The Opening Offering for the Rare & Fine Wine & Lifestyle Portion of the 2009 Twenty-Fifth Annual Central Coast Wine Classic Auction is Offered by the Official Host Hotel of the 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic, Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa in Shell Beach.

Donation of

DOLPHIN BAY RESORT & SPA
Shell Beach, California

LOT 1

The 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Auction Host Hotel Offering One Couple will Enjoy an Extravagant Three Night/ Four-Day Holiday in a Beautifully Appointed Penthouse Suite at the Dolphin Bay Resort & Spain Shell Beach, Including a Six-Course Gourmet Dinner Prepared by Lido Restaurant Chef Evan Treadwell, Two seats at Cooking School for a culinary demonstration which includes a three-course dinner paired with wine, a Romantic “Dinner on the Edge” for Two, Spa Treatments, and a Customized VIP Tour of the Edna Valley/Arroyo Grande Valley Wine Country, Arranged by Wine Classic Chairman, Archie McLaren

DAY ONE: Upon checking-in at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, the charming staff will greet you upon arrival and escort you to your well-appointed Penthouse suite, a welcome amenity will leave you relaxed and ready to experience luxury as never done before. You are free to enjoy a stroll along the beach or simply relax in the 86 degree saltwater, infinity swimming pool for the afternoon. Begin your stay with a culinary demonstration at the Dolphin Bay’s Cooking School. Chef Evan Treadwell will treat you to recipes from his award winning repertoire of costal cuisine dishes and Lido Favorites. This experience includes a three-course dinner paired with local wines.

DAY TWO: After a long week of work and traveling, La Bonne Vie Spa at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa understands that you will need to relax and be pampered. You will begin your morning with a personal yoga instructor followed by each guest receiving 2 60 minute spa treatments of their choice at La Bonne Vie spa, along with a spa lunch prepared by Lido Restaurant. In the evening you will enjoy a romantic “Dinner on the Edge” prepared by Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa’s restaurant Lido. A six course tasting menu will be served to you in an exclusive private cabana perched atop a dramatic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Your private service staff will treat you to a culinary experience while you take in the view and enjoy the sunset.

DAY THREE: Wine Classic Chairman, Archie McLaren arranges your VIP Tour of the stunning Edna Valley/Arroyo Grande Valley Wine Country. All the details have been made for your day of wine tasting bliss complete with a gourmet picnic basket filled with tasty snacks and lunch straight from the Lido kitchen. Your evening’s plans begin with a fabulous in room six-course dinner prepared for you by renowned chef, Evan Treadwell, of the Lido Restaurant at Dolphin Bay Resort &Spa. Each succulent course will be paired with local wines.

DAY FOUR: Before checking-out you will enjoy a gourmet continental breakfast delivered to your suite. Your final day is spent on your own. You may choose a shopping excursion in quaint downtown San Luis Obispo or simply watch the surf from the privacy of your own terrace. The VIP Tour into Edna Valley/Arroyo Grande Valley Wine Country is arranged by Archie McLaren, who is the former Chairman of the San Luis Obispo Vintners and Growers Association. It may be enjoyed at any time that it fits into your day schedule but must be arranged in advance.

Your reservation must fall over the last Thursday of the month to include the cooking class.

Donation of

ARCHIE MCLAREN & CARISSA CHAPPELLET
Avila Beach & Big Sur, California

LOT 2

“The Twenty-Fifth Annual Central Coast Wine Classic Chairman’s Offering, ” A Cellar Raid Dinner for Six to Eight People at the Avila Beach Home of Archie McLaren & Carissa Chappellet

Carissa and Archie have a very well-located home in Avila Beach, termed the Rainbow House by the media because of its variety of exterior colors. Views are extraordinary, as they include Avila Bay, Avila Beach, San Luis Creek and the Avila Beach Resort with the mountains in the background.

The dinner will be a rainbow as well, as the Last Such Offering Presented 1985 Krug Champagne, 2005 Lucien Le Moine Batard Montrachet, 1976 Leroy Aloxe- Corton, 1995 Chateau Margaux, 1990 Vega Sicilia Unico & 1995 Penfolds Grange. The Dinner will be presented by Chef Maegen Loring of The Park Restaurant in San Luis Obispo, who is Archie’s clear favorite for creating remarkable meals that are compatible with an array of wine styles.

You will enjoy Champagne on the upper deck and then descend to the cellar with Archie and peruse the wines therein contained and choose special wines that are symbiotic matches with the cuisine. These cellar raid dinners are extremely edifying to say the least.

Donation of

TALLEY VINEYARDS
Arroyo Grande, California

LOT 3

Three Double Magnums of Pinot Noir from the 2007 Vintage, Talley Vineyards Rosemary’s Vineyard Arroyo Grande Valley Pinot Noir, Rincon Vineyard Arroyo Grande Valley Pinot Noir & Stone Corral Vineyard Edna Valley Pinot Noir, Each Etched & Hand-Painted

Talley Vineyards is now one of the most famous wine grape vineyards in California, on its way to be one of the most famous in the world! Outstanding vintners such as Jim Clendenen and Brian Babcock have sought its grapes, and wine publications throughout the United States, such as Wine Spectator, give the wines from the vineyard consistently very high scores, well into the 90’s. Rosemary’s Vineyard Pinot Noir is its flagship wine, but each bottling from Talley is outstanding. The 2007 vintage is a stunning manifestation of the level to which Pinot Noir has been elevated in the Arroyo Grande Valley and the Edna Valley!

The Talley family farming tradition began in 1948, when Oliver Talley started growing specialty vegetables in the Arroyo Grande Valley. Today, second and third generation family members maintain Talley Farms’ international reputation for premium quality fruits and vegetables, including bell peppers, cilantro, zucchini, spinach, nappa cabbage, lemons and avocados.

Oliver’s son, Don, watched with great interest the emergence of viticulture in the neighboring Edna Valley and Santa Barbara County areas. After extensive analysis in the late 1970’s, Don was convinced of the potential for growing high quality wine grapes, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot noir, on the steep hillsides above the vegetable farmland that comprises Talley Farms. A small test plot was planted in 1982, and included five varietals. Working with viticultural experts from the University of California at Davis and the Napa Valley, the varietal and clonal selections were refined and planting expanded over the years to a total of 190 acres in the Edna and Arroyo Grande Valleys.

Talley Vineyards produced its first wine in 1986 with the production of 450 cases. The winery’s first five vintages were produced in a small winery adjacent to one of Talley Farms’ vegetable coolers. In the fall of 1991, a state-of-the-art winery was completed at the foot of the Rincon Vineyard. This 8, 500 square foot facility was designed with one goal in mind: to maximize the influence of the vineyard through minimal processing of the grapes into wine. Unique winery features include a total gravity system for crushing, so that grapes are handled as gently as possible, and an extensive cooling and humidity system to maintain ideal conditions during barrel fermentation and aging. A 12, 000 square foot barrel and case goods storage building was added in 2000, followed by a new tasting room in 2002. Talley Vineyards currently produces about 18, 000 cases annually.

There is no doubt that, at some point in the near future, Talley Vineyards will develop a legendary reputation. In fact, it may have already. One famous Master Sommelier in San Francisco was quoted as saying, “Whatever Talley produces, I buy!” Talley’s Pinot Noir production is relatively small and extraordinarily fine, and, as a consequence, these large-format bottles are very, very rare. It should be noted that Talley Vineyards has very strict selection processes, and coupled with recent vintages that were shy bearing, the wine in these bottles is even more precious! This is an extremely collectible lot of world-class Pinot Noir, in virtually impossible to obtain formats, that will no doubt be one of our most highly sought-after offerings!

