As the final bids rolled in on the last Sunday in January, we toasted to yet another successful auction month, starting the year 2025 in high spirits.
In January, we hosted two auctions. Held from December 26, 2024 to January 5, 2025, our New Year Online Auction opened the year with an exquisite array of vintages, drawing intense bidding from enthusiasts across the globe.
Bottles That Stole the Show
From legendary vintages to hidden gems, several standout bottles commanded attention and drove competitive bidding:
1955 Penfolds Grange Bin 95, scored amazing $3760;
1995 Bodegas Vega- Sicilia Único, sold at $1057.50;
Australia’s Shiraz blends saw enthusiastic bidding, with the Penfolds Grange series reaffirming its status as a collector’s favorite. Similarly, French Bordeaux and Champagne vintages garnered strong international interest, while Spanish Riojas and Italian Bolgheri vintages added a touch of Old World elegance to the event.
Collector’s Insights & Investment Takeaways
Iconic Wines Hold Their Value: The high-stakes bidding on Penfolds Grange and Krug Champagne demonstrates that legendary names continue to be solid investments.
Expanding Interests: The demand for Spanish and Italian vintage wines suggests a growing trend in diversifying portfolios beyond traditional French labels.
Market Visibility Matters: Wines with a strong provenance and market recognition, such as Bordeaux first-growths, saw consistent bidding and steady appreciation in value.
To celebrate Auckland Anniversary weekend, “Fine Wine From The ’09” auction hosted between January 22 and January 26, 2025 showcased some of the most coveted vintages of esteemed brands from greater Auckland region.
Savouring the Top Performers
Some bottles commanded the spotlight, their reputation and rarity sparking fierce competition among connoisseurs:
2010 Destiny Bay Magna Praemia, scored $376; from the same vintage, 2010 Destiny Bay Mystae sold for $340.75;
12-bottle OWC of 2021 Stonyridge Vineyard Larose, sold for $2115;
2015 Puriri Hills Pope, achieved $164.50
Both 2010 Providence Four Apostles and 2013 Frenchmans Hill Estate Blood Creek 8 sold for $141;
2021 Kumeu River Mates Chardonnay sold for $141 while 1997 Kumeu River Mate’s Chardonnay Magnum achieved $223.25.
The Sub-Regions that Stole the Show
While the auction featured wines only from greater Auckland region, certain sub-regions attracted most interests. It was the renowned terroirs of Waiheke and Matakana that emerged victorious. These sub-regions captivated buyers with their robust reds and elegant blends, commanding strong bids and reaffirming their standing in New Zealand fine wine market.
Meanwhile, Chardonnay lovers demonstrated a growing appreciation for high-end whites, particularly the prestigious Kumeu River collection, which saw a steady stream of interest.
Investment Insights & Collector’s Guide
For investors and collectors alike, Sale 141 offered a glimpse into market trends that should not be ignored:
Red Reigns Supreme: Collectors continue to covet premium red wines from Waiheke and Matakana, making them a solid investment for future auctions.
White Wine Renaissance: With rising interest in Chardonnay from Kumeu River, expanding offerings in this category could prove lucrative.
Provenance Matters: Storytelling remains key—wines with a rich history and well-documented provenance tend to command higher bids.
Final Pour: Looking Ahead
As the curtain closes on another exceptional auction, the takeaways are clear: fine wines continue to captivate a global audience, and the market for rare and collectible vintages is more vibrant than ever. Whether you are a seasoned investor or a passionate enthusiast, keeping an eye on market trends and emerging stars will ensure a rewarding journey through the world of fine wine.
Our current NO RESERVE Online Auctionis the brainchild of an iconic New Zealand winery in support of a good cause. All sale prices and a % of fees will be generously donated to St. John’s Ambulance for those in need. Register and bid today. Sale ends this Sunday, February 23, 7pm.
