Todd The Wine Guy

We're still seeking donations for the 2010 event. Please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 919-968-1884 for more information.

Below is a list from last year's auction to give you an idea of all the goodies available!

2009 Corks for Kids Auction Items

Live Auction Items

Torbreck Run Rig Shiraz 2005 Magnum (1.5L) signed by winemaker – 98+ pts Wine Advocate – Donated by The Wine Guy - David Powell is arguably one of the finest winemakers in the world. His flagship offering, Run Rig, consistently rates as one of the top Australian Shiraz and one of the world’s finest wines. This rare magnum was signed by David Powell exclusively for Corks for Kids! “Torbreck’s flagship is the 2005 Run Rig, a 97% Shiraz cuvee sourced from 120- to 160-year-old vines with 3% finished Viognier added before bottling. It spent 30 months in 60% new French oak. Opaque purple/black in color, it has a kinky, exotic bouquet of fresh road tar, smoke, lavender, black pepper, game, blueberry, and black raspberry. Full-bodied and opulent on the palate, the wine is dense, packed, and unevolved. It will continue to open up over the next 10-12 years and drink well through 2040 in the style of a Chapoutier Hermitage. If it develops as I think it will, it will be a candidate for perfection down the road.” WA  Market Value: $700 / Minimum Bid: $350

Kistler Pinot Noir – Since its founding in 1978, Kistler Vineyards has defined what it means to be a “Cult” winery. It’s extremely limited production wines are sold exclusively via mailing list, which takes years to get on. Their Pinot Noirs are produced in miniscule amounts, are nearly impossible to find, and always get huge reviews – that is, when a reviewer is lucky enough to try them!  (6 bottles) Market Value: $1,435 / Minimum Bid: $700

• Kistler Pinot Noir Cuvee Elizabeth 2004 (2 bottles) – 96-98 pts Wine Advocate – “Bordering on perfection, the 2004 Pinot Noir Bodega Headlands (from Kistler’s new vineyard planted on the Sonoma Coast) offers up sweet plum, forest floor, and violet scents along with a La Tache-like, ethereal, floral, and black raspberry-like character. This prodigious, deep ruby/purple-colored Pinot possesses fabulous concentration as well as a layered, multidimensional palate, wonderful fruit, sweet tannin, and good acidity. It should age beautifully for 10-12 years. Interestingly, Steve Kistler planted this vineyard with the old Calera clone, which is rumored to be a suitcase clone pulled out of the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti grand cru vineyards.”
• Kistler Pinot Noir Cuvee Catherine 2004 (2 bottles) – 94-95 pts Wine Advocate – “The 2004 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard Cuvee Catherine Occidental Station boasts a glorious dark ruby/purple-tinged color as well as an extraordinary nose reminiscent of a Comte de Vogue Musigny Vieilles Vignes. Aromas of crushed rocks, violets, raspberries, sweet cherries, and a distinctive terroir character are present in this full-bodied effort. With oodles of vivacious fruit as well as wonderful freshness and palate penetration, this superb Pinot Noir should drink well for 10-12 years.” WA
• Kistler Pinot Noir Cuvee Elizabeth 2002 – 95 pts Wine Advocate – “Kistler’s daughter gets her name on the 250-case lot of 2002 Pinot Noir Occidental Vineyard Cuvee Elizabeth. This wine is spectacular, and while I don’t like to choose between daughters, it gets a slight nod over the Cuvee Catherine because it just seems to have a few more layers of flavor crammed into its medium to full-bodied personality. Wonderfully floral, raspberry, and kirsch notes emerge from this wine, which also shows a touch of toast, some crushed stony, rocky notes, and beautiful texture and vibrant acidity. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this wine age effortlessly for 10-15 years. It is certainly a terrific Pinot Noir which, as I said last year, comes across as California’s Musigny.” WA
• Kistler Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard 2002 – 92 pts Wine Advocate – “The 2002 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard exhibits abundant amounts of sweet, wild mountain fruit characteristics intermixed with raspberries and flowers. There is good acidity (which may help it to age unusually long), tremendous fragrance, impressive purity as well as ripeness, and medium body. It is a delicately nuanced, feminine Pinot.” WA

Sine Qua Non Collection – Donated by Manfred & Ellen Krankl, Matt Morris, and Todd McGowan --One of the Young Turks of California, Manfred Krankl has rapidly redefined what it means to be a Rhone Ranger. Not satisfied to merely emulate the great wines of Hermitage and Chateauneuf du Pape, Krankl has set his sights on surpassing them! “The ultimate “garage” winery, this operation’s back alley warehouse looks like a set scene from the movie Mad Max, but inside are the elixirs of dreams. Despite Krankl’s already lofty reputation, he continues to fine tune and build more nuances and complexity into his wines without sacrificing their intrinsic exuberance, purity, intensity, and individuality. I am increasingly convinced that no one in Australia, America, South America, or anywhere else in the New World makes a finer, more complex and compelling Grenache than Manfred Krankl. The Syrah begs to be compared with the greatest of France, California, and Australia, and the white wine blends assembled by Manfred Krankl are as sumptuous and complex as the world’s finest.” WA  (4 bottles) Market Value: $1350 / Minimum Bid: $650

• Sine Qua Non Raven Series Syrah 2006 -- Signed by winemaker—96 pts Wine Advocate – “The 2006 Syrah Raven Series (93% Syrah, 5% Grenache, and 2% Viognier) is primarily from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard with small quantities from the Bien Nacido and White Hawk vineyards. It will be bottled after spending 22 months in oak casks. Aromas of sweet black and blue fruits, forest floor, lead pencil shavings, and spring flowers emerge from this remarkably elegant Syrah. With great fruit intensity, a stunning texture, and an opulent mouthfeel, this is a gentle, gracious, large-scaled wine displaying extraordinary finesse and elegance for its size. It will drink beautifully for 12-15+ years.” WA
• Sine Qua Non Raven Series Grenache 2006 – Signed by winemaker – 96 pts Wine Advocate – “The 2006 Grenache Raven Series (92% Grenache and 8% Syrah with 26% whole clusters) was aged in 43% new oak, including both small barrels and demi-muids. It is a slightly smaller production (880 cases) than the 2005 Atlantis Fe 203-2a. The 2006 Raven Series exhibits that chocolate character that very ripe Grenache can sometimes possess, along with black cherry and black currant notes. Full-bodied and seamlessly constructed, it offers hints of graphite, licorice, smoke, and meat. The chocolate component appears to be vintage specific as I have not noticed it in other SQN Grenache offerings. This beauty, a superb success in a challenging vintage, is another example of how intensive, radical work in the vineyard as well as meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyard and cellar can produce a prodigious wine in a less than stellar year.” WA
• Sine Qua Non Atlantis Fe 203 1A Syrah 2005 – 100 pts Wine Advocate – “The perfect 2005 Syrah Atlantis Fe 203-1a,b,c is a blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Grenache, and 2% Viognier, with 25% whole clusters. Whereas the Ode to E is all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard, this cuvee is a combination of 43% from the estate vineyard, 28% from the White Hawk Vineyard, 21% from the Alban Vineyard, and 8% from the Bien Nacido Vineyard. The good news is there are nearly 1,500 cases of this recently released offering. An extraordinarily flowery nose interwoven with scents of blueberries, blackberries, incense, and graphite soars from the glass. Although not the biggest or most concentrated Syrah Krankl has made, it is one of the most nuanced, elegant, and complex. It remains full-bodied, but builds incrementally on the palate, and comes across as elegant and delicate, especially when compared to many California Syrahs. Nevertheless, the intensity is mind-boggling, and the finish lasts for nearly a minute. Drink this amazing effort over the next 10-15+ years.” WA
• Sine Qua Non Hoo Doo Man Proprietary White 2006 – 95 pts Wine Advocate – “The newest cuvee of white wine, the 2006 The Hoo Doo Man, is a 568-case blend of 39% Roussanne and the rest essentially equal parts Viognier and Chardonnay. This exceptional effort is a model example of what can be done with white varietals in California’s Central Coast. An exceptional bouquet of lemon blossom, nectarine, orange marmalade-infused honey, quince, and citrus are stunningly aromatic and provide profound richness, yet the freshness, precision, and overall lift are remarkable for a wine of this power and intensity. It offers a prodigious glass of dry white wine that should drink handsomely for a decade. In short, I call it ‘How do he do it man.’” WA    

Clos St. Jean Deus ex Machina Châteauneuf du Pâpe Magnum 2005 – 100 pts Wine Advocate – Donated by The Wine Guy – “The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus-Ex Machina is utter perfection in the glass – an awesome wine both comparable to and eclipsing the otherworldly 2003. Saturated purple to the rim, with an extraordinary nose of incense, fruitcake, blackberry and black cherry notes with some subtle roasted herbs, roast beef, smoke, and licorice, massive fruit concentration, extraordinary intensity, unreal purity and harmony, and a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, and alcohol, this is a tour de force in winemaking and certainly one of the most compelling Chateauneuf du Papes I have ever tasted. The length goes on well past a minute, and the wine should age effortlessly for 25-30+ years. The tannins are formidable according to consulting oenologist Philippe Cambie, but they are nearly obscured by the wine’s remarkable concentration and intensity. This is a riveting wine. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030+.”