Donation of

VENTANA INN & SPA
Big Sur, California

LOT 4

Two Nights for One Couple in a Ventana Inn & Spa Fireplace Room &a Five-Course Dinner with Wine Pairings, Embellished with a Fine Champagne from Archie McLaren & a Rare Dessert Wine from Carissa Chappellet

Big Sur is one of the most magical spots in the world. It contains superb Restaurants and Inns, all unique and situated in wondrous natural environments. Ventana Inn is Big Sur’s original luxury resort, founded by writer Lawrence A. Spector, using profits from the film Easy Rider. Clearly it doesn’t get much more California than that.

Ventana Inn is clearly a high-luxury resort, specializing in escapism and what is often called pampering, but Big Sur is the star here, the main event the amazing view, particularly at sunset, from Ventana’s Inn patio deck to the Pacific a thousand feet below. Ventana Inn is also a resort hotel at peace with its surroundings, very much a part of the Big Sur landscape. The hotel itself comprises some ten or more low wooden structures, hidden around the sprawling 243-acre grounds and connected by winding pathways.

The genius of this wonderful place is that beneath its humble surface it delivers all the material comforts of decadent resorts, from the wood-burning fireplaces, Jacuzzis and high ceilings of the guest suites to the public spaces such the pools, the Japanese bathhouse, and the Allegria Spa, offering a selection of treatments so comprehensive as to set the head spinning. And the food, of course, is exquisite as well, with the Cielo restaurant serving Mediterranean-inflected cuisine and a terrific and eclectic wine list against the backdrop of the Pacific and the wide blue sky.

Make no mistake: this is the same Big Sur where Henry Miller lived, where Kerouac slept on the beach and Dylan came to study, and it’s also where the likes of Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw, as well as generations of successors, have come for Hollywood-quality luxury without the paparazzi in tow. As such, it’s like nowhere else in California, and as such, it’s not to be missed.

The Dinner will be most edifying, and to make the experience even more so, Archie and Carissa will embellish it with a special Champagne and an even more special dessert wine, Chappellet’s famed Liquoreaux.

Patrick Will, who runs the West Coast operation of ExCellars Wine Agencies, is a wine expert, a gourmet, a musician and an educator, and he is, over the years, the Wine Classic’s most generous contributor of fine wines from Burgundy in France. After completing his Masters in Musicology at Cornell University in 1982, Patrick lectured and taught Music and English there until 1986, when he entered the wine trade full time after moving to Boston. In 1987 he was named “Grand Wizard of California Wine” by a trade group seeking the most “California wine-knowledgeable” retail or restaurant employee in the US. He moved to Santa Barbara County, California, in 1987 to manage the sales at Firestone Vineyard, and became General Manager thereof in 1989. He served as President of the Board of Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association from 1991 through 1994. In 1996 Patrick joined Frederick Ek to form Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Inc. The following two exceptional Burgundy lots are provided by Patrick.

Donation of

PATRICK WILL
EXCELLARS WINE AGENCIES
Solvang, California

LOT 5

A Twenty-Four Bottle Collection of Remoissenet White Burgundies, Including 1996, 1997 & 1998 Le Montrachet. The Complete List of these Rare Wines is Located in your Auction Catalog Addendum.

Remoissenet is one of the most famous and successful producers of White Burgundy, and Montrachet is the Holy Grail of White Burgundy. This offering provides a panoply of wondrous Burgundian wine experiences, including the world- renowned Montrachet.

Donation of

PATRICK WILL OF EXCELLARS WINE AGENCIES
Solvang, California

LOT 6

A Vertical of Rare Domaine de L’Arlot Nuits St. Georges Blanc from 1999 through 2006. Total of Eight Bottles

To describe Domaine de L’Arlot’s appeal, we here quote the comments of Burgundy wine expert Daniel Johnnes.

“L’Arlot was the first big estate I worked with in Burgundy. In 1988, when I was just starting my import company, during one of my tastings with Dominique Lafon I asked him what was new and exciting in Burgundy. Of course, I was hoping he would say, ‘Why don’t you import my wines?’ but that would come later. Instead he directed me to a friend of his, Jean Pierrede Smet, who had worked at Domaine Dujac for a number of years and had recently taken over a 14-hectare property named Domaine de l’Arlot. I was intrigued by its style that was more classic with the use of whole clusters. As I still do today, I loved the perfume and elegance of these wines. In 2007, management of the Domaine was handed over to Olivier Leriche who is faithful to the pure and elegant style that Domaine de L’Arlot has built its reputation on. ” —Daniel Johnnes

Donation of

VINEYARD 29
St. Helena, California

LOT 7

One Double Magnum of 2005 Vineyard 29 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, One Double Magnum of 2000 Aida Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon & a Private Tour & Tasting for Six People, Hosted by Winery Owner, Chuck McMinn

Vineyard 29, one of only three wines that are currently created from the famous Grace Family clone, was founded in the early 1990s and nurtured at 2929 Highway 29in St. Helena, adjacent to Grace Family Vineyard, by Tom Paine and Teresa Norton, its original owners. It has relatively recently been acquired by wine collectors Chuck and Anne McMinn, who have graciously and generously supported a number of charitable wine auctions, and who have dedicated their resources and affection for the Vineyard 29 property to making it an even more special place to produce this fantastic, limited production cult wine.

The Aida Vineyard is located approximately 2 miles north of the winery on Highway 29. It is a historic property that has produced wine since at least the 1920’s and the Petite Sirah vines there date to that time. The Zinfandel vines that cover an east facing knoll on the site were planted in 1973. The old-vine Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the property were sold to local wineries (most notably Turley Wine Cellars, which produced an Aida Vineyard designate Zinfandel and Petite Sirah for a number of years).

The property was sold in 1996 to Oliver & Karen Caldwell, art dealers and wine lovers from San Francisco. They owned the property for five years during which time they began a systematic replanting and upgrading of the property including the planting of 5 acres of premium quality Cabernet Sauvignon and 2 acres of Merlot. In 2001, the vineyard was purchased by Chuck & Anne McMinn as an ideal complement to Vineyard 29’s home vines.

Vineyard29 is always consistently superb, even in vintage years that are not highly regarded, and this 2005 is absolutely spectacular, elegant and refined, the Chateau Margaux of California. The Aida Red Wine is also astonishingly elegant. These spectacular wines and bottles are in only a handful of Double Magnum formats that are produced and reserved for charitable wine auctions, where these bottles fetch very significant bids.

Tours Hosted by Chuck McMinn, one of the most interesting and gracious vintners in the Napa Valley, are also extremely rare. We know you will thoroughly enjoy your special tour and tasting.

Donation of

MONTY & SARAPREISER
Boynton Beach, Florida

LOT 8

“NAPA in BOCA”

Having Been Referred to as Presenting the Best Boutique Wine Program in America, Creative Professional Programs (co-founded and owned by Monty and Sara Preiser) Is Offering Places for Two Persons for its Next Program – February 25-27, 2010, in Beautiful, Weather-Blessed Boca Raton, Florida. The Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center Has Donated Lodging for the Winning Couple. Coach Class Air Transportation is provided by Wine Classic Patrons.

This event is noted not only for hosting top winemakers and vintners from California, but also for offering important lectures on lifestyle. In 2010 the secondary theme (wine being number one) revolves around how to reduce stress and live a longer and healthier life.

Wine dinners will feature famed and currently hot vintners Stuart Bryan of Pride Mountain, Mary Rocca of Rocca, and K. R. Rombauer of Rombauer. All three will also spend some time sharing their wine knowledge in educational sessions, and plan to be around long enough to meet and get to know the attendees Attendance is limited to under 45 so the dinners can be gourmet, and so the group can experience the best possible camaraderie.

When the lot winners arrive in Boca Raton, the Preisers will deliver to them Six Bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon that the Preisers purchased from 2003-2006 at the Napa Barrel auctions. It is estimated these are now collectively valued at over $1, 000. They include: 2005 Keenan, 2006 Sonador, 2003 Turnbull, 2003 Rombauer, 2004 Gustavo Thrace and 2004 Reynolds Family.

