Thanks to you The Center gets an A+ in Education here's the math $500 - $5,000 each x 42 students & teachers =
$62,672 in scholarships awarded in March 2011 $35,000 - $62,672 awarded annually
x 12 years of the program=
$500,000+ in awards to date at The Center 252 in free classes + 1,752 on exhibition tours + 4,079 attendees at performances & lectures brought to the schools =
6,083 incredible student experiences delivered this school year
Opposite (clockwise from top): Summer Art Camp Participant, In-school Program with Musicians Sam Lardener & Barcelona, Student Visit to I Spy Exhibit, Family Day for India Exhibit, 2011 Scholarship Recipients, Visiting Artist Christylez Bacon with Montessori School students, Family Day for Mining Exhibit, Workshop at Wood River High School with Sweet Plantain.
Dear Patrons, Vintners and Friends, Welcome to the Sun Valley Center for the Arts 30th Wine Auction! Thirty years simultaneously signals maturity and youth—an established sense of self balanced by an eagerness for thoughtful growth and change. This year’s 30th anniversary of the Wine Auction reflects that stage of evolution. We have held fast to the successful features of the events, from the comprehensive display of the wine lots to the elegant Vintner Dinners; the party atmosphere of the Wine Auction Picnic & Concert to the educational elements of the Wine Tasting Extravaganza and Riedel Wine Symposia. But we have also notched up the fun factor. The lively and energetic MarchFourth Marching Band will open and close the Wine Auction Gala, which also features an incredible meal by world renowned guest chefs and a mid-auction performance that promises to tug at your heart strings and illustrate The Center’s real impact with schoolchildren. In other words, we have added extra pizzazz! Whatever part of the weekend you are dipping into—the whole shebang or just one element—we hope you enjoy donning your party clothes, loosening up your purse strings and celebrating the Wine Auction’s amazing legacy of good wine, food and nourishment of the arts. Your presence here makes a difference. By donating your wine or your time, raising your paddle or your tasting glass, purchasing Porsche raffle tickets or auction lots, you help The Center enrich the possibilities for young students in our community, stimulate lively dialogue about important topics and exercise the creative muscles of young and old alike. In short, when you participate in the Auction you make a difference in the life of this community and, in turn, the creative life of the entire country. We are deeply grateful for your support. We are proud of our many years of amazing offerings in the arts and humanities. Your continued generosity will allow The Center to grow into middle age with the wisdom that comes with time and the experience that allows us to excel. We know, as you do, that the arts are what make us human; they reveal our compassion, our understanding and, ultimately, our humanity. Thank you for joining us. Sally Boettger and Kristin Poole Co-Executive Directors, Sun Valley Center for the Arts
THURSDAY, JULY 21
SAtURDAY, JULY 23
Registration and Auction Lot Viewing 10:00am – 5:00pm Dollar Mountain Lodge, Sun Valley
Winners’ Brunch Sponsored by Flexjet 9:30am – 11:30am Cristina’s Restaurant, Ketchum
Dinner with the Vintners 7:00pm Private homes in the valley Cocktail attire, jacket recommended
FRIDAY, JULY 22 Registration and Auction Lot Viewing 10:00am – 3:00pm Dollar Mountain Lodge, Sun Valley Taste the Terroir of the West Sonoma Coast Riedel Wine Symposium I Master Sommelier Fred Dame, Treasury Wine Estates 11:30am – 1:00pm Sun Valley Inn, Limelight Salon C, Sun Valley Wine Auction Gala 5:00pm Dinner, Live and Silent Auction Entertainment by MarchFourth Marching Band Under the Big Tent at Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley Cocktail attire, jacket recommended
Collect Auction Lot Purchases 10:00am – 2:00pm Dollar Mountain Lodge, Sun Valley Shiraz Down Under Riedel Wine Symposium II Master Sommelier Fred Dame, Treasury Wine Estates and Mark Davidson, Wine Australia 11:30am – 1:00pm Sun Valley Inn, Limelight Salon C, Sun Valley Wine Tasting Extravaganza 12:30pm – 3:00pm Under the Big Tent at Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley Wine Auction Picnic & Concert 6:00pm – 9:00pm Warm Springs Ranch, Ketchum Music by Sam Lardner & Barcelona
Thank you to our Wine Auction Underwriter
Thank You to our Wine Auction Sponsors
Words are barely adequate to describe the important role that Glenn Janss has played in the creation and evolution of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts and the status of arts and culture in the Wood River Valley. Even beyond our local community, Glenn can claim credit for elevating Idaho’s standing in the national imagination as more than an agricultural and wilderness state. She has been fittingly referred to as the “First Lady of Culture” in Idaho. On this 30th anniversary of the Wine Auction, a fundraiser she began with the help of some dear friends in the wine business in Napa Valley, the Sun Valley Center wanted to say thank you to Glenn by appointing her as honorary chair of the event. We were delighted when she accepted and should not have been surprised when she began rolling up her sleeves to help. A consummate “doer” with an irrepressible positive attitude, Glenn has encouraged us to embrace the traditions of the Wine Auction while also keeping the focus on the fun. We hope all of you have a chance to meet her over the weekend, to thank her for her passion for the arts and her visionary work ensuring that the Wood River Valley is a community with so much more than its outdoor and natural amenities. Enriched by the arts—thanks to Glenn—we are a community with heart, imagination and soul. Thank you, Glenn. With every program The Center presents, we are honored to be furthering your legacy.
Congratulations to the Sun Valley Center Wine Auction, celebrating its 30th anniversary!
Wells Fargo Private Bank is proud to continue our tradition of strong community partnership by supporting the Sun Valley Center for the Arts. For more than 150 years, Wells Fargo has helped families build, manage, preserve and transition their wealth. To learn more about how your local Private Bank team can help you achieve your financial goals, contact: Dave McCune Regional Director Idaho and Eastern Washington (208) 363-7511
Wells Fargo Private Bank provides financial services and products through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and its affiliates. Deposit and loan products offered through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Insurance products are available through Insurance subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company and underwritten by non-affiliated insurance companies. Not available in all states. Š 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.
"It is amazing how the Wine Auction has grown over the years from a small group on the lawn of the Sun Valley Company to the extravaganza it is today. Like any great event it creates its own traditions and stories. A favorite of mine occurred in 1990. It was during the Vintner Dinner at Evergreen Restaurant. The two vintner hosts were Josh Jensen from Calera Wine Company and Dan and Margaret Duckhorn of Duckhorn Wine Company. The tradition was for the vintners to get up once during the meal to describe the wines they were offering that evening. For some reason Josh and Dan had swapped name tags, and so when Dan was called up to talk about his wines, Josh got up in his place. His opening comment was, 'It is very expensive to truck in our grapes from the central valley, but our pipeline will soon be completed.' When Dan’s turn came, he responded by saying that the best thing about producing Pinot Noir was that the yield was 10 tons per acre. They had so much fun that they kept up the identity swap for the whole weekend. For Colleen and me, the Sun Valley Center Wine Auction has been at the heart of our summers for many years. Great friends, delicious food and incomparable wines while basking in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It continues to be one of the highlights of our year."
Exceptional Cuisine
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Bicycling, Walking & Multisport Trips Worldwide
A BETTER WAY TO SEE THE WORLD
Sharing the stage with his mentor, David Reynolds, Greg Quiroga returns for his fourth action-packed year raising his gavel on behalf of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts. Since joining Reynolds & Buckley in 2004, Greg has emerged as a dynamic force on the national fundraising auction circuit. His onstage blend of humor, passion and quick wit continues to endear him to auction crowds across the country. In the Reynolds & Buckley tradition, his commitment to helping organizations is not limited to his onstage performance. Greg works tirelessly with an eye on successfully planning and implementing the best fundraising auction for each individual crowd. This dedication has earned him a large and loyal client base of over 60 charities nationwide. “In the past six years I have worked with Greg, I have realized that he is nothing short of a miracle worker. His auctioneering talent and expertise are the best, bar none, and I wouldn’t dream of having an auction without him," says Patricia Colin, Director of Development, International School of the Peninsula (California). An avid golfer and the golf blogger for the San Francisco Examiner, Greg and his wife, Michele, live in San Francisco with their son, Ryder.
Celebrated chef and culinary artist Carmen González has spiced up the kitchen and graced the dining room for more than 25 years. The Puerto Rican native has brought her creative flair and intense passion for cooking to her restaurants, culinary alliances, television appearances and into print. Carmen’s unique blend of modern American cuisine with Puerto Rican influences has garnered national recognition. Last year, she appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, where she advanced to the championship round. In 2003 she opened Carmen the Restaurant in Coral Gables, Florida. The restaurant received outstanding notices, including Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for 2004–2006, AAA’s coveted 4 Diamond Award in 2005 and 2006 and listing in the 2007 ZAGAT America’s Top Restaurants book. Since her return to New York in 2007, she is currently involved in a variety of projects including collaborations with Bacardi Rum and Chocolate Cortés. She is part of the Culinary Council for Nutrisystem, where her line of products will be available in 2012, and in August 2011 she will begin filming her new TV show.
Chef Rick Moonen has devoted his career to being the country’s top culinary advocate for sustainable seafood. A native New Yorker, Rick graduated first in his class from the Culinary Institute of America. He then worked at some of New York’s top restaurants—L’Hostellerie Bressane, La Côte Basque, Le Cirque, Le Relais, Century Café, Chelsea Central and The Water Club— with such legendary chefs as Jean Morel and Alain Sailhac. After partnering to create Molyvos, the first Greek restaurant to earn three stars from the New York Times, Rick developed his own restaurant, New York City’s rm, once again earning three stars. In 2005, he decided to bring his unique flavor and specialties of the seafood world out west, and he opened Rick Moonen’s rm seafood at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. In 2008, Rick published Fish Without a Doubt, a practical guide to buying, preparing and cooking a wide array of fish, and in 2010 he was runner-up in the second season of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters. When not behind the stove, Rick can be found traveling the country educating about ocean conservation and the dangers of overfishing.
Successful chef, restaurateur and author Jonathan Waxman honed his skills in such prestigious kitchens as Chez Panisse in Berkeley and Michael’s Restaurant in Los Angeles before opening his own restaurants in New York City—the famed Washington Park and Jams, described by the New York Times as “a culinary comet.” Today, Jonathan is chef/owner of Barbuto in Manhattan’s West Village. His first cookbook, A Great American Cook, was published in 2007. He participated in last year’s Top Chef Masters on Bravo, surviving to the penultimate show. His fellow participant, Wylie Dufresne, nicknamed him “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” and Jonathan Gold of the Los Angeles Times calls him “the Eric Clapton of chefs.” His second book, Italian My Way, was published by Simon & Schuster in April 2011. Giving back is important to Jonathan and he works closely with many charities including Citymeals-on-Wheels. He currently lives in Manhattan with his wife and three children.
Nicole Brown Sandra Fisher Tod R. Hamachek Lawrence B. Helzel Sonya Johnston Kathleen M. Jones Robin Leavitt Rob McGowan Wendy Pesky Trina Peters
Ann Puchner Jennifer Roberts Peter Roberts Bill Shubin Sharon Shubin Jack Thornton Jill Vogel David Wilson Trish Wilson Tim Wolff
Mark Caraluzzi Dr. Bonni L. Curran John Gaeddert Lawrence B. Helzel Barbara Lehman Sonya Johnston Kathleen M. Jones Rob McGowan Jeanne Meyers Sara Nelson Wendy Pesky
Ann Puchner Robin Reiners Kirk Riedinger Jennifer Roberts Kevin Stuessi Jack Thornton Jill Vogel Ryan Waterfield Shelley Williams Tim Wolff
Sally Boettger, Co-Executive Director & Director of Development Kristine Bretall, Director of Marketing & Performing Arts Emilee Farber, Wine Auction Coordinator Jessica Flower, Summer Intern Courtney Gilbert, Curator Christl Holzl, Wine Auction Director Rachel Kaufman, Wine Auction Intern Albert King, Events Manager Sarah Kolash, Program Coordinator Sara Loree, Database Specialist Kathryn McNeal, Development Manager Kristin Poole, Co-Executive Director & Artistic Director Angela Tsai, Executive Assistant Britt Udesen, Director of Education and Humanities
Fred Dame brings an impressive blend of experience, expertise and enthusiasm to the world of wine and cuisine. He is the first American to have served as President of the Court of Master Sommeliers Worldwide and is currently the President of the Guild of Sommeliers Education Foundation. In his role as Vice-President, Luxury Sales, Foster’s Wine Estates Americas he directs the domestic sales of fine brands including Etude, Beringer, Penfolds and Stags’ Leap. Of just 105 Americans to have passed the Master Sommelier examination, Fred was the first to pass all three parts in one year. This feat and high score won him the Krug Cup of the British Guild of Sommeliers in 1984. Fred founded the American Branch of the Court of Master Sommeliers in 1986 and has played a key role in the expansion of the Master Sommelier program throughout America since then. As Cellarmaster of The Sardine Factory in Monterey, California, for twelve years, Fred created a wine list that won the Wine Spectator Grand Award and turned the restaurant into a wine destination restaurant of world renown. He was awarded the Antonin Careme Medal and was made a Supreme Knight of the Knights of the Vine in 2000. He was elected to the prestigious National Restaurant Association College of Diplomates in 2004. In 2006 he received Santé magazine’s Wine Professional of the Year as well as Starwine’s Lifetime Achievement Award. A sixth generation Californian, Fred graduated from Washington and Lee University with a degree in journalism and communications. A European trip after high school piqued his curiosity about wine and food. Since then, he has applied his considerable persuasive skills to the service and appreciation of fine wine.
THE CHOCOLATE MOOSE usable art • edible fun
Born in London and raised in Sydney, Mark has more than 25 years of experience in the hotel and restaurant business, 15 of those as a Sommelier. In 1990 Mark was named Best French Wine and Spirit Sommelier in British Columbia, and in 2001 he was named Sommelier of the Year by the British Columbia Restaurant and Food Service Association. As a department head and instructor with the International Sommelier Guild, he has been instrumental in the ongoing development of the curriculum and has taught classes in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. In addition he hosts a weekly radio wine review on CKNW and has developed a wine education and restaurant etiquette course for Simon Fraser University Global Asset and Wealth Management MBA program. Currently based in San Francisco, working for Wine Australia and in his second year of his Master of Wine studies, Mark is driving home the Australian fine wine story for industry professionals across the United States.
It takes hundreds of extra hands to make all the Wine Auction events run smoothly. Fortunately, the Wood River Valley has an abundance of people who generously volunteer their time to support the Wine Auction and the Sun Valley Center for the Arts. Chances are the person who greeted you when you arrived, poured you a glass of wine or helped you with directions was a volunteer. We are grateful to them all and hope your experience of this year’s event was enhanced by your interaction with these incredibly generous friends of The Center.
BRJ Cellars Hayden Beverage J.W. Thornton Imports Nouveaux Distributing Company S&C Importers and Distributors Tastevin Wine
Sandra & Chip Fisher Ben Holmes & Carol Scheifele-Holmes Mike Howard Wilson & Lisa McElhinny Molly & Dave McGary Will & Patty Northrop ResortQuest Sun Valley Gail & Jack Thornton Richard & Penny Weiss Dave & Trish Wilson Tim & Robin Wolff
Dinners with the Vintners are a unique opportunity for Wine Auction guests to experience outstanding wine and extraordinary meals in the intimate settings of elegant private homes. A special thanks to all our vintner dinner hosts who graciously opened up their homes in order to support the arts in our community.
1) 375ml This designation refers to a small bottle that holds 375ml of wine, half as much as a standard wine container. 2) 750ml This designation refers to the standard-sized bottle that holds 750ml of wine, or 4/5-quarts. This size bottle, regardless of whether it has a straight or sloping neck, is used for red, white, rosÊ and sparkling wines. Sparkling wine bottles appear to be larger than standard because they are made of thicker glass to withstand the pressures of carbonation, but they, too, contain 750ml of wine. 3) Magnum This designation refers to a bottle that holds 1.5 liters of wine, the equivalent of two 750ml bottles. Sparkling wines are sometimes fermented in magnums because this method is believed to lengthen the wine’s life. 4) Double Magnum This designation refers to a bottle that holds three liters of wine, the equivalent of four 750ml bottles. 5) Rehoboam This designation refers to an oversized bottle that holds approximately 4.5 liters of wine, the equivalent of six 750ml bottles. 6) Jeroboam A jeroboam of sparkling wine holds three liters, the equivalent of a double magnum or four 750ml bottles. A jeroboam of still wine is the equivalent of six 750ml bottles or 4.5 liters. 7) Imperial This designation refers to an oversized bottle that holds approximately six liters of wine, the equivalent of eight 750ml bottles. 8) Methuselah This designation also refers to an oversized bottle that holds approximately six liters of wine, the equivalent of eight 750ml bottles but a different shape than the Imperial. 9) Salmanazar This designation refers to an oversized bottle that holds approximately nine liters of wine, the equivalent of twelve 750ml bottles. 10) Balthazar This term refers to a bottle that holds approximately twelve liters of wine, the equivalent of sixteen 750ml bottles. 11) Nebuchadnezzar This designation refers to an oversized bottle that holds approximately thirteen to fifteen liters of wine, depending on the manufacturer, date, country and region of manufacture— the equivalent of approximately seventeen to twenty 750ml bottles.
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Case This term refers to a group of twelve 750ml or 4/5-quart bottles of wine. A case may consist of a single varietal and vintage year, or it may be a mixed lot of varietals with several vintage dates and/or non-vintage items. Half Barrel A half barrel holds one hundred twenty 750ml bottles of wine, the equivalent of ten cases of twelve such bottles.
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Magnum Case This term refers to a group of six 1.5-liter magnum bottles, each bottle the equivalent of two 750ml bottles. Barrel A full barrel holds two hundred forty 750ml bottles of wine, the equivalent of twenty cases of twelve such bottles.
Supporting excellence in the wood River Valley
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208.788.1306 fax
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The Sun Valley Center for the Arts would like to recognize the wine producers listed on the following pages for donating the wines being poured at every table during tonight’s auction dinner. We thank them for their generosity and their contribution to the success of our 30th anniversary Wine Auction.
Our hats are off to you.
30 years of enriching The Valley with The Arts
[ and good wine ] Thank you.
grabher construction inc. grabherconstruction.com
Audelssa Winery The Audelssa Winery story begins in 1989, when owner Dan Schaefer’s father purchased 40 acres of land high on the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains near Sonoma. The planting of terraced vineyards and additional land acquisitions soon followed. In 2000, Dick Arrowood of Arrowood Vineyards offered to make wine with the family’s grapes and bottle it under the family’s own label, and so Audelssa Winery was born. Three years later, Dan Schaefer established his own winemaking facility adjacent to the vineyards. With the help of winemaker Erich Bradley, Audelssa Winery has grown to an annual production of 3,000 cases that includes both estate wines and wines from select Sonoma and Mendocino vineyards. In 2009, it opened a new tasting room in the town of Glen Ellen. About the Wines 2009 Audelssa Winery Sonoma County Chardonnay
This delicious Chardonnay exhibits nice tension, with aromas and flavors of stone fruit, pineapple and baking spices. Gentle—and still developing—oak notes round out the palate. Barrel fermented in the finest French oak using natural yeasts, aged for 10 months, and bottled unfined and unfiltered, it is complex, friendly and refreshing. 2008 Audelssa Winery Summit Estate Sonoma Valley Red Wine
The 2008 Summit is rich, luscious and fruit-forward. This classic blend of Bordeaux grape varieties rises to a level of complexity that none of the components could achieve individually. Power and structure come from Cabernet Sauvignon, femininity and elegance from Merlot, aromatic complexity and additional structure from Cabernet Franc and juiciness and color from Malbec. Violet and plum notes dominate the smooth palate. 2007 Audelssa Winery Reserve Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2007 Reserve Cabernet offers great concentration without sacrificing nuance and refinement. This is an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, with notes of plum, cherry and mocha framed by well-integrated cedar and French oak. Meticulous hand-sorting ensures silky tannins and structure for cellaring. This Reserve Cabernet was sourced from estate vines high atop the western slopes of Mt. Veeder and was aged in winemaker Erich Bradley’s finest 18 barrels. This most classic of Audelssa Cabernets presents a decade of cellaring opportunity.
blackbird vineyards Beginning in 1999, the Blackbird vineyard quietly provided Merlot fruit to many of Napa Valley’s finest winemakers. Purchased by Michael Polenske in 2003, Blackbird Vineyards is now an ultra premium label in its own right. Meticulous vineyard care—both at the 10-acre estate vineyard and at comparable vineyards nearby—and meticulous winemaking give Blackbird Vineyards’ Pomerol-inspired proprietary wines their world-class richness, complexity and style. About the Wine 2010 Blackbird Vineyards Arriviste Napa Valley Rosé
The 2010 Arriviste is a seductive, salmon-pink-colored rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The pink juice was drawn off the skins soon after crushing and cold-fermented for six weeks, resulting in vibrant aromas and flavors of red cherry, strawberry and peach.
Canihan Family Cellars Canihan Family Cellars produces award-winning Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Franc from certified organic, dry-farmed estate vineyards in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. Situated on the border of the Carneros appellation, these vineyards receive cool evening breezes and frequent fog from San Francisco Bay that provide ideal conditions for these grape varieties. Limiting vineyard yields, harvesting at optimum ripeness, fermenting with native yeast, barrel aging in small oak barrels and bottling without fining or filtering produces flavorful wines that express the estate vineyards’ distinctive terroir. Befitting the care with which they are produced, every release of Canihan Family Cellars and “Exuberance”—its reserve label—is a limited edition.
On the Occasion of the Sun Valley Center’s 40th Anniversary, the Sun Valley Gallery Association Honors Glenn Janss, Idaho’s First Lady of Culture and the Founder of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts. SUN VALLEY GALLERY ASSOCIATION
SVGA MEMBER GALLERIES Broschofsky Gallery
Gallery DeNovo
Frederic Boloix Fine Arts
Gilman contemporary
Friesen Gallery
Kneeland Gallery
www.brogallery.com
www.boloix.com
208.726.4950
208.726.8810
www.friesengallery.com
Gail Severn Gallery
www.gilmancontemporary.com 208.726.7585
208.726.4174
www.gailseverngallery.com
www.gallerydenovo.com 208.726.8180
208.726.5079
www.kneelandgallery.com 208.726.5512
Sun Valley Center for the Arts
www.sunvalleycenter.org 208.726.9491
www.svgalleries.org PO Box 1241, Sun Valley, id 83353
SVGA galleries are open daily including weekends. Check individual gallery websites for hours. For more information about our member galleries, visit us online or pick up the free SVGA Gallery Guide in locations all over town.
