fill level and capsule. Photographs support an initial review; they cannot establish a final offer or authenticity.