This is a unique program limited mostly to people known by Creative Professional Programs for their friendliness and love of wine. It is one that you will not want to miss. Transportation from and to either the West Palm Beach or Ft. Lauderdale airports is also included.

Donation of

MCKEON-PHILLIPS
Oceano, California

LOT 9

One Hand-Painted Salmanazar of 2006 McKeon-Phillips Bailey’s Private Reserve Valley View Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and Dinner for Ten People in the McKeon-Phillips Winery, Including with the Courses Older Vintages of Bailey’s Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Artist/vintner/chef, Ardison Phillips, hung out with Andy Warhol and the cutting edge artists of the “New York School” before he opened the Studio Grill in North Hollywood and presented some of Los Angeles’ most memorable wine dinners.

The last six years, he has presented one of the Wine Classic’s most memorable wine bottles, one of which was won by top bidders Dan and Jette Gulbronsen and is proudly displayed in their wine cellar, one of which now lies in repose in the cellar of Archie McLaren. Ardison’s bottles always vie for the most gorgeous and creative of any in the Auction.

And Ardison makes top-flight Cabernet Sauvignon, which has been compared to Château Mouton-Rothschild, but is actually more approachable at a younger age. This lovely, rich, chocolate, layered Cabernet will please both the hedonist and the art lover. Who’s to say one cannot be both? Ardison is also a chef of some renown, and he often caters the activities of his fellow vintners. This lot includes dinner prepared by Ardison, and perhaps a guest chef, for ten people.

The dinner must be arranged at the mutual convenience of all parties and must take place within one year of the date of this auction.

Donation of

BOB LINDQUIST
QUPÉ WINE CELLARS
Santa Maria, California

LOT 10

A Collection of Qupé Bien Nacido Vineyard Hillside Estate Syrah from the 2005 Vintage, Including One Five Liter, One Three-liter, Three Magnums & Twelve750ML Bottles and Dinner for Four with Bob & Louisa Lindquist at Park Restaurant in San Luis Obispo, Featuring the Fine Wines of Qupé, as well as Those of Verdad, Louisa’s Label that Showcases Spanish Varietals

Bob Lindquist has been supporting the Central Coast Wine Classic virtually since the idea of our event had its conception. He has enthusiastically and generously donated special bottles to the event, and sometimes, has included a special lifestyle item as well such as the one he is offering this year.

Bob’s Hillside Estate Syrah is the “ne plus ultra” of Santa Barbara County Syrah, and Such a Unique Formatting is Quite Rare. Bob, one of the original Rhone Rangers, and one of the Wine Classic’s all-time strongest supporters, is not only credited with presenting Santa Barbara County Rhone varietals to the world, he is also renowned for doing it at the very highest level of quality. His reputation is such that he has been hired outside the United States to consult for winery properties producing Rhone varietal wines. And one of those consulting positions was for a French property!

Dinner with Bob & Louis at Maegen Loring’s superb restaurant is certain to be a comprehensive evening of fine food, wine & conversation, brought to you by the gracious generosity of the Lindquists. The dinner must be arranged at the mutual convenience of all parties and should take place within a year of the date of this auction.

Donation of

ROBERT BURRIDGE
Arroyo Grande, California

LOT 11

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Art Work, “Make More Wine,” an Original Mixed Media Acrylic & Paper Collage by Robert Burridge

This art work is truly a special painting from the creative energy of a most special artist. The powerfully abstract painting, with its richness of color and energy, by our Commemorative Artist-in- Residence, the energetic and enthusiastic Robert Burridge, embodies Bob’s pervasive love of and enjoyment for the food and wine symbiosis and the manifestation of color associated with the theme. It also expresses the positive creative force in life, in other words, to continue to create irrespective of the challenges. Bob has coordinated much of the artistic endeavors of the Wine Classic, including for many years the artists for the Classic Cuvée program. He and his wife/partner, Kate, live in Arroyo Grande.

AND
Donation of

FRANK OSTINI & GRAY HARTLEY
HARTLEY-OSTINI HITCHING POST WINES
Buellton, California

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Large-Format Bottle, One Nine-Liter Salmanazar, Three Magnums & Six 750 ml Bottles, Containing a One-of-a-Kind Pinot Noir from Vintner Frank Ostini of Hitching Post Wines. The Commemorative Bottle is Etched and Hand-Painted with the Commemorative Art Work of Robert Burridge by Glass Etching Artist and the Wine Classic’s Official Bottle Artist, Candice Norcross.

The special Pinot Noir Cuvée in the Salmanazar has been selected especially by Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley, among California’s most renowned Pinot Noir producers. It is found only in this Commemorative Artist Bottle.

Frank and Gray first made wine at home in 1979. They found their first Pinot Noir in 1981. The project moved to a winery in 1984 to make wines exclusively for the Hitching Post Restaurant. From 1991 to 2000, Frank and Gray made their wines at Au Bon Climat/Qupé Winery, and from 2001 to 2007 at Central Coast Wine Services in Santa Maria. Production has grown from 1200 cases in 1991 to 4700 in 2001 to over 15, 000 cases in 2007. With the 2008 harvest, Frank and Gray have moved the winemaking to Terravant Winery, a new ultra premium facility in Buellton, just one and a half miles from the Hitching Post II. Winery tours and tastings will be available in Spring 2009.

Their passioned focus has been to work with the California Central Coast’s best vineyards produce many Pinot Noirs, a couple Syrahs and a Cabernet Franc blend. With a cool marine-influence climate and unusually long growing season, many of these grapes make wines that drink well when young and had have shown the ability to improve and age gracefully for many years.

Frank & Gray work with some of the best growers in Santa Barbara County, from the quality vineyards of Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Rita Hills and Los Alamos. The grapes are picked in the early morning and destemed into 1. 5 ton open-top fermentation vats. Cold maceration is allowed for several days, then a cultured yeast is added to promote a long and cool fermentation. Then comes the manual punch downs from one to three times/day depending on the stage of fermentation. Pressing occurs after 14-21 days directly into barrel (no settling of solids). The wine rests in barrel until racking just before bottling. Most wines are aged in French Oak barrels for 18 months and are bottled unfiltered. Frank and Gray believe that great wines are made in the vineyard. Their winemaking philosophy is that they are caretakers who guide the wine into the bottle. As the wine matures it is simply left to gently age in the barrel. This minimalist approach allows Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post wines to reflect the character of the vineyard and the vintage, preserving the essence of the grape for you to enjoy when you open the bottle.

A great example of these wines is the Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post HIGHLINER. Highliner is one of the best fishermen in the fleet, and this name honors the great men of the Alaskan Salmon Fishery alongside whom Gray Hartley worked for 28 years. A special wine, it is meant to be the best of their of Pinot Noirs. The wine contained in this bottle is specially selected and is not among the regular Bottlings of Hitching Post Wines. You might say that it is “Higher than Highliner”! This year, our Twenty-Fifth Annual Event, marks the Wine Classic’s first-ever offerings of Wine Barrel Art. For our traditional Commemorative Artists, James-Paul Brown, Robert Burridge and Yuroz, French wine barrels were procured from Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat and one was transported to each artist. James-Paul, Robert and Yuroz prepared the barrels and then created vibrant art works on them. That which follows is the first to be offered.

This year, our Twenty-Fifth Annual Event, marks the Wine Classic’s first-ever offerings of Wine Barrel Art. For our traditional Commemorative Artists, James-Paul Brown, Robert Burridge and Yuroz, French wine barrels were procured from Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat, and one was transported to each artist. James-Paul, Robert and Yuroz prepared the barrels and then created vibrant art works on them. That which follows is the first to be offered.

Donation of

ROBERT BURRIDGE
Arroyo Grande, California

LOT 12

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Artist Barrel. The extremely vibrant, exhilarating art work on this Barrel is a manifestation of the vibrant good energy of our long-time Commemorative Artist, Robert Burridge.