Market Value $1000 / Minimum Bid $600

Corks for Kids Exclusive Art Piece (4’x6’) – Donated by Michael Nighswonger – Acclaimed artist Michael Nighswonger is a Los Angeles native now making his home in North Carolina. With no formal training, Michael’s art is truly an expression of himself, filtered only through self-taught techniques. His works are abstractions on a grand scale, both in size and in power. Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism, and even traditional Japanese techniques are obvious influences, but Michael prefers that the viewer approach each piece with an open mind. The paintings are expressions of Michael’s creativity, but they are also reflections of the viewer’s own tastes and experiences. What you see, what you feel, what you get out of each painting – that is what each painting means. This piece was inspired by Corks for Kids! Truly a one of a kind piece of art! Market Value: $4,000 / Minimum Bid: $2,000

Auction Table #1

#1 - L’Ecole Two-Pack – Donated by John Reardon -- L'Ecole Nº 41 has been producing premium, handcrafted varietal wines in the Walla Walla Valley since 1983 in the historic Frenchtown School in Lowden, Washington.  The third-oldest winery in Walla Walla, L’Ecole No. 41 is widely renowned for wines that have an unmistakeable sense of place and beautiful balance.  Their two top flight Bordeaux Blends, Apogee and Perigee, are sourced from Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills Vineyard respectively, and are representative of the very finest that Washington State has to offer.     (2 bottles) Market Value $100 / Minimum Bid $70

• L’Ecole No. 41 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Apogee 2005 – 93 pts Wine Advocate – “The 2005 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 7% Malbec, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Saturated purple-colored, it has a slightly brooding nose of pain grille, pencil lead, spice box, and assorted black fruits. It is the most structured of the L’Ecole reds with darker fruit and greater aging potential. Drink this superb effort between 2015 and 2030.” WA
• L’Ecole No. 41 Seven Hills Vineyard Perigee 2005 – 92 pts Wine Advocate – “The 2005 Perigee Seven Hills Vineyard is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc aged in 50% new oak. Dark ruby/purple-colored, it has an alluring perfume of violets, wood smoke, spice box, black currant and blackberry liqueur. Elegant and seamless on the palate, it has superb depth, concentration, and spicy, savory flavors. Give it 4-6 years and drink it from 2012 to 2025.” WA

#2 – Totally Random Stuff! So what do you do when promised auction items fail to materialize a day before the vent? You take the odds and ends and put them together like this! Market Value: $375 / Minimum Bid: $150

• One Month Membership and one-hour massage – Donated by The Wellness Center at Meadowmont
• Gift Certificate and Flower Arrangement – Donated by Victoria Park Florist
• Summerfield Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1997– 92 pts Wine Advocate “The black/purple-colored 1997 Cabernet Reserve offers a tremendously expressive bouquet of mint, black currants, creme brulee, dried herbs, and spice. Full-bodied, with terrific fruit extraction and purity, this layered, impressively-endowed wine is capable of lasting 15-20 years. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020.”
• Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 – 91 pts Int’l Wine Cellar “Pungent aromas of wild berries, herbs, underbrush and smoke lifted by an enticing lavender perfume. Less fruity but more minerally and bright than the basic bottling, offering a rather silky texture and some attractive high-toned notes of perfumed red fruits. I like this pinot's restrained sweetness and its classically dry finish. Owner/winemaker Thomas Brown told me that the tiny quantities of fruit he had to work with in 2005 were difficult to manage, and that the 2006s were easier to make.”

#3 - Que Syrah Syrah! – Donated by Sean Moore -- Inspired by the great traditions of Burgundian winemaking, Joseph Davis has been making Arcadian Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah in California's Central Coast region since 1996. Using French artisan methods and hands-on vineyard management, Joe's Arcadian label consistently receives high marks from the world's most respected wine writers. Following his gut instinct allows him the complete realization of his dream and his mission remains to make wines that fully express the uniqueness of the vineyard and the region while capturing the voluptuous flavor of the grape and the kiss of cool California breezes and warm sunshine. This trio of Syrah shows just how distinctive and fabulous California Syrah can be!  (3 bottles) 

Market value: $170 / Minimum bid: $120

• Arcadian Syrah Purisman Vineyard 2005 – 93 pts IWC – “Dark red. Intriguingly floral nose displays pungent raspberry and cherry qualities, along with fresh rose, violet and anise. Fleshy but impressively focused red fruit preserve flavors are brightened by crackling minerality that carries into the finish. Clean and refreshing, with excellent finishing grip and clarity.”
• Arcadian Syrah Hommage a Max 2004 – 92 pts IWC
• Arcadian Syrah Westerly Vineyard 2004 – 92+ pts IWC

#4 - Leonetti Cellars Reserve Vertical 2001-2003 – Donated by John Reardon –Leonetti Cellars needs little introduction. As the oldest winery in Walla Walla Valley, Leonetti is quite simply the benchmark by which all other Washington state wines are measured. Since 1977, winemaker Gary Figgins’ uncompromising, old-school approach to winemaking has garnered a bit of a cult following. His wines are sold primarily to a mailing list of customers during one whirlwind weekend in the spring, and the mailing list has a waiting list of its own, making these wines very hard to find. Well, we found some!  (3 bottles) Market Value: $325/ Minimum Bid: $225

·         Leonetti Cellars Reserve 2001 – 96 pts Wine Advocate – “Notes of cedar are gaining on the fresh black cherry scents in the terrific aromatics of the 2001 Reserve. This medium to full-bodied wine is satin-textured, pure, concentrated, and intense. Expansive, it coats the taster’s palate with red cherries, spices, and superbly ripe tannin. This blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 7.5% Cabernet Franc, and 7.5% Petit Verdot should be drunk over the next 15 years.” WA

·         Leonetti Cellars Reserve 2002 – 93+ pts Int’l Wine Cellar – “( 51% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot and 18% petit verdot; aged in 100% new oak, 95% of it French) Bright ruby-red. Pure, floral aromas of black cherry, plum, cassis and minerals, with complicating notes of tobacco, tar, pepper and licorice. Suave on entry, then fat, dense and backward. Very firmly structured wine that’s youthfully tight and sharply focused. Not a bigger wine than the cabernet, but its cut and clarity are exhilarating. The flavors of cassis, bitter chocolate, licorice and flowers outlast the wine’s firm, fine-grained tannins. Superb. An outstanding showing for this year’s crop of red wine releases from Leonetti.” IWC

·         Leonetti Cellars Reserve 2003 – 97 pts Wine Advocate – “Mouth-watering quantities of black raspberries and cassis liqueur are found in the nose of the stunning 2003 Reserve. A huge, immensely deep wine of intense concentration, it coats the palate with waves of dark raspberries and super-ripe black currants whose flavors linger in its exceptionally long finish. This decadent behemoth is magnificent to taste now and will be sumptuous over the next 15+ years.” WA

#5 - Turley Wine Cellars Zinfandel Cuvee Juvenile 2003 – Donated by Gary & Karen Childers – 90-92 pts Wine Advocate—“One of the great values from Turley, the 2003 Juvenile Zinfandel is an 800-case blend loaded with power (15.5% alcohol). A big, fruity, spicy, briery wine with low acidity, ripe fruit, and plenty of cherries and kirsch, this is a medium ruby-hued, sexy Zinfandel.” WA  Market Value $60 / Minimum Bid $42

#6 - 1997 Brunello Collection – Donated by John Reardon – If Barolo is the king of Italian wine, Brunello is its queen.  Granted the first DOCG in 1980, Brunello is the very best expression of Tuscan Sangiovese.  1997, furthermore, is  the benchmark vintage for Tuscany,  and the wines are coming into their own in a beautiful way.  To bring it all home, this is a lot of 4 of the most famous producers in the region.  Seamless, balanced, powerful, and concentrated, this collection of Brunello is a serious addition to any wine collection. (4 bottles) Market Value $590 / Minimum Bid $400

• Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona, Brunello di Montalcino 1997 – 97 pts Wine Spectator – “Very dark ruby-garnet. Intense aromas of ripe fruit, fresh porcini and toasty oak. Full-bodied, with fabulous texture of velvety and complex fruit character. Incredibly long. I have always loved this wine. I like it better than the riserva in 1997.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Drink now through 2017. 2,500 cases made.” WS
• Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino “Castelgiocondo” 1997 – 96 pts Wine Spectator – “Dark ruby-garnet. Decadent aromas of blackberry, mushroom and grilled meat. Hints of dried candied fruit. Full and supersilky, with seductive, opulent fruit character. It's so long and caressing. A thoroughly gorgeous bottle.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Drink now through 2017. 12,000 cases made.” WS
• Altesino Brunello di Montalcino “Montosoli” 1997 – 97 pts Wine Spectator – “Dark ruby and red color. Blackberry, licorice and grilled meat aromas. Full-bodied, with layers of beautiful tannins and fresh ripe fruit and sliced mushroom. Very, very long. So powerful and rich, yet racy and beautiful. Still needs some time.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2010. 2,200 cases made.” WS
• Antinori Brunello di Montalcino “Pian delle Vigne” 1997 – 97 pts Wine Spectator – “Very rich and plummy, with lots of mineral and floral undertones. Full, fresh and very powerful, with big, yet silky tannins and a long aftertaste of cherry and spices. Very, very long. Still needs time.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2009.” WS

Auction Table #2

#7 - California Cabernet Vertical – Donated by William Bowman, Jeff & Dena Morris, and John Reardon – A vertical is one of those things in the wine world that is always exciting to drink with friends.  Verticals can spur a discussion about the climate and growing conditions within a specific vintage, and they give empirical evidence about the different things that were happening in the region in each of the years in the set.  This is a survey of some of Napa Valley’s finest Cabernet, with an exemplary bottle from each vintage from 2000 back to 1996.  (5 bottles) Market Value $715 / Minimum Bid $450

·         Dominus Proprietary Red 1996 – 95 pts Wine Advocate – “The 1996 Dominus, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, tips the scales at 14.2% alcohol. A super nose of roasted coffee, chocolate, dried herbs, black fruits and kirsch is both intense and persuasive. The wine displays terrific richness, medium to full body, low acidity, a succulent, opulent texture, and superb purity. This beautifully made 1996 is one of the few wines that has successfully tamed the vintage's elevated tannin level. It should be relatively drinkable upon its release, yet evolve nicely for two decades. Impressive!” WA

·         Hourglass Cabernet 1997 – 91 pts Wine Advocate     

·         Dalle Valle Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 – 93 pts Wine Advocate

·         Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon “Special Selection” 1999 – 95 pts Wine Advocate – “Dark, rich and intense, a vibrant, deeply concentrated and firmly tannic style. Young and tight, this wine packs in lots of rich, chocolaty plum, black currant, cherry, anise and sage and herbal flavors. Really revs up the flavors on the finish, with unfolding layers of complexity and depth. Best from 2004 through 2014.” WS

·         Lewis Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 – 93 pts Connoisseur’s Guide        

#8 - Big Bottles! – Donated by Steve Wegner – On Spring Mountain at the peak of of the Mayacamas range, straddling Napa and Sonoma, sits Pride Mountain Vineyards, home to some of the most highly sought-after wines in California.  The unique high-altitude micro-climate and southern facing vineyards produce fruit that Robert Parker has called “of special quality.” In the late 90s, Bob Foley, in the project that put him on the map, took full advantage of that fruit to tremendous effect.  The Cabernet Franc in particular has always been very low production and is almost never seen in magnum, save to those who are lucky enough to be on the mailing list at Pride.  Here’s an opportunity to taste a piece of California wine-making history! (2 bottles) Market Value $450 / Minimum Bid $300

• Pride Cabernet Franc 1998 1.5L – 94 pts Wine Advocate
• Pride Cabernet Franc 1999 1.5L – 94 pts Wine Advocate – “The terrific, extremely textured 1999 Cabernet Franc boasts a floral and black fruit-scented nose with an underlying mineral/earthiness. The wine is medium to full-bodied with an ethereal sense of lightness. The finish goes on and on. There is plenty of sweet tannin to go along with the copious fruit and extract. Pride Mountain does an amazing job with Cabernet Franc. They somehow achieve superb flavor and aromatic intensity without the weight one would expect from a wine so rich and full. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018.”

