From the previous Chair... What's hot in the Barossa Wine Auction

From the previous Chair… What’s hot in the Barossa Wine Auction

If you’re looking for the ultimate insider to the Barossa Wine Auction, you need look no further than Allister Ashmead.

As Chair of the Barossa Wine Auction (then known as the Barossa Rare & Distinguished Wine Auction) from 2011-2013 it’s a safe bet he knows a thing or two about what’s hot in the auction scene…

Allister’s links to Barossa wine extend far beyond his Chair positions (yes, he’s held more than one) he’s also one of the only second-generation Barons of Barossa and is Co-Managing Director for Elderton Wines.

It is perhaps Allister’s understated charm, dedication to family and gentle sense of humour that are his best assets. Expressed beautifully with the release of the shocking pink-labelled ‘Ode to Lorraine’, a tribute to his mother and matriach of the Ashmead family, Lorraine… A wine which she had expressly forbidden numerous times previously. The wine’s official release coming as a complete surprise as she quietly dined in her favourite restaurant in the US on her birthday “I think you may prefer this wine, ma’am’. The controversial pink colour (which has been toned down in recent years) also a trademark cheeky nod to his Mum… but you’ll have to ask Allister for that story!

As for this year’s picks of the Barossa Wine Auction? Read on…

Lot 64W PEWSEY VALE RIESLING MAGNUMS:

Always mightily impressive to show off with big bottles (and Riesling magnums are super impressive), and as Winston Churchill said, ‘A magnum is the perfect size for 2 gentlemen to share over lunch…especially if one of them isn’t drinking’.

Lot 2L OLD VINE GRENACHE COLLECTION:

Instant cellar of the Barossa’s emerging superstar variety. Wines with brightness and real drinkability for almost any occasion. Hard to keep your hands off them though really.

Lot 49W LANGMEIL OLD VINE TOUR:

Ask for James Lindner personally and there is the chance that this tour may take a week or longer! So many good stories to tell from this great family vineyard.

Lot 25L ST HALLETT WINES AND TASTING:

Any chance you can get to sit with Stuart and talk about what makes the Barossa tick is massively enlightening and hugely entertaining. Under the long stewardship of Stuart, and more recently with Toby Barlow aboard, the old block deserves all the praise it gets as a real Barossa classic.

Lot 34L PENFOLDS 1962 BIN 60A:

Every auction for the past 20 years I have said to myself that if this wine sells for the same amount as it did two years previously, I am going to buy it. Unfortunately every auction it blows away the previous price, meaning I sadly still don’t have it in my cellar, and this is most likely one of the few chances left to have this legendary wine in your cellar.