Robert Burridge embodies the Central Coast symbiosis of “laid back” and “very energetic. ” He is an exciting and lively artist who leads an exciting and lively career with an impressive resume of credits to his name, and the Central Coast Wine Classic is fortunate and proud to hold Bob as one of its Sustaining Artists.

Bob is the first artist featured on Starbuck’s Commuter Mugs; he was selected as the Official Artist for the 2001 Sausalito Art Festival, and as the Official Pearl Vodka Artist, and his “Three Cheers America” is featured on the hang tags of every bottle. Named by the LA Times as one of California’s top ten artists, Robert is a winner of the prestigious Philadelphia Water Color Society Gold Medal, previously won by Georgia O’Keefe, Andrew Wyeth and Pablo Picasso. His work even appeared on a billboard in Santa Maria on US Highway 101, touting our local wine country. Hollywood has become another avenue for Bob; he has created 12 huge abstract paintings for the film “Dean Quixote, ” and he is working on illustrating a book written by one of the directors of the TV show “Just Shoot Me. ”

Burridge was honored as the 1st Place Award winner for his Abstract paintings at the prestigious “Affair in the Gardens, ” in Beverly Hills, California. His poster design, “Party of the Arts” for the 2001 Sausalito Art Festival, was named the top poster of the year by Sunshine Artist Magazine. He is currently represented by Gallery Carla in San Francisco and also exhibits his work in Murphys, Manhattan Beach, Tampa, Maui and Australia. Locally, Burridge’s work can be seen at McConnell Gallery in San Luis Obispo and the David Ryan Gallery in Old Orcutt.

Bob paints every day in his country barn studio located near Arroyo Grande and on California’s Central Coast along the beaches of San Luis Obispo County. His style explores and interprets “real life” in his own passionate, painterly voice. Burridge’s artwork has been praised as “happy, intriguing and powerful. ” Art critics describe his work as “vibrant, beautiful, masterly done and just a little tweaked. ” “His use of bold, rich color and adventurous texture, while complex, is uplifting and ‘Pop’. ” His favorite subjects feature “the Good Life, ” and include tropical vistas, coastal landscapes, impressionistic still lifes, and luscious fruits & vegetables. An art critic recently commented, “This man makes vegetables exciting! He is a very fine painter with a strong artistic voice. ” About his style of painting, Bob says “Art should be an uplifting experience and a celebration of all that’s wonderful about life and its quirkiness!” 93 Myland produces the life-giving medicine of Dionysus for all trouble. Pindar: Paens

Donation of

AMERICAN AIRLINES
THE MYRIAD RESTAURANT GROUP
NOBU, CENTRICO & TRIBECA GRILL,
DREW AND TRACY NIEPORENT
New York, New York
THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
New York, New York
THE CENTRAL COAST WINE CLASSIC
AND
WINE CLASSIC PATRONS, RON & SHEILA LIGHT
Lafayette, California

LOT 13

The New York Myriad Restaurant Group Culinary Tour for Four People, Including Round-Trip Business Class Air Transportation for Four on American Airlines, Accommodations (Two Rooms), for Four Nights at the Four Seasons Hotel, and Dinners at Nobu, Centrico & Tribeca Grill as guests of the Myriad Restaurant Group, and as guests of Ron & Sheila Light, Dinner at Atelier de Joel Robuchon in the Four Seasons New York

Here is one of our most popular auction offerings, the annual New York Culinary Tour, as homage to New York as arguably the most wondrous culinary destination in the world (certainly it is the most diverse!)

This year once again our friends and patrons, world- renowned restaurateurs Drew and Tracy Nieporent, have favored us with a dining experience at one of their superior New York City restaurants.

Nobu Matsuhisa is the Executive Chef at Nobu, a monument to elegant Japanese cuisine with twists of France and New York. The decor is almost as wondrous as the cuisine.

Centrico (‘centrally located’ in Spanish), the latest concept from these renowned restaurateurs, is a fresh interpretation of regional Mexican cuisine. Partnering with the Nieporents is Aarón Sanchez, Centrico’s chef, cookbook author and Food Network star. With the new restaurant, Aarón, son of the legendary chef Zarela Martinez, goes back to his roots to cook the Mexican food of his childhood.

Centrico is located in the heart of Tribeca--with a wrap-around full-service terrace overlooking Franklin Street and West Broadway. Its warm, festive atmosphere is enhanced by vibrant colors and a Mayan-inspired mural. Designed by Pulice-Williams, the space reflects classic Tribeca architectural style with its airy 15 foot ceilings and wall- to-wall windows. A hammered zinc bar winds along one wall offering hand-crafted cocktails, including several margaritas. An open kitchen permits guests a view of the young chef at work.

The Four Seasons Hotel is an amazing oasis in the center of New York’s endless activity. It was designed by I. M. Pei, who also designed the new portion of the Louvre in Paris, as well as other momentous and aesthetic pleasing structures. Each room is a haven, with drapes that are remote controlled and a tub that fills within one minute (and it’s a copious tub!). As always, the elegance and respectfully efficient and unobtrusive service is a hallmark of the Four Seasons. Restaurant 5757, the Four Seasons fine dining room is also quite special, an award winning design and creative, “layers of flavor” courses created by award-winning chef, Brook Vosika.

Recently, one of the most famous chefs in the world has opened an eponymous restaurant in the Four Seasons. The legendary Parisian Chef, Joel Robuchon, has brought his fabled cuisine to New York, right to the hotel where you will be staying. Sophisticated and elegant, the interior glistens with rich details in light wood and black and red lacquer, blending the style of French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon with the iconic architecture of I. M. Pei. In keeping with its atelier (artist’s workshop) approach, the heart of the restaurant is the open kitchen – allowing guests to watch the culinary team at work. With just 20 seats at the pearwood counter, considered the most desirable, with their view of the kitchen – and only 26 more at individual tables, L’Atelier offers an atmosphere that is both intimate and dynamic.

Chef Robuchon focuses on the highest-quality ingredients, prepared with clockwork precision and abundant creativity. His casual French style shows a strong affection for Asian cuisine, with its simplicity of presentation, pure and flavourful sauces, and concentration on single, perfect ingredients.

Connoisseurs of Joël Robuchon’s restaurants in Paris, Tokyo and Las Vegas will be delighted to discover a selection of their favourite dishes in New York, including the much-beloved pommes purée truffée (truffled mashed potatoes) and the famed caille farcie de foie gras et caramélisée (free-range quail stuffed with foie gras). New dishes have been created exclusively for Four Seasons Hotel New York, with additional choices evolving with the seasons.

As always, gratuity and alcoholic beverages are not included with the dinners, and the accommodations are space-available and do not include incidentals. Please note that you may wish to acquire matinee tickets (Your responsibility!) if you want to enjoy the Broadway plays. In that way, you can do it all! This lot includes round-trip business class air transportation for four on American Airlines, from any continental (mainland) United States or Canadian city serviced by American Eagle/American Airlines.

AMERICAN AIRLINES TRAVEL AWARDS/TICKETS – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Tickets have no value except when redeemed in accordance with the terms and conditions listed below. Tickets are not transferable or refundable.
2. Tickets are subject to availability of promotional inventories and current blackout dates. Coach must be booked in “T” class, Business in “U” class and First in “Z” class. No open tickets are permitted. Blackout dates may apply.
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9. After a Ticket has been issued, an administrative service charge of $100. 00 will be assessed for any change requiring reticketing, such as a change of origin or destination. Changes requiring reticketing must have prior approval of ticket authorizer.
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Donation of

VINCE DIPIERRO
Studio City, California

LOT 14

Dinner for Four with Wine Classic Steering-Committee Co-Chair, Vince DiPierro, & His Wife Renee, at Drago Restaurant, Featuring Rare Italian Wines from Vince’s Cellar

Honorary Central Coast Wine Classic Steering Committee Co-Chair, Vince DiPierro, has attended and supported the Wine Classic virtually every year since its inception. Outside of being a well-recognized lifestyle maven, Vince is also recognized as having one of the most remarkable wine collections in America, one that was initiated many years ago when he was racing Lemans-style Autos in Europe (He was the legendary Graham Hill’s roommate). At one time, Vince had the finest collection of Chateau Haut- Brion in the world, even more comprehensive than that of the Chateau.