#9 - Abigail Blosser Photography – Donated by Abigail Blosser - Abigail Blosser is the photographer who took the incredible pictures of Todd’s two precious ones, Lily and Jack. (Photos on display at Chapel Hill Wine Company).  She has a very personal touch, with her work reminiscent of Anne Geddes and Annie Lieberman.  Abigail has generously donated a canvas print and sitting fee. Jane White has provided the cute little snuggly Lullabaloo should you want Abigail to take pics of your own little cutie-pie! Market Value: $430 / Minimum Bid: $300

#10 - Cult Four-Pack – Donated by Todd McGowan -- Mark Aubert, who formerly worked under Helen Turley, makes benchmark Pinot and Chardonnay in Sonoma County.  For anyone who isn't already on the Aubert mailing list, it's hard to acquire one of these wines. Not a single bottle of the Aubert winery's 4,000-case annual production is sold to wine stores. While the Pinot Noirs are simply amazing, it is the Chardonnays that will leave you speechless with desire. (4 bottles) Market Value: $540 / Minimum Bid $375

• Aubert Chardonnay “Lauren Vineyard” 2007 – 97-99 pts Wine Advocate – “The 2007 Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard eclipses its 2006 counterpart. It also reveals a greenish hue to its straw color, in addition to extraordinary intensity, crisp acidity, stunning texture and length, and abundant aromas of quince, citrus blossoms, honeysuckle, poached pears, and tropical fruits. It should drink well for 4-6 years or longer.” WA
• Aubert Chardonnay “Ritchie Vineyard” 2007 – 94-96 pts Wine Advocate – “  The 2007 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is a return to the brilliance of the 2005. From 35-year old, old Wente clone vines (preferred by nearly every top Chardonnay producer in northern California), this cuvee exhibits incredible elegance, crisp acidity, noteworthy minerality, and a full-bodied, substantial personality. Notes of quince, nectarines, honeyed citrus, pineapple, and subtle smoke emerge from this rich, opulent Chardonnay that should drink well for 5-8 years.” WA
• Aubert Pinot Noir “UV Vineyard” 2006 – 92+ pts Wine Advocate -- “Extremely promising, the closed 2006 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard boasts earthy, raspberry, red and black currant notes intermixed with subtle background oak, smoke, and charcoal. The tannins seem to creep up in the finish, something I did not notice last year. The most structured of these Pinots, it requires another 1-2 years of bottle age, and should last for 4-5 years.” WA
• Aubert Pinot Noir “Reuling Vineyard” 2006 – 92 pts Wine Advocate -- “The very fine 2006 Pinot Noir Reuling Vineyard reveals more of a pomegranate character than previous vintages. Its superb bouquet exhibits notes of forest floor, raspberries, cherries, and a hint of allspice. Medium-bodied with good acidity and a shorter finish than the 2007 or 2005, this brilliant Pinot requires consumption over the next 4-5 years.” WA

#11 - Children’s Riding School Bus in UNC colors - Donated by Terry Rusk - This hand-crafted riding school bus was made by local father and entrepreneur, Terry Rusk.  Handmade from American Hardwoods, it is mostly Hard Maple and Black Walnut.  All materials are natural and kid friendly.  It is coated in shellac, a natural product made from seashells.  The detailing on this piece is beautiful!  This is truly a gem compared to the mass produced, cheaply made toys out there.  Market Value: $150 / Minimum Bid: $100

#12 - Tote & Wine – Donated by Brian Kileff and Jeff &Dena Morris.  Carry your newly prized possessions in this beautiful leather tote donated by local wine accessory company, Oenophilia. And what might those possessions be?  How about two French masterpieces from a fantastic vintage? (2 bottles) Market Value: $175 / Minimum Bid: $125    

• Domaine Trimbach Riesling “Cuvée Fréderic Émile” 1995 – 92 pts Wine Advocate – “The beguiling 1995 Riesling Frederic-Emile exhibits a profound nose of minerals, chalk, granite, and citrus fruits that leads to a highly-nuanced, medium-to-full-bodied character. Massively powerful layers of rocks, pears, candied limes, and minerals are found in this rich, fabulously dense offering. Additionally, it is focused, hugely concentrated, and possesses an exceptionally long finish.” WA
• Domaine du Père Pape, Châteauneuf du Pâpe “La Crau de ma Mère” 1995 – Deep ruby color, followed by explosive jammy, blackberry, and cherry fruit intermixed with spice and pepper. Medium to full-bodied and dense, with superb purity, and a multi-layered, unctuously-textured finish, this wine combines power and concentration with an aromatic, supple style.

Auction Table #3

#13 - Cameo Trumpet Vase – Donated by Vietri Imports -- Handmade of terra cotta in Tuscany, each Rustic Garden piece is covered in vibrant glazes with an aged patina as if it was plucked from an Italian villa! Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Market Value: $225 / Minimum Bid: $150

#14 - Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon Horizontal—Donated by Bill & Carol True – This time, we have a horizontal for auction. In other words, 3 different bottlings by the same winemaker, all from the stellar 2001 vintage.  This showcases the winemaking style of Bruce Cakebread from three different angles, in the last vintage that he was the head wine-maker at Cakebread. (3 bottles) Market Value: $300 / Minimum Bid: $200

• Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon “Three Sisters” 2001 – “The product of a superb red wine vintage in Napa Valley, Cakebread Cellars 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderfully rich, ripe wine with a nearly opaque ruby color and a seductive aroma of ripe, lavish black cherry and currant fruit enhanced by cedar and toasty, vanilla oak tones. On the palate, the wine's lush berry and cassis flavors are impressively broad and deep with supple, seamlessly integrated tannins and a lusciously rich finish. Delicious to drink now, this marvelous red will continue developing for another 5-7 years in bottle.” Winemaker’s Note
• Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon “Vine Hill Ranch” 2001 – “Our 2001 Vine Hill Cabernet Sauvignon displays the deep, rich fruit and superb tannin structure characteristic of this magnificent Oakville vineyard. The aroma is classic Napa Valley: ripe, dusty blackberry, black plum and black currant fruit laced with a hint of briary spice and a whiff of sweet, toasty oak. At first taste, the wine reveals a big, thick, harmonious texture followed by waves of deep, concentrated black fruit that expand on the palate and take on a spicy, licorice-like tone in the remarkably lengthy finish. Truly "hedonistic," but with a splendid balance of supple tannins and bright underlying acidity, this immensely generous Cabernet is hard to resist now, but will develop and provide pleasure for another decade.” Winemaker’s Note
• Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon “Benchland Select” 2001 – “Our 2001 Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon offers a seductive aroma of perfectly ripened black fruits laden with scents of black figs, chocolate and smoky, toasty oak. On the palate, the wine delivers opulent, mouth-filling, ripe blackberry and black plum flavors balanced by firm tannins and crisp natural acidity. This lavishly flavored Napa Valley Cabernet, packed with deep, lush fruit, is delicious to drink now, but will handsomely repay 7-10 years of cellaring.” Winemaker’s Note

#15 - Herb Lamb Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum  (1.5 Liter) 2006 – Donated by Jennifer & Herb Lamb – Most of the juice made by Herb Lamb goes to a handful of sought-after Cult Cab producers. Most notably is Colgin, who produced a 96 pt Wine Advocate rated Cab from the 2006 vintage. Jennifer & Herb Lamb keep the best juice for themselves and bottle a small amount of wine under their own label. Only 92 cases were made of this wine, with a mere 5 cases being turned into magnums (only 30 bottles). This is incredible juice that will age for 20-30 years! – Market Value: $325 / Minimum Bid: $225

#16 - Rebello-Valente Vintage Port 1977 – Donated by Phil & Scottie Pitner – From the classic 1977 vintage, a perfectly aged porto!  “This is the most recent major-league Rebello Valente. Medium red with a ruby center, intense blackberry nose, full-bodied, with an excellent concentration of ripe blackberry flavors, full tannins and a long finish.” WS

Market Value: $50 / Minimum Bid: $35

#17 - California Chardonnay Four Pack – Donated by Ross McKinney – This is a sampling of some of California’s finest and hardest to find Chardonnay.  From the Brewer Clifton Seasmoke, of which there were only 450 cases produced, to the Walter Hansel Cuvée Alyce, which garnered 94 pts from the Wine Advocate, this is a gorgeous lot of wines sure to picque the interest of any serious Chardonnay drinker.  (4 bottles) Market Value: $220 / Minimum Bid: $150

• Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay “Seasmoke” 2006 – 93 pts Wine Advocate -- White currant, honeyed citrus, creme brulee, brioche, and poached pear jump from the glass of the medium to full-bodied, light straw-colored 2006 Chardonnay Sea Smoke. Full-bodied and deep, this is a stunning Chardonnay to drink over the next 7-8 years.” WA
• Kistler Chardonnay “Les Noisetiers” 2004
• Walter Hansel Chardonnay “Cuvée Alyce” 2005 -- 94 pts Wine Advocate – “The 2005 Chardonnay Cuvee Alyce, which is a selection of the best barrels and named after Stephen Hansel’s mother, exhibits more honeysuckle, poached pear, and sauteed, buttery citrus. The wine has gorgeous fruit, terrific acidity, and underlying minerality and depth. This is a superb wine that should age nicely for 7-8 years.”
• Ridge Vineyards Chardonnay “Santa Cruz Mountains Estate” 2006 – 90 pts Wine Spectator           

