Millions in Rare Wine Unclaimed After Iconic NYC Store's Collapse
Over 20,000 bottles worth millions remain unclaimed more than three years after the closure of Sherry-Lehmann, as authorities continue to investigate.
Approximately 20,000 bottles of rare wine, valued in the millions of dollars, are still unclaimed more than three years after the collapse of New York City's renowned wine retailer, Sherry-Lehmann. The bottles are currently stored in the basement of a tower at Blue Hill Plaza in Rockland County, a situation that emerged following an FBI investigation into alleged fraud.
The landlord, Glorious Sun, took possession of the collection, estimated to be worth $16 million, after Sherry-Lehmann's storage business defaulted on its rent. The company is now attempting to locate the original owners to reclaim the space for a paying tenant. An advertisement was placed in Wine Spectator this summer to alert potential claimants, but only about one-third of the bottles, approximately 10,135, have been returned to their rightful owners.
Sources suggest that unclaimed bottles may belong to clients who have passed away, forgotten about their stored wine, or are unaware that Sherry-Lehmann and its associated storage business, Wine Caves, are defunct. "The people who really wanted their wine back have been taken care of," stated Edmund O’Brien, an attorney representing Glorious Sun. "Now it’s time to find the people who haven’t been paying attention."
Sherry-Lehmann, an 89-year-old establishment on Park Avenue, ceased operations in March 2023 after failing to renew its liquor license and pay its rent. Initially, many customers sought to retrieve their wine from the Wine Caves facility after learning of the retailer's financial troubles.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspectors, began their involvement after a 2023 New York Times report alleged that Sherry-Lehmann had sold some of its storage customers' wine to collectors. The company denied these allegations and subsequently sued the reporter, James Stewart, claiming a smear campaign. However, a federal judge dismissed this lawsuit on a recent Tuesday.
Despite extensive searches by law enforcement at the Blue Hill facility, Sherry-Lehmann's complaint stated that no arrests or indictments had resulted from the raids. However, recent communications indicate the investigation is ongoing. O'Brien confirmed speaking with an FBI agent who suggested the case was not closed and inquired about the situation at Blue Hill Plaza and a lawsuit filed by Wine Caves against Glorious Sun.
The lawsuit filed by Wine Caves accuses Glorious Sun of withholding wine belonging to Wine Caves. The current majority owner of Wine Caves is reported to be James Galtieri, a former Sherry-Lehmann supplier and importer for Château Lafite Rothschild. Galtieri was reportedly brought in by Shyda Gilmer, Sherry-Lehmann's former CEO, who became embroiled in legal issues surrounding the wine shop's closure.
John Balestriere, the former legal counsel for Wine Caves, sought to withdraw from representing the company in August due to unpaid legal fees, a request that was approved by the court. The current legal representative for Wine Caves did not immediately respond to requests for comment.