About the Wines 2006 Canihan Family Cellars “Exuberance” Sonoma Valley Syrah
An engaging and elegant Syrah. Bright red and black fruit aromas, accented by hints of meat and peppercorn, lead to similarly expressive flavors. Silky, generous and balanced on the palate, this stylish Syrah received a Gold Medal at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. 2007 Canihan Family Cellars Estate Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir
This 2007 Estate Pinot Noir is the fourth vintage from the family’s Sonoma Valley estate vineyard. A blend of Dijon, Wädenswil, Pommard, Masson, and Swan clones, it melds well-defined black cherry fruit with earth, graham cracker and cocoa complexity.
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Audacious, creative and hedonistic, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte reflects the man whose name it proudly bears. In just 35 years, this Champagne house has grown from a single vineyard near Reims into one of Champagne’s largest and most successful producers, with sales of more than nine million bottles. Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte draws grapes exclusively from Premier Cru and Grand Cru Champagne vineyards and all its cuvées—from the Brut Blue Label to the Palmes d’Or Grand Cuvée—are remarkable expressions of the region’s unique terroir. About the Wine Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Blue Label
This quintessential cuvée from Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte unites fruit, power, balance and inimitable Champagne style. Crafted from carefully selected grapes from top vineyards in the Champagne region, this non-vintage Brut is pale straw-gold in appearance, crystal clear and brilliant, with a lively ribbon of delicate bubbles. Initially subtle on the nose, it evolves to offer aromas and flavors of fresh fruit, including apple, pear and peach. The palate is smooth and elegant and leads to a crisp, refreshing finish.
Charles Krug Winery In 1861, Charles Krug established one of the earliest wineries in the Napa Valley. Since purchasing the winery in 1943, the Peter Mondavi Sr. family has preserved its traditions and historic buildings for four generations and enhanced production through state-of-the-art winemaking techniques. With grapes from 850 acres of estate vineyards, Charles Krug Winery is proud to make some of the Napa Valley’s finest wines. Please join us in celebrating the winery’s 150-year heritage. About the Wine 2008 Family Reserve Generations Napa Valley Red Wine
The Peter Mondavi Family Generations Napa Valley Red Wine is a tribute to family tradition and commitment to quality. This vintage—56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot— opens with black fruit, roasted chestnuts and brown sugar aromas. Flavors of candied cherries, blackberry and underlying cocoa and mineral extend through the rich, round, persistent finish.
David Arthur Vineyards Located high on Pritchard Hill on the eastern side of the Napa Valley, David Arthur Vineyards represents the dedication of three generations of the Long family, who began planting the 21 acres of estate vineyards in 1978 and established the label in 1985. Today David Arthur handcrafts three extraordinary, terroir-driven reds from estate-grown grapes: Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, its “best of the best” Elevation 1147 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and its “super Tuscan”–inspired Meritaggio Napa Valley Red Wine. In addition, David Arthur Vineyards produces impressive Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from select vineyards in Yountville and the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, respectively. About the Wines 2008 David Arthur Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
A classic blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon that includes both barrel fermented and stainless steel fermented lots, the fresh, forward 2008 David Arthur Sauvignon Blanc offers vibrant citrus and white peach character, accented by restrained mineral undertones.
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330 Walnut Avenue, Ketchum, ID 83340 - 110 Lindsay Circle, Ketchum, ID 83340 Phone 208 726 7088 - www.arsunvalley.com - rob@arsunvalley.com
2007 David Arthur Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay
This cool-climate Chardonnay displays apple and citrus aromas and flavors that extend into the long finish. Fermentation and aging in new French oak imparts subtle notes of roasted chestnut and caramel. 2007 David Arthur Vineyards Meritaggio Napa Valley Red Wine
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that has been aged in French oak barrels for 22 months, the 2007 Meritaggio highlights lush cherry, plum and spice aromas and flavors, along with a splash of toasty oak complexity. 2006 David Arthur Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Wild blackberry, cassis and cherry character are followed by subtle hazelnut, vanilla and coffee complexity in this structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Still very youthful, with the potential to age and evolve for 10–15 years.
Elkhorn Ridge Vineyards & Winery Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s premier wine grape region, Elkhorn Ridge Vineyards & Winery is dedicated to growing outstanding Pinot Noir grapes and producing exceptional Pinot Noir wines. Beginning in 2000, Elkhorn Ridge Vineyards & Winery established 21 acres of estate vineyard near Monmouth, Oregon, utilizing several different rootstocks in combination with a range of Pommard and Dijon clones. Very close vine spacing and dry farming limit vine yields, but produce grapes of outstanding quality. Elkhorn Ridge winemaking focuses on retaining the grapes’ inimitable character and enhancing complexity through judicious aging in small oak barrels. Elkhorn Ridge wines—all estate grown and estate bottled—are by design limited editions, with most releases produced in quantities of fewer than 500 cases. About the Wines 2008 Elkhorn Ridge Vineyards & Winery “777” Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Produced with the Dijon “777” clone of Pinot Noir, this delicious Pinot Noir showcases generous black fruit character, subtle mineral and spice complexity and superb balance. Vibrant, full-bodied and forward, it is a fine example of Pinot Noir from the outstanding 2008 Willamette Valley vintage. 2008 Elkhorn Ridge Vineyards & Winery “Le Terre Foss” Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
A blend of four different Dijon clones and a Pommard clone, the 2008 “Le Terre Foss” exhibits sublime fruit complexity. Bold, layered red fruit aromas and flavors mingle with spice and earth notes in a wine both sophisticated and structured. While already drinking well, it promises to evolve beautifully with additional cellar time. 2009 Elkhorn Ridge Vineyards & Winery “Le Terre Foss” Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
A blend of four different Dijon clones and a Pommard clone, this new vintage of “Le Terre Foss” displays ripe, exuberant character. Its generous fruit and weight are enhanced by smoothness on the palate and bright acidity. Already drinking well, this Pinot Noir should gain additional complexity over the next two years.
Folie À Deux Winery: Trinchero Family Estates The passion at Folie à Deux Winery has always been to create wines that deliver a delightful experience when shared. Named for the French term meaning “shared fantasies,” these wines represent the fulfillment of a dream to create a beautiful dance of flavors and true varietal expression. Now a member of Trinchero Family Estates, Folie à Deux Winery offers a range of red and white wines. The majority of grapes selected for Folie à Deux wines come from the acclaimed vineyards of Napa Valley, Sonoma and Amador County, and each offers a superlative expression of California sunshine. Core grape varieties include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel. Recent appellation additions to the Folie à Deux Winery portfolio continues the winery’s tradition of innovation—a winery hallmark for nearly 30 years.
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Cox Communications is proud to support the Sun Valley Center for the Arts 30th anniversary wine auction and arts and culture in the Wood River Valley.
About the Wines 2009 Folie à Deux Winery Napa Valley Chardonnay
Sourced from vineyards in the coolest corners of Napa Valley, the 2009 Chardonnay combines barrel fermented and stainless steel fermented lots, both of which later were aged in small oak barrels for six months. Aromas of Fuji apple, peach and pineapple are complemented by zesty fruit flavors and nuances of coconut, vanilla and toasted oak. This delicious Napa Valley Chardonnay displays a round mid-palate, bright acidity and a crisp, clean finish. 2008 Folie à Deux Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Fermented utilizing the Délestage (“rack and return”) method and given extended maceration on the skins, this elegant Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 15 months in French and American oak barrels. It presents beautiful aromas of black cherry and cocoa. The palate is packed with freshly picked plum, raspberry and other ripe fruit flavors. Nicely integrated tannins result in a balanced, food-friendly wine that pairs easily with a range of flavorful dishes.
Landmark Vineyards Though established in 1974, Landmark Vineyards’ roots stretch all the way back to 1838, when John Deere invented the steel plow. In 1989, Deere’s great-great granddaughter, Damaris Deere Ford, asserted the family’s agricultural heritage by moving Landmark Vineyards from its original home in suburban Windsor to a spectacular piece of land in the Sonoma Valley, where she built a state-of-the-art, Mission-style winery. She soon created a partnership to run the winery with her son, Michael Deere Colhoun, and his wife, Mary, and together they have combined outstanding vineyard resources and a “less is more” winemaking philosophy to create wines that have earned rave reviews from wine pundits and wine enthusiasts alike. About the Wines 2008 Landmark Vineyards Overlook Chardonnay
Comprised of 22 separate vineyards and 36 individual lots, the 2008 Landmark Overlook Chardonnay was whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented and aged in French oak barrels for a total of 13 months. The wine exhibits integrated pear, apple, lemon and nutmeg character in a polished, balanced style. 2009 Landmark Steel Plow Sonoma Valley Syrah
This 2009 Syrah comes from an organically farmed Sonoma Valley vineyard. A forward nose of lavender and ripe stone fruits leads to mouthfilling flavors of brambleberry, cocoa and roasted meat. Intense yet smooth on the palate, with fine tannins showing in the lingering finish.
Martinelli Winery The Martinelli family has been growing grapes in the Russian River Valley since 1887. They remained strictly grape growers until 1973, when the family’s third generation decided to start a winery to harness the potential of their premium grapes. Two historic hop barns were converted into the Martinelli winemaking facility and tasting room that remain in use today. In recent years, Martinelli Winery has built a national reputation for producing exciting single-vineyard wines. Martinelli wines are handcrafted by winemaker Bryan Kvamme and consulting winemaker Helen Turley. About the Wines 2007 Martinelli Winery Lolita Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay
Situated near Forestville, the close-spaced vines of Lolita Ranch produce powerful Chardonnay. The 2007 Lolita Ranch Chardonnay shows impressive concentration, weight and complexity in its orange, peach and honeysuckle aromas and flavors. 2006 Martinelli Winery Three Sisters Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Three Sisters Vineyard is located very close to the Pacific Ocean, where the cool, very long growing season produces Chardonnay grapes of uncommon richness. Primarily barrel fermented with indigenous yeast, the 2006 Three Sisters Vineyard Chardonnay displays bold fruit and buttery complexity.
2007 Martinelli Winery Zio Tony Ranch Russian River Valley Syrah
From the highly regarded 2007 vintage, the 2007 Martinelli Zio Tony Ranch Syrah exhibits deep black fruit and generous smoke complexity. 2007 Martinelli Winery Lolita Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
A ripe, fruit-driven Pinot Noir, with potent berry, smoke and spice character and a hint of licorice in the background. Still youthfully firm, but drinkable as well. 2008 Martinelli Winery Moonshine Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
This closely planted vineyard yielded a big yet elegant Pinot Noir in 2008: a mélange of black and red fruit, baking spices and earth. The silky texture is classic Pinot Noir.
Mercer Estates Mercer Estates is a family-owned Washington State winery devoted to producing premium wines from the state’s top appellations. A partnership of the Mercer and Hogue families, Mercer Estates draws on exceptional estate vineyards in Yakima Valley and Horse Heaven Hills, plus 25 years of grape growing and winemaking experience, to produce wines that exceed expectations. Mercer Estates’ state-of-the-art production facility and tasting room is located in Prosser, Washington. About the Wines 2009 Mercer Estates Columbia Valley Pinot Gris
Fresh and fruit-driven, the 2009 Mercer Columbia Valley Pinot Gris combines fresh melon and peach character with subtle herb and orange zest notes. A delicious accompaniment to food—both sophisticated and refreshing. 2009 Mercer Estates Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Showcasing the cool climate character and purity of Yakima Valley fruit, the 2009 Mercer Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc displays aromas of ripe melon, peach and honeysuckle. Fresh peach and melon dominate the generous flavors, supported by minerality and lively acidity. 2008 Mercer Estates Columbia Valley Merlot
Pronounced aromas of cherry, kirshwasser and cassis are accented with hints of cocoa, vanilla and allspice. In the mouth, the 2008 Mercer Columbia Valley Merlot’s full-bodied, structured style emphasizes berry fruit and spice, augmented by moderate tannins and ripe, savory overtones. 2008 Mercer Estates Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2008 Mercer Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon’s cassis and ripe cherry aromas mingle with delicate oak, vanilla, earth and spice accents. Textured, full-bodied and long, the similarly endowed palate is supported by supple tannins and fresh acidity. Approachable and elegant now, it will age well, showing additional complexity as it evolves in the cellar.
Merry Edwards Winery Among California’s first woman winemakers, Merry Edwards began her career at Mount Eden Vineyards in 1974, became founding winemaker at Matanzas Creek in 1977 and served as consulting enologist for several wineries in California and Oregon before establishing her namesake winery in 1997. Merry Edwards Winery focuses on producing Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast that express a sense of place, and today Merry and her husband, Ken Coopersmith, manage five estate vineyards and maintain collaborative relationships with several more. In 2008, Merry Edwards Winery moved into a state-of-the-art winemaking facility tailored to the artisan production of single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc.
About the Wines 2010 Merry Edwards Winery Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Barrel fermented primarily in seasoned French oak and stirred frequently to suspend the yeast lees, this 2010 Sauvignon Blanc combines melon, tropical fruit and herb character, lush palate and a long, crisp finish. 2006 Merry Edwards Winery Meredith Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Five clones contribute to the complexity of this fine Pinot Noir. Elegant aromas and flavors of red fruit, spice, white chocolate and a suggestion of earth are seamlessly integrated, leading to a delicate finish.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski and his family in the Stags Leap District, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars became among the first in a new generation of Napa Valley producers to gain international renown when its 1973 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon bested four top-ranked Bordeaux in the “Judgment of Paris” tasting of 1976. Winiarski continued the tradition of world-class wines established by that first Stag’s Leap Cabernet for more than 30 years, until he sold his beloved winery to a partnership of Chateau Ste. Michelle and Marchesi Antinori. Under the equally dedicated new owners, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars continues to produce classic Napa Valley appellation wines and extraordinary Napa Valley single-vineyard wines, including its coveted S.L.V. Fay Vineyard and Cask 23 Estate Cabernet Sauvignons. About the Wines 2008 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Karia Napa Valley Chardonnay
Drawing grapes from vineyards in the cool southern reaches of the Napa Valley, the 2008 Karia Chardonnay balances ripe fruit, understated oak spice, mouthfilling texture and refreshing acidity. Rich, elegant and complex, it is a delicious wine just hitting its stride. 2007 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
This fine Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Napa Valley vineyards farmed to Stag’s Leap’s rigorous standards. Aged for 18 months in small oak barrels and deftly blended with small amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot, the 2007 Artemis showcases red and black currant fruit together with generous cedar, herb and vanilla notes.
William Hill Winery William Hill crafts wines to tell the story of a different kind of Napa Valley: a Napa Valley “off the beaten path.” William Hill Winery wines embody the unique terroir of southern Napa—from its benchland estate to the world renowned cold-climate Chardonnay vineyards that dot the Silverado Trail. The William Hill Napa Valley Collection speaks to a felicitous marriage of climate and soil that translates into grapes of great character and intensity. The result is a collection of expressive wines that consistently deliver layer upon layer of exquisite fruit. William Hill Napa Valley Chardonnay comes from some of the world’s most prestigious Chardonnay vineyards in Carneros and other cool Napa Valley appellations. William Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot likewise are sourced from some of southern Napa’s finest vineyards. About the Wine 2008 William Hill Winery Napa Valley Chardonnay
Elegant aromas of white peach, pear, honeysuckle and vanilla hint at the depth of flavors in this luxurious Chardonnay. Full-bodied and rich, with notes of butter and brown spice, this 2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay finishes with refined acidity that underscores the intense fruit and vanilla.
Conditions of Purchase for auction lots 1. The Sun Valley Center Wine Auction (herein the "seller") reserves the right to refuse admission to or attendance at all Sun Valley Center Wine Auction events. 2. The auctioneer is the agent for the seller. 3. This catalog, as amended by addendum or oral announcements during the sale, constitutes the entire statement of seller with respect to the sale and the purchase of wines listed herein. 4. Seller does not warrant or represent, expressly denies responsibility for, and in no event shall be responsible or liable for, the accuracy or description of wines offered, or the correctness of the catalog, including, but not limited to: the origin, rarity, age, genuineness, or quantity. All statements by the seller are merely statements of opinion and are not to be relied upon by prospective purchasers as warranties or representations of fact. Prospective bidders, if so bidding, will be bidding only as a result of their own inspection and opinion. All wine is sold "AS IS." 5. All bids are per lot as set forth in the catalog, unless otherwise announced by the auctioneer. 6. A suggested minimum bid price has been established on all lots. Seller reserves the right to bid on his own behalf up to and including the minimum bid price. 7. No live auction bid shall be valid unless acknowledged by the auctioneer. At the fall of the hammer the highest acknowledged bidder shall be deemed to have purchased the lot and therein assumes full risk and responsibility. Purchaser warrants that he will then sign a confirmation of purchase and will pay the full purchase price herewith. 8. Should a dispute arise between bidders, or should the auctioneer doubt the validity of any bid, the auctioneer shall have the absolute right to resolve the dispute, re-offer, re-sell, or withdraw the lot in question. 9. Bids which are submitted to the seller in writing, or otherwise left with the seller prior to the sale for execution at or below a specified price, are entertained and executed by the seller for the convenience of the bidders, but the seller shall not be responsible for failing to execute such bids or for errors relating to the execution of such bids. 10. In accordance with IRS regulations, people who purchase items at a charity auction may claim a charitable contribution deduction for the excess of the purchase price paid for an item over its fair market value. The Sun Valley Center will provide information about the fair market value of any auction purchases when it acknowledges receipt of payment. 11. The silent auction bid closing will be announced. Silent bid increments are listed on bid sheets. 12. FULL PAYMENT MUST BE MADE AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE AUCTION WEEKEND BY THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER OF ALL LOTS. The person who signs for a paddle number is solely responsible for payment if their number is the winning bid. 13. All payment from the successful bidder must be in cash, certified or personal check, or by VISA, Discover, MasterCard or American Express. The Sun Valley Center is required by law to charge Idaho sales tax on the suggested opening bid of all lots, including purchases leaving Idaho. 13. Purchases must be picked up SATURDAY, JULY 24 between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, at Dollar Mountain Lodge, Sun Valley. Please bring copy of paid sales receipt. 14. All shipping arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the purchaser. 15. As a condition of and in consideration for participation in the Wine Auction, participants release the Sun Valley Center Wine Auction from any liability connected with the reproduction, adaptation, display, publication and distribution, in all media, of any video, photographs or other images taken of participants at the Wine Auction.
