In a groundbreaking event for wine connoisseurs, Bonhams Hong Kong is set to unveil the first-ever Middle Eastern private wine collection at a live auction on 24 May 2025. Entitled The Oasis Collection, the headline auction showcases over 13,000 meticulously curated bottles, reflecting the refined palate and commitment to provenance of its unique collector. Accompanying this notable collection is The Vault of Legacies, another private collection that highlights the exceptional depth of an Asian collector’s acquisition.
The Oasis Collection represents a significant milestone in the global wine market, shedding light on the sophistication of the Middle East’s oenophile culture for the first time in the city. Each bottle has been stored under optimal conditions, thanks to the expertise of MMI, the exclusive fine wine importer in the region. Careful preservation ensures that the wines retain their integrity and quality, setting a new standard for private collections entering the scene.
Among the auction highlights are 10 vintages of the illustrious Château Pétrus, including a 2000 vintage estimated between HK$55,000 and HK$80,000, alongside a 1996 Magnum valued at HK$28,000 to HK$42,000. Additionally, there are 37 lots featuring the prestigious Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, with the Echézeaux 2002 Magnum estimated at HK$38,000 to HK$55,000, and the Richebourg 2015, with an estimate of HK$110,000 to HK$160,000.
The Vault of Legacies is a testament to decades of dedication by its Asian collector, who has sourced only the finest wines in pristine condition. It includes 43 lots from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and features other sought-after wines, such as d’Auvenay Mazis-Chambertin 1996 and Leroy Chambertin 2001, complemented by an impressive selection of Italian wines, notably Gianfranco Soldera and Masseto, adding further depth to the offerings.
In addition to the live auction, Bonhams will hold an online sale, The Oasis Collection & Grand Cru Collective, from now till 27 May, providing enthusiasts with additional opportunities to acquire rare wines. Its online auction will feature a diverse selection, ensuring that collectors can engage with the collection from anywhere in the world.
For spirits aficionados, Bonhams will also present the Spirits of Distinction: Whisky & Cognac Rarities auction, running from 16 to 27 May. It will showcase rare Japanese whiskies, including the coveted Hanyu Ichiro Malt “Four Aces.” Estimated between HK$360,000 and HK$550,000, this limited release reflects the distillery’s artisanal craftsmanship and the rarity of its casks, ceasing production in 2000.
Collectors can further explore a selection of high-age-statement Scotch whiskies, highlighted by Brora’s 40-Year-Old, with an estimate of HK$110,000 to HK$160,000. Cognac enthusiasts will not be disappointed, as the also auction features the Rémy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl, a rare blend crafted from one of the oldest casks in the house’s reserve. It is expected to fetch a sum between HK$90,000 and HK$140,000.
As Bonhams continues to elevate its offerings in such high spirits, the debut of The Oasis Collection marks a key moment for the auction house and the fine wine market in Asia. With an impressive array of wines and spirits, the auction promises to be a highly anticipated event for the city’s collectors, curators, and epicureans, celebrating the growing sophistication and global reach of wine culture in the region.
All images courtesy of Bonhams Hong Kong.
