Auction Napa Valley 2008 A tribute to Robert Mondavi helps raise over 10 million dollars for local area charities by Al Hernandez
The 28th edition of Auction Napa Valley raised a near-record total $10.35 million dollars, falling just short of the high, set in 2005 (10.5 million). The weekend was kicked-off by winery hospitality events throughout Napa on Thursday, highlighting the commitment to great food and wine in the region. Friday’s Market Place and Barrel Auction allowed attendees to sample foods from premium restaurants, including French Laundry, Go Fish, Etoile, and others, while bidding on over 100 10-case barrel lots. The highlight of the day was a Robert Mondavi tribute lounge, where iconic photos were displayed, including the famous “Cork Tuxedo” Portrait. Attendees, vintners and volunteers signed memory books that will be given to the family.
Friday’s event was truly a world-wide phenomenon; E-auction allowed bidders from around the globe to compete with bidders on-site in real-time pursuit of 87 online E-Auction lots. This year, these lots offered not only verticals of wine and luxury items, but a also a remarkable number of rare, large-format bottles. This segment of the Auction, where bidding began on May 23, brought in just over $371,000.
Saturday's live auction at Meadowood resort in St. Helena drew about 900 guests and vintners, including Jay Leno and first-time attendee, Oprah Winfrey. The laughter-filled evening was a celebration of all things Napa, including the legendary Robert Mondavi. As a founding member of Auction Napa Valley, his spirit could be felt throughout the event. As evidence of his spirit and the reverence shown to the great man, the top lot at Saturday's live auction was a tribute to the late vintner. Before the bidding began, longtime Auctioneer Fritz Hatton introduced a video that provided a loving homage to Mr. Mondavi followed by a toast from his brother, Peter Mondavi, who captured it for all when he said, "There was no one with the drive and ceaseless energy to always do better and share his knowledge and hospitality than Bob." Hundreds of quotes, tributes and memories shared by vintners and wine lovers from around the world can be read online at napavintners.com.
Top Five Live-Auction Lots
1. Robert Mondavi Tribute—$840,000
A multi-bidder auction lot to participate in a 95th birthday party for the late Robert Mondavi. Includes a dinner prepared by chefs Charlie Trotter, Alice Waters, Julian Serrano, Gary Danko and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, plus signed and etched bottles from wineries such as Rubicon, Quintessa and Joseph Phelps.
2. Screaming Eagle—$500,000
Six magnums of 1992 Screaming Eagle and dinner at the winery.
3. Frank Family Vineyards and Promise Wine—$480,000
Includes a walk-on role in an episode of Grey's Anatomy, tickets to the star-studded American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement awards in Los Angeles, dinner prepared by Mario Batali, a six-night luxury trip to New Zealand wine country and a collection of wines.
4. Harlan Estate—$340,000
Ten magnums of Harlan Estate from the 1995 vintage through 2004 and dinner for eight at the property.
5. Blackbird Vineyards—$300,000
Includes three 3-liter bottles (2003-2005) of Blackbird Vineyards Bordeaux-style blend, four tickets to the exclusive Chanel fashion show in Paris, accommodations for four in Paris, plus dinner and a tour of Coco Chanel's private apartment.
Top Barrel Auction Lots
1. Shafer Vineyards $85,100
2. Gemstone $34,900
3. Parallel Napa Valley $33,900
4. D.R. Stephens Estate $30,900
5. Blackbird Vineyards $30,250
6. Joseph Phelps Vineyards $25,750
7. William Cole Vineyards $22,800
8. Crocker & Starr Wines $20,500
9. Rocca Family Wines $20,250
10. John Anthony $20,150
11.Cliff Lede Vineyards $20,050
