Premiere Napa Valley Sale Brings in a Record $6 Million

Napa Valley Vintners' barrel tasting and auction sees strong demand for 2013 Cabernets
Premiere Napa Valley Sale Brings in a Record $6 Million
The bidding was heated at the Premiere Napa Valley auction. (Bob McClenahan for Napa Valley Vintners)
Feb 23, 2015

Buoyed by dozens of superb 2013 Cabernet Sauvignons, the 19th Premiere Napa Valley barrel tasting and auction set a new record Saturday in St. Helena, Calif., with a sale that topped $6 million, surpassing the 2014 event’s $5.9 million and raising nearly twice the total from 2012.

As in years past, bidding was frenzied inside the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone as patrons jockeyed to secure their favorite wines. The 225 lots were created for and sold exclusively at Saturday’s event, which benefited Napa Valley Vintners (NVV). They included some of Napa Valley’s rarest blends, crafted in microlots ranging in size from 5 to 20 cases.

NVV did not disclose the amounts paid for individual lots, but announced that the top earners included wines from Brand, Château Boswell, Fairchild, Gandona, Shafer, Pulido-Walker, Memento Mori, Silver Oak, Rombauer, and a collaboration between Constant, David Arthur, Italics and Reynolds Family.

This year’s 70 successful bidders, all members of the wine trade, including retailers, restaurateurs, importers and distributors, will make these wines available to their customers under the Premiere Napa Valley wine label. Cristina Pearce, California wine buyer for retailer Total Wines, was the top bidder.

Napa is in the midst of an exceptionally strong string of vintages, from 2012 through 2014. Enthusiasm for the wines was reflected in the average auction price of $286 per bottle, reflecting the premium nature of these limited-edition wines, vintners said.

Tickets to Premiere Napa Valley 2015 sold out more than a month in advance; the auction was attended by more than 700 trade and media guests who traveled from eight countries and 30 states.

Collecting Auctions United States California Napa News

You Might Also Like

Loire Valley Legend Jacky Blot Dies at 75

Loire Valley Legend Jacky Blot Dies at 75

Considered one of the Loire's most talented winemakers, he set a new standard for Touraine …

May 19, 2023
Despite Frost and Fire, South American Vintners Are Happy with Harvest

Despite Frost and Fire, South American Vintners Are Happy with Harvest

Argentina weathered temperature plunges and hailstorms; Chile suffered forest fires, but …

May 18, 2023
Turning Tables: Stephen Starr Brings New York City’s Pastis to Miami

Turning Tables: Stephen Starr Brings New York City’s Pastis to Miami

Plus, a look at Bryan and Michael Voltaggio's new restaurant in the former Aureole Las …

May 18, 2023
Updated: Bordeaux 2022 Futures Prices and Analysis

Updated: Bordeaux 2022 Futures Prices and Analysis

Château Beychevelle releases its futures, pointing to a rapid  en primeur  campaign. The …

May 12, 2023
Antinori Takes Sole Ownership of Napa's Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Antinori Takes Sole Ownership of Napa's Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates sold its 85 percent stake in the Napa icon to its longtime …

May 9, 2023
A Super Sale for a Super Tuscan: Masseto Cellar Auction at Sotheby's Brings in $400,000

A Super Sale for a Super Tuscan: Masseto Cellar Auction at Sotheby's Brings in $400,000

A 15-liter bottle of the 2010 vintage was the top lot in a sale straight from the winery

May 4, 2023