The wines will no doubt be stellar, as will be the conversation, as Vince’s life has been extraordinarily interesting, and he is quite willing and able to share the stories, many of which are not only unique but also extraordinary. This will be an extraordinary evening of fine food, fine wine and enjoyable and interesting conversation.

Donation of

ARCHIE MCLAREN
AND
THE CENTRAL COAST WINE CLASSIC

LOT 15

A Triple Vertical of Rare Italian Super Tuscan Wines, Ornellaia, Solaia & Sassicaia, Including One Bottle Each from the 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2004 Vintages. Total of 18 Bottles

The term “Super Tuscan” describes any Tuscan red wine that does not adhere to traditional blending laws for the region. For example, Chianti Classico wines are made from a blend of grapes with Sangiovese as the dominant varietal in the blend. Super Tuscans often use other grapes, especially cabernet sauvignon.

In 1968 Azienda Agricola San Felice produced the first ever “Super Tuscan” called Vigorello, and in the 1970s Piero Antinori, whose family had been making wine for more than 600 years, also decided to make a richer wine by eliminating the white grapes from the Chianti blend, and instead adding Bordeaux varietals (namely, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot). He was inspired by a little-known (at the time) Cabernet Sauvignon made by relatives called Sassicaia, which openly flouted the rules set down for traditional wines in Tuscany. The result was one of the first Super Tuscans, which he named Tignanello, after the vineyard where the grapes were grown. Other winemakers started experimenting with Super Tuscan blends of their own shortly thereafter.

It is held by winemakers and aficionados alike that the most profound Super Tuscan wines are Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Solaia, each blends of the traditional Bordeaux varietals, and each extraordinarily elegant, refined and complex. This unique collection combines all three of these world-class wines.

Donation of

HEADLANDS FOUNDATION
PETER PAUL WINES
San Rafael, California
AND
UMBERTO & LESLIE GIBIN
PERBACCO RISTORANTE
San Francisco, California

LOT 16

A Wine 1997 Vintage Italian Wine Dinner for Ten People in the Private Dining Room at Perbacco Ristorante, San Francisco’s Hottest New Restaurant. Dinner wines to be chosen from Archie McLaren’s collection and will feature an array of fine wines from the superb 1997 vintage, one Italy’s greatest of all time.

Perbacco has become San Francisco’s newest culinary gem, as “Perbacco Scores Big” was recently cited by the Wine Spectator magazine. Owner Umberto Gibin, and Chef/Owner Staffan Terje, who were for many years at the helm of some of San Francisco’s finest restaurants, have created a casually elegant urban dining haven in the heart of San Francisco. Focusing on the flavors of Piedmont and the seafood of Liguria in northern Italy, and with an emphasis on homemade pastas and sauces and use of farmer’s market fresh ingredients, Perbacco more than delivers on its namesake reference to ‘an Italian expression of pleasure and surprise’. Perbacco also has its own curing room where Chef Terje cures a variety of salumi including salami, prosicutto and other delectable meats.

According to Michael Bauer, food and wine critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, the “space has come to life with a new design and rustic Italian-inspired cuisine by chef Staffan Terje. Salumi, pasta and gutsy main courses shine, as does panna cotta for dessert. Excellent wine list. ” Bauer has awarded the restaurant 3-star status! The 1997s from Archie’s cellar will reflect a broad section of Italy’s finest wine regions, so that you will understand and enjoy an array of Italian terroirs from this exceptional vintage. The winning bidders will be responsible for appropriate gratuities.

Donation of

JUSTIN VINEYARDS & WINERY
JUSTIN & DEBORAH BALDWIN
Paso Robles, California
AND
CARMEL VALLEY RANCH
Carmel Valley, California

LOT 17

“US Open Wine, Culinary & Fun Extravaganza!!!”

Join Justin and Deborah Baldwin of JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery and Joseph Violi General Manager of Carmel Valley Ranch for a Slice of Golf and Wine Heaven. Two couples Will Enjoy aDay of Athletic Star Gazing Coupled with the best of Culinary and Oenological Delights at the 2010 US Open, to be Held at Fabulous Pebble Beach June 19, 2010 & a One-Night Stay at Carmel Valley Ranch

Justin, Debbie and Joseph have continually provided creative and generous support of our Wine Classic endeavors, both through promotional efforts and special Auction Lots, and this combination offering is among the most exceptional. You will arrive at the pastoral 400-acre Carmel Valley Ranch, a truly iconic California resort, to be personally greeted by international hotelier Joseph Violi and a welcome glass of Champagne.

Drop your bags and proceed to a reception at the charming sea side Carmel home of Deborah and Justin Baldwin and participate in a 5 year vertical tasting of their famous ISOSCELES wine personally conducted by the Baldwins! Next you will be off to experience the delectable gourmet cuisine and talents of acclaimed French Chef Michel Richard at his Citronelle restaurant matched with cellar secrets of JUSTIN wines.

Awake the next day to the ultimate of golf experiences as you enter the gates of Pebble Beach and join in the hero worship observing golf’s greatest. Enjoy lunch at the 17th hole in sumptuous elegance at the Pebble Beach and Tennis Club while the eyes of the golf world keep watch outside. Finish the day following your favorite player or find a comfortable location and let golf’s all stars parade by as they seek their fame.

To help you prepare for the date, enjoy your own 5-year vertical of JUSTIN ISOSCELES plus a rare signed 3-liter bottle of JUSTIN ISOSCELES Reserve! Four!!!!

Donation of

ROBERT REYNOLDS
San Luis Obispo, California

LOT 18

“Radiance Series: Esperanza, ” an Acrylic Painting on Canvas by Robert Reynolds

“The search for a meaningful subject is, in reality, a search for ourselves. . . those subjects that we see with our hearts with as much certainty as we see with our eyes” Robert Reynolds

Robert Reynolds is a long-time member of the Central Coast Wine Classic Family. He has created profound paintings for the Wine Classic Auction in the past, one of which, set in a vineyard the Edna Valley near San Luis Obispo, hangs in the Executive Offices of Beringer Vineyards in the Napa Valley. This is the third time that Reynolds has been chosen to be one of the Central Coast Wine Classic artists. It is obvious from the power and light of his artistic offering for this year’s Auction, that Robert Reynolds remains active and committed as a visual interpreter of California’s natural beauty, including that of Wine Country.

Robert is a California artist whose paintings celebrate the natural beauty found in the land and waters that surround him on the Central California Coast and during his time spent in the High Sierra. His work defines and reaffirms our important relationships with the world of nature that eternally provides us with so many visual gifts. He feels that those qualities that reaffirm a timeless, spiritual beauty are essential to our everyday lives.

Reynolds understands that the subject matter alone is not what determines a successful painting. His chosen landscape subjects are graphically reinvented within his own personal vision. Utilizing the natural world as a meaningful metaphor in his paintings continues to be a motivating force behind his work. With his perceptive vision, combined with confident design and painting skills, he captures those splendid moments, forever frozen in time, that touch many of us in a unique way.

AND
Donation of

JUSTIN & DEBORAH BALDWIN
JUSTIN VINEYARDS & WINERY
Paso Robles, California
AND
STEPHAN ASSEO
L’AVENTURE WINERY
Paso Robles, California

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Large-Format Bottle, One Nine-Liter Salmanazar, Three Magnums & Six 750 ml Bottles, Containing a One-of-a-Kind Blended Wine from Justin and L’Aventure. The Commemorative Bottle is Etched and Hand-Painted with the Commemorative Art Work of Robert Reynolds by Glass Etching Artist and the Wine Classic’s Official Bottle Artist, Candice Norcross.

