Whereas wine writers – yours really included – have but to provide the ultimate verdict on the 2023 classic, public sale attendees discovered loads to be enthusiastic about on the stay and silent auctions held on 14-15 Might, co-hosted by Zachy’s.
One of many seminars hosted on day one, which I moderated, introduced a few of the Willamette Valley‘s prime names in winemaking. Celebrated Chardonnay producer Ken Pahlow of Walter Scott and Antica Terra’s Maggie Harrison, in addition to Adelsheim’s Gina Hennen and Daniel Estrin of Cristom, described the rising season and the ensuing wines bidders would style and vie for over the 2 days.
The brand new two-day format included shoppers by invite, in addition to trade consumers. Glowing wines and single-case bidding increments have been additionally launched. This 12 months’s occasion raised a formidable $614,115 by means of sponsorship, ticket gross sales and lot gross sales to help the Willamette Valley Wineries Affiliation’s advertising and marketing, branding and training initiatives.
The highest lot, which offered for $30,000, was additionally the ultimate of the two-day affair: Lot #32 from Alexana Vineyard. Tresider Burns crafted the particular, auction-only Pinot Noir from the Alexana Dundee Hills property.
Included for the winner was ‘The Final Revana Mixing Desk Expertise’. The highest bidder would be a part of proprietor Dr Madaiah Revana and winemakers at each the Willamette Valley’s Alexana Property and Revana Property within the Napa Valley on the mixing desk to create uncommon bottlings of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, together with dinners and a deep dive into Dr Revana’s appreciable private cellar.
Different highlights and top-selling tons included:
- Lot #24: 2023 Antica Terra Alder Creek Pinot Noir – promoting for $25,000
- Lot #18 2023 Bethel Heights Kaleidoscope Chardonnay – which went for $18,000
And from the On-line Public sale: It Takes A Valley – $10,000. This was a bundle for 4 providing uncommon, behind-the-scenes entry to Willamette Valley wine nation together with winery stays, non-public tastings and immersive winemaker experiences.
The 2023 classic, marked by a cool begin and a comparatively fast and regular rising season, noticed wholesome yields and average alcohol ranges. If my early tastings are any indication, it shows a reasonably fast magnificence whereas exhibiting all of the markers of ageability.
‘The calibre of wines showcased this 12 months was nothing wanting world-class,’ stated Joshua Wludyka, public sale chair and model director at Lingua Franca.
‘These wines characterize the depth, range, and precision of Willamette Valley winemaking — every one a testomony to the exceptional expertise and terroir of our area. We’re extremely grateful to the attendees, bidders, and supporters who helped deliver this celebration to life.’