#18 - Kosta Browne Pinot Pack – Donated by Sheldon Fox – The only venture capital that Kosta Browne Winery needed for its first vintage, 1997, was 20 bucks a night in pooled tip money. That's how Dan Kosta and Michael Browne raised $1,300, each contributing $10 a day from the tips they earned working at John Ash & Co., a Sonoma County restaurant. Their small investment bought a half-ton of Pinot Noir, a single barrel and a used, hand-crank crusher.Since then, Dan Kosta and Michael Browne have proven themselves able to create, through careful vineyard choices and precision farming (or farming management) and winemaking, deliciously rich and compelling Pinot Noir.  The Kosta Browne label, though it only produces about 5000 cases total, has achieved international renown from critics and consumers alike… when they can get their hands on the wines!  (4 bottles) Market Value: $320 / Minimum Bid: $225

• Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2006 – 90 pts Wine Spectator
• Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2007 – 95 pts Wine Spectator “Firm and focused, with a wonderful purity of flavor, offering a complex, focused mix of black cherry, raspberry, spice and anise. Full-bodied and concentrated. Long and persistent on the finish. Drink now through 2014.” WS
• Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2006 – 91 pts Wine Spectator
• Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2007 – 92 pts Wine Spectator

Auction Table #4

#19 - Write a Letter – Donated by Terry Rusk and Jeff & Dena Morris -- What better way to compose a note than with this beautiful hand-crafted writing set in Blue Burled Maple consisting of a wooden pen, letter opener, and magnifying glass in a solid cherry case. And to get those creative juices flowing, pop open a bottle of the 1998 Genders McLaren Park Wines Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia.  Market Value: $200 / Minimum Bid: $140

#20 - Get Your Affairs in Order – Donated by Alan Campbell and Jeff & Dena Morris -- Nobody wants to think about it, but everyone should do it – wills, trusts, power of attorney… it’s important. This is a “turn-key” all inclusive estate planning package of legal work provided by J. Alan Campbell,  Attorney and Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate.  Alan will meet with you to determine your estate distribution goals and advise on tax issues that may apply.  Next he will prepare Wills (or revise your existing Wills), including Trusts for Children and estate tax planning, Health Care Powers of Attorney, Financial Powers of Attorney and related documents.  The package includes all meetings including signing the documents, and documents for both husband and wife. And while Alan’s a great guy, all that legal work can be stressful, so we’re tossing in two bottles of 1998 Genders McLaren Park Wines Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia. (2 bottles) Market Value: $1600 / Minimum Bid: $750

#21 - Go Heels! – Framed / Signed Copy of Daily Tar Heel from National Championship – Donated by Roy Williams and Yesterday & Today Frame Shop – Roy’s Boys were a force to be reckoned with last season, and while none of us could forget Tyler Hansborough’s sheer determination, Ty Lawson’s blazing speed, or Wayne Ellington’s clutch stroke, wouldn’t it be nice to have a memento to remind us?  This is a mint condition copy of The Daily Tar Heel from the day the UNC’s Men’s team won the 2009 NCAA National Championship, signed by Head Coach Roy Williams, and expertly framed by local business Yesterday and Today Frame Shop.   Market Value: $500 / Minimum Bid: $350

#22 - 2003 Alexander Julian Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (6 bottles) - Donated by Alexander Julian – What does the man who has everything drink? His own private blend of California Cabernet, of course! This Cabernet is extremely rare, not available in any store anywhere, sells at New York's award winning Four Seasons restaurant and the current restaurant of the year Fearings in Dallas (2 of 5 retail venues) for $200 a bottle. The grapes are grown and vinified on the old Simi Reserve terroir in Alexander Valley, which has produced scores of highly rated wines. The '03 is 50% Cabernet Sauvingnon, 25% Merlot, 20% Malbec, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Only 1500 bottles of the 2003 produced. The Wine Spectator quote I like is "finally solves the problem of what wine goes well with Cashmere!" Alexander Julian custom designed the label and the world's 1st 4-color argyle top (like his basketball uniforms). The unique cork is also argyle with words and acronyms hidden in the design. "Fun...Fashion...AJPR (Alexander Julian Private Reserve) and most importantly "I.H.A.", (his unofficial society, the "Intellectual Hedonists of America".) The wine is a favorite of many celebrities and has sold for as high as $5000 for a 6 bottle box at charity auction. Market Value: $1000 / Minimum Bid: $500

#23 - Killer Six Pack (6 bottles) – Donated by Sean Moore, William Bowman, Jeff & Dena Morris – We’re going for diversity with this package.  Want big Napa reds?  Check.  One young and vibrant, the other with a dozen years of age, really starting to strut its stuff?  Got it.  Toss in some ripe Aussie Juice, benchmark California Merlot, and a cult Sonoma Pinot (200 case production, winemaker’s pedigree includes stints with Turley and Peter Michael), and this six-pack has something for whatever mood you’re in, as long as you’re in the mood for something awesome.  Market Value: $670 / Minimum Bid: $475

• Futo Wines Oakville Red 2005 – 95+ Wine Advocate “The 2005, which is again a wine dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, has a dense purple color, gorgeous structure, good acidity, but full-bodied power, a layered mouthfeel, and sweet oak (mostly Taransaud) that integrates beautifully into the black currant and blackberry fruit intermixed with espresso, licorice, and spice. This is another beauty, slightly more restrained and less flamboyant compared to 2004, but built for the long haul. This wine should age for 20-25 years.”
• Dominus Proprietary Red 1996– 95 pts Wine Advocate “The 1996 Dominus, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, tips the scales at 14.2% alcohol. Although this offering lacks the power, intensity, and compelling characteristics of the 1991 and 1994, it is not far off the pace of those two monumental wines. A super nose of roasted coffee, chocolate, dried herbs, black fruits and kirsch is both intense and persuasive. The wine displays terrific richness, medium to full body, low acidity, a succulent, opulent texture, and superb purity. This beautifully made 1996 is one of the few wines that has successfully tamed the vintage's elevated tannin level. It should be relatively drinkable upon its release, yet evolve nicely for two decades. Impressive!”
• Australian Domaine Wines The Hattrick 1998 – 95 pts Wine Advocate “The blockbuster 1998 The Hat Trick (a 52% Shiraz, 42% Grenache, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon blend that produced 500 cases) is a prodigious effort. Opaque purple-colored, with an explosive nose of melted chocolate, pepper, blackberry jam, and cassis, this chewy, full-throttle, monster red reveals no hard edges. The integration of acidity, alcohol, and tannin have been easily accomplished, but the level of fruit extract is mind-boggling. This wine should drink well for 15-25 years, but who will have the patience to wait?”
• Cape d'Estaing Shiraz 1998 – 94 pts Wine Advocate
• Pride Merlot 2002 – 93 pts Wine Spectator
• Aubert Pinot Noir UV Vineyard 2006 – 92+ pts Wine Advocate

#24 - Cult Pinot Stash (7 bottles) - Donated by Gary & Karen Childers, Sean Moore and Fred & Ronnie Bower- Market Value: $740 / Minimum Bid: $450

• Williams Selyem Flax Vineyard Pinot Noir 2002 – 90 pts Wine Advocate
• Williams Selyem Flax Vineyard Pinot Noir 2003 – 91+ pts Wine Advocate “Looking more like a Syrah than Pinot Noir, the 2003 Flax Vineyard boasts a gorgeous bouquet of black raspberries, blackberries, and sweet cassis. Rich and full-bodied on the palate, with high extract, tangy acidity, firm tannin, and an inky style, it requires 1-2 years of bottle age, and should keep for a decade.”
• Aubert Pinot Noir Reuling Vineyard 2006 – 92 pts Wine Advocate “The very fine 2006 Pinot Noir Reuling Vineyard reveals more of a pomegranate character than previous vintages. Its superb bouquet exhibits notes of forest floor, raspberries, cherries, and a hint of allspice. Medium-bodied with good acidity and a shorter finish than the 2007 or 2005, this brilliant Pinot requires consumption over the next 4-5 years.”
• Aubert Pinot Noir UV Vineyard 2006 – 92+ pts Wine Advocate
• Littorai Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard 2006 – 89 pts Int’l Wine Cellar
• Kistler Vineyard Pinot 2002 – 92 pts Wine Advocate “The 2002 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard offers wonderful sweet raspberry and cherry fruit with a hint of framboise, a deep plum/ruby/purple color, medium body, and good vibrancy in a medium to full-bodied, feminine style. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.”
• Kistler Vineyard Pinot 2003 – 90-92 pts Wine Advocate

Auction Table #5

#25 - Shinas Estate Guilty Shiraz 2005 in 3 Liter - signed by The Judge himself! - Donated by Shinas Estate -  Ripe shiny blackberry red. Voluptuous cherry, vanilla and peppery spice aromas and full-bodied flavours packed with smoky vanillin oak, cherry and strawberry fruits, chocolate and mocha all wrapped up in a big, rich, velvety smooth package. A juicy wine with fine tannins, the pepper detected on the nose kicks in again to make a welcome re-appearance on the powerful finish. Market Value: $200 / Minimum Bid: $140

#26 - Two Killer Cabs – Donated by Sean Moore and William Bowman – For the King Cabernet lover, here’s an opportunity to snag an up-and-coming superstar producer’s second release (Kuto’s 2005 was only a 500 case production), alongside a benchmark Napa bottling with that’s in the prime of its drinking window.  Pick up some dry-aged beef and plan a special dinner around these babies.  Market Value: $325/ Minimum Bid: $225

• Futo Wines Oakville Red 2005 – 95+ Wine Advocate “The 2005, which is again a wine dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, has a dense purple color, gorgeous structure, good acidity, but full-bodied power, a layered mouthfeel, and sweet oak (mostly Taransaud) that integrates beautifully into the black currant and blackberry fruit intermixed with espresso, licorice, and spice. This is another beauty, slightly more restrained and less flamboyant compared to 2004, but built for the long haul. This wine should age for 20-25 years.”
• Dominus Proprietary Red 1996– 95 pts Wine Advocate “The 1996 Dominus, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, tips the scales at 14.2% alcohol. Although this offering lacks the power, intensity, and compelling characteristics of the 1991 and 1994, it is not far off the pace of those two monumental wines. A super nose of roasted coffee, chocolate, dried herbs, black fruits and kirsch is both intense and persuasive. The wine displays terrific richness, medium to full body, low acidity, a succulent, opulent texture, and superb purity. This beautifully made 1996 is one of the few wines that has successfully tamed the vintage's elevated tannin level. It should be relatively drinkable upon its release, yet evolve nicely for two decades. Impressive!”

