US$10k Paid For NZ’s most expensive bottle of wine

Media release – March 14, 2005

A record US$10,000 paid for NZ’s most expensive bottle of wine

A wine auction in Houston has seen a six litre Goldwater New Dog Marlborough sauvignon blanc 2003 sell for US$10,000, which is believed to be the highest price ever paid for a bottle of New Zealand wine.

The charity auction was part of the second annual Houston Rodeo International Wine Competition and Auction in Texas.

The Goldwater bottle was included in the auction after being named champion sauvignon blanc, winning double gold, at the competition.

Leading wine commentator Keith Stewart said he understood the US$10,000 tag was the highest price ever paid for a New Zealand bottle of wine.

Goldwater only produced two six litre imperial bottles of 2003 New Dog. The other imperial bottle was bought by leading New Zealand businessman Graeme Hart for just $810 at Goldwater’s annual charity auction on Waiheke Island a few weeks ago.

Gretchen Goldwater, a company spokesman, said today they were staggered by the price paid for their bottle at auction.

``We’re so pleased and proud for not only our label but also for the New Zealand industry. This has set a new benchmark for the value of New Zealand wine overseas,’’ she said today.

The United States is Goldwater’s biggest market out of the 25 countries it exports to. Their wines are available in almost every state, except non-drinking Utah. The competition and auction success confirms their success in the southern states which is traditionally a harder region to break into.

Goldwater first planted vines on Waiheke Island in 1978 but now produces significantly more wine in Marlborough.

Goldwater New Dog sauvignon blanc has consistently been rated as one of the finest New Zealand sauvignons.

The wine company has celebrated its record 20th vintage release this month. Ms Goldwater said they aimed to become a New Zealand household name in wine.

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