Oddbins October Wine Auction contained over 1200 lots of premium Australian & Imported wines.

The sale was well supported both locally and nationally with an increasing number of international buyers utilising the facilities of the web site to lodge their bids.

The frantic bidding of some recent auctions has stabilised, with the majority of lots selling within the price guides.

Demand has remained strong for shiraz, in particular recognised great vintages such as '86, '90, '91, '96 and for some early release '98's.

The super premium have seen a slowing in demand, Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace showing gains in recent prices. Hill of Grace is now matching Grange price wise, particularly for recent vintages.

Exceeding even these wines, a bottle of Three River shiraz 1995 achieved $380, confirming the demand for wines from these 'garagiste' makers.

Wendouree shiraz demand was very strong, the 1996 achieved $120 a bottle and the 1997 $90. Older vintages such as the 1985 $120 showed strong bidding as well.

A second division of wines have formed behind the super premiums and wines such as Greenock Creek, Turkey Flat, Fox Creek, (particularly the Reserve shiraz) and Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper shiraz, Leasingham Classic Clare and Grosset Gaia all experience a surge in demand and price. Greenock Creek, in particular, shows positive growth, the 1995 Creek Block $60 and 1996 Seven Acre $62 performing above the price estimates.

Other small independent makers who combine fastidious winemaking, attention to detail and terroir, such as Giaconda and Jasper Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, for long neglected is showing a gain in demand. Mount Mary in particular 1988 $200 and 1990 $245 performed strongly, with keen bidding.

Demand for fortified wines remains quiet, with the demand vintage dated Seppelt Para Liqueur best described as being stalled.

Quite a number of wines have come onto the market with little demand and a commensurate fall in price. Only vintage ports from recognised makers such as Hardys and Ch Reynella attract much of a following.

Imported wines, highlighted by some select parcels of classed growth bordeaux, and Grand Cru Red Burgundy saw bidding follow the trend to purchase recognised vintages. Ch Le Pin 1990 achieved $1,100 a bottle.

AUCTION PRICE HIGHLIGHTS

Prices do not include buyers premium of 13.5% (incl GST)