#27 - Dominus Proprietary Red 1996 (2 bottles) – Donated by William Bowman – What to say about the flagship label from one of Napa’s top producers?  Here’s the Wine Advocate’s take: “The most European-styled of all the Napa Valley Bordeaux blends, Dominus is owned by Petrus winemaker Christian Moueix, who works from one of region’s most historic vineyards, the renowned Napanook site from which many of the famed Inglenook wines of the fifties and sixties were produced…One of the interesting things at Dominus is that when I do my tastings they open and decant the same wines the day before, and the wines with extended aeration always reveal more complexity and sweeter tannin than the just opened bottles, a characteristic purchasers should take into consideration. Decanting several hours in advance is recommended. Kudos to the brilliant Christian Moueix for these achievements ... the most distinctive and individualist Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines of Napa Valley.”  Market Value: $300/ Minimum Bid: $200

• Dominus Proprietary Red 1996– 95 pts Wine Advocate “The 1996 Dominus, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, tips the scales at 14.2% alcohol. Although this offering lacks the power, intensity, and compelling characteristics of the 1991 and 1994, it is not far off the pace of those two monumental wines. A super nose of roasted coffee, chocolate, dried herbs, black fruits and kirsch is both intense and persuasive. The wine displays terrific richness, medium to full body, low acidity, a succulent, opulent texture, and superb purity. This beautifully made 1996 is one of the few wines that has successfully tamed the vintage's elevated tannin level. It should be relatively drinkable upon its release, yet evolve nicely for two decades. Impressive!”

#28 - Cult Pinot Three Pack – Donated by Fred & Ronnie Bower and Sean Moore – If you weren’t on the mailing list, you don’t have these…yet!  Tiny-production Cali Pinot Noirs, the only way to get them is to visit the winery, or bid away!  Market Value: $360/ Minimum Bid: $250

• Kistler Kistler Vineyard Pinot 2003– 90-92 pts Wine Advocate “The Burgundian 2003 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard shows a low pH style with high acidity, crisp, red currant, cranberry notes with a hint of rose petal and strawberry. It is Burgundian, medium-bodied, pure, and impressive. It should drink well for up to a decade.”
• Aubert Pinot Noir Reuling Vineyard 2006– 92 pts Wine Advocate “The very fine 2006 Pinot Noir Reuling Vineyard reveals more of a pomegranate character than previous vintages. Its superb bouquet exhibits notes of forest floor, raspberries, cherries, and a hint of allspice. Medium-bodied with good acidity and a shorter finish than the 2007 or 2005, this brilliant Pinot requires consumption over the next 4-5 years.”
• Aubert Pinot Noir UV Vineyard 2006– 92+ pts Wine Advocate “Extremely promising, the closed 2006 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard boasts earthy, raspberry, red and black currant notes intermixed with subtle background oak, smoke, and charcoal. The tannins seem to creep up in the finish, something I did not notice last year. The most structured of these Pinots, it requires another 1-2 years of bottle age, and should last for 4-5 years.”

#29 - California Exploration - Donated by Jeff & Dena Morris, Ross McKinney, William Bowman, and Gary & Karen Childers - Market Value: $385/ Minimum Bid: $270

• Lewis Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1999 – 92 pts Wine Spectator
• Walter Hansel Chardonnay RRV Cuvee Alyce 2005 – 94 pts Wine Advocate
• Pride Merlot 2002 – 93 pts Wine Spectator
• Littorai Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard 2006 – 89 pts Int’l Wine Cellar
• Turley Zinfandel Juvenile 2002 – (90-92 pts) Wine Advocate  
• Ojai Syrah Roll Ranch Vineyard 1999 – 92 pts Wine Advocate

#30 - Futo Wines OV Oakville Red  2005 – Donated by Sean Moore -  95+ pts Wine Advocate – “The 2005, which is again a wine dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, has a dense purple color, gorgeous structure, good acidity, but full-bodied power, a layered mouthfeel, and sweet oak (mostly Taransaud) that integrates beautifully into the black currant and blackberry fruit intermixed with espresso, licorice, and spice. This is another beauty, slightly more restrained and less flamboyant compared to 2004, but built for the long haul. This wine should age for 20-25 years.” Market Value: $175 / Minimum Bid: $115

Auction Table #6

#31 - Let’s Party! - Donated by Rebekah Carlson, Salutations, Chapel Hill Creamery, Small Gully - Stephen Black, Karen McFadden & Steve Maixner and University Florist - Here’s a ready-made evening of fun for you and your friends! Market Value: $825 / Minimum Bid: $450

• Send invitations using your new stationary from Salutations.
• Enjoy one and half hours classical violin playing by Rebekah Carlson, who has a degree in violin performance from Wheaton College Conservatory and is an active freelance musician in the Triangle. She is a section violinist for the North Carolina Opera and North Carolina Ballet and also plays regularly with the Durham Choral Society.
• To make this evening more enjoyable, Chapel Hill Creamery has donated a  $25 Gift Certificate for purchase of cheese at the Carrboro Farmer’s Market and Parker & Otis has donated a delightful gift basket of goodies.  And you can finish the evening with a basket of treats from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
• A decorative vase or planter with flowers from University Florist will spruce up your home.
• Kick the party off with a bottle of 1999 Dom Perignon, then break out the big bottles – three – count ‘em – three magnums of 2001 Small Gully Shiraz – one of our favorites!

#32 - Relax! - Donated by Bella Trio & Sean Moore - What more do you need? A massage and a bottle of wine! Enjoy a massage at Bella Trio Day Spa, then complete the relaxation with a smooth glass of Pinot Noir. Littorai Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard 2006 - Notes of loamy soil, mushrooms, strawberries, cherries, and raspberries are found in this complex, medium-bodied Pinot Noir.  It has wonderful purity, and a long, smooth finish. Market Value: $145. Minimum Bid: $90.

#33 - Tuscan Garden Mustard Vase - Donated byVietri.  Handmade of terra cotta in Tuscany. Elegant handles mimic vines on each stunning piece.  Market Value: $180. Minimum Bid: $110.

#34 - The Franklin Hotel - A Night on the Town (#1)  – Donated by The Franklin Hotel, Aveda Institute of Chapel Hill, and Jeff & Dena Morris.  Market Value: $960. Minimum Bid: $600.

• Enjoy an Overnight Stay in the Presidential Suite with Breakfast for Two. The luxury penthouse suite features spacious living and dining area, LCD HD TV, King bedroom, deluxe bathroom and private patio balcony offering the ultimate views of Chapel Hill. Experience Chapel Hill as never before.  The Franklin is the premiere luxury boutique hotel on Franklin Street in the heart of downtown Chapel Hill. Simple, classic elegance just steps away from everything.  Come and discover the unique downtown experience at The Franklin, and you will want to create a new tradition. (Please note the gift certificate is not valid on football, basketball or Graduation dates.)
• To start your date right, enjoy a self renewal package at Aveda which includes elemental nature facial, caribbean therapy body treatment and hair and scalp renewal.
• You can go out to dinner, but in case you don’t want to leave your room, we’ve set you up with three bottles of wine to get you through the night - Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile 1995 (93 pts Wine Spectator), Genders McLaren Park Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 1998, and a sweetie for dessert - Kurt Darting Forster Schnepfenflug Huxelrebe Beerenauslese 1998.

#35 - Vietri Shopping Experience – Donated by Vietri, Tupelo’s, Julia Milton Corley, and Sean Moore - Most of you are familiar with Vietri’s annual blowout sale in October. They pull together all of their samples, one-offs, overruns, etc, and slash prices. People have been known to camp out overnight just to get first crack at the goodies. What if I said you could have first dibs on the whole sale? Well, that’s what we are offering! On Thursday, October 1, two days before the sale, one group of up to 6 people will have just that opportunity! You will have your own private shopping experience at the Vietri warehouse sale before anyone else, even friends and family! And we’ll toss in a bottle of 2005 Futo Wines OV Oakville Red (95 pts Wine Advocate) for you to drink while you’re shopping! To sweeten the deal more, Tupelo’s Restaurant in Hillsborough (about 1 minute from Vietri) has offered to provide lunch for your group. But you should drive yourself, because after an exhausting day of shopping, you’ll want to pop over and get a massage from therapist Julia Milton Corley (gift certificate included). How much would you pay for that? Market Value: $750 / Minimum Bid: $450

#36 - Four Your Little Tar Heel – Donated by Roy Williams, Butch Davis and Terry Rusk - Market Value: $275 / Minimum Bid: $193

• Children’s Riding Fire Truck in UNC colors - This hand-crafted riding fire truck was made by local father and entrepreneur, Terry Rusk.  Handmade from American Hardwoods, it is mostly Hard Maple and Black Walnut.  All materials are natural and kid friendly.  It is coated in shellac, a natural product made from seashells.  The detailing on this piece is beautiful!  This is truly a gem compared to the mass produced, cheaply made toys out there.
• UNC Football signed by Coach Butch Davis
• Hello Rameses Children's Book signed by Coach Roy Williams

Auction Table #7

#37 - AXIOS Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Magnum (1.5 Liter) - Donated by Ronnie Sanders - Vine Street Imports

 92 pts Wine Spectator “Dark and firm, with a muscular core of rich earthy currant, cedar, tar and herbal scents. Tight and focused, with a deep concentration of flavors framed by chewy tannins, finishing with a dash of mocha, mineral and tobacco. Best from 2006 through 2013.” Market Value: $300 / Minimum Bid: $210

#38 - La Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino 2004 in magnum signed by winemaker – Donated by Riccardo Campinoti. Le Ragnaie is blessed with owning the highest south-facing vineyard in Montalcino. This combination of cool temperatures and long sun exposure results in an elegant, traditional expression of the region. This is small production - 500-700 cases - and downright impossible to find. A cult producer in the making, we are lucky to have him at Corks for Kids! Market Value $150 / Minimum Bid $100

#39 - 2007 The Squids Fist Magnum - Donated by Some Young Punks - Comprised of 61% Sangiovese and 39% Shiraz, this wine is more than a funky label from the Some Young Punks.  The berry and cherry flavors in this blended wine are soft, smooth, fresh and just pure delicious. Approachable, easy, gorgeous! Market Value: $100 / Minimum Bid: $65

#40 - Improve Your Business – Donated by Marla Goonan & Sean Moore – Market Value: $775 / Minimum Bid: $350

·         Small Business Coaching (3 hours) - Marla Goonan works nationwide with professionals (one-on-one, groups and executive teams) in bioscience, medicine, information technology, law and general business assisting them with career planning, career change, starting a business, and/or helping them get to the “next level” in their present careers and business.  She also designs and presents workshops and seminars for premier companies, associations and organizations, and educational institutions.

