Washington State’s Private Barrel Auction (PBA) held on 15 March in Woodinville proved the exception to falling auction prices worldwide. Prominent national wine trade members and private collectors recently hoisted a paddle to raise more than US$150,000 on bespoke barrel lots, benefitting Washington State University (WSU) Viticulture and Enology research. “This is a way to get Washington wine out across the country to some larger trade people, retailers, restaurants, and distributors,” says Auction of Washington Wines executive director Jamie Peha. “The wines were stunning, and all had been sampled by Bob Betz MW prior to the event on March 15th.” In all, over 30 wineries crafted exclusive, five-case lots showcasing Washington’s varied AVA’s, including Red Mountain, Yakima Valley, and Walla Walla. The auction took US$25,000 more than its last sale, which took place in 2022 (there was no Private Barrel Auction held in 2023), bucking the recent trend for the falling value of auction bids. The 2022 event brought in US$125,000 in total. Fetching the top prices at US$7,500 each were single, five-case lots from L’Ecole No. 41 2022 Block Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, made from grapes harvested from Seven Hills Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley, and FIGGINS 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon from the producer’s Walla Walla Valley. Other lot prices averaged approximately US$5,000. “Research is so long term, you have to have a consistent base,” says Melissa Hansen, research programme director for Washington State Wine Commission. “This auction has really helped beef up the industry, supplying the kinds of wines
This Article was originally published on The Drink Business - Fine Wine