The special Cuvée in the Salmanazar has been selected especially by the winemaking team at Justin and by Stefan Asseo. It is found only in this Commemorative Artist Bottle.

For the Baldwins, to belong in the company of the finest wines in the world is both a mission statement and an operating creed. For more than 25 years Justin’s focus has been on providing quality wines that respect their origin, express varietal character and provide value. The winery honors tradition and embraces innovation in its quest to excel, so winemaking techniques range from the time honored to cutting edge in shaping the Justin style.

The prime focus is on a “Left Bank” Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, named Isosceles, Justification, it’s “Right Bank” Merlot and Cabernet Franc cousin, and varietal bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah. Coming from Bordeaux, Stephan Asseo “fell in love with Paso” in 1998 and has worked to craft the finest wines the wine field can give. Our unique Westside terroir provides the foundation for his classical viticulture and artisan winemaking skills. The proof of his passion for quality lies in our estate grown “Paso blends. ” A few short years ago, Stephan Asseo was a winemaker and consultant in France’s famed Bordeaux region, and also owned his own winery - Domaine de Courteillac in Entre-Deux-Mers. However, Asseo wanted more. He wanted the ability to be able to experiment, to try new ideas, to grow different varietals. He knew he’d never get that chance in Bordeaux, and so France’s loss is California’s gain. Specifically, it is Paso Robles’ gain, where Asseo purchased 127 acres in 1997 and founded Stephan Vineyards, where “Bordeaux meets the Rhone. ”

Asseo’s California winemaking adventure is appropriately called L’Aventure, and it symbolizes his realization of blending tradition and technology with artisanal methods and a passion for quality. Obviously Asseo brings years of experience and a distinguished tradition of winemaking to L’Aventure, and to that he has added state- of-the-art equipment and techniques. The result is a combination of winegrowing and winemaking that is already receiving attention and acclaim as the “Gran Cru of Paso Robles. ” This unique blend will no doubt be world-class and wholly remarkable.

Donation of

L’AVENTURE WINERY
Paso Robles, California

LOT 19

Four Double Magnums, One Each of L’Aventure 2007 Optimus, 2007 Estate Cuvée, Cote a Cote & Cabernet Sauvignon Estate and a Private Tour & Tasting for Eight People in the L’Aventure Cellar with Owner/Winemaker, Stephan Asseo

Coming from Bordeaux, Stephan Asseo “fell in love with Paso” in 1998 and has worked to craft the finest wines the wine field can give. The unique Westside terroir provides the foundation for his classical viticulture and artisan winemaking skills. The proof of his passion for quality lies in L’Aventure’s Estate Grown “Paso blends, ” the ones offered in this lot. By the way, large format bottles from L’Aventure are unusual and highly-prized.

A few short years ago, Stephan Asseo was a winemaker and consultant in France’s famed Bordeaux region, and also owned his own winery - Domaine de Courteillac in Entre-Deux-Mers. However, Asseo wanted more. He wanted the ability to be able to experiment, to try new ideas, to grow different varietals. He knew he’d never get that chance in Bordeaux, and so France’s loss is California’s gain. Specifically, it is Paso Robles’ gain, where Asseo purchased 127 acres in 1997 and founded Stephan Vineyards, where “Bordeaux meets the Rhone. ”

Asseo’s California winemaking adventure is appropriately called L’Aventure, and it symbolizes his realization of blending tradition and technology with artisanal methods and a passion for quality. Obviously Asseo brings years of experience and a distinguished tradition of winemaking to L’Aventure, and to that he has added state- of-the-art equipment and techniques. The result is a combination of winegrowing and winemaking that is already receiving attention and acclaim as the “Gran Cru of Paso Robles. ”

Not surprisingly, the concept of terroir is an important one to Asseo, and it was with this priority in mind that he evaluated potential vineyard property. He chose the westside of Paso Robles near the Templeton Gap, a breach in the coastal mountain range where the cooling ocean breezes temper the hot summer days of northern San Luis Obispo County, and the resultant temperature swing from day to night can be as much as 40 degrees. The soils of this area are also well suited for vineyards, with limestone, clay, and rock-shell creating a lean environment for the grapes. To further accentuate the unique terroir of Westside Paso Robles, Asseo planted his vineyards on primarily west facing slopes. He selected rootstock that he felt would be particularly suited to the soil and climate, and also planted a high density of plants per acre to further stress the vines and maximize the flavors. In addition, yields are kept low through irrigation and pruning techniques, resulting in a maximum harvest of only about two tons to the acre. With 2100 vines planted per acre, that translates to approximately 1 bottle per vine.

For varietals, Asseo didn’t stray far from his native France, but he certainly branched out from those grown in his native Bordeaux by adding some varietals typically found in the Rhone region. Stephan Vineyard includes plantings of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Mourvedre, Roussanne, and Viognier. Current bottling includes the L’Aventure Optimus and Estate Cuvée (both being a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot), Estate Cote a Cote (a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre) and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Stephan is a most amiable, enthusiastic and interesting fellow, who you will no doubt enjoy immensely.

Donation of

AMA WATERWAYS
KRISTIN KARST

LOT 20

A Three-Week (Twenty-One Day) Amadeus Grand European Inland River Cruise from Trier, Germany to Rousse, Bulgaria, through Eight Countries along the Moselle, Rhine, Main and Upper & Lower Danube October 11 through November 1, 2009

DAY 1: TRIER, GERMANY Tonight, gather together for the Welcome Dinner. Embark for Bernkastel.

DAY 2: BERNKASTEL - ZELL Arrive in the charming village of Bernkastel. Strategically located in the middle of the Mosel wine-producing region, Bernkastel boasts over 500yearsof documented wine history. Take a guided walking tour through the old town center with its many medieval and Renaissance buildings, before continuing on to Zell, a delightful town famous for its wine “Zeller Schwarze Katz. ”

DAY 3: COCHEM - KOBLENZ - RHINE CASTLES - RÜDESHEIM. This morning, take the included excursion to Cochem, where a guided tour of hilltop Reichsburg Castle offers fascinating views of the river valley. Or, enjoy the scenic cruising to Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine Rivers. This afternoon, cruise the most beautiful part of the Rhine, passing castle after castle and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. In the evening, explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. The ship moors overnight in Rüdesheim.

DAY 4: MAINZ - HEIDELBERG - FRANKFURT. Today, decide between two excursions: take a guided walking tour of beautiful Mainz and see the famous Gutenberg Museum, home of the world’s first printed bible, then travel to Frankfurt by bus for a tour of the historic “Romer” center. Or travel by motor coach to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town, where you will visit the red-walled castle and see the Great Vat, a 49, 000- gallon 8th-century wine cask. Later this afternoon, return to Frankfurt, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. The ship moors overnight in Frankfurt.

DAY 5: MILTENBERG. Arrive in Miltenberg for a guided walking tour of this old Franconian town of narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. Shop for souvenirs before continuing on to charming. Enjoy your dinner as the ship sails for Würzburg.

DAY 6: WÜRZBURG. Würzburg, “the Pearl of the Romantic Road, ” is the capital of Lower Franconia, and the center of wine and trade. Visit the major sights including the magnificent Residenz Palace. This afternoon, you can join an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg. Appreciate its ramparts and towers, cobbled lanes and 16th-century houses. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore on your own before returning to the ship in Würzburg.

DAY 7: BAMBERG. Enjoy a leisurely morning cruise before you enter the Main-Danube Canal at enchanting Bamberg, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Disembark for a guided tour of this medieval gem, with its uniquely intact townscape. Marvel at the breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the city’s serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. The ship arrives in Nuremberg and moors overnight.