·         Futo Wines OV Oakville Red  2005 – 95+ pts Wine Advocate – “The 2005, which is again a wine dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, has a dense purple color, gorgeous structure, good acidity, but full-bodied power, a layered mouthfeel, and sweet oak (mostly Taransaud) that integrates beautifully into the black currant and blackberry fruit intermixed with espresso, licorice, and spice. This is another beauty, slightly more restrained and less flamboyant compared to 2004, but built for the long haul. This wine should age for 20-25 years.”

#41 - Futo Wines OV Oakville Red  2005 – Donated by Sean Moore -  95+ pts Wine Advocate – “The 2005, which is again a wine dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, has a dense purple color, gorgeous structure, good acidity, but full-bodied power, a layered mouthfeel, and sweet oak (mostly Taransaud) that integrates beautifully into the black currant and blackberry fruit intermixed with espresso, licorice, and spice. This is another beauty, slightly more restrained and less flamboyant compared to 2004, but built for the long haul. This wine should age for 20-25 years.” Market Value: $175 / Minimum Bid: $115

#42 - The Franklin Hotel - A Night on the Town #2 – Donated by The Franklin Hotel, Chapel Hill Restaurant Group, and Sean Moore. Market Value: $920 / Minimum Bid: $600

• Enjoy an Overnight Stay in the Presidential Suite with Breakfast for Two. The luxury penthouse suite features spacious living and dining area, LCD HD TV, King bedroom, deluxe bathroom and private patio balcony offering the ultimate views of Chapel Hill. Experience Chapel Hill as never before.  The Franklin is the premiere luxury boutique hotel on Franklin Street in the heart of downtown Chapel Hill. Simple, classic elegance just steps away from everything.  Come and discover the unique downtown experience at The Franklin, and you will want to create a new tradition. (Please note the gift certificate is not valid on football, basketball or Graduation dates.)
• To make your overnight getaway complete, we have arranged for a $100 gift certificate from the Chapel Hill Restaurant Group, which includes the popular 411 West, only a few blocks from the hotel.
• After dinner and a leisurely stroll through Chapel Hill, return to your room and enjoy a bottle of Cult Pinot - Aubert Pinot Noir Reuling Vineyard 2006.

#43 - Carolina Panthers Tickets (2) tickets – Donated by Sharon Hawks, Yvonne Overcast - Two tickets to watch the Carolina Panthers take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 20^th. Will Brett Favre still be standing? And for tailgate time, why not pop a bottle of Pride Merlot 2002 – 93 pts Wine Spectator.  Market Value: $200 / Minimum Bid: $140

Auction Table #8

#44 - Quartz Reef NV Chauvet (6 bottles) - Donated by Rudi Bauer of Quartz Reef -  With immense finesse and poise, this is one of New Zealand's finest and most Champagne-like sparkling wines. It is made in partnership between this top Central Otago producer and the Champagne House Marc Chauvet, and the secret of some of its seriousness lies in the near four years it's spent developing complexity on its lees. Beautifully balanced bubbles, with a gently yeasty toasty palate underpinned by bright and well integrated minerally lemon and grapefruit acid, and a length that feels like it goes from Central to Champagne and back. Market Value: $168 / Minimum Bid: $120

#45 - Night on the Town #3 – Donated by Carolina Inn & Deep Dish Theater Company - Market Value: $522 / Minimum Bid: $365 

• One night’s stay at the Carolina Inn with dinner for two at the award-winning Carolina Crossroads restaurant.
• Four tickets to Deep Dish Theater Company for a performance of Glengarry Glen Ross (Oct. 23-Nov. 14) – Your friends can buy their own dinner!
• When the night is done, head back to your room for a little nightcap - Genders McLaren Park Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 1998

#46 - Duke Basketball Tickets - Donated by Sheldon & Debbie Fox, and William Bowman -  Four tickets to Duke Men’s basketball game vs. Radford in Durham on Saturday, Nov. 21^st at 7:00 PM.  If you have not been to Cameron Stadium, it is an amazing place to watch a basketball game.  Small and cozy like a high-school stadium, completely filled with die-hard fans. For a little pre-game tailgate, enjoy a bottle of 2002 Pride Merlot – 93 pts Wine Spectator. Market Value: $275 / Minimum Bid: $185

#47 - Carolina Panthers Tickets - Donated by Sheldon & Debbie Fox - Two tickets to watch the Carolina Panthers take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, December 6^th. Game time is set for 1 pm. These are primo tickets folks, on the 40-yard line, in the lower level, only 16 rows back from the sideline! You really can’t get better seats! . For a little pre-game tailgate, enjoy a bottle of 2002 Pride Merlot – 93 pts Wine Spectator. Market Value: $275 / Minimum Bid: $195

#48 - Cabin Retreat – Three Nights in Blowing Rock - Donated by Bill & Susan Walser – Looking to get away? Don’t want to go far? This is perfect for you and another couple (or just yourselves…) Market Value: $1,090 / Minimum Bid: $750

·         Enjoy three nights (between October and end of May) at this lovely 2 bedroom / 2 bath cabin located just 3 minutes from the cute town of Blowing Rock. If you go in the winter, it is only 15 minutes from Appalachian Ski Mountain.

·         Stop by Sandwhich to pick up a few sandwiches for one of your outdoor adventures. $25 Gift Card

·         Enjoy three nights worth of wine for you and your friends – 2 bottles each Penfolds Shiraz Magill 1996 (92 pts Wine Spectator), Howard Park Cabernet / Merlot 1997, and Torbreck Steading. Donated by Gary & Kalen Johnson, and Jeff & Dena Morris.

#49 - Michel Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine 1995 - Donated by Jeff & Dena Morris – 91 pts Wine Advocate – “The 1995 Chateauneuf du Pape La Bernadine is a delicious, open-knit, forward wine. The deep ruby color with purple hues is accompanied by a sweet nose of black raspberries, blackberries, cassis, prune, and cherries. The wine is full-bodied, with sweet, lush fruit, moderate tannin, and fine density and power. It can be drunk now, but should be at its peak of maturity between 2002-2012.” Market Value: $50 / Minimum Bid: $35

Auction Table #9

#50 - Plume Spouted Vessel - Donated by Vietri - Market Value: $330 / Minimum Bid: $225     

#51 - Day in the Kitchen - Donated by Four Square Restaurant and Dena & Jeff Morris - Market Value: $320 / Minimum Bid: $200 –

• Four Square - One of the most talented chefs in the state, Shane Ingram consistently puts out imaginative cuisine that relies heavily on local farmers and purveyors to bring the region’s best, from vegetables and grains to seafood and game. Want to know how he does it? Here’s your chance to learn all of his secrets. You and a friend can spend the day with Shane learning all of his culinary tricks. When the day is done, head on home to try whipping up your own culinary feast. When you are done, you’ll need a special bottle of wine for the evening…
• Bott-Geyl Pinot Gris Sonnenglanz 1998 – 93 pts Wine Advocate “The 1998 Tokay-Pinot Gris Sonnenglanz is a rich, velvety-textured, apricot, peach, and honeyed lemon-flavored wine. Quite youthful and undeveloped (it has yet to fully develop its nose), this is a mouth-coatingly rich, powerful, and highly concentrated Pinot Gris. Well-balanced and exceptionally long in the finish, it is a wine that will require patience. Projected maturity: 2004-2012+.”
• Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz 1997 – 92 pts Wine Advocate – “The fully mature 1997 Shiraz Reserve was in total contrast to the monster 1996. Dark garnet/purple-colored with a sensational bouquet of crushed red and black fruits, charcoal, licorice, incense, and floral undertones, it is full-bodied with sweet, well-integrated tannin, acidity, and alcohol, and no evidence of wood. Owners can drink it now or hold it for another 5-6 years.”
      

