Coonawarra people sure do like their aged red wines in large-format bottles.
An imperial (six-litre) bottle of St Hugo 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon went for $4,200 at the Imperial Wine and Barrel Auction as part of the 44th Coonawarra Vignerons Cup in Penola last Friday.
It was closely followed by an imperial of Balnaves of Coonawarra 2010 The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon which went for $4,100.
An imperial of Wynns Coonawarra 2012 Michael Shiraz went for $4,000.
The other prices fetched were: Raidis Estate 2016 The Trip Cabernet Sauvignon ($2,700), Zema Estate 2018 Family Selection Shiraz ($2,600), DiGiorgio Family Wines 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($2,100), Riddoch Coonawarra Wines 2021 The Author Cabernet Sauvignon ($2,100) and Bellwether 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($2,000).
Each bottle was signed by the winemaker or producer.
The nine-race program culminated in the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup, won by Van Roy and ridden by Tom Madden.
“It is so wonderful to be a part of this fabulous day,” Coonawarra Vignerons events and marketing officer Heidi Guyett said.
“It has grown from such humble beginnings to feature as a major drawcard event for our region.
“There is an immense amount of work that goes in to the preparations of an event of this magnitude, but it is very rewarding to see it all come together.
“Not only is it a great day out, there’s also the added perk for punters to rub shoulders with Coonawarra wine royalty – the winemakers, viticulturists, winery staff and boutique winery owners.
“The event is a highlight for our entire wine community.”
Photo: DiGiorgio winemaker Bryan Tonkin.