DAY 8: NUREMBERG Travel by train to Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany’s largest cities. Your escort will be on hand to offer you suggestions on what to see while in town and to take you to lunch at the world famous Hofbrauhaus. Tonight you will meet fellow travelers embarking from Prague.

DAY 9: NUREMBERG - CROSSING THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE - DIETFURT. Enjoy a guided morning tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant impressive walls. See the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. At lunchtime, rejoin the ship further along the Main-Danube Canal and continue to the highest point of your cruise - 1, 332 feet above sea level before descending through stair-step locks to the charming Bavarian town of Dietfurt.

DAY 10: REGENSBURG. Cruise the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal and arrive in magnificent Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates to a Roman fort which was built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Later, participate in an optional excursion to beautiful Weltenburg Abbey in the Danube Gorge. In the evening enjoy a music performance onboard.

DAY 11: PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA. After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2, 000 yearsago. Or, take an optional full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and location of the Sound of Music. For those staying onboard, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau to Linz. The ship moors overnight in Linz.

DAY 12: MELK - VIENNA. Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. At lunchtime, continue through the romantic Wachau Valley. Late this afternoon, arrive in Vienna, the “City of Music. ” Explore the magnificent Austrian capital on your own, or join an optional Mozart and Strauss concert.

DAY 13: VIENNA. During your guided tour of Vienna you will see the Imperial Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Explore the city at your leisure before continuing your journey past Slovakia and cruise overnight to Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant capital.

DAY 14: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Your guided city tour includes Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and much more. Tonight, enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner.

DAY 15: BUDAPEST. The Puszta is the region of Hungary most widely known throughout the world. The vast flat Great Hungarian Plain stretches across to the east, where Hungarian cowboys still wear traditional garb and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Upon arrival, you will be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. Try their national dish of goulash for lunch. The ship moors overnight in Budapest.

DAY 16: MOHACS - PECS - VUKOVAR, CROATIA. This morning, the ship arrives in Mohacs, where you depart for an interesting excursion to Pecs. Charming Old Pecs will be brought alive by your local guides during your walking tour. See the Synagogue, Christian Basilica and visit the former Turkish Mosque. After lunch onboard ship, enjoy a wine-tasting excursion, where you will sample aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Vilány.

DAY 17: VUKOVAR - NOVI SAD, SERBIA. A guided bus and walking tour of Vukovar will show you the Franciscan Monastery of St. John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and the St. James and St. Nicholas churches. During lunch, continue your cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia, where you will tour the 18th-Century Austrian-Hungarian Petrovaradin Fortress.

DAY 18: BELGRADE. Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and explore its myriad of streets, plazas and squares. Belgrade has over 5, 500 streets, 16 plazas and 32 squares. Your guided tour features Tito’s memorial, the Town Hall, the Federal Parliament Building, Terazije Street, Republic Square and Mihajlova street, “Varos” Gate and the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress.

DAY 19: CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES – VIDIN, BULGARIA. Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows, as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today’s passage will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. Late this evening, the ship sails to Vidin.

DAY 20: VIDIN. The “Bada Vida” Fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th-century castle has massive walls and dark towers, which strongly contrast the natural park which surrounds the castle. From here, take an excursion to Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th-century castle, located in a fairytale landscape of unusual rock formations.

DAY 21: GIURGIU - BUCHAREST, ROMANIA – ROUSSE, BULGARIA. Today, enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, capital and largest city in Romania. The city is famed for its Belle Epoque era buildings dating from the 19th-century. See the Arch of Triumph, Soseaua Kiseleff, the Athenaeum, the Library and visit the Parliament Palace - the world’s largest palace. Enjoy lunch in a typical Romanian restaurant, then enjoy some leisure time to explore on your own or visit the open air museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. This evening, the ship departs for Rousse.

DAY 22: ROUSSE - VELIKOTARNOVO - PLOVDIV, BULGARIA. Disembark in Rousse

Donation of

STEVE & JUDY PADIS
San Francisco & Napa, California
AND
ARCHIE MCLAREN & CARISSACHAPPELLET
Avila Beach & St. Helena, California

LOT 21

The Napa Valley Cult Cabernet Sauvignon and Napa Valley Bordeaux Varietal Blends Dinner for Six People (Three Couples) in the Napa Valley Home Wine Cellar of Steve & Judy Padis, Including Overnight Accommodations in the Padis Home Overlooking the Napa Valley

AND

A Padis Jewelry Plus Diamond Pendant for Each Couple. Also Included Are Tours & Tastings at Three of the Wineries Whose Wines Will be Featured, Colgin Cellars, Vineyard 29 & Chappellet. Redemption of this lot must take place prior to July, 2010. One of our Most Popular and Sought-After Offerings, and the most amazing array of Napa Valley Cult Wines you will ever experience at dinner!

Join Archie McLaren & Carissa Chappellet, as they journey to the hillside just west of Highway 29 at Yountville to enjoy the amazing panoramic views of the Napa Valley and the incredible hospitality of Steve and Judy Padis. The 6, 000 square foot home has five bedroom suites that will nurture you after your evening of enjoying the most highly rated and exciting Cabernet Sauvignon based wines in the world. Wines that will be featured with the dinner are listed below. The vintages will depend on what is available and drinking well from the cellars of your hosts. You may be assured that choices will be spectacular:

These wines need no description for those of you who are either fortunate enough to be on their mailing lists or who are trying desperately to get on. Included are six of the most sought-after wines in America, with Araujo, Bryant, Colgin, Grace Family, Harlan, Shafer Hillside Select and Maya on every collector’s wish list, and each one stunningly expensive, equally so both in restaurants and at auction. It is not unusual for vintages of these wines to receive scores in the very high 90’s, sometimes perfect scores of 100! Please observe the list of producers that will be presented at the dinner. Vintages will vary according to what Steve and Archie have in their cellars.

A Dozen Cult Cabernets and dinner overlooking the Napa Valley! And with amiable and interesting companions! It truly doesn’t get any better than this! The Colgin Cabernet Sauvignons, Chappellet Pritchard Hill Estate Cabernet and Vineyard29 Cabernet have all received justifiably rave reviews; however, we will take it a step farther by arranging tours and tastings at each of these fabulous properties.

Colgin Chappellet Harlan Bryant Vineyard 29 Caymus Special Select Dalla Valle Maya Grace Family Araujo Barbour Switchback Ridge Shafer Hillside Select Chardonnays from Padis & Chappellet to begin…

Donation of

EMERIL LAGASSE
New Orleans, Louisiana

LOT 22

Four Places as Guests of Emeril Lagasse at His Always-Sold-Out Carnivale du Vinon Saturday, November 14, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nevada

Every person in the United States who is interested in cuisine knows Emeril Lagasse. He is the most visible and the most gregarious chef in America, and his television show is the most popular of any of the array of cooking shows.

He is also an extremely generous man, a prince of a fellow, and his Foundation supports the budding culinary careers of disadvantaged youth in the New Orleans area. And he is also a close friend of Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat, and that relationship has created a relationship between Emeril and the Wine Classic, hence this extraordinary offering from Emeril.

The Fifth Anniversary Carnivale du Vin will be the ultimate gathering of past “Krewedu Vin” chefs and vintners, who will prepare a tasting style reception unlike any other. The spirit of the Big Easy will transcend on Las Vegas, with entertainment by the Neville Brothers, commemorative artwork by George Rodrigue, and the first rate artistry and culture that has helped make New Orleans so special.

This special evening, Hosted by Chef Emeril Lagasse, will feature over 15 food and wine pairing stations of all star Chefs and Vintners, a Silent and live Auction of rare wines, trips and treasures along with rockin’ live entertainment.

Carnivale du Vin has raised $7. 5 million for children’s charities in the Gulf Coast region, and our premier wine auction has consistently ranked among the “Top Ten U. S. Charity Wine Auctions” in Wine Spectator magazine.