#52 - Portrait for Posterity - Donated by William Branson and Dena & Jeff Morris - Market Value: $725 / Minimum Bid: $375

• William Branson III is an international portrait artist who has dedicated his life to hard work, experimentation and the pursuit of excellence. This commitment has made him one of the world’s foremost portrait artists with clients traveling from Holland, Germany, Japan, South Africa and South America as well as all over the United States to sit for their portrait. This is a gift certificate for a portrait consultation and certificate valued at $550.
• A little wine… why not? Hourglass Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 – 91 pts Wine Advocate “The debut 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts superb creme de cassis aromas, pure, rich, full-bodied flavors, melted tannin, and a savory, expansive finish with subtle new oak. It is already drinkable and will age nicely for a dozen or more years. This is an impressive effort from Hourglass, a new vineyard situated next to Vineyard 29 on Route 29, Napa's route du vin.”  Drink: 2002-2014

#53 - Aged Wine Bonanza (12 bottles) - Donated by Phil Pitner, Dena & Jeff Morris, William Bowman, and Gary & Kalen Johnson - Market Value: $625 / Minimum Bid: $435  - A great opportunity to drink some great wines that are at the peak of their maturity. The aging removes any rough edges, leaving the wines complex, yet smooooth…

• Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1986 
• Lewis Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1999 – 92 pts Wine Spectator “A cloak of mocha and vanilla-scented oak is wrapped around this ripe, rich, complex wine. It serves up tasty portions of currant, black cherry, plum and toasty oak, holding a sharp focus and finishing with a lingering aftertaste that keeps pumping out the flavors. Best from 2003 through 2012.”
• Pride Merlot 2002 – 93 pts Wine Spectator “Aromas of cedar, ripe berry fruit and hints of toasty oak offer solid clues as to what comes across on the palate. Intense and well-balanced, the supple blackberry and black cherry flavors pick up a nice dose of creamy mocha and toasty oak on the finish. 6,500 cases made.”
• Penfolds Shiraz Magill 1996 – 92 pts Wine Spectator
• Bannockburn Shiraz 1998
• Domaine du Père Pape Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau de ma Mère 1995
• Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile 1995 – 93 pts Wine Spectator

• Bott-Geyl Pinot Gris Sonnenglanz 1998 - 93 pts Wine Advocate “The 1998 Tokay-Pinot Gris Sonnenglanz is a rich, velvety-textured, apricot, peach, and honeyed lemon-flavored wine. Quite youthful and undeveloped (it has yet to fully develop its nose), this is a mouth-coatingly rich, powerful, and highly concentrated Pinot Gris. Well-balanced and exceptionally long in the finish, it is a wine that will require patience. Projected maturity: 2004-2012+.”

• Royal Oporto Vintage Port 1970
• Ojai Syrah Roll Ranch Vineyard 1999 – 92 pts Wine Advocate
• Genders McLaren Park Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
• Burge Family Grenache Old Vines 2001 – 92 pts Wine Advocate “From an 80+ year old Grenache vineyard, the 2001 Grenache Old Vines cuvee (aged 12 months in used French wood) tips the scales at 15.5% alcohol, but you would never know that when tasting it. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a big, candied black cherry and currant-scented nose intermixed with notes of licorice and earth. The flavors add a touch of white pepper to the concoction. Fat, expansive, and lush, this hedonistic fruit bomb possesses terrific purity as well as a long, concentrated finish. Yummy!”         

#54 - Aussie Vertical (6 bottles) – Donated by Gary & Kalen Johnson - Market Value: $265 / Minimum Bid: $185  - Six years. Six different wines. Loads of fun!

• Penfolds Shiraz Magill 1996 – 92 pts Wine Spectator “A very interesting wine, balancing tangy red plum and blueberry flavors with rich chocolate, spice and toast overtones. Long and tasty, this feels like it can grow and grow. Drink now through 2006. 175 cases imported.”
• Ashton Hills Cabernet-Merlot Obliqua Reserve 1997
• Bannockburn Shiraz 1998
• Henry's Drive Shiraz Reserve 1999 – 92 pts Wine Advocate “The spectacular, beautifully balanced, saturated black purple-colored 1999 Shiraz Reserve shows a terrific nose of floral notes intermixed with melted tar, roasted herbs, black fruits, and smoke. The wine has wonderful sweetness because of the high level of glycerin in the attack, a seamless mid-palate and finish, with beautifully integrated alcohol, tannin, and acidity. It is layered, rich, not huge, but gorgeously proportioned and persuasive. Give it another 1-2 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 14-15 years.”
• Torbreck The Steading 2000
• Burge Family Grenache Old Vines 2001 – 92 pts Wine Advocate “From an 80+ year old Grenache vineyard, the 2001 Grenache Old Vines cuvee (aged 12 months in used French wood) tips the scales at 15.5% alcohol, but you would never know that when tasting it. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a big, candied black cherry and currant-scented nose intermixed with notes of licorice and earth. The flavors add a touch of white pepper to the concoction. Fat, expansive, and lush, this hedonistic fruit bomb possesses terrific purity as well as a long, concentrated finish. Yummy!”

#55 - Panorama Large Vase - Donated by Vietri - Market Value: $120 / Minimum Bid: $80

Auction Table #10

#56 - Aussie Cabernet Pack (5 bottles) - Donated by Jeff & Dena Morris - Market Value: $215 / Minimum Bid: $135

• Ashton Hills Cabernet-Merlot Obliqua Reserve 1997 – 90 pts Wine Advocate “The 1997 Oblique Reserve (46% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 18% Cabernet Franc) reveals a saturated ruby/purple color, as well as ripe, intense cassis aromas intermixed with pain grille, dried herbs, and tobacco. Dense, full-bodied, and pure, with a nicely layered finish, this wine offers richness and elegance married to substantial extract. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2015.”
• Genders McLaren Park Wines Cabernet Sauvignon1998
• Majella Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 – 90 pts Wine Advocate “The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits cassis, cedar, smoked herb, prune, and plum liqueur scents. Full-bodied and concentrated, with less noticeable oak, this big Coonawarra Cabernet should be at its finest between 2001-2015.”
• Zema Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown 1998
• Summerfield Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1997– 92 pts Wine Advocate “The black/purple-colored 1997 Cabernet Reserve offers a tremendously expressive bouquet of mint, black currants, creme brulee, dried herbs, and spice. Full-bodied, with terrific fruit extraction and purity, this layered, impressively-endowed wine is capable of lasting 15-20 years. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020.”

#57 - Taranga Tango (2 bottles) – Donated by Jeff & Dena Morris - Market Value: $80 / Minimum Bid: $55

• Oliver's Taranga Shiraz 1999 – 92 pts Wine Advocate “Don Oliver, one of the suppliers for Penfolds' famed Grange, has bottled a spectacular 100% Shiraz from 45-year old vines. There are 500 cases of this 14.5% alcohol wine. A stunning fragrance of black fruits, incense, smoke, pepper, and sausage soars from the glass in what is undoubtedly a wickedly exotic yet compelling bouquet. Opaque purple-colored, with full body, awesome concentration, and nicely integrated French and American new wood, this large-scaled, opulent, chewy, super-concentrated wine makes one heck of a hedonistic impression. Impressive! Anticipated maturity: now-2012.”
• Oliver's Taranga Shiraz 2000 – 93 pts Wine Advocate “The 2000 Shiraz offers up black raspberry liqueur characteristics intermixed with creme de cassis, and sweet toasty oak (2/3 French and 1/3 American oak is employed). Full-bodied, with impressive purity, a layered texture, and a 30-second finish, this marvelous wine will drink well for 5-10 years.”

#58 - Oyster Shucking Lesson - Donated by Blu Restaurant -  Chef Tim Lyons of the new hit restaurant of Durham, Blu, will teach you how to perfectly shuck oysters, a skill that everyone should own.  After the lesson in the Blu kitchen, you’ll get to have a seat enjoy a plate of a dozen oysters on the half shell and two glasses of Bubbly. What a fun way to start an evening! Market Value: $100 / Minimum Bid: $65

#59 - Mature Shiraz Case (12 bottles) - Donated by Dena & Jeff Morris and Gary & Kalen Johnson – While you’re waiting for all of the monster wines you are about to purchase to come to maturity, you can slurp down these gorgeous beauties!  Market Value: $700 / Minimum Bid: $490

• Burge Family Shiraz The Grateful Reserve 1999
• Australian Domaine Wines The Hattrick 1998 – 95 pts Wine Advocate “The blockbuster 1998 The Hat Trick (a 52% Shiraz, 42% Grenache, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon blend that produced 500 cases) is a prodigious effort. Opaque purple-colored, with an explosive nose of melted chocolate, pepper, blackberry jam, and cassis, this chewy, full-throttle, monster red reveals no hard edges. The integration of acidity, alcohol, and tannin have been easily accomplished, but the level of fruit extract is mind-boggling. This wine should drink well for 15-25 years, but who will have the patience to wait?”
• Cape d'Estaing Shiraz 1998 – 94 pts Wine Advocate “This is one of the finest wines I have ever tasted from the tiny island off the coast of Adelaide. Yields for this effort were a lowly one ton of fruit per acre. The vineyards are young (5 years), but the spectacular quality of this first release is sure to make consumers take notice of this island operation. Fortunately, there are 1500 cases of this wine.”
• Charles Melton Nine Popes 1998
• Greenock Creek Shiraz Apricot Block 1999 – 93 pts Wine Advocate
• Henry's Drive Shiraz Reserve 1999 – 92 pts Wine Advocate
• John's Blend Shiraz Margarete's 1998 – 90 pts Wine Advocate
• Killibinbin Shiraz 1998 – 92+ pts Int’l Wine Cellar

• Oliver's Taranga Shiraz 1999 – 92 pts Wine Advocate
• Oliver's Taranga Shiraz 2000 – 93 pts Wine Advocate
• Penfolds Shiraz Magill 1996 – 92 pts Wine Spectator
• Gioconda Shiraz 1999

#60 - Mix Three Pack- Donated by Dena & Jeff Morris - Market Value: $150 / Minimum Bid: $105

• Burge Family Grenache Old Vines 2001 – 92 pts Wine Advocate “From an 80+ year old Grenache vineyard, the 2001 Grenache Old Vines cuvee (aged 12 months in used French wood) tips the scales at 15.5% alcohol, but you would never know that when tasting it. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a big, candied black cherry and currant-scented nose intermixed with notes of licorice and earth. The flavors add a touch of white pepper to the concoction. Fat, expansive, and lush, this hedonistic fruit bomb possesses terrific purity as well as a long, concentrated finish. Yummy!”         

• Summerfield Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1997– 92 pts Wine Advocate “The black/purple-colored 1997 Cabernet Reserve offers a tremendously expressive bouquet of mint, black currants, creme brulee, dried herbs, and spice. Full-bodied, with terrific fruit extraction and purity, this layered, impressively-endowed wine is capable of lasting 15-20 years. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020.”

• Henry's Drive Shiraz Reserve 1999 – 92 pts Wine Advocate “The spectacular, beautifully balanced, saturated black purple-colored 1999 Shiraz Reserve shows a terrific nose of floral notes intermixed with melted tar, roasted herbs, black fruits, and smoke. The wine has wonderful sweetness because of the high level of glycerin in the attack, a seamless mid-palate and finish, with beautifully integrated alcohol, tannin, and acidity. It is layered, rich, not huge, but gorgeously proportioned and persuasive. Give it another 1-2 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 14-15 years.”

