Jeannie Cho Lee MW appointed as Consultant for the Annual Hospices de Beaune Wine Sale Jasper Morris MW to Step Down
BEAUNE, 19 NOVEMBER 2023 – The 163rd edition of the Hospices de Beaune wine sale will see Jasper Morris MW stepping down from his role as a consultant for the annual wine sale. Jasper joined the Sotheby’s Wine team in 2021 following the announcement of Sotheby’s partnering with the Hospices de Beaune for the first time. Having previously worked as a consultant on the world’s most renowned wine auction since 2016, his special relationship with the Hospices de Beaune team led by Ludivine Griveau was already well established. During his tenure across three harvests with Sotheby’s, Jasper’s deep knowledge of the whole region, as illustrated by his second edition of Inside Burgundy, provided invaluable insights with each vintage.
Stepping into Jasper’s shoes is the award-winning author, television host, editor, wine critic, judge and educator, Jeannie Cho Lee MW. In her role, Jeannie will conduct tastings for the Hospices de Beaune wines, join Ludivine during the harvest, and participate in tastings and dinners around the world.
Jeannie’s traditional Korean upbringing meant venturing into the wine industry was not an option she considered whilst a university student, but she found herself venturing into the wine industry, first as a writer, then an author and later as a wine critic, editor, publisher and finally in 2008, becoming the first Asian Master of Wine. She holds a Master’s degree from Harvard University in Public Policy as well as a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in marketing and branding from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where she is currently a Professor of Wine at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, a position she has occupied for more than 10 years. Since 2009, Jeannie has been a wine consultant to Singapore Airlines.
Jeannie started to give ratings to wine in 1992 when she began writing her wine diaries and she has since gone on to publish three award-winning books – Asian Palate, Mastering Wine, and The 100 Burgundy, which won the 2020 Gourmand Award for Best Wine Book in the World for French wines. Recognised for her contributions to the food and wine industry, she was honoured as a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (a Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honour) by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2021.
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Nick Pegna, Global Head of Wine & Spirits, Sotheby’s, said:
“Having had the privilege of working with both Jasper and Jeannie for several years, individuals whom I deeply admire, I am thrilled to announce that Jeannie has graciously accepted the important role of working with Sotheby’s on the Hospices de Beaune sale as our consultant. Jeannie brings not only a wealth of experience but also a highly international perspective to this role.
“Additionally, I would also like to thank Jasper for his professionalism, encyclopaedic knowledge and attention to detail. It has been a pleasure working with him.”
Jasper Morris MW explained: “I’m stepping down because my own business, Inside Burgundy, has grown so much that it is not possible to do both jobs alongside each other, especially as the key time of year for both comes at the same period.”
On being succeeded by Jeannie Cho Lee, he commented: “I’m thrilled to be succeeded by Jeannie, a Master of Wine who has written an important book on Burgundy. Jeannie spent the lockdown period earning a doctorate and has many other honours to her name. She is well known and highly respected in both America and Asia, thus offering a global perspective as well as contacts throughout the world. And she is an excellent taster.”
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Jeannie Cho Lee MW said: “Jasper leaves behind huge shoes to fill and he is a consummate professional with a great palate. I will endeavour to keep the standards as high as he has over the past eight years. Jasper is a walking encyclopaedia on Burgundy, its domaines and its people, so I will be seeking his personal guidance as well as referring to his fabulous book, Inside Burgundy, on a regular basis.”
Jeannie continued: “I am most interested in the charity element and am thrilled to be able to help raise awareness and funds for the Hospice de Beaune and to contribute to the local community. I admire and love Burgundy, both the wines and as a region, and to be able to contribute and give something back is very meaningful to me. I am also thrilled to be more deeply involved in every aspect of wine growing – following the wine from the vineyard to the winery closely over the entire year for a large number of diverse climats.”
About Sotheby’s Wine
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
Sotheby’s Wine’s annual worldwide auction sales of wine and spirits achieved a record total of $158 million in 2022, a 20% increase from 2021. Sotheby’s currently holds the world records for any whisky collection ever sold at auction, any private wine collection ever sold at auction, the most valuable bottle of wine ever sold at auction and the most valuable bottle of spirits ever sold at auction, in addition to the highest ever total for a charity wine auction.
In addition to auction, Sotheby’s Wine launched a retail business in 2010. With a retail store located in Sotheby’s New York headquarters and e-commerce at www.sothebyswine.com, Sotheby’s Wine offers a carefully curated selection of wines from the world’s most prestigious producers and important regions. Expertly assembled by our experienced specialists, the selection is built upon lasting relationships with winemakers from across the globe, with bottles that are ready for immediate consumption, in addition to investment-worthy wines from highly sought-after vintages. A second retail location opened in Sotheby’s Hong Kong galleries in 2014.
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*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and overhead premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.
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