This article explores the upcoming Christie’s auction “The Historic Cellar of Jürgen Schwarz: Five Decades of Collecting Part II,” [ read the full champagne story ]
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Following a triumphant Part I in New York last December, the international wine world turns its gaze toward Hong Kong this February. Christie’s is set to unveil the second chapter of one of the most significant private collections to hit the auction block in a decade: The Historic Cellar of Jürgen Schwarz.
For those within the Champagne Club community, the name Jürgen Schwarz represents more than just a collector; it represents a philosophy. Over fifty years, Schwarz assembled a cellar defined by “passion, discernment, and dedication.” While the auction features a staggering array of 19th-century Bordeaux and legendary Burgundies, it is the meticulous provenance and the “drinker’s spirit” of the collection that truly resonates.
The Schwarz Philosophy: Wine is for the Table
Jürgen Schwarz was a frequent face at Christie’s for nearly four decades—his first purchase dating back to 1987. His collection wasn’t merely an investment portfolio; it was a living history of his travels and friendships. His meticulous nature is evidenced by original invoices preserved since 1982, ensuring that every bottle has a documented journey from the estate to his temperature-controlled sanctuary.
As we often emphasize at Champagne Club, the best wines are those “meant not only to be admired, but to be shared at the table among friends and family.” Schwarz lived by this rule, and the upcoming sale offers collectors a rare chance to acquire bottles that have been resting undisturbed for decades.
The Effervescent Core: Champagne Highlights from the Schwarz Collection
While much of the buzz surrounding the Jürgen Schwarz collection focuses on the pre-war Bordeaux and the titans of the Côte d’Or, Champagne Club members will find a curated, high-quality selection of bubbles that mirror Schwarz’s discerning eye. In this second installment, the Champagne lots offer a glimpse into a collector who valued the “Golden Era” vintages—particularly the legendary 1990, 1996, and 2002 releases.
The Icons of the Grande Marque
The collection features a “greatest hits” of prestige cuvées, with a notable emphasis on Bollinger and Dom Pérignon. A highlight for serious collectors is Lot 285, a pristine 12-bottle case of Bollinger, Grande Année 2002 (Estimate: HKD 12,000 – 18,000), a vintage that is currently entering its peak drinking window with magnificent tension and depth.
For those seeking the pinnacle of the 1990s, the auction includes:
- Dom Pérignon 1996: Multiple lots of this “acid-freak” vintage are present, including magnums that have been resting in Schwarz’s cellar since their original release. These bottles represent the 1996 vintage in its most robust and age-worthy form.
- Krug Vintage 1990: A small but significant offering of Krug’s 1990 vintage showcases the opulence and oxidative complexity that Schwarz clearly admired.
Rare Formats and Pristine Provenance
As always with the Schwarz cellar, the draw is not just the label, but the life the bottle has led. Many of the Champagne lots come in original wooden cases (OWC) or are offered in magnum format, which is widely considered by our community to be the ideal vessel for long-term aging.
The rarity here lies in the single-owner provenance. In the Champagne world, where “late-disgorged” trends often dominate the market, these original-release bottles offer a different experience: the chance to taste a wine that has matured naturally on its original cork, developing the tertiary notes of honey, brioche, and roasted nuts that Jürgen Schwarz so clearly loved.
Why Bid?
For the Champagne Club reader, these lots represent a “safe harbor” in the auction market. Because Schwarz was a personal friend of the Christie’s department and a meticulous record-keeper, the risk of poor storage—often the bane of older Champagne—is virtually eliminated. Whether you are looking for a centerpiece for a 2026 celebration or a long-term addition to your cellar, the Champagne section of this sale is a testament to the rewards of patient, professional cellaring.
Auction Highlights: Beyond the Bubble
While Part II is heavy on the titans of Bordeaux and Burgundy, the sheer breadth of the 324 lots offers something for every serious palate:
- The Bordeaux Giants: The selection is headlined by a breathtaking vertical of Château Lafite-Rothschild, with vintages stretching back as far as 1806. Collectors will also find the legendary Latour 1864 and Mouton 1869, alongside modern icons like Margaux 1986.
- Burgundian Treasures: Schwarz’s travels to the Côte d’Or yielded gems such as the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 1990 Assortment Case, Joseph Drouhin Chambertin-Clos de Bèze 1966, and Domaine Dujac Clos de la Roche 2015.
- The Italian Icons: Rare appearances from Giacomo Conterno (Barolo Monfortino Riserva 1999) and Giuseppe Quintarelli (Alzero 1997) round out a truly international offering.
Why This Matters for Champagne Collectors
While Part II focuses heavily on still wines, the provenance of the Schwarz cellar sets a benchmark for how we view the “secondary market.” For the Champagne enthusiast, this auction serves as a reminder of the importance of original professional storage. In an era where “ex-cellar” is the gold standard, a “single-owner” collection with four decades of Christie’s-verified history is the next best thing.
For those looking to add historic depth to their collections—perhaps to pair a 19th-century Lafite alongside a prestige cuvée Champagne for a landmark celebration—the Schwarz sale is unmissable.
Auction Details
- Location: 6/F, The Henderson, 2 Murray Road, Central, Hong Kong
- Date: 3 February 2026, 02:00 PM HKT
- Lots: 1–324
- Digital Catalogue: Browse the Full Collection at Christies.com
Stay tuned to Champagne Club for further analysis on how these historic results impact the global fine wine and Champagne market.