#61 - Mix Two Pack- Donated by Dena & Jeff Morris - Market Value: $105 / Minimum Bid: $75

• Genders McLaren Park Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
• Henry's Drive Shiraz Reserve 1999 – 92 pts Wine Advocate “The spectacular, beautifully balanced, saturated black purple-colored 1999 Shiraz Reserve shows a terrific nose of floral notes intermixed with melted tar, roasted herbs, black fruits, and smoke. The wine has wonderful sweetness because of the high level of glycerin in the attack, a seamless mid-palate and finish, with beautifully integrated alcohol, tannin, and acidity. It is layered, rich, not huge, but gorgeously proportioned and persuasive. Give it another 1-2 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 14-15 years.”

#62 - Shiraz Three-Pack #1- Donated by Dena & Jeff Morris - Market Value: $185 / Minimum Bid: $130

• Burge Family Shiraz The Grateful Reserve 1999 – 90 pts  Wine Advocate “The outstanding 1999 Shiraz Grateful Reserve (125 cases from Shiraz vines that are 40 years of age) shows a smoky, oaky style with medium body, excellent blackberry/cassis fruit, but not nearly the intensity, texture, and layers of flavor.”
• John's Blend Shiraz Margarete's 1998 – 90 pts Wine Advocate “Seventy-year old Shiraz vines have produced a minty, chocolatey, cassis-scented and flavored wine with plenty of depth, medium to full body, and rustic, old-style tannins in the finish. The wine was aged 26 months in 100% new American oak, as evidenced by the toasty, spicy wood present in both the aromatics and flavor. Drink it over the next 7-8 years for its exuberant, robust style.”
• Greenock Creek Shiraz Apricot Block 1999 – 93 pts Wine Advocate “From young vines planted in the Cornerstone Vineyard, the 1999 Shiraz Apricot Block (aged in both new and old American oak) tips the scales at 14.8% alcohol. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by aromatic fireworks (white flowers, pepper, sweet blackberry liqueur, and cassis). This beautifully pure, full-bodied, multidimensional, layered Shiraz exhibits low acidity as well as ripe tannin. Enjoy this stunning, flamboyant effort over the next 12-14 years.”

Auction Table #11

#63 - Shiraz Three-Pack #2- Donated by Dena & Jeff Morris - Market Value: $150 / Minimum Bid: $105

• Killibinbin Shiraz 1998 – 92+ pts Int’l Wine Cellar “Dark ruby. Deep, sappy aromas of cassis, dark chocolate, licorice and mint, plus exotic American oak tones. Thick, very concentrated and ripe. Has fruit of steel over a powerful backbone. Finishes tight but impressively long.”
• Oliver's Taranga Shiraz 2000 – 93 pts Wine Advocate “The 2000 Shiraz offers up black raspberry liqueur characteristics intermixed with creme de cassis, and sweet toasty oak (2/3 French and 1/3 American oak is employed). Full-bodied, with impressive purity, a layered texture, and a 30-second finish, this marvelous wine will drink well for 5-10 years.”

• John's Blend Shiraz Margarete's 1998 – 90 pts Wine Advocate “Seventy-year old Shiraz vines have produced a minty, chocolatey, cassis-scented and flavored wine with plenty of depth, medium to full body, and rustic, old-style tannins in the finish. The wine was aged 26 months in 100% new American oak, as evidenced by the toasty, spicy wood present in both the aromatics and flavor. Drink it over the next 7-8 years for its exuberant, robust style.”

#64 - Shiraz Three-Pack #3 - Donated by Dena & Jeff Morris - Market Value: $165 / Minimum Bid: $115

• Burge Family Shiraz The Grateful Reserve 1999 – 90 pts  Wine Advocate “The outstanding 1999 Shiraz Grateful Reserve (125 cases from Shiraz vines that are 40 years of age) shows a smoky, oaky style with medium body, excellent blackberry/cassis fruit, but not nearly the intensity, texture, and layers of flavor.”

• Henry's Drive Shiraz Reserve 1999 – 92 pts Wine Advocate “The spectacular, beautifully balanced, saturated black purple-colored 1999 Shiraz Reserve shows a terrific nose of floral notes intermixed with melted tar, roasted herbs, black fruits, and smoke. The wine has wonderful sweetness because of the high level of glycerin in the attack, a seamless mid-palate and finish, with beautifully integrated alcohol, tannin, and acidity. It is layered, rich, not huge, but gorgeously proportioned and persuasive. Give it another 1-2 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 14-15 years.”

• Oliver's Taranga Shiraz 1999 – 92 pts Wine Advocate “Don Oliver, one of the suppliers for Penfolds' famed Grange, has bottled a spectacular 100% Shiraz from 45-year old vines. There are 500 cases of this 14.5% alcohol wine. A stunning fragrance of black fruits, incense, smoke, pepper, and sausage soars from the glass in what is undoubtedly a wickedly exotic yet compelling bouquet. Opaque purple-colored, with full body, awesome concentration, and nicely integrated French and American new wood, this large-scaled, opulent, chewy, super-concentrated wine makes one heck of a hedonistic impression. Impressive! Anticipated maturity: now-2012.”

#65 - Aussie Mix 6-Pack - Donated by Dena & Jeff Morris - Market Value: $270 / Minimum Bid: $150

• Genders McLaren Park Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
• Zema Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown 1998
• John's Blend Shiraz Margarete's 1998 – 90 pts Wine Advocate
• Charles Melton Nine Popes 1998

• Killibinbin Shiraz 1998– 92+ pts Int’l Wine Cellar “Dark ruby. Deep, sappy aromas of cassis, dark chocolate, licorice and mint, plus exotic American oak tones. Thick, very concentrated and ripe. Has fruit of steel over a powerful backbone. Finishes tight but impressively long.”

• Oliver's Taranga Shiraz 1999– 92 pts Wine Advocate “Don Oliver, one of the suppliers for Penfolds' famed Grange, has bottled a spectacular 100% Shiraz from 45-year old vines. There are 500 cases of this 14.5% alcohol wine. A stunning fragrance of black fruits, incense, smoke, pepper, and sausage soars from the glass in what is undoubtedly a wickedly exotic yet compelling bouquet. Opaque purple-colored, with full body, awesome concentration, and nicely integrated French and American new wood, this large-scaled, opulent, chewy, super-concentrated wine makes one heck of a hedonistic impression. Impressive! Anticipated maturity: now-2012.”

#66 - Shiraz Three-Pack #4 - Donated by Dena & Jeff Morris and Gary & Kalen Johnson- Market Value: $190 / Minimum Bid: $125

• Greenock Creek Shiraz Apricot Block 1999 – 93 pts Wine Advocate “From young vines planted in the Cornerstone Vineyard, the 1999 Shiraz Apricot Block (aged in both new and old American oak) tips the scales at 14.8% alcohol. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by aromatic fireworks (white flowers, pepper, sweet blackberry liqueur, and cassis). This beautifully pure, full-bodied, multidimensional, layered Shiraz exhibits low acidity as well as ripe tannin. Enjoy this stunning, flamboyant effort over the next 12-14 years.”

• Penfolds Shiraz Magill 1996 – 92 pts Wine Spectator “A very interesting wine, balancing tangy red plum and blueberry flavors with rich chocolate, spice and toast overtones. Long and tasty, this feels like it can grow and grow. Drink now through 2006. 175 cases imported.”
• Gioconda Shiraz 1999

#67 - Ledson Winery Dwight Clark's "The Catch" Russian River Pinot Noir (Signed Bottle) 2005 - Donated by Warren & Debbie Pence – Released in 2006 to commemorate and celebrate the 25th anniversary of “The Catch.”  The Dwight Clark touchdown catch may be the biggest moment in modern football history as it won the 1981 Championship game and propelled the 49ers into the Super Bowl, their first of five winning Super Bowl appearances. The bottle is signed by Dwight Clark. Ledson Winery is a boutique winery specializing in small varietal lots that reflect the diversity of their select vineyards. Market Value: $100 / Minimum Bid: $70

Auction Table #12

#68 - Lillian Syrah 2006 Magnum signed by winemaker - Donated by Maggie Harrison - Lillian Winery – 94 pts Wine Advocate “The second release from Maggie Harrison, previously an apprentice at Sine Qua Non, the 2006 Syrah from Lillian is even better than the excellent 2005. Totally sourced from the White Hawk Vineyard, and aged in 65% new oak for 23 months, there are 508 cases of this beautiful Syrah. Notes of creme de cassis, blackberries, spice, incense, flowers, ground pepper, licorice, and subtle smoke are followed by a full-bodied, layered, multidimensional, big (15.6% alcohol) Syrah. Beautifully balanced, elegant, and pure, it should age gracefully for a decade or more.”

Market Value: $250 / Minimum Bid: $175

#69 - Antica Terra “Botanica” Pinot Noir 2007 Magnum signed by winemaker - Donated by Maggie Harrison - Lillian Winery – No review yet, 2006 received 92 pts from Wine Advocate “The Botanica cuvee will be produced only in the better vintages. The 2006 Pinot Noir Botanica is sourced predominantly from the Shea Vineyard (which Sine Qua Non was using until recently). Medium ruby-colored, it offers up a toasty, cedary, cherry and raspberry accented nose followed by layers of fruit on the mid-palate. Ripe, concentrated, and mouth-filling the wine is well-balanced, savory, and long in the finish. Drink this pleasurable effort from 2010 to 2018.” Market Value: $175 / Minimum Bid: $125

#70 - Framed Carolina Coaches T-Shirt – Donated by Johnny T-Shirt – Market Value: $240 / Minimum Bid: $125

#71 - Art Show & Dinner – Donated by The Carolina Club - 2 tickets to their upcoming art show (Gallery of Promises) on October 7th with dinner for two that evening following the show. Market Value: $150 / Minimum Bid: $75

#72 - Tailgate Time! – Donated by the Carolina Club and the North Carolina Children’s Hospital - 2 tailgate meal passes to the Carolina Club for the Georgia Southern game on October 10th paired with 2 tickets to the game donated by the Children's Hospital. Market Value: $150 / Minimum Bid: $75