A
Abeja Cellars, 34 ad hoc, Chef Thomas Keller, 161 Adler Fels Winery, 115 Adventures Within Reach, 3 Andrea Restaurant, 42 Anomaly Vineyards, 161 Arch Cape Inn & Retreat, 167 Atkinsons’ Market, 21 Audelssa Winery, 6 Aveníu Brands, 150 Avventura Vintners-California Bubbleworks, 164
B
BACKROADS, 29 Bahamas, Eleuthera, 148 Barbuto, Chef Jonathan Waxman, 30 The Barcelona Taste, 36 Bardessono Inn, 29 Barnett Vineyards, 131 Barons V, 5 Barrique 33 Wine Tours, Claude Guigon, 9 Basel Cellars, 44 Benchmark Wine Group, 132 Tom Bentley and Rebecca Follo, 45 Bitner Vineyards, 146 Blackbird Vineyards, 29 Blanc, Chef Jean Luc Figueras, 36 Blue Ice Vodka, 51 Bodega Ferrer Bobet, 36 Bodega Oliver Conti, 36 Bodega Rimarts, 36 Chef Andrae Bopp, 26 Bottega, Chef Michael Chiarello, 50 Brick 29, Chef Dustan Bristol, 165
C
Cadaretta Wines, 111 Cakebread Cellars, 118 Calera Wine Company, 14, 163 Canihan Family Cellars, 112 Cardinale, 17 Brett and Stephen Carlson, Meta-Tination, 11 Carlton Winemakers Studio, 28 Casa Andina Private Collection, 3 Cavallo Point, The Lodge at the Golden Gate, 45 Chappellet Vineyard, 15, 126 Charles Krug Winery, 155 Château d’Yquem, 17 Checkerboard Vineyards, 27 CINDER, 165 CK’s Real Food, Chris and Rebecca Kastner, 34 Coiled Winery, 146 Colgin Cellars, 17 Col Solare, 21
Company of Fools, 48 CONSTANT–Diamond Mountain Vineyard, 20 Cornerstone Bar & Grill, Eric and Meg Vorm, 51 Corra Wines, 42 Côte Bonneville, 21 Cristina’s Restaurant & Bakery, Cristina Cook, 17 Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, 37
D
Dana Estates, 10, 17 David Arthur Vineyards, 25 Davis Creek Cellars, 146 Deborah’s Room, 160 DeLille Cellars, 21, 139 della Mano, Sarah Lipton and Taite Pearson, 41 Del Rio Vineyards & Winery, 156 Dolce, 16, 138 Domaine Drouhin, 28 Domaine Serene, 12, 28 Doubleback, 35 Dragonette Cellars, 153 Dry Creek Vineyard, 109 The Duck Blind, Nancy Andrus Duckhorn, 27 Duckhorn Vineyards, 33 Dundee Bistro, 28 Dunham Cellars, 34 Dunn Vineyards, 149 Marie Durflinger, 5
E
Eleuthera, Bahamas, 148 Elkhorn Ridge Vineyards & Winery, 104 Michael and Leslie Engl, 126, 137 Epicurean Wines, 108 Mark and Betty Ervin, 41, 138
F
FAILLA Wines, 24 Far Niente, 16 Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, 102 Flexjet, 39 Flowers Vineyard & Winery, 24 Flying Trout Wines, 125 Folie á Deux Winery, 158 Food Network, 30 Forgeron Cellars, 123 Fraser Vineyard, 105 Freeman Vineyard & Winery, 24 Freestone Vineyards, 24 Frenchman’s Gulch Winery, 147 Fresh Northwest Design, 21 Fujishin Family Cellars, 146
G
Gemstone Vineyard, 14 George IV Wines, 47 Glaetzer Wines, 108 David and Edyth Goodman, 148 Grace Family Vineyards, 132 Grassi Wine Company, 127 Greece, Kefalonia Island, 22 Grgich Hills Estate, 110
H
HALL Wines, 6 Halleck Vineyard, 140 Harris Estate Vineyards, 37 Hedges Family Estate, 5 Heitz Wine Cellars, 101 Alyssa and Brad Hershey, 51 Hirsch Vineyards, 24 Hotel Healdsburg, 18 Huston Vineyards, 165
I
Idaho Wine Commission, 146 Iron Chef America, 30
J
Joseph Phelps Vineyards, 31 JUST Inn, 160 JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, 160
K
Kaesler Vineyards & Winery, 108 Kefalonia Island, Greece, 22 Kenefick Ranch Winery, 169 Ketchum Fire Department, 152 Kitchak Cellars, 37 Chef Michael Kline, 44 Venetia Kontogouris and Zoran Djokic, 22 Kontos Cellars, 44 Kosta Browne Winery, 18
L
La Coye Vineyards, 5 Ladera Vineyards, 130 Lady Antebellum, 43 Lail Vineyards, 12 Lakeside at Wynn Las Vegas, 141 Landmark Vineyards, 6 Sam Lardner, 36 La Residence, 6 Robin Leavitt and Terry Friedlander, 17, 46 L’Ecole N° 41, 21 Leese-Fitch Winery, 142 Legaris, 150 Leonetti Cellar, 21
Le Rêve, 141 Lindstrom Wine, 42 Littorai Wines, 24 Lizzy’s Fresh Coffee, 117 The Loft of Bend, 35 Lostine Cattle Company, 21 Louis M. Martini, 128
M
Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley, 29 Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, 36 Mannina Cellars, 121 Marchesi di Barolo, 122 Martinelli Winery, 24 Mas Collet, 36 Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa, 36 Matthews Estate, 52 Mayacama Golf Club, 18, 24 Dave and Molly McGary, Wyoming Artifact, 23 Meadowood Napa Valley, 27 Mercer Estates, 168 Merry Edwards Winery, 4 Michael David Winery, 145 Montage Deer Valley, 39 Montage Laguna Beach, 13 Morgan Winery, 113 Mosaic Beverly Hills, 7 Mr. Riggs Wine Co., 108 Andrea Mugnaini, 20
N
Neiman Marcus, 45 Nell’s Restaurant, Chef Philip Mihalski, 5, 52 Newman’s at 988, Chef John Newman, 167 Nickel & Nickel, 16 Chris Nishiwaki, 52
O
Gray Ottley, 51 Ovid Napa Valley, 27 Oxford Hotel, 35
P
Pacific Standard Time, 7 Pamplin Family Winery, 167 Paradigm Winery, 129 Parry Cellars, 151 Patz & Hall, 24 Peay Vineyards, 24 Pelican Hill Resort, 42 Pier 24, 45 Ponzi Vineyards, 28 Pride Mountain Vineyards, 40 Tom and Sharon Pyle, 21
Q
Quilceda Creek Winery, 17, 21
T
Retour Wines, 28 David Reynolds and Colleen Buckley, 45 Ridge Vineyards, 49 Riedel, 103, 133, 166 Ritz Carlton Destination Club, 45 Robert Foley Vineyards, 14 Peter and Jennifer Roberts, 17 Roederer Cristal, 17 Rombauer Vineyards, 135 Rose Pistola, 45 Rotunda Restaurant, 45 Rusack Vineyards, 136 Russell Creek Ranch, 26
10 Below Restaurant, 35 Tastevin Wine, Steve and Melissa Thies, 34 Tenor, 52 Tero Estates, 124 Terra Restaurant, 12 Tertulia Cellars, 44 Terzo, 45 Tesseron Congnac, 17 The Other Guys, 142 The Vines of Mendoza, 29 Jack and Gail Thornton, 17 Charles and Cynthia Tillinghast, 33, 144, 162 Tonnellerie Quintessence Bordeaux, 11 Barry and Marjorie Traub, 45 Trefethen Family Vineyards, 50 Trinchero Family Estates, 158 Trust Cellars, 34
S
V
R
Saddleback Cellars, 159 Salvestrin Winery, 114 San Francisco Ballet, 45 San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 45 San Francisco Opera, 45 Saxum Vineyards, 14 Scarecrow, 17, 27 Marc and Jane Schorr, 141 Schramsberg Vineyards, 1 Seven Hills Winery, 34 Shafer Vineyards, 2, 17 Silver Oak Cellars, 23, 137, 144 Sloan Estate, 17, 46, 134 Bob and Gail Smelick, 45 Snake River Winery, 116 SoHo House, 30 Sokol Blosser Winery, 157 Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, 8, 162 Spring Mountain Vineyard, 154 Spring Valley Vineyard, 143 Staglin Family Vineyard, 14 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, 38 Ste. Chapelle Winery, 146 STUDIO, 13 Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, 3 Sun Valley Company, 15, 19 Sun Valley Winter Artist Series, 48 Sun Valley Writers’ Conference, 48 Sweet Valley Wines, 44 Switch Steak at Encore, 141 SYZYGY, 34
Vale Wine Company, 119 Vallgorguina, Chef Carlos Piernas del Amor, 36 Va Piano Vineyards, 26 Vérité, 17 Vine Hill Ranch, 27
W
Waters Winery, 26, 34 Wente Vineyards, 120 West of West Festival, 24 Willamette Valley Vineyards, 106 Williamson Orchard and Vineyards, 146 Wine Country Access, Colby Smith, 37 Wine Wave, 122 Tim and Robin Wolff, 17 Benjamin Wood and Theresa Castellano-Wood, 17 Woodward Canyon Winery, 21 Wynn Encore Las Vegas, 141
Y
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 45 Young Guns Wine Society, 44
Z
ZD Wines, 107 All wineries listed in BOLD have principals or representatives attending the Wine Auction.
1 live lots
Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs, 2005
Opening Bid $1,200
Includes
Two 9-Liter Bottles Three 750ml Bottles Tour and Tasting for Four
Donor
Hugh Davies, Owner Schramsberg Vineyards Calistoga, California
Let’s get this party started in a big way! This mammoth Salmanazar of 2005 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs is classic bubbly— effervescent, elegant, toasty and exceptionally complex. One of these big bottles will go home with the high bidder, plus tonight a second chilled big bottle will be “uncorked” by Hugh Davies of Schramsberg Vineyards with a saber for the enjoyment of the winning bidder. In addition, in honor of the Sun Valley Center Wine Auction’s 30th anniversary, Schramsberg Vineyards has included in the lot a bottle each of 1981, 1991 and 2001 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, representative of the Wine Auction’s first three decades. The high bidder and three guests also are invited to visit Schramsberg Vineyards for a tour and tasting in its historic caves when next in the Napa Valley. Winery visit is to be scheduled for a date of mutual convenience.
Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical Collection
2 live lots
Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Stags Leap District
Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon ranks among Napa Valley’s modern classics. First produced in 1983 from carefully selected, low-yielding vineyard blocks sited on the rocky slopes surrounding the winery, it quickly became one of America’s most exciting wines. Today it is a difficult-to-find and coveted collectible, but one very much worth the search. Six bottles comprise this rare vertical collection of Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon: one each of 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. These wines received scores of 100, 95, 97, 97, 96 and NR (new release, not yet rated), respectively, from The Wine Advocate. A dizzying vertical collection not to be missed!
Opening Bid $1,000
Includes
Six 750ml Bottles
Donor
John and Barbara Shafer, Owners Shafer Vineyards Napa, California
3 live lots
Opening Bid $1,500
Includes
Seven-Day, Six-Night Trek Package for Two
Donors
Adventures Within Reach Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Inca Trail Adventure The Inca Trail from Cusco to the famed lost city of Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the world’s most scenic and awe-inspiring treks. Now two people will experience the adventure of the Inca Trail with this fully supported and guided seven-day, six-night trek package from Adventures Within Reach. This grand adventure will begin with a half-day group tour of historic Cusco, the Incan capital, and overnight accommodations at Casa Andina Private Collection, a beautifully renovated 18th century manor house located three blocks from Plaza de Armas. Next morning, travel by private car to the trailhead, from which you embark for four days of trekking on the Inca Trail. This ancient route takes visitors through spectacular landscapes as it rises high into the Andes, and the schedule allows opportunities to explore along the way. A bilingual guide will accompany your small group of trekkers, usually six to twelve guests, and everything—tent camping equipment, dining tent, food, cook, porters and even a private bathroom—is included for the three nights on the trail. After four days, you will arrive at Machu Picchu and the magnificent citadel Intipunku (“door of the sun”), from which a shuttle takes you to the small town of Aguas Calientes and the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, your luxurious accommodations for the night. The next day will be dedicated to exploring magnificent, mysterious Machu Picchu with your guide, including an optional climb of Wayna Picchu, the hill overlooking the site. Lunch this day is at Aguas Calientes, from which a mid-afternoon vista train takes you back to Cusco, with transfers back to Casa Andina Private Collection, your accommodations for the last night of this incredible journey. Trip must be arranged through Adventures Within Reach and is limited to specific departure dates. Flights, some meals (two breakfasts and two dinners), tips and gratuities, personal expenses (including airport taxes, visas, alcoholic beverages, etc.) and Cusco Visitor’s Ticket are not included. Trip is non-transferable.
Here’s to Being “30”
4 live lots
Merry Edwards Winery Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Merry’s "30," 2003
During the 2003 harvest, winemaker Merry Edwards reflected on her three decades of making wine and her passion for Pinot Noir. To celebrate the journey, she created a singular, spectacular, limited-production wine from grapes grown at some of Russian River Valley’s oldest vineyards—“30.” Three distinguished vineyards provided the grapes: Windsor Gardens, Olivet Lane and Quail Hill Ranch. The foundation of this wine was the best block of grapes harvested from the last vintage at Windsor Gardens. To this she added several barrels of Olivet Lane essence: intense wine from a tiny fraction collected overnight after removal of the free-run juice and just prior to pressing. Finally, she added a small Quail Hill component to complete the blend. A one-time production, “30” honors these venerable vineyards with a commemorative silk-screened label designed by a Sonoma County artist. Bold and dense, “30” possesses a dramatic, complex cherry profile with an accent of brown spice. A wine of tremendous potential to develop and age, this 300-case production epitomizes Merry Edwards’s dedication to creating age-worthy, enduring wines. It also is a tribute to three great vineyards, two of which—Windsor Gardens and the old Quail Hill planting at Lynmar Estate—have passed into history. An impressive piano—Salmanazar, Jeroboam, Double Magnum, Magnum and bottle, each individually signed by winemaker Merry Edwards, comprises the lot.
Opening Bid $3,000
Includes
One 9-Liter Bottle One 5-Liter Bottle One 3-Liter Bottle One 1.5-Liter Bottle One 750ml Bottle
Donor
Merry Edwards and Ken Coopersmith, Proprietors Merry Edwards Winery Sebastopol, California
5 live lots
New World versus Old World in Downtown Seattle Barons V
Opening Bid $2,000
Includes
Three 3-Liter Bottles Progressive Penthouse Dinner for Four
Donors
Gary McLean, Partner Barons V Woodinville, Washington Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges, Owners Hedges Family Estate Benton City, Washington Dale Bloomquist and Heidi Horowitz & Michael and Pamala Towers, Owners and Partners La Coye Vineyards Benton City, Washington Marie Durflinger
La Coye Vineyards Hedges Family Estate
It is wines of the New World (Red Mountain) versus wines of the Old World (Côte-Rôtie, and Left and Right Bank Bordeaux) during this progressive tasting and dinner for four at three penthouses in Belltown with views—the Space Needle, Elliot Bay, Queen Anne Hill, Mount Rainier and downtown Seattle—as awesome as the wines! Begin at a penthouse that features a rooftop deck in the sky, with hors d’oeuvres and a comparison tasting of Barons V Cabernet vs. Left Bank Bordeaux, hosted by Gary McLean and Marie Durflinger. It’s a short walk to the second penthouse. Here great views vie for attention with an extensive art glass collection from Pilchuck Glass School−affiliated artists, as La Coye Syrah challenges Côte-Rôtie, again accompanied by delicious hors d’oeuvres, this time hosted by Michael and Pamala Towers and Dale Bloomquist and Heidi Horowitz. Finally, guests and hosts gather at the incredible Manhattan-style penthouse of Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges to compare Hedges Family Estate Single Vineyard Merlot with Right Bank Bordeaux. The tasting is to be followed by a sumptuous fivecourse meal prepared by chef Philip Mihalski of Nell’s Restaurant and paired with wines from all three hosts, along with some special surprises that will make this night truly unforgettable. In preparation for the fun to come, the high bidder takes home three superb Double Magnums from the three featured producers: 2008 Barons V Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008 La Coye Vineyards Red Mountain Syrah and 2008 Hedges Family Estate Red Mountain Red Wine. All three grand formats are beautifully etched by the artists at Fresh Northwest Design. Evening is to be scheduled for a date convenient to all parties. Accommodations and transportation are not included.
A Tale of Two Valleys Separated by a few miles and the high ridge of the Mayacamas Mountains, the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley wine regions are a bit like siblings: similar, yet clearly individuals and occasionally competitive with one another. This generous package from HALL Wines, Landmark Vineyards and Audelssa Winery is an opportunity for two people to explore both regions. HALL Wines ranks among Napa Valley’s most ambitious wineries of the past decade, with two production facilities, 500 acres of prime vineyards and a portfolio of premium wines. The couple will experience HALL during a two-night stay at the luxurious La Residence near Napa with a special tour of HALL Rutherford— a handsome winery at Sacrashe Vineyard—and visit to the caves to taste HALL’s buzz-worthy wines.
6 live lots
Opening Bid $1,000
Includes
One 6-Liter Bottle One 3-Liter Bottle One 1.5-Liter Bottle Two Two-Night Stay Packages for Two Two Tours and Tastings for Two Lunch for Two
A few miles west in the Sonoma Valley, Landmark Vineyards makes superlative Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. The couple will be treated to a two-night stay at Landmark Vineyards’ picturesque winery near Kenwood, either in the elegant guest suite or in the lovely adjacent guest cottage. A bottle of Landmark Overlook Chardonnay will be waiting in the room for the couple to enjoy on arrival, and a VIP tour and tasting during their stay will add to their appreciation of this exciting producer. Just down the road from Landmark Vineyards, Audelssa Winery takes pride in being the home of extreme winemaking. The duo will learn about Audelssa Winery during a tour, tasting and lunch at the winery in Glen Ellen. Tonight the high bidder goes home with grand format bottles from all three wineries: an Imperial of 2008 HALL Wines Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a Magnum of 2005 Landmark Vineyards Lorenzo Vineyards Russian River Valley Chardonnay and a Double Magnum of 2008 Audelssa Winery Summit Estate Sonoma Valley Red Wine. Stays are to be scheduled in advance. La Residence stay is available Sunday through Thursday nights between November 1, 2011 and May 15, 2012 only. Transportation is not included.
DonorS
Dan Schaefer, Owner Audelssa Winery Glen Ellen, California Kathryn and Craig Hall, Proprietors HALL Wines St. Helena, California Mike and Mary Colhoun, Proprietors Landmark Vineyards Kenwood, California
7 live lots
Opening Bid $2,000
Includes
Three-Day, Four-Night Art Tour Package for Two
Donor
Sun Valley Center for the Arts
LA Art Tour The Sun Valley Center for the Arts has organized this Los Angeles Art Tour—scheduled for October 26 through October 30, 2011—to correspond with Pacific Standard Time—a celebration of the birth of the LA art scene being produced by more than 60 cultural institutions. We want you to come with us! Our small group will have accommodations for four nights at the Mosaic Beverly Hills, voted one of the World’s Best Hotels by Travel + Leisure magazine. During the day, we will be visiting Los Angeles’ top museums—the Getty, the Hammer, LA County Museum of Art and possibly the Museum of Contemporary Art—to see exhibits relating to PST. Many of these visits will include curator-led tours and studio visits with participating artists. In addition, our group will visit galleries, private collections and artist studios throughout Los Angeles to gain an appreciation of the region’s dynamic art community and get an inside look at the collections of some of LA’s most significant art patrons. Lot is for two people to participate in the tour. Transportation, breakfasts, and dinner on Wednesday and Saturday nights are not included.
Return Engagement
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Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery
Mary and Beth Novak are very excited to be back at the Sun Valley Center Wine Auction after a three-year absence and are likewise excited to return with exceptional wines and an exceptional dinner for the exclusive enjoyment of one lucky winner and friends!
Opening Bid $2,000
Includes
Five 1.5-Liter Bottles
The high bidder takes home a Magnum and a bottle each of Spottswoode Estate’s 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. All four vintages are highly regarded—the 2007 in particular garnered some spectacular press—and the high bidder can taste and enjoy the 750mls now while the Magnums rest in the cellar for future consumption. In addition, the high bidder takes home a Magnum and a bottle of 2010 Spottswoode Estate Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery also invites the winning bidder and up to five guests to Mary Novak’s home—the Spottswoode Estate— for an intimate dinner, either overlooking the vineyard or in the estate house, depending on the weather. This wonderful meal is to be paired with wines, both current and older, from the Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery cellar. If the high bidder prefers, this dinner can take place in his or her home here in Sun Valley, preferably when the snow on Bald Mountain is fresh and deep! Experience Spottswoode—both its wines and its people—at its best. Dinner is to be scheduled for a mutually agreeable date. Transportation and lodging are not included.
Five 750ml Bottles Dinner for Six
Donor
The Novak Family, Owners Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery St. Helena, California
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Opening Bid $8,000
Includes
Six-Night All-Inclusive Stay and Tour Package for Four
Donor
Barrique 33 Wine Tours, Claude Guigon
Best of Bordeaux Tour The beauty, history, culture, wines and food of Bordeaux are on the itinerary in this deluxe, all-inclusive, fully guided seven-day, six-night sojourn for four presented by Barrique 33 Wine Tours. French native Claude Guigon of Barrique 33 Wine Tours will be your host, chauffeur (in a very comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle) and translator for this incredible private tour of the best this legendary wine region has to offer. Claude will greet you on arrival at Merignac Airport in Bordeaux on day one. After lunch and stops at a chocolatier and bakery to get a taste for the region, it’s off to Château Pape-Clément, the first of many wine estates you will visit during the week. Last stop of the day will be a private château in the commune of St. Emilion, your “home away from home” for the week, featuring luxurious accommodations that include private baths. Day Two will be a time to get to know the neighborhood, first with a tour—both above ground and below ground—of the historic town of St. Emilion (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), then with a wine class at L’Ecole du Vin. Finish the day with a visit to Château Beau-Séjour Bécot to see the caves and taste some recent vintages. Day Three will be spent in Graves, the oldest of the wine producing communes on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. Estates like SmithHaut-Lafitte, Château La Louvière and Château Chevalier beckon, as does La Cave de Léognan, where you can arrange to have bottles of your favorite wine finds shipped home. On Day Four you will venture into the city of Bordeaux. Called “Le Petit Paris,” Bordeaux features spectacular 18th century architecture and wonderful cultural treasures, and you will explore both before completing the day with a visit to Château Haut-Brion, the spectacular First Growth winery. Day Five will begin with a visit to Blaye, your guide’s hometown. Here see the vineyards of the Côtes de Bourg, the village of Bayon and the historic Citadel, plus enjoy a warm croissant at the local
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boulangerie. Then board the ferry and cross the Gironde to access the Right Bank of Bordeaux, with visits to wine estates such as Château Branaire Decru in St. Julien, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Latour in Pauillac, and Château Margaux in Margaux. Day Six is devoted to Sauternes, home to the greatest dessert wines in the world. Discover the elements that make this wine unique during stops at estates such as Château Guiraud and Château Suduiraut, with time to explore this small town during lunch. There also will be an opportunity to snap a photograph at famed Château d’Yquem. You will get back to your home château in St. Emilion early to allow for lounging, shopping or independent sightseeing before dinner. Day Seven is the last day of the tour. You’ll set your own schedule— perhaps a leisurely breakfast, a visit to the farmers’ market, a bit of shopping or a drive through the vineyard—before Claude takes you to the airport, train station or car rental agency. About the dining during this tour—c'est magnifique! Host Claude Guigon knows the region well and—in addition to breakfasts at your château—he has selected many of its finest restaurants and bistros for you to enjoy during your visit, including Château Grand Barrail, Au Grill de L’etrier, La Mirande and L’Hostellerie de Plaisance. Enjoy six breakfasts, seven lunches and six dinners as part of this truly all-inclusive lot. Don't miss the chance to have this fabulous private tour of Bordeaux for four from Barrique 33 Wine Tours! Tour is to be scheduled in advance and some restrictions may apply. Châteaux mentioned are representative and subject to change. Transportation to and from Bordeaux is not included.
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Lotus Vineyard Getaway Dana Estates
Opening Bid $3,000
Includes
One 1.5-Liter Bottle Two-Night Stay for Four Culinary Class for Four Winery Tour for Four
Donor
Jae Chun, Vintner Dana Estates Rutherford, California
Perched on steep slopes overlooking the Napa Valley, Lotus Vineyard offers beauty and enlightenment worthy of the name. Four will experience Lotus Vineyard with this two-night stay at the Dana Estates’ luxurious guesthouse, situated at the base of the vineyard. The guesthouse is a wonderful spot from which to explore the Napa Valley and an even better spot to get away from it all! Dana Estates is dedicated to producing small lots of truly distinctive, world-class wines. “Dana” is a Sanskrit word meaning “the spirit of generosity.” Blending history and tradition with cutting-edge vineyard management, a new state-of-the-art winery and artisanal winemaking, Dana Estates strives to create exceptional wines for all those who appreciate the “generosity” of this special place. In the spirit of enlightenment, the stay includes a private tour of the fabulous Dana Estates winery, designed by architect Howard Backen, followed by a stroll through the Lee Family gardens to pick fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs. The artistry begins during a private, hands-on cooking class with chef Daniel Ha, who will instruct the group on how to prepare traditional dishes from Vietnam and Korea. The foursome’s culinary creations will be paired with exquisite Dana Estates wines made by winemaker Philippe Melka, as well as wines from the Lees’ private cellar. It promises to be an unforgettable, senses-expanding afternoon! Tonight the high bidder takes home a Magnum of 2006 Dana Estates Helms Vineyard Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Luscious and intense, it ranks among the top Napa Valley Cabernets of the 2006 vintage. Only 235 cases were produced; good luck finding another Magnum! Stay is to be scheduled for a date mutually convenient to all parties. Transportation is not included.
Art Barrel To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Wine Auction, the Sun Valley Center for the Arts invited artists to submit proposals for artwork made from wine barrels. Ten local artists were chosen to execute their proposals. The artists were free to deconstruct, reconstruct, paint or embellish their works as they saw fit, but were required to retain at least one barrel head and one barrel hoop in the finished work. On completion, the art barrels were exhibited throughout Sun Valley. The ten barrels are being sold during the Sun Valley Center Wine Auction weekend to raise money for The Center’s arts and cultural programs, with one selected to be auctioned off during the Sun Valley Center Wine Auction Gala. Fittingly, the barrel offered tonight portrays Sun Valley on a starry, moonlit night. The image, titled Meta-Tination, is an artistic re-imagining of decorative cookie tins. The recycled material was cut, reshaped and secured to the wine barrel to produce a contemporary collage/image. The barrel was created by brothers Brett and Stephen Carlson, who have been actively involved in the arts since childhood. Brett’s primary work is in the field of retirement planning (with a creative bias!) and Stephen owns Ozzie’s Shoes in downtown Ketchum. This fanciful art barrel promises to be a unique and wonderful addition to the high bidder’s art collection.
