17 Jun Report on June Auctions & Announcing The Date of July Online Auction

Oh what a month! In the first two weeks of June, we hosted two auctions: the regular bimonthly Live Sale at Caro’s Wine Grey Lynn and a special online Single Vendor auction. Both auctions were very well received by a high number of bidders, with 93% sell-through rate.

The top hammer win of our June Live auction was the NV Laurent Perrier La Cuvee Salmanazar at $1880, closely followed by 1976 Penfolds Grange Hermitage Bin 95, achieving a record of $1821.25.

The Bordeaux blends was once again the absolute star of the whole collection, with several iconic wines continuing to build on their already-impressive hammer prices. It is very interesting to see how the prices for Penfolds has escalated in recent auctions not only in an Australian price hierarchy but also exceeding its French counterparts at times. 2008 Penfolds Bin 620 Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz achieved $1468.75, same as 1986 Chateau Mouton Rothschild; while 2000 Chateau Latour reached $1410, and 2002 Chateau Lafite Rothschild sold for $869.50. Penfolds had also been the 100% sell-through brand in our auctions this year, as has Henschke. In the June sale, 2005 Henschke Hill of Grace reached $963.50.

On a sweeter note, 1962 Chateau d’Yquem achieved $1645. 1985 Graham’s Vintage sold for $282, while 1977 Fonseca Vintage Port got snapped at the same price, all great buys!

In our single vendor auction of Antoine’s Restaurant which finished last Sunday, we saw a great deal of old friends participate in the online bidding. This auction really did have something for everyone – especially those with a fondness for and memories of this great dining room.

The 1995 Bouchard Pere et Fils Montrachet Grand Cru won the highest bid in wines, achieving $611. What really took the crown were the three branded ice brackets — Dom Perignon Oval bucket with handles and grape vine motif achieved amazing $ 2996.25, Dom Perignon Large Oval ice bucket closely followed at $2408.75 and the set of Moet & Chandon ice buckets reached $846.

What generally enhances an item’s value is its authenticity, rarity, condition and providence – it must be true, one-of-a-kind, well-looked-after, and have a story. We believe these aforementioned lots in the Antoine’s auction had all of that and more. It is touching to see how old friends and patrons celebrate and support our industry heroes, with Beth and Tony certainly two of the very best. It’s not a goodbye, each successful bidder will bring a little of the Antoine’s ambiance back to their place, so the story continues…

Look out for our next online only auction July 7th – 11th.

Thanks to all our bidders and vendors for a truly exciting June.