A record-breaking start to the 2023 Barossa Wine Auction season, confirms buyer confidence in Australia’s most collectable region.
Wine collectors, enthusiasts, and makers came together on Thursday last week in Barossa to celebrate the start of the extended Barossa Wine Auction season.Presented by Barossa Australia as part of the 75th Anniversary of the Barossa Vintage Festival, this event was the first of two live auction events. The auction saw a total of 25 lots from Barossa’s most prestigious and renowned wineries go under the hammer.
Baron of Barossa, Andrew Caillard MW, oversaw the buoyant bidding for an exhilarating and fast-paced auction. Caillard noted “What a brilliant atmosphere there was in the room. 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,” Caillard said.
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 wineries’ cellars and winemakers’ collections. Large format, back vintage verticals and custom-made cases made an impressive and formidable display this year.
The most hotly contested lots were from Rockford. A double magnum of 2003 Basket Press Shiraz sold for $18,700, 673% 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 – 2019. This lot went for $36,300, setting a new Barossa auction record. Both lots were acquired by a Sydney collector. Torbreck’s 6-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. Total sales for the Barossa live auction reached $133,122, 46% above the anticipated high estimate. A portion of the net proceeds from the auction goes to charitable causes.
James March, Barossa Australia CEO 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. On behalf of all the region’s growers and makers, we are grateful for the sustained support and wish the successful bidders enjoy their new vinous treasures. 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.” March said.
The Barossa Wine School students were taking part in an immersive visit, which will see them become part of our 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 22nd June. This event will see an additional 30 lots go under the hammer at a gala dinner to be held at the Crown Hotel. An online auction will also provide bidders access to an additional 44 items.
Barossa Wine Auction Results 2023 – Barossa Live Auction
| Lot No. | Brand | Description | Hammer Price GST Inclusive |
|---|---|---|---|
| B01 | ORLANDO | 2011, 2015, 2020 Steingarten Provenance Pack, 750MLS, 3 Bottle set | $462.00 |
| B02 | CHATEAU TANUNDA | 2016 – 2018 CHATEAU TANUNDA 100 Year Old Vines Shiraz, 1.5L, 3 Magnum set | $2,310.00 |
| B03 | COLLATION | EDEN VALLEY WINERIES Riesling collection, 60 bottle set Riesling, Eden Valley | $4,840.00 |
| B05 | JOHN DUVAL WINES | 2017 + 2018 JOHN DUVAL Integro Integro Cabernet Shiraz, 1.5L, 2 Magnum set | $1,320.00 |
| B06 | CHRIS RINGLAND | 2015 CHRIS RINGLAND Hoffmann Vineyard Shiraz, 1.5L, 2 Magnum set | $2,530.00 |
| B07 | RIESLINGFREAK | 2017 – 2022 RIESLINGFREAK No. 4 Eden Valley Riesling, 750MLS, 6 Bottle Vertical | $1,100.00 |
| B08 | SCHILD ESTATE | SCHILD ESTATE Moorooroo Shiraz 2017, 2018, 2019, 750 MLS, 6 Bottle set, Plus Narrow Road Shiraz Cabernet 2017,2018, 2019 750MLS, 6 Bottle set | $1,870.00 |
| B09 | PEWSEY VALE | 2022 PEWSEY VALE VINEYARDS Limited Edition Riesling, featuring Heritage Label, 750MLS, 6 bottle set, individually hand numbered from 1 to 6, plus tasting experience for four people hosted by Louisa Rose. | $2,420.00 |
| B10 | TORBRECK | 2014-2019 TOBRECK Runrig, 750MLS, 6 Bottle vertical | $6,050.00 |
| B11 | ALKINA | 2019 ALKINA Polygon 1, Polygon 3, Polygon 5 , 1.5L, 3 Magnum set | $1,760.00 |
| B12 | ROCKFORD | 2003 ROCKFORD Basket Press Shiraz 3L, Double Magnum | $18,700.00 |
| B13 | ROCKFORD | 2008 – 2019 ROCKFORD Basket Press Shiraz, 750MLS, 12 bottle vertical | $36,300.00 |
| B14 | HENTLEY FARM | 2008 – 2013 HENTLEY FARM Clos Otto Shiraz 750MLS, 6 bottle vertical | $5,060.00 |
| B15 | ELDERTON | 2018 ELDERTON Command Shiraz 6L Imperial, plus an Ashmead hosted tasting and lunch for 8 guests | $5,170.00 |
| B16 | HENSCHKE | 1992 HENSCHKE Hill of Grace, 3L Double Magnum, signed by Stephen and Prue Henschke | $14,300.00 |
| B17 | LANGMEIL WINERY | LANGMEIL WINERY 1843 Freedom Shiraz 750MLS, 12 Bottle Set 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 | $6,050.00 |
| B18 | PENFOLDS | PENFOLDS G5, plus g5 plus individual components – 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 & 2018 Penfolds Grange, 750MLS, 6 Bottle set, each personally signed by Peter Gago | $10,450.00 |
| B19 | POONAWATTA | POONAWATTA The 1880 Shiraz 2010 + 2018 1.5L, 2 magnum set, each presented in a bespoke display case. | $1,320.00 |
| B20 | ST HUGO | ST HUGO 2013, 2015, 2016, 1.5L, 3 magnum set | $1,210.00 |
| B21 | PETER LEHMANN | 1989 PETER LEHMANN Stonewell , 1.5L mangnum | $2,420.00 |
| B22 | PETER LEHMANN | PETER LEHMANN Stonewell , Museum Selection, celebrating 30 years. 750MLS, 6 bottle set, including 1991, 1994, 1998, 2008, 2010, 2012 | $1,870.00 |
| B23 | SEPPELTSFIELD | SEPPELTSFIELD VIP Grounds Shiraz Tasing Experience for 4 people. | $1,100.00 |
| B24 | GRANT BURGE | GRANT BURGE, Meshach,750mls, 6 bottle set, including 1999, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2018. | $1,540.00 |
| B25 | COLLATION | Barossa Grenache Lot | $2,970.00 |