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Opening Bid $500
Includes
One Art Barrel
Donor
Tonnellerie Quintessence Bordeaux Sun Valley Center for the Arts
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Something for Everyone Domaine Serene Lail Vineyards
Opening Bid $2,000
Includes
Four 1.5-Liter Bottles Two Two-Night Stays for Four Dinner for Four Two Tours and Tastings for Four Wine Reception for Four Two Wine Club Memberships
Donors
Ken and Grace Evenstad, Proprietors Domaine Serene Dayton, Oregon The Lail Family, Owners Lail Vineyards Rutherford, California
Like Cabernet? Pinot Noir? Sauvignon Blanc? Chardonnay? Well, we’ve got them all for you—and more—right here! Domaine Serene and Lail Vineyards are your hosts for visits to the Willamette Valley and the Napa Valley that feature immersion (figuratively, of course!) in great wines and incomparable wine country hospitality. Grace and Ken Evenstad of Domaine Serene invite two couples for a two-night stay at their estate, which embraces 462 exquisite acres of Yamhill County in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. In addition to a tour of the winery and tasting of their award-winning wines, the Evenstads will host the foursome for a wine reception one evening. Plus each couple receives a one-year membership to Domaine Serene’s new Seasons Wine Club, to keep the fun going all year long. Moving south, fourth generation Napa Valley vintner Robin Lail and her husband, Jon, invite the two couples for a two-night sojourn at Mole Hill, their jewel box estate—and home to Lail Vineyards—on Howell Mountain in northern Napa Valley. A private winery visit and tasting hosted by Robin is included in the visit, as is dinner at Terra Restaurant, the highly acclaimed Asian fusion restaurant in St. Helena helmed by chef Hiro Sone. Of course, there must be something for the high bidder to take home this evening and it’s something really good: two Magnums of 2007 Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir by Domaine Serene, an alluring blend that garnered 95 points from The Wine Enthusiast, and two numbered Magnums of 2007 Mole Hill Cabernet Sauvignon by Lail Vineyards. Only 320 Magnums of this exciting Mole Hill wine were produced—by noted winemaker Philippe Melka—from the tiny three-acre vineyard on Howell Mountain, and demand has been strong at introductory parties across the country. Visits are to be scheduled in advance for mutually convenient dates. Transportation is not included.
A Day—and More—at the Beach Experience the paradise that is Laguna Beach, California, with this stay package at Montage Laguna Beach, one of the world’s great hotels. Perched on 30 gorgeous beachfront acres in the heart of Laguna Beach, Montage Laguna Beach offers an artful blend of comfort and elegance for the discerning traveler. Accommodations for this two-night stay for four (two couples) will be sumptuous ocean view guestrooms. As part of their stay, the couples will savor dinner— specifically, the Chef’s Tasting Menu with wine pairings—at STUDIO, where modern French cuisine mingles with California influences.
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Opening Bid $1,000
Includes
Two-Night Stay for Four Dinner for Four
Donor
Stay is to be scheduled in advance, is based on availability and is not valid on holidays, holiday weekends or during the months of July and August. Certificate is valid from September 6, 2011 through December 20, 2012.
Montage Laguna Beach
14 live lots
Opening Bid $800
Includes
Five 1.5-Liter Bottles Tasting for Four
Donors
Josh Jensen, Proprietor Calera Wine Company Hollister, California Michael and Carole Marks, Proprietors Gemstone Vineyard St. Helena, California Robert Foley, Owner and Winemaker Robert Foley Vineyards Angwin, California Justin Smith, Owner Saxum Vineyards Paso Robles, California Garen and Shari Staglin, Owners Staglin Family Vineyard Rutherford, California
Mucho Macho Magnums Magnums may be the perfect size for cellaring: big enough to allow extended cellaring and small enough to open without worrying too much about leftovers. The five mucho macho Magnums in this lot have fine aging potential, but most are already accessible. The 2008 Robert Foley Vineyards Napa Valley Claret is a ripe, polished and seductive beauty. The 2006 Gemstone Yountville Red Wine shows lush, muscular fruit. The 2006 Staglin Estate Salus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is firmly structured and impressively complex. The 2006 Saxum Booker Vineyard Paso Robles Syrah offers huge, heady aromas and flavors. The 2006 Calera Jensen Vineyard Mt. Harlan Pinot Noir captures the grape’s elegance, nuance and finesse. In addition, Gemstone invites the winning bidder and three guests (four total) to a private tasting at the Gemstone Vineyard House when next in the Napa Valley.
Chappellet Celebrates 30
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Chappellet Vineyard
Get ready for a 30th anniversary celebration with the Chappellets. The festivities start with the high bidder taking home a Jeroboam of 30-year-old Cabernet: specifically, 1981 Chappellet Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet, personally signed by Molly and Donn Chappellet. This vintage was on the vine when Glenn Janss held the first Sun Valley Center Wine Auction, and Molly and Donn were in attendance to support the event. A ripe, earthy wine crafted by Cathy Corison, this Cabernet shows graceful maturity in this grand format. Save it for a special occasion, but don’t wait another 30 years! Then Cyril and Blakesley Chappellet will host 20 guests at an extraordinary dinner on the banks of the Big Wood River in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Wear jeans, but know this won’t be a typical barbecue—it’s a wine dinner in the wilderness and the Chappellets are pulling out all the stops. It starts with hors d’oeuvres and Chenin Blanc, then moves to an elegant, candlelit dinner table where the Chappellets will serve a decadent meal and pour their award-winning wines, including some library wines from their cellar. As Cyril and Blakesley can’t cook and host such a dinner in the wilderness without help, Tim Silva has volunteered his team from the Sun Valley Lodge to provide world-class cooking and table service. Raise your paddle and bid high—after all, this is a wine and dinner combination 30 years in the making! Dinner to be scheduled in July of 2012 or a mutually agreeable date.
Opening Bid $3,500
Includes
One 5-Liter Bottle Dinner for Twenty
Donors
The Chappellet Family, Owners Chappellet Vineyard St. Helena, California Sun Valley Company
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Three of a Place Far Niente Nickel & Nickel
Opening Bid
Dolce
$1,000
Includes
Three 1.5-Liter Bottles Two Tours and Tastings for Four
Donor
The Nickel Family, Larry Maguire and Dirk Hampson, Partners Far Niente Nickel & Nickel Dolce Oakville, California
Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon, Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon and Dolce—the ultimate trio of Napa Valley wines! The winning bidder will take home glorious Magnums of 2008 Far Niente Estate Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Nickel & Nickel John C. Sullenger Vineyard Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon and 2000 Dolce Napa Valley Late Harvest Wine. On the high bidder’s next trip to the Napa Valley, he or she also is invited to enjoy tours and sit-down tastings for four at both Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel.
A Place at the Table— The 100-Point Wine Dinner Known locally as the ultimate party-givers, Benjamin Wood and Theresa Castellano-Wood will host an amazing, unique 100-point wine dinner for 10 at Snowy House, their beautiful seven-acre riverside estate just south of Ketchum. Scheduled for Thursday, August 25, 2011, this magical evening in the Castellano-Woods’ playful yet sophisticated “adult” Tree House will showcase wines that have received perfect 100-point scores from wine pundits like Robert M. Parker of The Wine Advocate. The evening will begin with a pre-dinner tasting of 100-point wines, followed by a fabulous multicourse wine dinner conceived and prepared by chef Cristina Cook of Cristina’s Restaurant & Bakery to complement even more of these fabulous “perfect” wines. More than 20 bottles of almost impossible to buy legendary 100-point wines will be served during the course of the evening, including 100-point vintages from Cristal, Cardinale, Colgin Cellars, Dana Estates, Scarecrow, Shafer Vineyards, Sloan Estate, Quilceda Creek, Vérité, Château d’Yquem and Tesseron Cognac. It promises to be an unforgettable evening of wine and food—but only for those with a place at the table!
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Opening Bid
Per Individual Seat $2,500
Includes
One Seat at the 100-Point Wine Dinner for Ten
Donors
Cardinale Christopher Carpenter, Winemaker Colgin Cellars Ann Colgin, Proprietor Dana Estates Jae Chun, Vintner Robin Leavitt and Terry Friedlander Peter and Jennifer Roberts
As noted, the 100-Point Wine Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, August 25, 2011. Seats for this dinner will be sold individually to bidders who keep their paddles high until they're one of the last ten in the air. (Feel free to buy more than one!)
Shafer Vineyards John and Barbara Shafer, Owners Sloan Estate Stuart Sloan, Owner Jack and Gail Thornton Vérité Pierre Seillan, Winemaker Tim and Robin Wolff Benjamin Wood and Theresa Castellano-Wood
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KB Pinot Retreat Kosta Browne Winery
Pinot Noir aficionados, this is your nirvana! Opening Bid $8,000
Includes
Three 3-Liter Bottles Three-Day Retreat Package for Six Three Mailing List Memberships
Donor
Dan Kosta, Michael Browne and Chris Costello, Founders Kosta Browne Winery Sebastopol, California
For nearly 15 years, Kosta Browne Winery has crafted intensely flavored wines from top California regions, including Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast and Santa Lucia Highlands. Dedication to quality has propelled the brand to success and recognition as the producer of some of the most sought-after New World Pinot Noirs. Now Kosta Browne Winery invites six guests to attend its exclusive Fourth Annual Kosta Browne Pinot Retreat in June 2012. Limited to just 80 attendees, this extraordinary three-day event includes food prepared and presented by an incredible line-up of acclaimed chefs. The 2011 event included Emeril Lagasse, Charlie Palmer, Dustin Valette, Kent Rathbun, Kevin Rathbun, John Ash and Gerard Nebesky. During this intimate wine and food experience, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment followed by a cooking demonstration presented by noted chef John Ash at Mayacama Golf Club or a round of “best ball” tournament-style golf at the Jack Nicklaus− designed Mayacama Golf Course; a vineyard tour and lunch at Keefer Ranch; a Pinot Noir blending seminar at Kosta Browne Winery; and a closing dinner at the home of KB founders Dan Kosta or Michael Browne. During the KB Pinot Retreat, the six can expect to be pampered during their stay at Hotel Healdsburg, Sonoma County’s premier luxury wine country lodging on Healdsburg’s historic plaza. A resort unto itself, Hotel Healdsburg offers deluxe accommodations, pool, full service spa, country gardens and Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen, all just steps from Healdsburg’s world-class shopping and dining and a short drive from the celebrated vineyards of Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys. To ease the pain of waiting for the KB Pinot Retreat, tonight the high bidder takes home three Double Magnums of Kosta Browne: one each of 2007 Kosta Browne Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, 2007 Kosta Browne Winery Amber Ridge Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and 2008 Kosta Browne Winery Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Each of these rare large format bottles—bottled only for charity auctions—is etched, signed by the partners and presented in a wood box. Also included are three mailing list memberships with introductory allocations for the 2011 fall and 2012 spring Kosta Browne Winery wine releases. KB Pinot Retreat transportation is not included.
Year Round Sun Valley Fun
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Experience a full year of Sun Valley fun with this one-of-a-kind package from the Sun Valley Company. Two will perfect their short games or get ready for a summer on the links with two hours of virtual golf play on the state-of-the-art golf simulator at the Sun Valley Clubhouse. It’s a great way to keep your game in shape, no matter how deep the snow is outside! Four will enjoy premier seating and a gourmet buffet dinner at a Sun Valley Summer Ice Show this season or next. World-famous champion skaters join the core skating cast for an entertaining evening of spins, flips, lifts and lutzes. Season runs July through early September. Two will experience the unique and exclusive (not sold to the public) Sun Valley All Seasons Pass that includes a full array of Sun Valley ski and golf offerings. Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, summer lift access and golf season passes make this the ticket to a full year of Sun Valley fun. Passes are valid winter 2011/2012 and summer 2012. We saved the best for last. For one exciting evening, two also will experience the world’s largest snowcat, THE BEAST, during nighttime grooming operations on Bald Mountain. Ride along with some of the country’s most seasoned grooming professionals as they perform the intricate dance to keep the slopes in pristine condition. A once-in-a-lifetime ride! Virtual golf and ice show reservations are offered on a spaceavailable basis.
Opening Bid $4,000
Includes
All Seasons Passes for Two Ride on THE BEAST for Two Virtual Golf for Two Ice Show Tickets and Dinner for Four
Donor
Sun Valley Company
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Cellarbration— Napa Valley Style CONSTANT-Diamond Mountain Vineyard
Opening Bid $1,500
Includes
Eight 1.5-Liter Bottles Three-Night Weekend Stay for Four Cooking Class for Four Tour and Tasting for Four Dinner for Four
Donors
Fred and Mary Constant, Proprietors CONSTANT-Diamond Mountain Vineyard Calistoga, California Andrea Mugnaini
Fred and Mary Constant invite four (two couples) for a loooooooooooong weekend of “cellarbration” at CONSTANTDiamond Mountain Vineyard, their little piece of heaven at the very top of Diamond Mountain. The couples will have a CONSTANT base camp at Monte Vista, CONSTANT’s beautifully restored 1890s guest farmhouse, for the three nights of their stay. On their Thursday arrival, Freddy will bring the foursome up to his place to enjoy cocktails and the amazing view overlooking the Napa Valley and Mount St. Helena. Early Friday morning, the couples will head down the mountain to the St. Helena Farmers’ Market with Mary to forage for provisions. They will peruse the selection and decide whether to have fresh fish, organic grass-fed beef or homegrown chicken for dinner, accompanied by whatever might be ripe and abundant in Mary’s own gardens and orchards. Mary will handle the cooking for a dinner that promises to be stellar. On Saturday, the group will be treated to a cooking class with Andrea Mugnaini, recognized as the expert on wood-fired cooking. Andrea will lead the group in a fun, interactive lesson that takes advantage of Napa’s bounty of fresh ingredients and the available wood-fired oven. The rest of the stay is unscheduled, and the foursome will be free to swim in the infinity pool, play tennis or bocce, pop down the hill to do some wine tasting, dine at one of Napa Valley’s great restaurants or just relax.
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Of course, no one will go thirsty during this weekend! Freddy will delve deep into the cave—where more than 15 vintages of CONSTANT-Diamond Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah quietly slumber—to select some choice vintages to enjoy, and he will also want to lead a tour of the CONSTANT vineyard, crush facility and especially the impressive barrel building, where a sampling of upcoming vintages may be in order. Plus, each couple will receive four Magnums of CONSTANTDiamond Mountain Vineyard wines as souvenirs of their stay: a vertical collection of 1995, 1996 and 1997 CONSTANT Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon (the winery’s first three vintages), plus a 2007 CONSTANT Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon, each personally signed by Fred and Mary Constant. Remember…what happens at CONSTANT stays at CONSTANT. After all, the sky is the limit when you’re cellarbrating at the top of the world. Stay package is to be scheduled for mutually agreeable dates prior to June 30, 2012. Transportation is not included.
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“Set the Hook” 17th Anniversary Collection
Opening Bid $7,000
Includes
Seven 6-Liter Bottles Dinner for Eight
Donors
Atkinsons’ Market Col Solare Côte Bonneville
For the 17th year, a collection of etched and hand-painted Imperials has been created exclusively for the Sun Valley Center Wine Auction. Designed by Sharon and Tom Pyle and based on artwork created by Ketchum/Sun Valley residents Jini Griffith and Karen McCall, the original art for the 2011 edition is titled “Set the Hook.” Sandcarved and hand-painted by the talented artists of Fresh Northwest Design of Gig Harbor, Washington, the bottles together create an image of Bald Mountain in the background and the Big Wood River in the foreground, with individual bottles featuring vignettes of Northwest river fish—trout, salmon and steelhead—and the flies used to catch them. Each of these Imperials of marvelous Northwest wine is a masterwork, both inside and out. This year’s lot includes the following wines:
DeLille Cellars L’Ecole N° 41
Col Solare Columbia Valley Red Wine, 2007
Leonetti Cellar
Côte Bonneville DeBrul Vineyard Yakima Valley Red Wine, 2007
Quilceda Creek Winery
DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Columbia Valley Red Wine, 2008
Woodward Canyon Winery
L’Ecole N° 41 Estate Perigee Seven Hills Vineyard Red Wine, 2008 Leonetti Cellar Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008 Quilceda Creek Winery Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 Woodward Canyon Winery Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 In addition, the winning bidder and seven guests are invited to a winemakers’ dinner at Col Solare. Dinner will be paired with wines from the participating wineries with courses prepared using organically produced seasonal produce from Woodward Canyon Winery’s garden and with one course prepared using Chris Figgins's grass-fed beef from Lostine Cattle Company. Col Solare winemaker Marcus Notaro and his fellow vintners (if available) will host. The Sun Valley Center for the Arts extends heartfelt thanks to Sharon and Tom Pyle, together with Atkinsons’ Market, for organizing and creating this lot for the past 16 years. Since 1995, this handsome lot has raised more than $465,000 to support the arts in the community.
Idyllic Greece Is there any place more idyllic than the Greek Isles? Apparently, the answer is no. These serene, scenic, sun-warmed, beach-ringed islands with their quaint, colorful villages can turn intense “Type A” personalities into blissed-out hedonists within hours. For those who need—or whose family thinks they need—some Greek Islands therapy, this lot is for you. Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian Sea and many consider it the most beautiful. On this island, near the town of Argostoli, two beachfront villas with room to accommodate eight can be yours for 10 glorious days. Relax and soak in the sun near the cliffside pools, take walks in the fragrant garden and savor breathtaking views of the blue Mediterranean. Nearby white sand beaches beckon, but there is plenty more to see and do on Kefalonia—from charming villages and natural wonders to visit, to great food and local wines to enjoy—and the villas’ owners can arrange for tours, a rental car and even a driver (at cost). The previous winning bidder on this lot may have said it best: “The villas are lovely, well appointed and comfortable. One can lounge by either villa’s pool and watch a beautiful sunset. We toured Kefalonia for 10 days and always discovered some place new to experience. If you have ever wanted to visit Greece, this is the perfect place.” This Greek island stay is to be scheduled for dates of mutual convenience, but the options are many, including the first ten days of August in either 2012 or 2013.
22 live lots
Opening Bid $8,000
Includes
Ten-Day Stay for Eight
Donor
Venetia Kontogouris and Zoran Djokic
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The Art of Wine Silver Oak Cellars
Opening Bid $3,000
Includes
Two 6-Liter Bottles Tour, Tasting and Lunch for Four Original Bronze Sculpture
DonorS
The Duncan Family, Proprietors Silver Oak Cellars Oakville, California Dave and Molly McGary
Experience harvest at Silver Oak! Owner Tim Duncan and winemaker Daniel Baron will start this harvest day by taking the high bidder and three guests behind the cellar door and into the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of harvest at its Oakville winery. Following the tour, winery chef Dominic Orsini will prepare a delicious lunch with seasonal ingredients, which will be paired with Silver Oak and Twomey wines. In honor of the Wine Auction’s 30th anniversary, tonight the high bidder takes home a very rare Imperial of the 1981 Silver Oak Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that has been handsomely etched and hand-painted with the Sun Valley Center for the Arts Wine Auction 30th anniversary artwork. As a memento of the harvest day spent at Silver Oak Cellars and to bookend 30 years, in the spring of 2016 he or she will receive another Imperial: a 2011 Silver Oak Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, the high bidder receives an original bronze sculpture by renowned sculptor Dave McGary, whose works on Native American themes are exhibited in museum collections throughout the United States, including the Smithsonian, the Gene Autry Museum and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. The piece offered here, Wyoming Artifact—cast using the “lost wax method” and hand-painted—captures the spirit of the Old West.
Ultimate West of West Festival Package In August 2012 the West of West (WOW) Festival celebrates the great Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays of the western Sonoma Coast, and four will be in on the action with this ultimate WOW Festival package.
24 live lots
Opening Bid $3,500
Includes
Tonight the high bidder goes home with the following 18 rare Magnums of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from some of Sonoma County’s top producers, each one personally autographed by the winemaker: 2007 Martinelli Charles Ranch Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2008 Martinelli Zio Tony Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2007 Hirsch San Andreas Fault Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2009 Hirsch San Andreas Fault Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2007 Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2007 Patz & Hall Gaps Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006 Freestone Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008 Freestone Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2008 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008 Freeman Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2007 Flowers Estate Camp Meeting Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2007 Flowers Estate Frances Thompson Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2009 FAILLA Estate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2009 FAILLA Pearlessence Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2009 Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2009 Littorai The Pivot Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2009 Peay Estate Scallop Shelf Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2009 Peay Pomarium Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Later, the high bidder’s party of four (two couples) will enjoy VIP treatment at the 2012 West of West Festival. Accommodations for three nights will be at Martinelli Winery’s lovely guesthouse in the beautiful Russian River Valley. Event passes will enable the group to attend the many WOW events, including seminars, the Grand Tasting, open houses and even the Whole Pig Feast. Plus, the group will enjoy private tours and tastings at the nine donor wineries, most of which are closed to the public. Last but not least, the foursome will be hosted for a round of golf and lunch at the Mayacama Golf Club by Ehren Jordan of FAILLA Wines. WOW indeed! Transportation is not included.
Eighteen 1.5-Liter Bottles Three-Night West of West Festival Stay Package for Four Nine Tours and Tastings for Four Golf and Lunch for Four
Donors
Ehren Jordan, Owner FAILLA Wines St. Helena, California Walt and Joan Flowers, Owners Flowers Vineyard & Winery Cazadero, California Ken and Akiko Freeman, Owners Freeman Vineyard & Winery Sebastopol, California The Joseph Phelps Family, Owners Freestone Vineyards Freestone, California Jasmine Hirsch, Owner Hirsch Vineyards Cazadero, California Ted and Heidi Lemon, Owners Littorai Wines Sebastopol, California Regina Martinelli, Owner Martinelli Winery Windsor, California Donald Patz, James Hall, Anne Moses and Heather Patz, Partners Patz & Hall Sonoma, California Andy Peay, Owner Peay Vineyards Cloverdale, California
25 live lots
David Arthur Vineyards Elevation 1147 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Opening Bid $1,000
Includes
One 6-Liter Bottle
Donor
The Long Family, Owners David Arthur Vineyards Rutherford, California
Three generations of the Long family have planted and tended David Arthur Vineyards, 21 prime acres situated high on Pritchard Hill overlooking the Napa Valley. In recent years, David Arthur Elevation 1147 Red Wine has become one of the Napa Valley’s elite Cabernet Sauvignon−based wines. Concentrated, expansive and elegant, the 2008 David Arthur Elevation 1147 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is just beginning to evolve. It is offered here in a beautifully etched and hand-painted Imperial.
