Record Sale of Romanee-Conti Burgundy

Here’s some quick oenophile trivia: How much wine do you get for $500,000? Twenty-seven bottles, if you’re the anonymous Chinese businessman who paid the princely sum in a recent transaction.

According to the Calgary Herald, the entrepreneur bought the wine for his personal use. Stephen Williams, of the London-based Antique Wine Company commented on the sale. "It is the highest price that has ever been achieved for a single lot… I don't think he has bought this as an investment - he has bought it to drink."

The record sale is comprised of various vintages of Pinot Noir from the famed Domaine de la Romanée-Conti estate in Burgudy, France. Romanee-Conti is one of the best, most sought-after wines in the world. As far as rare wine sales go, a buyer must be willing to commit to a high price and close the sale fast to get his hands on a good vintage from the Romanee-Conti vineyard. It’s widely reported that less popular, young vintages sell for upwards of $5,000.

Is a bottle of Pinot Noir really worth that much? In this case, demand determines worth. If the anonymous businessman is happy with his purchase and feels that his money was put to good use, well, good for him. As for me, I’ll bite my tongue and allow you to form your own, unbiased opinion…