Oddbins Wine Auctions again conducted the Annual McLaren Vale Bushing Festival Wine Auction for 1998 on Friday October 30.
Conducted during lunch after the presentation of trophies for the McLaren Vale Wine Show, the auction comprised 6 double magnums and 6 imperials of the regions best wines and this year included d’Arenberg Dead Arm shiraz 1996; Rosemount Estate Balmoral shiraz 1996; Tatachilla Foundation shiraz 1995; Ch Reynella Basket Press shiraz 1995; Maglieri shiraz 1995 and Hardy Eileen Hardy 1995.
The Hardys’ Eileen Hardy was the highest priced wine on the day with the imperial reaching $6,500 and the double magnum $3,600.
Next highest was an imperial of Rosemount Balmoral $4,000; Maglieri $3,200, while the double magnum of the same wine made $3,100.
The final 2 lots of the auction comprised a set of double magnums and a set of imperials which realised $11,000 and $15,000 respectively.
With the Bushing King and Queen resplendent in new robes, the old ones were also placed under the auctioneer’s hammer and made a respectable $2,200.
The auction results showed the tremendous confidence in McLaren Vale as a wine region and the importance the industry places on McLaren Vale shiraz.
The 1999 McLaren Vale Bushing Festival auction is to be held on Friday 29th October 1999.