Walla Walla Wine Weekend Va Piano Vineyards and Waters Winery have joined forces to create a Walla Walla wine weekend (say that three times fast!) for eight (four couples).
26 live lots
Opening Bid $2,500
The winning bidder and guests will stay at the gorgeous Russell Creek Ranch in Walla Walla. On one day, Va Piano Vineyards owner and winemaker Justin Wylie will guide the group on a tour of Walla Walla’s finest and oldest vineyards, punctuated by an al fresco lunch. A late afternoon visit to the Va Piano cellars is an opportunity to barrel taste and learn about Justin’s winemaking philosophy. The day ends with a wine pairing dinner at Va Piano Vineyards, prepared by local chef Andrae Bopp. On the second afternoon, Waters Winery will host the group for an estate vineyard and winery tour, to be followed by a vertical tasting of Waters’ standout Walla Walla Syrah. The afternoon concludes with a winemaker barbecue paired with library wines and Waters Winery Bordeaux-inspired 21 Grams. As a prequel to this Walla Walla wine weekend, the successful bidder takes home grand format bottles from both wineries: an etched Imperial of 2007 Va Piano Vineyards Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and an etched Double Magnum of 2005 Waters Winery Loess Walla Walla Syrah. Wine Weekend is to be scheduled for dates convenient to all parties. Event is to be completed by July 23, 2012.
Includes
One 6-Liter Bottle One 3-Liter Bottle Two-Night Stay for Eight One Tour, Tasting and Lunch for Eight One Tour and Tasting for Eight Two Winemaker Dinners for Eight
Donors
Justin Wylie, Owner and Winemaker Va Piano Vineyards Walla Walla, Washington Jamie Brown, Winemaker Waters Winery Walla Walla, Washington
27 live lots
Opening Bid $4,000
The Duck Blind Napa Valley Adventure Duck Blind may be something of a non sequitur for this lot, as no duck blind can equal the luxury of this Napa Valley adventure for four (two couples)!
Includes
Four 1.5-Liter Bottles Two-Night Stay for Four Two Spa Treatments Four Tours and Tastings for Four Lunch for Four
Donors
The Duck Blind Nancy Andrus Duckhorn Dennis O’Neil and Steph Martin, Owners Checkerboard Vineyards Calistoga, California Mark Nelson, Dana Johnson and Janet Pagano, Partners Ovid Napa Valley St. Helena, California Mimi DeBlasio and Bret Lopez, Proprietors Scarecrow Rutherford, California Bruce and Heather Phillips, Owners Vine Hill Ranch Oakville, California Meadowood Napa Valley
Accommodations for two nights will be at the wonderful, secluded Meadowood Napa Valley resort, one of the region’s premier hostelries. Nestled into a forested hillside, Meadowood Napa Valley offers world-class lodging, dining, sports and health facilities—including croquet lawns, an executive golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools and a full-service spa. Included in this stay will be two 60-minute spa treatments to pamper and soothe the body and spirit. The adventure will be a special day of wine touring hosted by Nancy Andrus Duckhorn that includes visits to the most sought-after new wine brands in the Napa Valley: Scarecrow, Ovid Napa Valley, VHR (Vine Hill Ranch) and Checkerboard Vineyards—none of which is open to the public. The successful bidder and his or her guests will meet the principals of each property and taste its current vintage. In addition, Dennis O’Neil and Steph Martin, owners of Checkerboard Vineyards, will host lunch for the foursome at their exquisite 300-acre ranch. To give the high bidder a head start on appreciating these exquisite Napa Valley wineries, he or she will take home a Magnum from each tonight: 2007 Checkerboard Vineyards Napa Valley Red Wine, 2008 VHR (Vine Hill Ranch) Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Ovid Napa Valley Red Wine and 2007 Scarecrow Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (100 points from The Wine Advocate and not released to the public in this size). Stay and wine tour are to be scheduled for mutually agreeable dates, Sunday through Thursday only, and some restrictions may apply. Valid through June 2012. No ducks were harmed in the making of this auction lot.
Oregon, Behind the Labels Domaine Serene and Retour Wines invite four (two couples) to go “behind the labels” during this Oregon wine country weekend adventure.
28 live lots
Opening Bid $2,000
Visit Oregon’s top wineries and meet the personalities behind each label during a four-day, three-night excursion into the best the Willamette Valley has to offer. Accommodations will be Domaine Serene’s handsome guest house, with sweeping vineyard views from every window. A case of Domaine Serene wine will be waiting in the house to be enjoyed during this stay, and Domaine Serene also will treat the couples to a helicopter tour of the Willamette Valley, a VIP winery tour and tasting and a catered lunch paired with library wines in its beautiful limestone cave. Retour Wines proprietor and sixth-generation Oregonian Lindsay Woodard will serve as guide during this stay, taking the group to the region’s top producers for private tours and tastings. Wineries and activities on the itinerary include a wine and cheese tasting at Domaine Drouhin, a tour and tasting at Ponzi Vineyards, a private tasting and lunch at the Carlton Winemakers Studio and dinner at the Ponzi family’s Dundee Bistro. She also will take the group on a “behind the scenes” tour and tasting at her own Retour Wines, and will follow it by preparing a multicourse dinner for them paired with vintages of Retour Pinot Noir, along with local gems from her private cellar. As just a taste of the fun to come, tonight the high bidder takes home an etched Magnum of 2008 Retour Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, personally signed by proprietor Lindsay Woodard, and a Magnum for each couple of 2007 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Stay package is to be scheduled for dates convenient to all parties. Transportation is not included.
Includes
Three 1.5-Liter Bottles Twelve 750ml Bottles Three-Night Stay for Four Helicopter Tour for Four Four Tours and Tastings for Four Two Lunches for Four Two Dinners for Four
Donors
Ken and Grace Evenstad, Proprietors Domaine Serene Dayton, Oregon Lindsay Woodard, Proprietor Retour Wines Carlton, Oregon
29 live lots
38° North and 32° South Blackbird Vineyards, The Vines of Mendoza and BACKROADS
Opening Bid $10,000
Includes
Three 3-Liter Bottles One 216-Liter (approximate) Barrel Two-Night Napa Valley Stay for Six Napa Valley Dinner for Six Five-Night Argentina Stay Package for Two Eight-Day, Seven-Night Patagonia Tour for Two
Donors
Michael Polenske, Owner Blackbird Vineyards Napa, California The Vines of Mendoza Mendoza, Argentina Liz and Tom Hale, Owners BACKROADS
Inspired by exclusive arrangements and rare wines from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, Blackbird Vineyards, Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley, Recuerdo Wines, The Vines of Mendoza and BACKROADS present an unprecedented opportunity to indulge in the best of Napa Valley and Argentina. Northern Hemisphere Blackbird Vineyards will welcome six (three couples) to the Napa Valley for experiences that will delight the senses. Enjoy two nights’ accommodations at the Bardessono Inn as well as an intimate dinner hosted by a Blackbird Vineyards principal at Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley, the acclaimed wine, art and design gallery in Yountville. To anticipate and later commemorate the experience, the high bidder takes home a three-bottle collection of hand-etched and signed Blackbird Vineyards Double Magnums from the exceptional 2006 vintage. Southern Hemisphere After the Napa Valley sojourn, the high bidder and a guest (one couple) will be welcomed to Mendoza, Argentina, one of the world’s most striking wine regions. Explore the Uco Valley—set against the towering Andes—with the co-founders of The Vines of Mendoza, the premier developer of privately owned vineyards in the region. This five-night stay at The Vines of Mendoza Resort & Spa, located amid 1,000 acres of vineyards, showcases the best of Argentine wine and cuisine. While at the winery estate, the high bidder will produce his or her own barrel of 2012 vintage red wine with internationally respected winemaker Santiago Achával of Achával-Ferrer fame. Who knows, the experience may inspire the winner to become an owner of his or her own private vineyard estate in Mendoza!
29 live lots
Next up, the couple will head further south to see spectacular Patagonia during an eight-day, seven-night all-inclusive walking/ hiking tour hosted by BACKROADS, the world’s #1 active travel company. The duo will hike beneath Mount Fitz Roy’s jagged granite spires to gorgeous Laguna de los Tres, seeing waterfalls and ancient forests (and doing a bit of wine tasting) during the first three days. The next two days will include an ice trek on Perito Moreno Glacier, a visit to Los Glaciares National Park and perhaps a bit of shopping or a cooking lesson. An unforgettable day of boating among the icebergs and fjords around Upsala Glacier with condors soaring overhead will be followed by a taste of gaucho life during a guided horseback ride across the pampas and a visit to colorful, intriguing Fossil Canyon. Accommodations are at luxurious private inns and virtually all meals are included. Northern Hemisphere experience is to be scheduled for mutually agreeable dates and completed by June 2012. Southern Hemisphere experience is to be scheduled for mutually agreeable dates and completed by December 2013 (resort to open by autumn 2012). Purchaser is responsible for the cost of shipping the Argentine wine from California to his or her home.
30 live lots
NYC Food Adventure
Opening Bid
New York City’s exciting restaurant and food scene offers adventure at every turn, so get your Indiana Jones on—fedora and whip are optional—for this NYC culinary adventure.
$3,000
Includes
Four-Night Stay for Four Audience Tickets for Four Chef's Table Dinner for Ten Dinner for Four Twelve 750ml Bottles Selection of Cookbooks, Logo Gear and Kitchen Utensils
Donors
Brooke Johnson, Food Network Jonathan Waxman, Chef and Owner Barbuto
On arrival in the Big Apple, the high bidder and guests (four; two couples total) will settle into their accommodations for four nights at one of NYC’s most exclusive and elegant hotels: SoHo House in Chelsea. A high point during their stay will be VIP tickets to a taping of the Food Network’s hugely successful show, Iron Chef America. The couples also will enjoy dinner at a New York restaurant owned and run by one of the renowned Iron Chefs, and on another night will savor a four course family dinner and wine pairing for ten (bring friends) at the chef's table located in the open kitchen at Barbuto, chef Jonathan Waxman’s American/ Italian restaurant in the West Village. To foster a bit of New York City food adventure before and after the trip, tonight the high bidder takes home a mixed case (12 bottles) of Food Network wine and a tote bag loaded with Food Network celebrity chef cookbooks, Food Network logo gear and kitchen utensils. Package is to be scheduled for 2012 during the Iron Chef America production season. Transportation is not included.
Insignia 30th Anniversary Experience
31 live lots
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
While 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the Sun Valley Center Wine Auction, 2003 marks the 30th vintage of Insignia, Joseph Phelps’ renowned flagship blend of red Bordeaux grape varieties first produced in 1974. To celebrate these 30th anniversaries, Phelps raids its cellar to offer a 2003 Insignia “30th Anniversary” piano collection—Imperial, Double Magnum, Magnum and bottle. Additionally, the winning bidder and three guests are invited to come to Joseph Phelps Vineyards in the Napa Valley to play “winemaker for a day,” blending the individual Insignia components to create their own unique—and likely spectacular—blend. Later that evening, they will enjoy a private dinner hosted by members of the Phelps family and members of the Phelps winemaking team including winemaker Ashley Hepworth—the perfect finish to an unforgettable Napa Valley experience. Winery visit is subject to a mutually agreed upon date. Travel and lodging are not included. Certificate for winery event expires August 2012.
Opening Bid $3,000
Includes
One 6-Liter Bottle One 3-Liter Bottle One 1.5-Liter Bottle One 750ml Bottle Winery Blending Day and Dinner for Four
Donor
The Phelps Family, Owners Joseph Phelps Vineyards St. Helena, California
32 live lots
Take Part for Art It’s time for everyone to raise their paddles high and “take part for art!” With this lot, we ask you to reflect on your own experiences with art, music, dance and literature and consider how they enrich your life. Now consider how important they are to a child’s development. Think beyond the enjoyment of paintings, performances and books, to the imagination it takes to invent something new, the openness it takes to communicate with people of differing perspectives and the creativity it will take to solve the problems facing the world today. The arts build these skills in us all. Raise your paddles now to donate directly to The Center’s educational outreach and scholarship programs and take home the satisfaction of knowing you gave thousands of children opportunities to be enriched by world class arts and cultural programs for another year.
Duckhorn Vineyards
33 live lots
Magnum Collection
In the late 1990s, Duckhorn Vineyards produced an impressive portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots, each different and each noteworthy. Now one lucky—and persistent—bidder takes home a remarkable collection of eight of these wines in Magnum from the 1998 vintage. Included is one Magnum each of:
Eight 1.5-Liter Bottles
1998 Duckhorn Vineyards Estate Grown Napa Valley Monitor Ledge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Charles and Cynthia Tillinghast
1998 Duckhorn Vineyards Estate Grown St. Helena Napa Valley Patzimaro Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Duckhorn Vineyards Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Three Palms Vineyard Merlot 1998 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Howell Mountain Merlot 1998 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 1998 Duckhorn Vineyards Estate Grown Napa Valley Merlot
Opening Bid $500
Includes Donor
34 live lots
Opening Bid $1,000
Includes
Six 1.5-Liter Bottles Dinner for Eight
Donors
Chris and Rebecca Kastner, CK’s Real Food Steve and Melissa Thies, Tastevin Wine
Wine and Dine For dining at its finest, join the Kastner family and their wonderful staff for the “Real Food” experience. CK’s Real Food is a relaxed eatery in Hailey that serves globally inspired local, organic, seasonal and sustainable fare. Now eight will enjoy just that at a fabulous feast paired with outstanding Walla Walla Valley wines selected and presented by Steve and Melissa Thies of Tastevin Wine. The successful bidder may choose to have this sure-to-be-memorable wine dinner either at his or her home in the Ketchum area or at CK’s Real Food in Hailey. The successful bidder will also receive a Magnum each of the following superb wines: 2007 Trust Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Abeja Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Waters Loess Vineyard Walla Walla Valley Syrah 2006 Dunham Columbia Valley Syrah 2007 SYZYGY Walla Walla Valley Syrah 2008 Seven Hills 7 Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Dinner is to be scheduled for a date of mutual convenience and is to be completed by July 30, 2012.
Football Fantasy Ski and Wine Experience
35 live lots
Doubleback
Enjoy a one-of-kind ski and wine experience with former NFL quarterback and owner of Doubleback, Drew Bledsoe, in beautiful Bend, Oregon. Three lucky couples will ski Mt. Bachelor for a day with Drew and Maura Bledsoe, and that evening enjoy a winemaker dinner at The Loft of Bend—a private social club in downtown Bend. Several vintages of Doubleback will be featured at the dinner, along with a surprise selection of wines from Drew and Maura’s private cellar. Stay in style for two nights at the Oxford Hotel, Bend’s luxurious boutique inn, and delight in a relaxing brunch Sunday morning at the 10 Below Restaurant to round out the weekend. To go home with the high bidder tonight is a six-pack of 2008 Doubleback Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This vintage is no longer available for sale, making it a super rare find. Ski and wine weekend to be scheduled for a mutually agreed upon date. Transportation is not included. Expires December 2012.
Opening Bid $4,000
Includes
Six 750ml Bottles Two-Night Stay for Six Winemaker Dinner for Six Brunch for Six Six Lift Tickets
Donor
Drew Bledsoe and Chris Figgins, Partners Doubleback Walla Walla, Washington
36 live lots
Opening Bid $5,000
Includes
Four 1.5-Liter Bottles Seven-Night Stay Package for Four
Donors
The Barcelona Taste Jean Luc Figueras, Chef Blanc Bodega Rimarts Bodega Oliver Conti Bodega Ferrer Bobet Sam Lardner Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa Mas Collet Carlos Piernas del Amor, Vallgorguina
Spain—Wine, Music and More! The beauty of Spain goes beyond the landscape; it can be found in the people, the architecture, the wine, the music, the food and just about every other facet of this dynamic country. Spain is like no other country on earth, and this seven-night stay package for four (two couples) will show why! This package takes the high bidder and guests to Barcelona, Empordà and Priorat. The three-night stay in Barcelona will be at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, which combines posh accommodations, world-class amenities and a convenient location on the fashionable Passeig de Gràcia. It also includes lunch or dinner for four at Blanc, the hotel’s contemporary brasserie, where chef Jean Luc Figueras blends Mediterranean and Catalonian influences in his creative dishes. Food pleasures are everywhere, and The Barcelona Taste will treat the foursome to a gastronomical tour built around the travelers’ personal interests and tastes while sharing culinary anecdotes and revealing the history of Barcelona. Music is big in Barcelona as well, and musician Sam Lardner, who lives in Barcelona and whose group, Sam Lardner & Barcelona, has performed for the Sun Valley Center for the Arts and is doing so again during Wine Auction week, will guide the group on a tour of the local music scene, both during a daytime “underground” music-themed sightseeing tour and during an evening of “behind the scenes” visits to some of Barcelona’s musical hot spots. Next stop, Empordà—a mix of beautiful beaches, medieval villages, and rugged vineyards, orchards and cypress forests. Here accommodations for two nights will be at the Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa, which blends classical and contemporary architecture amid stunning views. This stay includes breakfast each morning, free spa access and free minibar. During this stay, the group will enjoy lunch at the Vallgorguina outpost of chef Carlos Piernas del Amor, and a tour and tasting at both wine and cava producer Bodega Rimarts in Sant Sadorni d’Anoia and at cutting-edge varietal producer Bodega Oliver Conti in Girona.
36 live lots
Last but not least, the couples will be treated to a two-night stay at exclusive Mas Collet in Priorat, the perfect place from which to explore this exciting wine region. Located in the charming town of Capcanes, this boutique wine-centric hotel is surrounded by the Serra de Llaberia mountains. During their stay, the couples will visit Bodega Ferrer Bobet, one of the top producers in Priorat and also one of the most architecturally stunning wineries in the world. To add a bit of Spain to the high bidder’s cellar before the trip, this lot also includes four Magnums from estates on the itinerary: two 2010 Bodega Rimarts Brut Nature Gran Reserva Cava and two 2007 Bodega Ferrer Bobet Priorat Seleccio Especial Red Wine. Trip and its elements are to be booked in advance, and some restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Transportation is not included.
37 live lots
Napa Valley Wine and Food Weekend
Opening Bid
A fabulous Napa Valley weekend of wine and food is in store for the four (two couples) lucky enough to partake in this tasty package.
$2,000
Includes
Two 1.5-Liter Bottles Two-Night Stay for Four Cooking Class for Four Lunch for Four Two Wine Tastings for Four
Donors
Michael and Treva Harris, Owners and Vintners Harris Estate Vineyards Calistoga, California Colby Smith Wine Country Access
Harris Estate Vineyards, just north of Calistoga in beautiful, secluded Franz Valley, will host the couples at its exclusive vineyard guesthouse. Proprietors Michael and Treva Harris will be inviting the couples into their Howard Backen−designed home for lunch, accompanied by a selection of Harris Estate Cabernet Sauvignons made by noted winemaker Thomas Brown. During the weekend, the four will be treated to a full schedule of events coordinated by Wine Country Access concierge service. They will enjoy “A Taste of CIA Cook Books,” a five-hour class at the nearby Culinary Institute of America at Greystone featuring cuisines from the pages of the CIA’s popular books. A tasting at Kitchak Cellars (with the owners, if available) will also be on the schedule, as will a sommelier-guided sensory evaluation of Napa Valley wines. In anticipation of the fun to come, the high bidder tonight takes home two Magnums, a rare 2005 Harris Estate Jake’s Creek Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a Right Bank Bordeaux− inspired 2007 Kitchak Adagio Napa Valley Red Wine. Stay and activities are to be scheduled in advance and some restrictions may apply. Transportation is not included.
Grand and Glorious
38 live lots
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has a long, distinguished reputation as a producer of elite Napa Valley wines. Its heritage, historic vineyards and the high quality of its estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignons—Cask 23, S.L.V. and Fay—are justifiably a source of pride. The wines are crafted to express classic elegance, structure and ageability, and to reflect the place in which they are grown. Tonight the winning bidder takes home a staggering vertical of three impressive grand format bottles from the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars library. The Salmanazar of 1989 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V.-Fay Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (the only vintage of this designation produced), Double Magnum of 1990 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Jeroboam of 1991 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars FAY Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon invite side-by-side comparison.
Opening Bid $4,000
Includes
One 9-Liter Bottle One 5-Liter Bottle One 3-Liter Bottle Three-Day Stay for Four Tour and Tasting for Four Two Dinners for Four
Donor
There is more—much more! The winning bidder and three guests are invited to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars for a glorious weekend of wining and dining. Lodging for this three-night (Thursday through Sunday) stay will be the newly remodeled two-bedroom, two-bath Fay House, located at the vineyard of the same name. This is an exclusive opportunity to stay at this historic property—one not available to the public. During this visit, the foursome will be treated to a tour of the property and a private VIP tasting of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ new releases with winemaker Nicki Pruss, followed by an elegant dinner in the magnificent wine caves. The meal will be deliciously paired with a selection of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars wines, including older vintages drawn from the wine library. On another night, the guests will dine at one of the top restaurants in Napa, where the menu will be complemented by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars wines. Stay package is to be scheduled for dates of mutual convenience. Transportation is not included.
Nicki Pruss, Winemaker Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Napa, California
39 live lots
Flying High in Park City This summer or winter Park City, Utah, travel package for four offers the ultimate in both travel and accommodations.
Opening Bid $15,000
Includes
Private Roundtrip Jet Travel for Four Two-Night Private Residence Stay for Four Spa Gift Card Two Days of Lift Tickets for Four (during Ski Season)
Donor Flexjet
Montage Deer Valley
Begin with private jet flights to and from Park City with Flexjet on a new model Learjet—the standout leader in its category for performance, technology, speed and design. Departure locations include Seattle metro, Portland metro, Sun Valley (or elsewhere in Idaho), San Francisco metro or Los Angeles metro (other cities within three-hour roundtrip radius by Flexjet approval only). Flexjet’s exceptional planes, exceptional pilots and exceptional customer service ensure an extraordinary travel experience. Then savor a two-night stay in a two-bedroom, three-bath private residence at the Montage Deer Valley, Park City’s most luxurious ski resort. This ski-in/ski-out home away from home includes gas fireplaces, private furnished balconies overlooking the slopes, soaking tubs and a gourmet kitchen. Deer Valley has been ranked North America’s #1 ski resort by SKI Magazine for four consecutive years. Set in a mid-mountain location near Empire Pass, the resort boasts three high-speed chair lifts located adjacent to its front door. So walk outside, step into your boots and skis (pre-warmed/waxed by the resort’s ski valet, of course) and tackle Deer Valley’s legendary powder. To relax after a day on the slopes, the stay includes a $300 gift card to the acclaimed Montage Spa, to be redeemed for the spa treatments of the couples’ choice. Should stay dates fall outside ski season, this package won't include lift tickets, but the foursome will be able to enjoy hiking and biking outside their doors. Flights and stay are to be booked in advance and some restrictions and limitations may apply.
