The Barossa Wine Auction fetched $133,122 in sales – 46 percent above the anticipated high estimate, indicating buyer confidence in the region’s wine collectables.
Presented by Barossa Australia as part of the 75th Anniversary of the Barossa Vintage Festival, the auction was the first of two live auction events and included 25 lots from the region’s most prestigious wineries.
The most hotly contested lots were from Rockford.
A double magnum of 2003 Basket Press Shiraz sold for $18,700, 673 percent above its high estimate.
This was quickly followed by more competitive bidding for a 12-bottle vertical of Rockford Basket Press covering vintages from 2008 to 2019.
This lot went for $36,300, setting a new Barossa auction record.
Both lots were acquired by a Sydney collector.
Torbreck’s six-bottle vertical of Runrig, a limited edition 2022 Pewsey Vale lot and Elderton’s 2018 Command Shiraz Imperial, all went well above the anticipated estimate.
Other highlights included a 1992 Henschke Hill of Grace Double Magnum, Penfolds G5 and individual Grange components, and a 60-bottle Riesling collation, all achieving impressive results.
“What a brilliant atmosphere there was in the room,” said Andrew Caillard MW who oversaw the bidding.
“The competitive bidding is indicative of the confidence collectors have in rare and distinguished Barossa wine.”
“The generosity of Barossa’s community was returned as bidders from across Australia and Hong Kong demonstrated their willingness to dig deep to invest.”
The biennial event was first held as an integral part of the Barossa Vintage Festival in 1965.
All lots in the auctions are sourced directly from the region’s cellars and winemakers’ collections.
Large format, back vintage verticals and custom-made cases made an impressive and formidable display this year.
A portion of the net proceeds from the auction goes to the Barossa Australia Wellbeing Fund.
Administered by Foundation Barossa, the fund aims to equip better members of the Barossa wine and grapegrowing community to provide active support for people affected by poor mental health.
Barossa Australia CEO James March said, “Thursday’s auction provided a resounding display of confidence in Barossa wine, continuing to support our claim as Australia’s premier wine region with these results.
“The atmosphere at The Barossa Cellar was one of conviviality and community spirit with 140 people attending, of which 60 people were registered to bid.
“It was also fabulous to see the return of our Barossa Wine School students from Hong Kong, and another group of students from Sydney.”
The Barossa Wine School students were taking part in an immersive visit, which will see them become part of a global cohort of ambassadors once they return home and successfully pass their exams.
The Barossa Wine Auction season will be capped off by another live event to be held in Sydney in partnership with Langton’s on Thursday 22 June.
This event will see an additional 30 lots go under the hammer at a gala dinner at the Crown Hotel. An online auction will also provide bidders access to an additional 44 items.
Photos: John Kruger Photography.
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