December Auction Report

(W509)

Oddbins Wine Auctions final auction of the year saw over 1,500 lots go under the hammer.

Demand was strong across all categories, especially at the premium end of the market with Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace selling at, or exceeding the upper end of the estimates. Demand for 1950's Grange remained strong, 1951 - $30,000, 1955 - $1,600, 1958 - $12,500, 1959 - $1,600.

Wines with Max Schubert's signature achieved a premium over and above unsigned bottles - 1983 -$360, 1986 - $410, 1986 - magnum $1,600.

Henschke Hill of Grace showed strong demand, particularly those from recognised vintages such as 1986 - $280 and 1990 - $340. A magnum of 1986 achieved $700.

Cult wines from makers such as Three Rivers, Giaconda, Greenock Creek and Fox Creek sold well. Greenock Creeks Roennfeldt Road 1995 achieved $185, whilst Seven Acre Shiraz 1998 made $60. Vintages of Giaconda Chardonnay from 1994 - 1996 averaged $90 a bottle, Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz 1998 made $65. A single bottle of 1994 Three Rivers achieved $340.

The performances of auction favourites such as Wendouree, Wolf Blass Black Label, Penfolds Bin wines remained strong, giving the market a positive outlook.

Ports, especially Seppelt Para Liqueur remained quiet, with little interest and quite a few wines on the market. Vintage ports were predictable, recognised makers such as Ch Reynella and Hardys were in the greatest demand, other producers from the 70's and 80's provide great value drinking.

Imported wines were strong, particularly a selection of Champagne, whilst bidders on Bordeaux and Burgundy were chasing recognised vintages.

Oddbins first auction for 2001 will be a live auction to be held on February 14.

A highlight of the new year will be sale conducted in Brisbane on February 28 2001, showcasing premium Australian and imported wines. Full details shortly.

AUCTION PRICE HIGHLIGHTS

Wine Vintage Hammer Price ($)
Fox Creek Reserve McLaren Vale Shiraz 1998 65
Greenock Creek Roennfeldt Road Shiraz 1995 185
Greenock Creek 7 Acre Shiraz 1998 60
Henschke Hill of Grace 1976 210
Henschke Hill of Grace ( Quality Assurance Programme) 1977 180
Henschke Hill of Grace (magnum) 1986 700
Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon 1981 90
Houghton Jack Mann Cabernet Blend 1994 46 - 60
Jim Barry Armagh Shiraz 1995 120
Mount Mary Cabernets Quintet 1990 260
Orlando St Hugo Vertical 1985 - 1997 42
Penfolds Grange 1951 30,000
Penfolds Grange 1958 12,500
Penfolds Grange 1961 600
Penfolds Grange - signed 1986 410
Penfolds Grange - signed magnum 1986 1,600
Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 1990 95
Wendouree Shiraz 1993 80
Wendouree Shiraz 1997 68
Brokenwood Graveyard Shiraz 1995 70
Cullen Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 1988 105
Irvine Grand Merlot 1992 85
Jim Barry Armagh Shiraz 1991 310
Rockford Basket Press Shiraz (magnum) 1990 340
Rockford Basket Press Shiraz (magnum) 1992 230
Rockford Basket Press Shiraz (magnum) 1993 240
Rockford Basket Press Shiraz 1994 280
Seppelt Great Western Sparkling Burgundy 1972 160
Wendouree Shiraz 1984 110
Wendouree Shiraz 1987 95

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