40
Mountain Grown
live lots
Pride Mountain Vineyards
Talk about starting at the top—Pride Mountain Vineyards grows and makes wine at the summit of the Mayacamas Mountains, where Napa and Sonoma counties meet. This year Pride Mountain Vineyards celebrates the 20th vintage since its founding by Jim and Carolyn Pride, and its success shows that starting at the top was only the beginning. With its wines served at the White House more than 25 times, one of the few California wineries chosen for Robert Parker’s book, The World’s Greatest Wine Estates, and with six appearances on Wine Spectator’s annual “Top 100” list, Pride Mountain Vineyards belongs in every collector’s cellar. This Pride Mountain Vineyards collection is designed to become the centerpiece of the high bidder’s cellar. In addition to large format bottles of its flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it includes a portfolio of “mailing list only” Reserve and Vintner Select wines, all from the outstanding 2007 vintage. The collection includes:
Opening Bid $1,500
Includes
One 5-Liter Bottle One 3-Liter Bottle One 1.5-Liter Bottle Twelve 750ml Bottles
One Jeroboam of: 2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Napa/Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon One Double Magnum of: 2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot (Pride’s most recent “Top 100” wine) One Magnum of: 2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Sonoma County Cabernet Franc And three bottles each of: 2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Napa Valley Claret 2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Vintner Select Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Pride Mountain Vineyards Vintner Select Sonoma County Merlot All three large formats are signed by Steve Pride, Suzanne Pride Bryan and winemaker Sally Johnson. The Reserve and Vintner Select sets are presented in handsome branded wood boxes and also are signed.
Donor
The Pride Family, Owners Pride Mountain Vineyards St. Helena, California
41 live lots
Opening Bid $1,500
Includes
Dinner for Eight
Donors
Sarah Lipton and Taite Pearson, Partners della Mano Mark Ervin
A Taste of Italy Enjoy a spectacular private dinner for eight at Ketchum’s newest dining sensation, della Mano. Be prepared for a gastronomic tour of Italy—from Venice and Milan in the north, through Tuscany and Rome, to the “heel of the boot” and Sicily in the south—during this fabulous feast. The modern Italian farmhouse environs of della Mano will be exclusively turned over to the eight guests for the evening. Chef partners Sarah Lipton and Taite Pearson will prepare an elaborate five-course gourmet dinner showcasing their culinary artistry. They will create an authentic Italian dining experience especially for the lucky bidder’s party, one enhanced by the finest in seasonal, sustainable, locally procured ingredients. Professional wine consultant Mark Ervin will complement this grand evening by orchestrating wine pairings from throughout Italy. These carefully cellared treasures will be selected to match della Mano’s extraordinary menu. Enjoy vintage-dated Prosecco on arrival, followed by Barolo from Giacomo Conterno, Angelo Gaja, single-vineyard Barbaresco in Magnum, Fausto Maculan Dolce and other gems during dinner. Finish with Italy’s greatest digestivos—a selection of Jacopo Poli’s exquisite handcrafted Grappas, each served from a hand-blown Murano glass decanter. A Taste of Italy is for eight people and is to be scheduled for a Monday or Tuesday evening, when della Mano can be given over entirely to the winning bidder. Availability must be confirmed at least two weeks in advance for a date of mutual convenience between August 2011 and July 2012.
Two of a Kind
42 live lots
Lindstrom Wine Corra Wines
Noted winemaker Celia Welch unifies Lindstrom Wine and Corra Wines; she is winemaker of the former and proprietor of the latter. Lindstrom Wine and Corra Wines also share an affinity for top Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards and a dedication to making really, really fine wines. This lot begins with Magnums from both: a Magnum each of 2008 Lindstrom Wine Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 Lindstrom Wine Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (just 150 cases produced and completely sold out), plus a Magnum of 2008 Corra Wines Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (one of just 60 produced).
Opening Bid $2,000
Includes
Three 1.5-Liter Bottles Two-Night Stay for Two Two Spa Treatments Round of Golf for Two Dinner for Two
The high bidder and a guest also will enjoy a two-night stay at the award-winning Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, California, courtesy of Lindstrom Wine. Condé Nast Traveler recently named Pelican Hill Resort as the #2 resort in America. This weekend stay in a two-bedroom bungalow includes two spa treatments and a round of golf for two at one of the Tom Fazio−designed championship golf courses. Greg and Carol Lindstrom also will host the couple for dinner at the resort’s acclaimed Andrea restaurant. Weekend stay is to be scheduled for a mutually convenient date. Transportation is not included.
Donors
Greg and Carol Lindstrom, Proprietors Lindstrom Wine Napa, California Celia Welch, Owner and Winemaker Corra Wines St. Helena, California
43 live lots
Opening Bid $1,000
Includes
Concert Package for Four
Donor
Anonymous
Lady Antebellum VIP Concert Package Four #1 hits on the country charts, five Grammy Awards, five Country Music Awards, double and triple platinum albums and sold-out concerts everywhere: Lady Antebellum is the hottest group in country music today. Four will be treated to a VIP Lady Antebellum experience in 2012, but only if one of them bids high and bids last on this fabulous concert package. The Lady Antebellum 2012 tour schedule has yet to be confirmed, but the high bidder can enjoy this package in any U.S. city of the tour— winner’s choice. The package includes prime seats to the concert, VIP backstage passes to meet Lady Antebellum (bring an autograph book and camera) and two nights' lodging in the concert city. A true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Concert tickets are subject to availability. Transportation is not included.
Young Guns . . . Bound for Glory Get these young guns before they become legends! Four young Washington State winemakers—Justin Basel, Ryan Raber, Cameron Kontos, Josh McDaniels – have joined forces to form the Young Guns Wine Society, dedicated to defining the next generation of wine. Together, they’ve hit the bull’s-eye with plenty of firepower. Tonight the high bidder takes home four Magnums produced by the Young Guns: 2007 Basel Cellars Merriment Estate Walla Walla Valley Red Wine, 2008 Sweet Valley Wines Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008 Kontos Cellars Walla Walla Valley Syrah and 2008 Tertulia Cellars Pepper Bridge Vineyard Walla Walla Valley Merlot. Each of these rare Magnums is signed by its respective Young Guns winemaker. Then eight (four couples) will experience the hospitality of the Young Guns during a two-night stay package at Basel Cellars Estate Resort in Walla Walla. Evoking the casual spirit of great lodges like Yosemite’s Ahwahnee Hotel and Mt. Hood’s Timberline Lodge, Basel Cellars Estate Resort is a truly luxurious experience. During their stay, the group will be treated to a private tour and barrel tasting at Basel Cellars hosted by winemaker Justin Basel, private tours and tastings at Kontos Cellars, Sweet Valley Wines and Tertulia Cellars hosted by winemakers Cameron Kontos, Josh McDaniels and Ryan Raber, respectively, and a private winemakers’ dinner featuring food created by chef Michael Kline (formerly of CreekTown) and wines from the Young Guns Wine Society. Stay is to be scheduled between November and April through 2014 and is subject to availability. Transportation is not included.
44 live lots
Opening Bid $2,000
Includes
Four 1.5-Liter Bottles Two-Night Stay for Eight Four Tours and Tastings for Eight Winemakers’ Dinner for Eight
Donor
Justin Basel, Ryan Raber, Cameron Kontos and Josh McDaniels, Winemakers Young Guns Wine Society Walla Walla, Washington
45 live lots
San Francisco Chic
Opening Bid
Beautiful, vibrant and stylish, San Francisco is everyone’s favorite city. Now four (two couples) will experience San Francisco at its chicest with this fabulous stay package.
$4,000
Includes
Six-Night Stay for Four Three Dinners for Four Day of Shopping and Lunch for Four Five Cultural Experiences for Four
Donors
Tom Bentley and Rebecca Follo Cavallo Point, The Lodge at the Golden Gate Neiman Marcus Pier 24 David Reynolds and Colleen Buckley San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Gary Garrels San Francisco Opera Bob and Gail Smelick Barry and Marjorie Traub
Accommodations for four nights will be at the Ritz Carlton Destination Club. Situated in downtown San Francisco, with the Financial District, Union Square, the famous cable cars and acclaimed dining just steps away, the Club offers lavish suites, top amenities and an attentive staff and concierge service. With so much to see and do during this stay, the couples will want the right clothes, and a shopping day at Neiman Marcus San Francisco, one of the city’s most fashionable stores, should do the trick. This day of shopping includes a $2,500 gift card for purchases, the services of a personal shopper and lunch at the store’s Rotunda Restaurant. San Francisco offers culture galore, and while the foursome may not be able to experience everything, it won’t be because they didn’t try! Included in this package are tickets to the San Francisco Ballet and a VIP backstage tour; tickets to the San Francisco Opera; a private tour at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (home to one of the top modern art collections in the United States) led by senior curator of painting and sculpture Gary Garrels; a private, curator-led tour of the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and a guided tour of Pier 24, San Francisco’s exciting new photography gallery. Our auctioneer David Reynolds and his wife, Colleen Buckley, will host the couples for dinner during their stay. Dave and Colleen are longtime San Francisco residents and know the city’s lively dining scene well, so expect an incredible feast. Two additional dinners are included (up to $400 at each location) at Rose Pistola, a stylish trattoria in North Beach, and Terzo, a casual yet elegant restaurant featuring a pan-Mediterranean menu.
45 live lots
Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco is Cavallo Point, a luxury lodge within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Set in an idyllic location at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge with spectacular views, expansive open space and an adjacent Michelin-star restaurant, this beautiful inn—named one of the “Top 10 New American Landmarks” by Travel + Leisure magazine— is a romantic getaway unlike any other. The two couples will experience Cavallo Point for themselves with a two-night stay in contemporary king junior suites with fireplaces (wonderful on a foggy night). Dates of stays and other lot elements are to be scheduled for mutual convenience and are subject to availability. Transportation is not included.
46 live lots
Ultimate Sloan Estate Collection Rutherford Proprietary Napa Valley Red Wine, 2000–2007
Opening Bid $3,000
Includes
Eight 750ml Bottles
Donor
Robin Leavitt and Terry Friedlander
Situated in the hills near Rutherford, Sloan Estate became one of the Napa Valley’s elite wineries almost overnight. Guided by proprietor Stuart Sloan, viticulturist David Abreu, winemaker Martha McClellan and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland, the tiny (600 cases per year) production from Sloan Estate’s 12-acre vineyard has garnered rapturous reviews and incredible demand— with all the wine sold through its mailing list—since the inaugural vintage (the 2000) was released in 2004. This very rare complete vertical collection includes one bottle each of 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Sloan Estate Rutherford Proprietary Napa Valley Red Wine. Both the 2002 and 2007 Sloan Estate received perfect scores of 100 from The Wine Advocate, and all but one of the other vintages received scores of 96 or above! In June, Stuart Sloan announced the sale of Sloan Estate and this lot represents the definitive keepsake of the great vineyard estate he created.
Sophisticated Pleasures
47 live lots
George IV Wines
The sophisticated pleasures of George IV Wines can be found in this lot created by vintners Chip and Sandra Fisher. The Fishers will host the high bidder’s party of twelve for a two-night stay at Silvertip, their vacation compound overlooking the Big Wood River. This deluxe destination features a log home and two guest cottages on more than two acres, with a scenic pond, mountain views and river access, all within walking distance of Sun Valley Resort’s Warm Springs chair lift. During this stay, the Fishers will treat the high bidder’s group and a few of their friends—up to a total of 50—to a pig roast dinner with all the fixings, paired with George IV wines. All in all, it should be a memorable stay. Stay and dinner package are to be scheduled for a mutually agreeable date. Event is to be held prior to August 31, 2012.
Opening Bid $2,000
Includes
Two-Night Stay for Twelve Pig Roast for Fifty
Donor
Chip and Sandra Fisher, Proprietors George IV Wines Sun Valley, Idaho
48 live lots
It’s All About the Arts The Sun Valley Art Experience
Opening Bid $1,000
Includes
Sun Valley Arts Package for Two
Donors
Company of Fools Sun Valley Center for the Arts Sun Valley Winter Artist Series Sun Valley Writers’ Conference
Sun Valley is home to one of the most active and creative art scenes in the Mountain West, and two can explore the excitement of art in this community with a successful bid on this intellectually inspiring lot. Tickets to the Sun Valley Center for the Arts 2011–2012 Lecture Series provide prime seats to presentations by provocative speakers from all corners of the arts. The upcoming Lecture Series will feature Jonathan Franzen, author of The Corrections and Freedom; Garrison Keillor, host of A Prairie Home Companion; children’s and young adult author Lois Lowry; photographer James Balog; author Gretel Ehrlich; and writer and scholar of religions Reza Aslan. Tickets to the Sun Valley Center for the Arts 2011–2012 Winter Music Series give the duo access to concerts by musicians from throughout the world. The genres range from folk and jazz to blues and pop, but the performances will be uniformly spectacular with artists like genre-bending cellist and vocalist Ben Sollee and Flamenco Vivo, a Spanish flamenco dance company. The Sun Valley Writers’ Conference is coming August 19–21, 2011, and this package includes tickets to the Evening Series, which consists of a presentation each evening of the conference. The Evening Series this year features David Brooks, New York Times columnist and author of The Social Animal; David Grossman, famed Israeli novelist and author of To the End of the Land; and Calvin Trillin, New Yorker staff writer, humorist and novelist. Also included are two tickets to meet the writers for lunch at the Writer’s Hospitality House on August 20, 2011.
48 live lots
Now celebrating its 16th season, the Company of Fools is the Wood River Valley’s esteemed professional theater company. Experience the thrill of live theater with tickets to three shows, such as Heart and Music, Velveteen Rabbit, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play and God of Carnage, during the Company of Fools 2011/2012 season. The Sun Valley Winter Artist Series highlights classical music by bringing international performing artists to Sun Valley to play in an intimate setting. In recent years, the Sun Valley Winter Artist Series has presented concerts by luminaries like guitarist Sharon Isbin, the St. Petersburg String Quartet and pianist Misha Dichter. Included in this lot are season passes to the upcoming Sun Valley Winter Artist Series.
49 live lots
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello California Red Wine, 2004
Opening Bid $1,000
Includes
One 6-Liter Bottle One 750ml Bottle
Donor
Paul Draper, Winemaker and CEO Ridge Vineyards Cupertino, California
Produced from Monte Bello Vineyard high above San Francisco Bay, Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Red Wine has been a towering presence on the wine scene since the 1960s. Cabernet Sauvignon− based, but truly unique in character, it ranks among California’s elite reds. The 2004 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello delivers impressive fruit, complexity and finesse. The very rare Imperial offered here, one of just a handful produced, is the perfect size to serve at a dinner party for 50 or a small gathering of serious—and ambitious—wine lovers! To whet the high bidder and friends’ thirst for the Imperial, this lot also includes a bottle of 2007 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello California Red Wine—youthful, complex and impressive.
Chef’s Choice
50 live lots
Trefethen Family Vineyards
Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello and Trefethen Family Vineyards have a kinship with one another; it was at Trefethen Family Vineyards that Chiarello filmed his television series, Easy Entertaining. Now four (two couples) will experience this kinship for themselves with this very special Napa Valley stay package. The foursome will be treated to a two-night stay at Trefethen Family Vineyards’ elegant guesthouse, with beautiful vineyard views in every direction. One evening during their stay, the couples and their local friends—up to eight, total— will enjoy dinner at Bottega in Yountville, prepared by chef/owner Michael Chiarello and paired with Trefethen Family Vineyards wines. As a memento of the evening, each couple also will receive a personally signed copy of one of Chiarello’s cookbooks.
Opening Bid $2,000
Includes
One 6-Liter Bottle One 5-Liter Bottle Two-Night Stay for Four Dinner for Eight Four Cookbooks
Donors
As a souvenir of his or her successful bid, tonight the winning bidder goes home with two grand formats from Trefethen Family Vineyards. Both the Imperial of 2005 Trefethen Reserve Oak Knoll District Cabernet Sauvignon (rated the top wine of the year by Wine Enthusiast magazine) and the Jeroboam of 1999 Trefethen Napa Valley Chardonnay have been personally signed by the Trefethens and Michael Chiarello. Stay package is to be scheduled for mutually agreeable dates. Transportation is not included.
The Trefethen Family, Owners Trefethen Family Vineyards Napa, California Michael Chiarello, Chef and Owner Bottega
51 live lots
Opening Bid $500
Includes
Cocktail Party for Twenty-Five
Donors
Alyssa and Brad Hershey Gray Ottley Eric and Meg Vorm, Owners Cornerstone Bar & Grill
Where’s the Party? For the high bidder, it’s at Cornerstone Bar & Grill in Ketchum, where Wild West meets haute cuisine. Cornerstone Bar & Grill will host a party for 25 people that includes cocktails made with Blue Ice Vodka, Idaho’s home-grown and homemade potato vodka; appetizers prepared using recipes from the book Entertaining Sun Valley Style: Behind the Scenes from the Sun Valley Center Wine Auction, compiled by the Sun Valley Center’s Junior Patrons Circle; and music by local favorites Alyssa and Brad Hershey. Party is to be scheduled for a mutually agreeable date. Certificate is good through August 2012.
Who Wouldn’t Woodinville?
52 live lots
Matthews Estate Tenor
With this deluxe Washington wine country stay for four (two couples) from Matthews Estate and Tenor, who wouldn’t Woodinville?
Opening Bid
The fun begins with a luxurious two-night stay at the exclusive Matthews Estate Bed and Breakfast. Beautifully appointed and exceptionally private, it is the ultimate in Woodinville lodging. A limousine provides transport for an afternoon of Washington wine tasting that includes a stop to sample the single-vineyard wines of Tenor. Then the foursome will enjoy dinner at the estate, created by chef Philip Mihalski of Nell’s Restaurant in Seattle with locally grown, sustainable ingredients, paired with Matthews Estate and Tenor wines. Local wine writer Chris Nishiwaki lends his expertise by selecting Champagne and dessert wines to sample before and after dinner. The high bidder won’t have to worry about the environmental impact of this trip—the donors have purchased carbon offsets, so the entire stay is carbon-neutral.
One 1.5-Liter Bottle
Tours and Tastings with Limo Service for Four
The high bidder tonight takes home two bottles of 2009 Matthews Estate Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc and a Magnum of 2008 Tenor Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon—a bit of Woodinville to pop and pour before visiting the real thing!
Chris Nishiwaki
$1,500
Includes
Stay is to be scheduled in advance for dates of mutual convenience. Transportation other than noted in the description is not included.
Two 750ml Bottles Two-Night Stay for Four Dinner for Four
Donors
Cliff Otis and Jim Rubstello, Partners Matthews Estate Woodinville, Washington Bryan Otis, Owner Tenor Woodinville, Washington
101 silent lots
Heitz Wine Cellars Trailside Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005
Opening Bid $400
Includes
Six 1.5-Liter Bottles
Donor
The Heitz Family, Owners Heitz Wine Cellars, St. Helena, California
102 silent lots
Opening Bid $150
Includes
One 3-Liter Bottle
Donor
Don and Rhonda Carano, Proprietors Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery Healdsburg, California
Established in 1961 by the legendary Joe Heitz, Heitz Wine Cellars continues his legacy of exceptional wines under his children’s supervision. The 2005 Heitz Trailside Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a prime Rutherford vineyard acquired by Heitz in the early 1980s. Aged in oak tanks and small oak barrels for more than three years, this luxurious Cabernet combines power and elegance. Magnums like these seldom leave the Heitz Wine Cellars wine library, but these six could be yours.
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery PreVail West Face Alexander Valley Red Wine, 2005
Like the Sun Valley Center Wine Auction, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. With abundant vineyard resources and a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, it produces a superb portfolio of wines. The 2005 Ferrari-Carano PreVail West Face Alexander Valley Red Wine blends Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from a shy-bearing hillside vineyard. Deeply fruited, firmly structured and complex, it is a wine for the cellar. This Double Magnum is autographed by Don and Rhonda Carano and presented in a wood box.
Riedel Face to Face Decanter Tall, thin and unusually graceful, the Riedel Face to Face decanter features two concave profiles that face each other in the decanter’s bowl. Created by a master glass blower in Austria, this work of art is both stunningly original and impressively practical.
103 silent lots
Opening Bid $400
Includes
One Decanter
Donor Riedel
Elkhorn Ridge Vineyards & Winery "Le Terre Foss” Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, 2009 “777” Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, 2009
Pinot Noir from the 2009 vintage in the Willamette Valley shows lovely charm and elegance. The 2009 Elkhorn Ridge “Le Terre Foss” Willamette Valley Pinot Noir blends five clones to achieve succulent fruit with a touch of earth. The 2009 Elkhorn Ridge “777” Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is more substantial, yet still lithe and graceful. Each vineyard yielded fewer than 500 cases, and these Double Magnums are two of only a handful that were produced.
104 silent lots
Opening Bid $200
Includes Two 3-Liter Bottles
Donor
Charles Foss, Owner Elkhorn Ridge Vineyards & Winery Sun Valley, Idaho
105 silent lots
Fraser Vineyard Snake River Valley Malbec, 2009 Snake River Valley Petit Verdot, 2009
Opening Bid $100
Includes
Three 1.5-Liter Bottles
Donor
Bill and Bev Fraser, Owners and Winemakers Fraser Vineyard Boise, Idaho
106 silent lots
Snake River Valley Petite Sirah, 2009
From an estate vineyard overlooking the Snake River Valley, Fraser Vineyard produces limited edition Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah and Viognier. It was recently named “Idaho Winery of the Year” by Wine Press Northwest. The 2009 Fraser Snake River Malbec and Petit Verdot show their award-winning style with Bordeaux varieties, while the 2009 Fraser Snake River Valley Petite Sirah is the grape’s impressive Fraser debut. All three are presented in rare Magnums.
Willamette Valley Vineyards Signature Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, 2001
Opening Bid $100
Includes
One 1.5-Liter Bottle
Donor
Jim Bernau, Founder and President Willamette Valley Vineyards Turner, Oregon
Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling are all made by Willamette Valley Vineyards, but Pinot Noir is clearly this estate’s benchmark wine. The 2001 Willamette Valley Vineyards Signature Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, a “best of harvest” blend from one of this producer’s very first vintages, shows delicate fruit and considerable complexity. It is offered here in a rare Magnum.
ZD Wines
107 silent lots
Founder’s Reserve Carneros Pinot Noir, 2008
It is hard to believe it has been more than 40 years since Norm deLeuze and Gino Zepponi founded ZD Wines. Both sadly are now gone, but the deLeuze family has done them proud with the classic and cutting-edge wines they produce under the ZD label. The ZD Founder’s Reserve Carneros Pinot Noir honors Norm deLeuze in a manner he would have liked, with forward black cherry and plum fruit accented by cedar and hazelnut. It is a multiple gold medal-winner and earned a 92 from the Wine Spectator. Six bottles comprise the lot.
Hot Aussies Australia pours on the fruit and flavor with these great reds. The 2009 Glaetzer Anaperenna Barossa Valley Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon—76% the former, 24% the latter—displays dense, focused berry and chocolate character. It is offered here in a Magnum. A three-bottle vertical collection of 2005, 2006 and 2007 Kaesler Vineyards & Winery Old Bastard Barossa Shiraz comes from a vineyard block planted in 1893 that imparts incredible power and structure. The Magnum of 2005 Mr. Riggs McLaren Vale Shiraz, produced from three of the region’s top vineyards, exhibits deep red fruit seamlessly integrated with earth, spice and toasty oak. Anyone for a few hot Aussies?
Opening Bid $250
Includes
Six 750ml Bottles
Donor
Rosa Lee deLeuze, Owner ZD Wines Napa, California
108 silent lots
Opening Bid $600
Includes
Two 1.5-Liter Bottles Three 750ml Bottles
Donor
Epicurean Wines
109 silent lots
Dry Creek Vineyard The Mariner Dry Creek Valley Red Wine, 2007
Opening Bid $150
Includes
One 3-Liter Bottle
Donor
The Stare and Wallace Families, Proprietors Dry Creek Vineyard Healdsburg, California
110 silent lots
As Dry Creek Vineyard approaches its 40th anniversary, it is difficult to imagine that Dry Creek Valley was mostly prune orchards when Dave Stare decided to seek his wine fortune there. Today Dry Creek Valley is one of Sonoma County’s top wine appellations. The 2007 Dry Creek Vineyard The Mariner Red Wine is a classic Bordeaux-inspired blend from a great vintage; opulent and elegant, with fine structure and balance, it is already drinking well but should evolve for many years in this Double Magnum before it sails into the sunset.
Grgich Hills Estate Yountville Selection Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005
Opening Bid $250
Includes
One 3-Liter Bottle
Donor
Miljenko Grgich and Austin Hills, Co-Proprietors Grgich Hills Estate Rutherford, California
Grgich Hills’ estate vineyard just north of Yountville is one of the Napa Valley’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon plantings, capable of producing wines of uncommon richness and elegance. The 2005 Grgich Hills Yountville Selection Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a fine example, showing deep black fruit and impressive finesse. It is offered here in a handsome Double Magnum.
Cadaretta Wines
111 silent lots
Cadaretta Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007
Cadaretta is a winery on the move, having started in Paso Robles, California, 20 years ago and more recently migrated to Walla Walla, Washington. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc grapes from Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Wahluke Slope and Yakima Valley appellations, the 2007 Cadaretta Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon impresses with harmonious currant, chocolate and mint character. It already is polished and approachable in this Double Magnum.
Canihan Family Cellars and “Exuberance” Syrah Vertical Collection
Canihan Family Cellars produces Pinot Noir and Syrah from its biodynamic, certified organic estate vineyard in the Sonoma Valley. This vertical collection of Canihan Family Cellars and “Exuberance” Syrah represents a complete set of this limited production wine. Three bottles each of 2004 Canihan Estate Sonoma Valley Syrah (“Best of Show” at the San Francisco International Wine Competition) and 2005, 2006 and 2007 “Exuberance” Sonoma Valley Syrah comprise the lot.
Opening Bid $400
Includes
One 3-Liter Bottle
Donor
Middleton Family Wines, Owners Cadaretta Wines Walla Walla, Washington
112 silent lots
Opening Bid $450
Includes Twelve 750ml Bottles
Donor
Bill Canihan, Proprietor Canihan Family Cellars Sonoma, California
113 silent lots
Morgan Winery Double L Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, 2008
Opening Bid $100
Includes
One 1.5-Liter Bottle
Donor
Daniel Morgan Lee and Donna Lee, Proprietors Morgan Winery Salinas, California
114 silent lots
Founded in 1982, Morgan Winery is a family-owned winery committed to making outstanding Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc. A primary focus of Morgan Winery is wine produced from Double L Vineyard, its organically farmed estate vineyard in Santa Lucia Highlands. The 2008 Morgan Double L Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir offers elegant black and red fruit character, with subtle sandalwood, herb and leather complexity. It is offered here in a hard-to-find Magnum.
Salvestrin Winery Estate Collection
Opening Bid $300
Includes
Two 1.5-Liter Bottles Six 750ml Bottles
Donor
Rich Salvestrin, Owner Salvestrin Winery St. Helena, California
Salvestrin Winery is a third generation Napa Valley producer with a magnificently sited estate vineyard just south of St. Helena. This delicious lot includes every wine Salvestrin currently produces from the estate vineyard. A Magnum each of the 2007 Salvestrin Estate St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon and 2008 Salvestrin Estate St. Helena Petite Sirah are wines for the cellar (the Petite Sirah received a 93 from The Wine Advocate), while two bottles each of the 2010 Salvestrin Estate St. Helena Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 Salvestrin Estate St. Helena Retaggio Red Wine (a Sangiovese-based “super Tuscan-style” blend) and 2008 Salvestrin Estate St. Helena Sangiovese are approachable now. Two of these wines have productions of just 100 cases—tiny even by Napa Valley standards!
Adler Fels Winery
115 silent lots
White Cottage Ranch Celestia Howell Mountain Red Wine, 2007
Adler Fels provides umbrella ownership for several small wineries. One of them is White Cottage Ranch, with a patchwork 28-acre estate vineyard situated high on Howell Mountain, from which comes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Celestia, a Bordeaux-inspired red blend. The 2007 White Cottage Ranch Celestia Howell Mountain Red Wine already drinks well, showing deep fruit and polished texture. This heavenly wine already is sold out at the winery, and the Magnum offered here is a true collectible.
Snake River Winery
Opening Bid $150
Includes
One 1.5-Liter Bottle
Donor
Adams Wine Group, Owner Adler Fels Winery Santa Rosa, California
116 silent lots
Reserve Idaho Red Wine, 2005
Situated on the slope of a valley carved by the Snake River, the 75acre Arena Valley Vineyard produces a range of grape varieties for Snake River Winery’s award-winning wines. The 2005 Snake River Reserve Idaho Red Wine is a deft blend of Bordeaux varieties that showcases generous fruit and complexity. It is offered here in an equally generous Double Magnum—perfect for a summer barbecue.
Opening Bid $100
Includes One 3-Liter Bottle
Donor
Scott DeSeelhorst, Owner and Winemaker Snake River Winery Boise, Idaho
117 silent lots
Opening Bid $150
Includes Coffee Class
Donor
Lizzy’s Fresh Coffee Ketchum, Idaho
118 silent lots
Coffee Confidential Lizzy’s Fresh Coffee is offering a fun, three-hour class covering all the basics of making killer (figuratively, not literally) coffee at home. You will learn about coffee selection, proper storage and grinding and how to brew with a French press, filter, drip machine and espresso machine. Plus, you will learn how to properly steam milk for latte or cappuccino, create latte art and discover the secret recipe behind Lizzy’s coffee martini. Class is to be held on a mutually convenient date at Lizzy’s Fresh Coffee in Ketchum.
Cakebread Cellars Case, Kitchen and More
Opening Bid $300
Includes
Fourteen 750ml Bottles Cakebread Cellars Cookbook, Apron and Hat Tour DVD
Donor
The Cakebread Family, Owners Cakebread Cellars Rutherford, California
Cakebread Cellars ranks among Napa Valley’s most adventurous producers, with estate vineyards from Carneros to Anderson Valley. Discover its rich diversity of wines and their affinity for food with this tasty lot. Begin with a great variety of Cakebread—two bottles each of the following wines: 2009 Cakebread Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, 2009 Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay, 2007 Cakebread Napa Valley Merlot, 2006 Cakebread Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Cakebread Carneros Syrah, 2008 Cakebread Lake County Zinfandel and 2008 Cakebread Reserve Carneros Chardonnay. Then hit the kitchen with a Cakebread Cellars cookbook, apron and hat. Also included is a Cakebread Cellars virtual tour DVD.
Vale Wine Company
119 silent lots
A Taste of Vale
The wines of Vale Wine Company are produced with the finest, handpicked grapes from the Snake River Valley AVA. Reflecting the unique climate and soils of the region, these small-lot wines are handcrafted with attention to detail and commitment to quality. Discover Vale Wine Company’s award-winning style with this auction lot, which includes three bottles of 2008 Vale Library Syrah, one bottle each of 2010 Vale Viognier, 2010 Vale Riesling and 2008 Vale Cabernet Sauvignon, and a tour and tasting for 10 at Vale Wine Company’s new winemaking facility in Caldwell.
Wente Vineyards
Opening Bid $100
Includes
Six 750ml Bottles Tour and Tasting for Ten
Donor
John and Vicki Danielson, Partners Vale Wine Company Caldwell, Idaho
120 silent lots
Charles Wetmore Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007
Founded more than 125 years ago, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continually operated family-owned winery in the United States. The 2007 Wente Charles Wetmore Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon honors one of the Livermore Valley’s most prominent wine pioneers. Aged in small French, Eastern European and neutral oak, this wine displays black fruit, pepper and spice character in an elegant style. This Double Magnum would be perfect to pour at a big celebration in the next five years.
Opening Bid $150
Includes One 3-Liter Bottle
Donor
The Wente Family, Owners Wente Vineyards Livermore, California
121 silent lots
Mannina Cellars Seven Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley Sangiovese, 2009
Opening Bid $100
Includes
One 1.5-Liter Bottle
Donor
Don Redman, Owner and Winemaker Mannina Cellars Walla Walla, Washington
122 silent lots
Opening Bid $150
Includes
One 1.5-Liter Bottle
Donor
Wine Wave
Situated in the spectacular Walla Walla Valley, Mannina Cellars is a small, family-run winery specializing in limited-edition premium wines. The 2009 Mannina Seven Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley Sangiovese blends 84% Sangiovese with 16% Merlot to achieve vibrant red fruit character and clove complexity. Only 256 cases—including a limited number of Magnums like the one offered here—were produced.
Marchesi di Barolo Barolo Cannubi, 2004 Founded in 1861, Marchesi di Barolo is the originator of Barolo wine. The 2004 Marchesi di Barolo Barolo Cannubi is a fine example: full-bodied and concentrated, with black fruit, spice, licorice and truffle character. Recipient of a 90 from the Wine Spectator, it is offered here in a cellar-worthy Magnum.
Forgeron Cellars
123 silent lots
Klipsun Vineyard Red Mountain Merlot, 2004
“Forgeron” is the French word for blacksmith—appropriate, since Forgeron Cellars occupies a former blacksmith shop. But “forgeron” in French also means craftsmen who work with their hands, and this is also appropriate, since Forgeron Cellars handcrafts Washington State wines. The 2004 Klipsun Vineyard Red Mountain Merlot ranks among this winery’s very finest releases—with deep black fruit, generous vanilla and tea accents and velvety texture, this splendidly balanced wine is evolving beautifully and should continue to do so for another decade in this Double Magnum.
Tero Estates
Opening Bid $200
Includes
One 3-Liter Bottle
Donor
Marie-Eve Gilla, Partner and Winemaker Forgeron Cellars Walla Walla, Washington
124 silent lots
Windrow Vineyard Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007
Tero Estates’ goal is to produce small lots of wine that express the exceptional character of Windrow Vineyard, a portion of the first commercial vineyard planted in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. The 2007 Tero Windrow Vineyard Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon mingles red fruit, black fruit, herb and a hint of violet. Only 262 cases of this age-worthy wine were produced, and the six bottles offered here will enable the high bidder to follow its progress—that is, IF he or she can resist temptation!
Opening Bid $250
Includes
Six 750ml Bottles
Donor
Jan and Douglas Roskelley and Mike Trembreull, Partners Tero Estates Milton-Freewater, Oregon
125 silent lots
Flying Trout Wines Old Vines Malbec Vertical Collection
Opening Bid $300
Includes
Twelve 750ml Bottles
Donor
Ashley Trout, Winemaker Flying Trout Wines Milton-Freewater, Oregon
126 silent lots
Flying Trout Wines is a winery based in both the Walla Walla Valley and Mendoza, Argentina, that focuses on Malbec and Torrontés. Malbec is a relatively rare grape in the United States, but one already showing its huge potential in the Columbia Valley and Rattlesnake Hills appellations. This vertical collection of 2007, 2008 and 2009 Flying Trout Old Vines Malbec is a delicious introduction. Four bottles of each comprise the lot.
Chappellet Vineyard Signature Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical Collection
Opening Bid $200
Includes
Six 750ml Bottles
Donor
Michael and Leslie Engl
Chappellet has produced exciting Signature Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate vineyard surrounding the winery on Pritchard Hill since 1967. The Signature Cabernet’s mountain origins show in this vertical collection, housed in a handsome branded wooden box, consisting of one bottle each of 1979–1984 Chappellet Signature Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. All of these wines are fully mature and drinking well.
Grassi Wine Company
127 silent lots
Got Cab?
Grassi Wine Company believes in quality over quantity, paying attention to detail and respecting the soil by farming sustainably. It also believes variety is a good thing, so in addition to making Cabernet Sauvignon from an estate vineyard at the base of Soda Canyon in the Napa Valley, it also makes tiny quantities of Cabernet from two other top Napa Valley vineyards—one on Pritchard Hill and one near the base of Mount St. Helena. This is a rare opportunity to obtain all three and a doubly rare opportunity to obtain them in Magnums. The lot includes one Magnum each of 2007 Grassi Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Grassi Peirson Meyer Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and 2007 Grassi Jericho Canyon Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Louis M. Martini
Opening Bid $300
Includes Three 1.5-Liter Bottles
Donor
Mark and Jami Grassi, Owners Grassi Wine Company Napa, California
128 silent lots
The Collectible Collection
Founded in 1933, Louis M. Martini is a Napa Valley legend in winemaking and innovation. With a portfolio of great Napa Valley and Sonoma County vineyards, Martini produces distinctive Cabernet Sauvignons that at their best can compete with Napa Valley’s elite. Included in this lot are two bottles each of 2007 Louis M. Martini Lot 1 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (94, The Wine Advocate) and 2007 Louis M. Martini Monte Rosso Vineyard Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon (95, The Wine Advocate). Also included are two bottles of 2008 Louis M. Martini Gnarly Vines Monte Rosso Vineyard Sonoma County Zinfandel, two bottles of Louis M. Martini Olive Oil (a tasting room exclusive), one Louis M. Martini Lot 1 baseball cap and one Monte Rosso Vineyard baseball cap. These are collectibles you’ll want to ingest— one glass at a time!
Opening Bid $400
Includes
Six 750ml Bottles Two Bottles Olive Oil Two Hats
Donor
Gallo Family Wines, Owner Louis M. Martini St. Helena, California
129 silent lots
Paradigm Winery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006
Opening Bid $150
Includes
One 1.5-Liter Bottle Tour and Tasting for Four
Donor
Known for Merlot and Cabernet, though it also produces small amounts of Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc, Paradigm Winery handcrafts wines that are rich expressions of the estate vineyard the Harris family has farmed for 30 years. The 2006 Paradigm Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is case in point—ripe, opulent and very approachable. The wine is offered here in a handsomely etched Magnum. The high bidder and three guests also are invited to tour and taste at Paradigm Winery when next in the Napa Valley.
Ren and Marilyn Harris, Owners Paradigm Winery Oakville, California
130 silent lots
Ladera Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006
Opening Bid $250
Includes One 1.5-Liter Bottle Tour and Tasting for Four
Donor
Pat and Anne Stotesbery, Owners Ladera Vineyards Angwin, California
Perched high on Howell Mountain overlooking the Napa Valley, Ladera Vineyards encompasses one of the region’s oldest wineries (built 1877), an impressive wine cave and two mountain vineyards— one surrounding the winery, the other on Mt. Veeder. Experience Ladera Vineyards first with a Magnum of 2006 Ladera Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, and later with a tour and tasting for four at this historic estate when next in the Napa Valley.
Barnett Vineyards
131 silent lots
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008
Established on the steep slopes of Napa Valley’s Spring Mountain in 1983, Barnett Vineyards has built an enviable reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon. The recently released 2008 Barnett Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon displays generous fruit, earthy complexity and moderate structural elegance—perfect for midterm aging. It received a 91 from The Wine Advocate and is offered here in Double Magnum.
Grace Family Vineyards
Opening Bid $300
Includes One 3-Liter Bottle
Donor
Hal and Fiona Barnett, Owners Barnett Vineyards St. Helena, California
132 silent lots
Grace Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 1989 Grace Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 1990
From 3.5 acres of meticulously tended vines just north of St. Helena, Grace Family Vineyards produces a few hundred cases a year of what is arguably the first of Napa Valley’s “cult” Cabernet Sauvignons. The 1989 Grace Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon displays cassis and earthy character and considerable depth; the 1990 Grace Family Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe and powerful, with considerable smoke and toast complexity behind its black fruit. Grace Family Vineyards Magnums come on the market infrequently, making this lot a true opportunity.
Opening Bid $900
Includes Two 1.5-Liter Bottles
Donor
Benchmark Wine Group
133 silent lots
Opening Bid $400
Riedel Face to Face Decanter Tall, thin and unusually graceful, the Riedel Face to Face decanter features two concave profiles that face each other in the decanter’s bowl. Created by a master glass blower in Austria, this work of art is both stunningly original and impressively practical.
Includes
One Decanter
Donor Riedel
134 silent lots
Sloan Estate Rutherford Proprietary Red Wine, 2006
Opening Bid $700
Includes Three 750ml Bottles
Donor
Stuart and Karen Sloan, Owners Sloan Estate Rutherford, California
Sloan Estate needs no introduction. With an exquisite estate in the hills near Rutherford, top talent managing the vineyard and making the wine, fanatical attention to detail throughout and determination that each successive vintage be better than the last, Sloan Estate has become one of the Napa Valley’s most coveted wines in just a decade. The 2006 Sloan Estate Rutherford Proprietary Red Wine is classic Sloan: intense, complex, multidimensional and long-lived. The 98+ score from The Wine Advocate suggests the wine may have a shot at perfection with additional cellaring. Three bottles comprise the lot.
Rombauer Vineyards
135 silent lots
Two to Enjoy
Over more than 30 years, Rombauer Vineyards has gained the respect of wine lovers and casual wine consumers alike for wellmade, approachable and thoroughly delicious Napa Valley wines. Products of a superb vintage, these Double Magnums of 2005 Rombauer Carneros Merlot and 2005 Rombauer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon should be savored rather than cellared.
Opening Bid $400
Includes Two 3-Liter Bottles
Donor
The Rombauer Family, Owners Rombauer Vineyards St. Helena, California
Rusack Vineyards
136 silent lots
Santa Barbara County Syrah, 2008
Situated in Ballard Canyon, just north of Santa Ynez Valley on California’s Central Coast, Rusack Vineyards is dedicated to making handcrafted wines of distinction and elegance. While Rusack Vineyards produces several different wines, most of its production now focuses on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. The 2008 Rusack Santa Barbara County Syrah incorporates small amounts of Petite Sirah and Grenache in the finished wine to achieve generous fruit, spice and finesse. It is offered here in a rare Jeroboam, which has been deftly etched and hand-painted with vintage Sun Valley artwork.
Opening Bid $500
Includes One 5-Liter Bottle
Donor
Geoff and Alison Rusack, Owners Rusack Vineyards Solvang, California
137 silent lots
Silver Oak Cellars Bonny’s Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical Collection
Opening Bid $600
Includes
Six 750ml Bottles
Donor
Michael and Leslie Engl
138 silent lots
As one of Napa Valley’s most popular Cabernet Sauvignon producers, Silver Oak Cellars is a familiar name in the wine world. However, Bonny’s Vineyard is another story. Made with grapes from a tiny vineyard block adjacent to the winery, Bonny’s Vineyard production remained limited until 1992, when it was discontinued. This vertical collection, in a branded wooden box, includes one bottle each of 1979–1984 Silver Oak Cellars Bonny’s Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. These bottles range from fully mature to very delicate (i.e., open them soon!), but should be fascinating to drink and compare.
Dolce Napa Valley Late Harvest Wine, 1989
Opening Bid $800
Includes Twelve 375ml Bottles
Donor
Mark and Betty Ervin
Dolce is liquid gold—a classic dessert wine created in the Napa Valley with the same grapes and same techniques as the dessert wines of Sauternes. This case of 1989 Dolce—12 half-bottles in their original wood box—is a true collectible from Dolce’s debut vintage. Luxurious and sensuous, it showcases honey, dried apricot, honeysuckle and nutmeg character that culminates in a balanced, nearly endless finish. Sweet, indeed!
DeLille Cellars
139 silent lots
A Mixed Case
Founded in 1992, DeLille Cellars is a small winery with a big ambition: to make Washington State’s very best handcrafted, old World style red and white wines. This uncompromising dedication is obvious in the impressive mixed case of DeLille and Doyenne (its Rhone-inspired label) wines offered here. Included are three bottles each of 2009 DeLille Chaleur Estate Blanc Columbia Valley White Wine, 2008 DeLille D2 Columbia Valley Red Wine (a Right Bank Bordeaux-inspired blend), 2008 DeLille Chaleur Estate Columbia Valley Red Wine (a Left Bank Bordeaux-inspired blend) and 2008 Doyenne Aix Red Mountain Red Wine (a proprietary Rhone/Cabernet blend). The case may be mixed, but the wines are uniformly impressive!
Halleck Vineyard
Opening Bid $350
Includes Twelve 750ml Bottles
Donor
Greg and Stacy Lill, Partners DeLille Cellars Woodinville, Washington
140 silent lots
Food and Wine Experience
If you are looking for an exceptional Pinot Noir food and wine experience, here it is! The high bidder and five guests will join Ross Halleck of Halleck Vineyard at his Sonoma Coast home in the hills above Sebastopol. Drink in the view of Sonoma County and Mount St. Helena during a tasting of current and library Halleck Vineyard wines. These award-winning wines will be paired with a menu created by one of Sonoma County’s stellar chefs. Tour the one-acre estate vineyard (which produces fewer than 100 cases) and get answers to all your vineyard and winemaking questions. At the end of the evening, the high bidder will take home a rare Magnum of Halleck Vineyard Pinot Noir as a memento of this equally rare vineyard experience. Visit is to be booked for a mutually agreeable date and time.
Opening Bid $500
Includes
One 1.5-Liter Bottle Tour, Tasting and Lunch or Dinner for Six
Donor
Ross Halleck, Owner Halleck Vineyard Sebastopol, California
141 silent lots
Opening Bid $1,000
Includes
Two-Night Stay Package for Four
Donor
Marc and Jane Schorr
What Happens in Vegas . . . . . . could be a WHOLE lot of fun!! This weekend for four at the Wynn Encore Las Vegas includes two nights in two luxury Encore Tower king suites with spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip or Wynn Golf Course; tickets for four to Le Rêve, an astonishing aquatic and acrobatic show performed in Las Vegas’ first “theater in the round”; dinner for four at Lakeside restaurant, serving chef David Walzog’s delicious American cuisine; and dinner for four at Switch Steak, a superb steakhouse. Stay is to be booked at least one month in advance and is subject to availability. Transportation, gratuity and alcohol are not included.
142 silent lots
Leese-Fitch Winery California Pinot Noir, 2008
Opening Bid $150
Includes One 3-Liter Bottle
Donor
The Other Guys, Owner Leese-Fitch Winery Sonoma, California
The wines of Leese-Fitch Winery celebrate the restoration of the Leese-Fitch Building in Sonoma. Built in 1836, this historic landmark on the Sonoma Plaza is named for Jacob Leese and Henry Fitch, brothers-in-law to General Mariano Vallejo, founder of the town of Sonoma. Combining grapes from three prime appellations, the 2008 Leese-Fitch California Pinot Noir highlights bright, elegant berry fruit, together with herb and earth complexity. Already drinking well, it is offered here in Double Magnum.
Spring Valley Vineyard
143 silent lots
Retrospective Collection
The land that the Corkrum, Derby and Elvin families farm today is rich with history dating back to the late 1800s, when current vineyard owner Shari Corkrum Derby’s grandfather, Uriah Corkrum, began farming in the area. Uriah experienced success farming in the 1880s but lost it all in the depression of 1893. He persevered, however, and acquired the land now known as Spring Valley in 1910. The names given to the wines of Spring Valley Vineyard pay tribute to the family members who farmed the same land where the vineyard now flourishes. Uriah, the flagship wine, is a Merlot-based blend named for Uriah Corkrum. The 2008 vintage marks the 10th vintage of Uriah and this rare retrospective collection commemorates the occasion. Tonight the winning bidder will take home one bottle each of 1999 Uriah, 2003 Uriah, 2004 Uriah, 2006 Uriah and 2007 Uriah, plus an etched and hand-painted Double Magnum of 2008 Uriah, one of only two made.
Silver Oak Cellars
Opening Bid $600
Includes One 3-Liter Bottle Five 750ml Bottles
Donor
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Owner Spring Valley Vineyard Walla Walla, Washington
144 silent lots
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 1996–1998
Is Silver Oak Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon popular? You betcha! Indeed, consumers wait in line at the winery when each new vintage is released. This vertical collection of 1996, 1997 and 1998 Silver Oak Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a chance to compare vintages. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy these three bottles!
Opening Bid $300
Includes Three 750ml Bottles
Donor
Charles and Cynthia Tillinghast
145 silent lots
Michael David Winery Earthquake Lodi Petite Sirah, 2008 6th Sense Lodi Syrah, 2008
Opening Bid $400
Includes
Two 3-Liter Bottles
Donor
The Phillips Family, Owners Michael David Winery Lodi, California
146 silent lots
Opening Bid $200
Includes Twelve 750ml Bottles Tour and Tasting for Two
Donor
Idaho Wine Commission
The Phillips family has farmed land near the California town of Lodi since the 1860s. They founded Michael David Winery just over 25 years ago and in recent years have tickled folks’ funny bones and palates with wines like 7 Deadly Zins, Incognito and Earthquake. The 2008 Michael David Earthquake Lodi Petite Sirah is a reserve wine of impressive power and depth. The 2008 Michael David 6th Sense Lodi Syrah is soft and polished, with ripe black and red fruit accented by generous vanilla. A Double Magnum of each comprises the lot.
Idaho Sip and Savor Sip and savor your way through Idaho wine country, taking in beautiful views and meeting some of the state’s top winemakers. This tour for two begins in Boise and heads into the heart of Snake River Valley wine country for a visit to Davis Creek Cellars, then makes a stop at Ste. Chapelle Winery, the oldest winery currently producing in Idaho. A visit to Williamson Orchard and Vineyards is an opportunity to taste the fruit and the wine of the region. Then head upslope for a stop at Fujishin Family Cellars’ new facility and fruit stand, followed by a visit to Bitner Vineyards to check out the breathtaking view before returning to Boise. Tour is to be scheduled in advance for a mutually agreeable date. Tonight, the high bidder takes home a case of fine Idaho wines to prepare for this Idaho sip and savor, including bottles from Ste. Chapelle Winery, Bitner Vineyards, Fujishin Family Cellars, Davis Creek Cellars, Williamson Orchard and Vineyards, and Coiled Winery.
Frenchman’s Gulch Winery
147 silent lots
Phinney Hill Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Lewis Vineyard Yakima Valley Syrah, 2007
Opening Bid $150
Frenchman’s Gulch Winery opened in 2000, and since that time the people of Ketchum have been trying to drink the place dry! Yes, the wine is that quaffable! Discover the pleasures of this small winery for yourself with these extremely rare Double Magnums: one each of the 2007 Frenchman’s Gulch Phinney Hill Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon and the gold medal-winning 2007 Frenchman’s Gulch Lewis Vineyard Yakima Valley Syrah.
Eleuthera Paradise One of the outer islands of the Bahamas, Eleuthera is paradise. With miles of spectacular beaches (some with pink sand!), quaint towns, fine restaurants and the tranquility of a private island, it just may be heaven on earth. To experience is to believe, and the high bidder will do just that with this one-week (six-night) stay for six. Car rental and a cook are available by arrangement. Be forewarned—you may never want to leave! Stay is to be booked in advance. Excludes Thanksgiving 2011, December 2011 and the last three weeks of February 2012. Certificate is valid through July 2012.
Includes Two 3-Liter Bottles
Donor
Steve McCarthy, Vintner Frenchman’s Gulch Winery Ketchum, Idaho
148 silent lots
Opening Bid $2,000
Includes
One-Week Bahamas Stay for Six
Donor
Edyth and David Goodman
149 silent lots
Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007
Opening Bid $500
Includes
One 5-Liter Bottle
Donor
Randy Dunn, Owner and Winemaker Dunn Vineyards Angwin, California
150 silent lots
The modern pioneer of Howell Mountain, Dunn Vineyards has been producing exalted Cabernet Sauvignons from this mountaintop Napa Valley appellation since 1979. The 2007 Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon displays typical Dunn Howell Mountain power, finesse and viscosity. A blockbuster that needs time, it will develop for years—maybe even decades, if one has the inclination and patience—in this beautifully etched, signed and numbered Jeroboam, presented in a handsome wooden box.
Legaris Crianza Ribera del Duero, 2005
Opening Bid $100
Includes Six 750ml Bottles
Donor
AvenĂu Brands
This Tinta Fina (Tempranillo) shows intense red fruit character, along with hints of vanilla and coconut derived from a year in oak barrels. Medium-bodied and elegantly structured, these six bottles can be appreciated now or cellared for a year or two.
Parry Cellars
151 silent lots
Small but Mighty
Parry Cellars is the Napa Valley’s smallest family-owned, single-vineyard winery. Viticulturist David Abreu originally planted the vineyard, which is now sustainably farmed and certified under the Napa Green program. The wine—approximately 200 cases a year—is made by winemaker Andy Schweiger, whose deft hand is reflected in the impeccable balance, luscious fruit and graceful finish that are the hallmarks of Parry Cellars Cabernets. Stephen and Sue Parry invite the high bidder and three guests to their home and small vineyard in St. Helena, where they will enjoy Mayacamas Mountain views during a delicious lunch and wine tasting with their hosts. To prepare for that afternoon, tonight the high bidder takes home an autographed Magnum of 2007 Parry Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, plus a rare vertical of two bottles each of all Parry Cellars releases—1999 through 2007—enough to share with a close friend!
Fire Fighting Fantasy Party The Ketchum Fire Department or Ketchum Rural Fire will put on a show during this fire engine party for 30. A fire engine and crew will come to your house to demonstrate firefighting equipment and will give guests an opportunity to “play” firefighter. This demonstration and party—one to two hours in length—can be tailored to any age group. Adults can even hold high pressure lines if there is a field that can be hosed down and access to a hydrant. Event certificate expires July 2012. Fire engine can be brought to any location within district boundaries—from Greenhorn Bridge to Northfork Store. A party in the City of Sun Valley also can be arranged.
Opening Bid $500
Includes
One 1.5-Liter Bottle Eighteen 750ml Bottles Lunch and Tasting for Four
Donor
Stephen and Sue Parry, Owners Parry Cellars St. Helena, California
152 silent lots
Opening Bid $350
Includes Fire Engine Party for Thirty
Donor
Mike Elle, Fire Chief Ketchum Fire Department
153 silent lots
Dragonette Cellars Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir, 2009
Opening Bid $250
Includes
One 3-Liter Bottle Tour and Tasting for Four
Donor
John and Steve Dragonette, and Brandon Sparks-Gillis, Partners Dragonette Cellars Santa Ynez, California
The winning bidder will take home a rare Double Magnum of the prized 2009 Dragonette Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir, an intense yet silky version from a renowned vineyard at the cool western end of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. In addition, the winning bidder and three guests will join the proprietors/winemakers of Dragonette Cellars for a VIP tour and tasting experience in the lovely Santa Rita Hills. Dragonette Cellars was established in 2005 by brothers John and Steve Dragonette and close friend Brandon Sparks-Gillis. The three honed their winemaking skills under celebrated vintners, including Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non and Dave Powell of Torbreck. Dragonette Cellars is dedicated to creating exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Syrah from vineyards in Santa Barbara County and Paso Robles. Visit is to be scheduled for a date of mutual convenience. Transportation and accommodations are not included.
154 silent lots
Spring Mountain Vineyard Elivette Spring Mountain District Red Wine, 2006
Opening Bid $250
Includes One 1.5-Liter Bottle Tasting for Four
Donor
Jacob Safra, Owner Spring Mountain Vineyard St. Helena, California
Spring Mountain Vineyard encompasses 845 hillside acres, making it one of the Napa Valley’s great estates. Discover the beauty of this remarkable landscape, first with a Magnum of the luscious Cabernetbased 2006 Spring Mountain Vineyard Elivette Spring Mountain District Red Wine to take home tonight and then with an estate tasting for four at Spring Mountain Vineyard when next in the Napa Valley.
Charles Krug Winery
155 silent lots
Family Affair
Founded in 1861 and now owned by Peter Mondavi and his family, Charles Krug Winery is the oldest producing winery in the Napa Valley. The high bidder will experience the heritage and family pride of this legendary estate, first by taking home tonight a Magnum of 2006 Charles Krug Vintage Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that’s been signed by the family and a bottle of 1974 Charles Krug Vintage Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and then by visiting Charles Krug Winery when next in the Napa Valley to enjoy a lunch for two with wine, hosted by either Peter Mondavi Jr. or Marc Mondavi.
Opening Bid $250
Includes One 1.5-Liter Bottle One 750ml Bottle Lunch at Winery for Two
Donor
Visit is to be scheduled for a date mutually convenient to both parties.
Del Rio Vineyards & Winery
The Mondavi Family, Owners Charles Krug Winery St. Helena, California
156 silent lots
Rogue River Syrah, 2007 Rogue River Claret, 2007
Home to Del Rio Vineyards & Winery is a historic (established in 1864) former stage stop in the Rogue River Valley of southern Oregon, near which impressive estate vineyards have been established. The 2007 Del Rio Rogue River Syrah displays powerful berry, black pepper and smoke character. The 2007 Del Rio Rogue River Claret—a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc—features currant and cherry fruit, cedar and coffee complexity, and smooth, silky texture. A Magnum of each comprises the lot.
Opening Bid $100
Includes Two 1.5-Liter Bottles
Donor
Lee and Margaret Traynham, Proprietors Del Rio Vineyards & Winery Gold Hill, Oregon
157 silent lots
Sokol Blosser Winery Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, 2005–2008
Opening Bid $300
Includes
Four 1.5-Liter Bottles
Donor
Bill Blosser and Susan Sokol Blosser, Proprietors Sokol Blosser Winery Dundee, Oregon
158 silent lots
Opening Bid $500
Includes Twelve 750ml Bottles Lunch for Four
Donors
The Trinchero Family, Owners Trinchero Family Estates St. Helena, California Trinchero Family Estates, Owner Folie à Deux Winery Oakville, California
When Bill Blosser and Susan Sokol Blosser planted their first vines near Dundee, Oregon, in 1971, they needed all their youthful energy and self-confidence to make their way, as there was no wine industry in Oregon. Today Oregon has more than 400 wineries and more than 19,000 acres in vineyards, and Sokol Blosser Winery has survived, grown and prospered as a family-owned and run business. The Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Pinot Noir may be the winery’s basic bottling, but forget ordinary—this is vin extraordinaire! Produced with estate-grown grapes and aged in small oak barrels, it is approachable, focused, complex and food-friendly—in short, delicious. This vertical collection includes a Magnum each of 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Sokol Blosser Winery Dundee Hills Pinot Noir.
Trinchero Family Estates and Folie à Deux Winery Food and Wine
Trinchero Family Estates and Folie à Deux Winery have joined forces to create a lot that puts Napa Valley food and Napa Valley wine front and center. Trinchero Family Estates will host the high bidder’s party of four for a wine tasting luncheon at its private culinary center in the Napa Valley. A personal chef will create this wine-centric meal, which will be served amid incredible views of Napa Valley. As a warm up for the lunch, the high bidder will go home tonight with a mixed case of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons from Trinchero Family Estates and Folie à Deux Winery. Both producers make accessible, easy-to-appreciate Cabernets, and this case promises plenty of pleasure. Lunch is to be scheduled for a date of mutual convenience. Transportation and accommodations are not included.
Saddleback Cellars
159 silent lots
Join the Posse
Nils Venge has been making wine in the Napa Valley since 1974 and ownership of Saddleback Cellars has provided him the opportunity to be adventuresome—in grape varieties and styles—in the wines he makes. Still, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are his mainstays and this lot includes both. A vertical Magnum collection of 2005, 2006 and 2007 Saddleback Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon shows the suave, sophisticated character he achieves with Napa Valley’s signature grape, while a Magnum of 2006 Saddleback Cellars Napa Valley Merlot offers textbook fruit, complexity and texture.
JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery
Opening Bid $350
Includes Four 1.5-Liter Bottles
Donor
Nils Venge, Owner and Winemaker Saddleback Cellars Oakville, California
160 silent lots
A Passion for Paso
Paso Robles (or Paso, as the locals call it) is idyllic wine country: scenic, laid back and with exciting wineries at every turn. Established in 1981, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery was among the first to come to this corner of California and in the years since has become one of the region’s most recognized names. The winner of this lot will soon discover a passion for Paso. That passion could be ignited by the two delicious Magnums (signed by Justin himself) of 2008 ISOSCELES Paso Robles Red Wine he or she will take home tonight. If not, it certainly will be sparked by a two-night stay for four (two couples) at the beautiful JUST Inn, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery’s intimate bed and breakfast in the vineyard. Included in this stay is dinner for four at the Inn’s excellent restaurant, Deborah’s Room. Stay package is to be scheduled for dates of mutual convenience. Transportation is not included.
Opening Bid $1,000
Includes Two 1.5-Liter Bottles Two-Night Stay Package for Four
Donor Justin Baldwin, Founder JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery Paso Robles, California
161 silent lots
Anomaly Vineyards Unusual Pleasures
Opening Bid $800
Includes
Two 1.5-Liter Bottles Tour, Tasting and Dinner for Four One Book
Donor
Steve and Linda Goldfarb, Proprietors Anomaly Vineyards St. Helena, California
162 silent lots
Opening Bid $400
Includes Five 750ml Bottles
Donor
Charles and Cynthia Tillinghast
In just over a decade, Anomaly Vineyards has gone from “garagista” winemaking to eight acres of prime Napa Valley vineyards, a handsome small winery and some serious respect as the producer of remarkable— and at about 800 cases a year, remarkably rare—Cabernet Sauvignon. Tonight the high bidder goes home with two coveted Magnums of the masterful, age-worthy 2007 Anomaly Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Later the high bidder, together with three guests, will join Anomaly proprietors Steve and Linda Goldfarb for dinner at Thomas Keller’s award-winning ad hoc restaurant in the Napa Valley, receive a signed copy of the ad hoc cookbook and be treated to a tour of Anomaly Vineyards that includes a tasting of its newest vintages. Napa Valley activities are to be scheduled for a mutually convenient date. Transportation and accommodations are not included.
Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 1996–2000
For Cabernet Sauvignon consistency, few Napa Valley producers can match Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery. Powerful yet refined, generously fruited yet intriguingly complex, Spottswoode Cabernets excel vintage after vintage. This vertical collection of 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 Spottswoode Estate Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will make a fascinating comparative tasting, but will be just as tasty savored individually. The five bottles are presented in a branded wood box.
Calera Wine Company
163 silent lots
Reed Vineyard Mt. Harlan Pinot Noir, 2006
Located high in the Gavilan Mountains on one of the few sites in California with limestone-rich soil, Calera Wine Company specializes in estate-grown Pinot Noir. The 2006 Calera Reed Vineyard Mt. Harlan Pinot Noir comes from the smallest (4.3 acres) and one of the oldest of Calera’s vineyard blocks. Displaying red fruit character, subtle spice complexity and smooth, silky texture, it is a Pinot Noir to savor. There is certainly plenty to indulge in here, as a rare Double Magnum comprises the lot.
Avventura Vintners
Opening Bid $200
Includes One 3-Liter Bottle
Donor
Josh Jensen, Proprietor and Winemaker Calera Wine Company Hollister, California
164 silent lots
California Bubbleworks Sparkling Wine
Put some sparkle in your life with these 12 bottles of California Bubbleworks Sparkling Wine. Produced with premium Cabernet Sauvignon grapes via the traditional méthode champenoise, the California Bubbleworks Sparkling Wine is fresh, fruity, crisp and delicious.
Opening Bid $150
Includes Twelve 750ml Bottles
Donor Susan Passovoy and Bob Kaplan, Owners Avventura Vintners— California Bubbleworks Sun Valley, Idaho
165 silent lots
The Best of the Snake River AVA CINDER Huston Vineyards
Opening Bid $300
Includes
Three 750ml Bottles Dinner for Six
Donors
Melanie Krause and Joe Schnerr, Owners CINDER Boise, Idaho Gregg and Mary Alger, Owners Huston Vineyards Huston, Idaho
CINDER and Huston Vineyards, along with James Beard-nominated chef Dustan Bristol, promise a winemakers’ dinner you will never forget! This dinner for six guests includes a five-course meal prepared by Chef Bristol and paired to perfection with award-winning wines from CINDER and Huston Vineyards. Throughout the evening, your host winemakers and vineyard owners will answer every question you could possibly have regarding the Snake River Valley American Viticultural Area and the sensuous wines it produces. As a warm-up for this winemakers’ dinner, the winning bidder goes home tonight with a three-bottle vertical collection of 2007, 2008 and 2009 CINDER Snake River Valley Syrah. Deep, rich and meaty, this impressive Snake River Valley Syrah shows fine Côte-Rôtie inspired style. Dinner is to be scheduled at least four weeks in advance for a date convenient to all parties at one of three locations: a residence in Sun Valley; Chef Bristol’s restaurant, Brick 29, in Nampa; or CINDER winery near Boise. Dinner is available through June 2012.
166 silent lots
Opening Bid $250
Includes One Decanter
Donor Riedel
Riedel Paloma Decanter The Riedel Paloma decanter is a masterpiece of the glassblower’s art. This dramatic, dove-inspired decanter swoops in one continuous line from its wide tail and cylindrical body to its slender, tapered neck, assuring easy decanting, consistent aeration and flawless pouring. Hand-blown of premium leaded crystal and made to hold a standard 750ml bottle of wine, this decanter is a tribute to Riedel’s 300-year glassware tradition.
Pamplin Family Winery
167 silent lots
Oregon Coasting
Based in Dundee, Oregon, Pamplin Family Winery was founded to pursue a singular goal—to craft the very best Bordeaux-inspired red wines from the top vineyards in Washington State. The spectacular Oregon Coast beckons two in this very special stay package. Accommodations for two nights will be at Arch Cape Inn & Retreat, a luxurious bed and breakfast near Cannon Beach, Oregon. During the stay, the couple will be treated one night to a prix fixe dinner with wine pairings at the Arch Cape Inn & Retreat’s restaurant, where their chef draws on the fresh local bounty of seafood, produce and foraged ingredients to create fabulous American cuisine. On the second night, their dining destination will be Newman’s at 988, where chef John Newman serves classic French/Italian cuisine, and where the lucky couple will enjoy another prix fixe dinner with wine pairings. As a tangible harbinger of the pleasures waiting on the Oregon Coast, tonight the high bidder takes home a beautiful etched Double Magnum of 2008 Pamplin Columbia Valley Proprietary Red. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (mostly), Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot from the Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla Valley AVAs, it is a super first release. Just 161 cases were produced and this grand format is one of only a handful produced.
Opening Bid $800
Includes One 3-Liter Bottle Two-Night Stay for Two Two Dinners for Two
Donors
Art North, President Pamplin Family Winery Dundee, Oregon Arch Cape Inn & Retreat Newman’s at 988
Stay package is to be booked in advance and some restrictions may apply. Transportation is not included.
Mercer Estates
168 silent lots
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008
Mercer Estates is a Washington State winery dedicated to creating wines that exceed expectations. The 2008 Mercer Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon succeeds admirably by mingling cassis, cherry, cocoa and earth flavors in a smooth, supple style. This Double Magnum will age nicely, gaining additional complexity over time.
Opening Bid $400
Includes One 3-Liter Bottle
Donor
The Mercer and Hogue Families, Owners Mercer Estates Prosser, Washington
169 silent lots
Calistoga Proud Kenefick Ranch Winery
Opening Bid $200
Includes
One 1.5-Liter Bottle Tour, Tasting and Lunch for Six
Donor
The Kenefick Family, Owners Kenefick Ranch Winery Calistoga, California Huston, Idaho
Kenefick Ranch Winery handcrafts terrific Napa Valley Bordeauxinspired whites and reds from 125 acres of estate vineyards near Calistoga. Six will have the opportunity to visit this impressive—and not open to the public—estate for a tour of the vineyard, a tasting of current releases and lunch. Come during the summer and enjoy the California sunshine as lunch is served on the deck overlooking the vineyard! Visit is to be scheduled for a mutually convenient date and transportation is not included. The high bidder tonight takes home a Magnum of 2005 Kenefick Ranch Winery Caitlin’s Select Napa Valley Cabernet Franc. Brimming with raspberry and currant fruit accented by cocoa and earth complexity, it is smooth, well-balanced and drinking well now.