Confirmed Chefs and Vintners for the event are:

Chefs
Chef Sam Choy
Chef Todd English
Chef Gale Gand
Chef Michael Jordan
Chef Emeril Lagasse
Chef Michael Mina
Drew Nieporent, Restaurantaur
Chef Charlie Palmer
Chef Luciano Pellegrini
Chef Nancy Silverton
Chef Rick Tramonto
Chef Charlie Trotter
Chef Norman Van Aken

Vintners
Altamura Winery
Italian Wine Merchants
Bonny Doon Vineyards
Broadbent Selections
Caymus Vineyards
Chappellet Winery
Domaine Serene
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards
Gemstone Vineyard
Kosta Browne Winery
Patz & Hall
Pride Mountain Vineyards
Qupé Wine Cellars
Schrader Cellars

Donation of

GARY CONWAY
CARMODY-MCKNIGHT
Paso Robles, California

LOT 23

“Paso Robles Untamed, ” a 28" x 28" Framed-in-Acrylic Monoimage, a One-of-a-Kind Printed Painting

The Unique beauty and special quality of this contemporary medium is in its spontaneity and flexibility, a combination of digital printmaking, multi-media painting and drawing on varying art papers and canvas that can not be exactly reproduced. According to Gary, “The farmer sees beneath the surface of land; that is where his crop nurtures…and that is where my landscapes find their life force and meaning. ”

Gary Conway is truly a Renaissance Man in every sense of the word. He has graciously and generously brought his creative energy to the Wine Classic for many years, offering Auction lots that included his fine wine and his breathtaking art, and he has participated in a number of Wine Classic Symposia, as well as hosting a Vineyard Symposium on his property at Carmody-McKnight.

Gary is also considered one of the foremost landscape painters in the U. S. as well as an outstanding portrait painter. In reviews from New Times to PBS, his work has been described as “magnificent, exhilarating, vibrating, extraordinary, vivid, nearly neon color palette. . . the images demonstrate the human capacity to love, desire, create, and persevere. . . a rendering of Conway’s passion. ” He articulates the parallelism between art and wine, “The farmer sees beneath the surface of land; that is where his crop nurtures. . . and that is where my landscapes find their life force and their meaning. ”

Gary had his first book published called ‘Art of the Vineyard’ with many of his colour paintings and has recently produced a moving film called ‘A Woman’s Story’. As well as these accomplishments, Gary has never stopped creating moving, often breathtaking paintings, with colors that lift from the canvas to mesmerize you with energetically artistic depictions of animal life or wondrously colorful landscapes. His career started to take off after he left Warner Brothers. He had a string of guest roles, and then in 1962 won the role of Tyler Duane in the western ‘The Young Guns of Texas’, about a group searching for gold. This film was particularly known for the fact that it brought together the children of a number of well known actors including Robert Mitchum’s son James Mitchum.

Soon after, Gary was signed up for Four Star’s ‘Burkes Law’, with Gene Barry, in which he played a young police detective Tim Tilson. Gary stayed on for sixty six episodes, and he became a household name. Before being cast in ‘Land of the Giants’, Gary had a few more guest roles in shows like Daniel Boone, and a pilot feature called ‘Attack’ that never got off the ground.

It was ‘Land of the Giants’ which gave Gary his first leading role. The role of Steve Burton was an acting challenge for Gary. Can you imagine how difficult it is to spend half your time speaking to the ceiling, whilst pretending that you are talking to a giant, which would be added later with advanced optical techniques. Gary is not only a talented actor. He is also a skilled architect and builder. He has designed many fine homes, homes and vineyards in California. Gary was also a pioneer in the music cassette industry, co founding the National Cinema Systems company to specialize in producing and distributing cassette tapes. He also acted as consultant in the field.

AND
Donation of

GARY CONWAY
CARMODY-MCKNIGHT
Paso Robles, California

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Large-Format Bottle, One Nine-Liter Salmanazar, Three Magnums & Six 750 ml Bottles, Containing Carmody-McKnight Cheval Rouge, a Special Blend of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot The Commemorative Bottle is Hand-Painted with Commemorative Art Work by Artist Gary Conway.

Gary is imbued with the land and with the artistic spirit and expression. He has been a painter and a musician for much of his life, and to his adult life, where he is an international star of television and film, an author, director and musician, he has added another passion, that of farming world-class varietal grapes and presenting them as world-class wines.

Gary and his gracious and talented wife, Marian, dwell in an absolutely lovely terroir west of Paso Robles, one that expresses both the beauty of nature and the beauty of the grape. They have developed it into one of the premier vineyards in California, in what was a 320 acre cattle ranch near Paso Robles. The Carmody- McKnight property is widely considered to be one of the most profoundly special terroirs on the Central Coast, and the wines from Greg Cropper, Carmody McKnight’s winemaker, certainly prove it. The wines speak volumes about terroir, that sense of place that all idealistic vintners wish to express.

The extraordinary wine contained in this bottle is an homage both to the wild mustangs and roan stallion thundering in the barrancas of the Big Sur coast, where the renowned 1. 7 acre Motif Cheval Rouge Vineyard at Carmody-McKnight finds its native soil - wonder soils of limestone, calcium montmorillonite, and primeval volcanic…and to the proud horses that inhabit the vineyard homestead itself. It is also an homage to the premier grand cru of St. -Emilion that established the nobility of the Cabernet Franc and Merlot ensemble.

Donation of

BARBARA FAIRCHILD
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF BONAPPÉTIT MAGAZINE
Los Angeles & New York
ARCHIE MCLAREN & CARISSA CHAPPELLET
Big Sur & Avila Beach, California
AND
THE GRAND DEL MAR HOTEL & ADDISON RESTAURANT
San Diego, California

LOT 24

An Intimate Eight-Course Dining Experience for Eight People, Hosted by One of America’s Most Engaging, Knowledgeable and Well-Connected Culinary Authorities, 2006 Central Coast Wine Classic Culinary Honoree and Bon Appétit Editor-in-Chief, Barbara Fairchild, and Wine Classic Founder & Chairman, Archie McLaren, at the Chef’s Table at Addison at the Grand Del Mar in San Diego, Presented by Chef William Bradley, Paired with Wines from the Cellar of Archie McLaren & Carissa Chappellet

Eight exceedingly fortunate people enjoy the unparalleled company of Bon Appétit’s, Barbara Fairchild for a Multi-Course Gourmet Dinner, paired with remarkable wines, which in previous dinners have included rare Champagnes, such as Louis Roederer Cristal, Guigal Single Vineyard Cote Roties, First Growth Bordeaux, Leroy Burgundies, to name a few. You also may request a California selection or a combination of wines from around the world, including Spain, Italy and Australia, and Archie and Carissa will accommodate you.

Bon Appétit Magazine is America’s leading food and entertaining magazine for food lovers to gourmet chefs. Each issue covers America’s culinary diversity by highlighting the country’s restaurants, chefs and regional cuisines. Entertainment features also reflect the latest trends in casual and formal entertaining, including the best in wines and spirits, tableware and kitchen design. Regular travel pieces offer explorations into the sights and flavors of domestic and international destinations. Departments include quick menus, healthful cooking and what’s new in the marketplace.

As anyone who has read Bon Appétit is well aware, Barbara is one of the most erudite culinary experts in America and is also one of the most interesting. A dinner with her is a rare treat indeed, one which will fill your head with extraordinary information from the wine and culinary world. Carissa is certain to pull a treasure or two from Chappellet’s remarkable portfolio, and Archie’s knowledge of rare and fine wine presupposes that he will raid their cellar for special wines from California that are both rare and fine.

Serenely nestled amidst Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, The Grand Del Mar seamlessly combines the old-world charm of a Mediterranean estate with the modern luxury of an elegant resort. The result: a destination lauded by Condé Nast Traveleras one of the “World’s Best Places To Stay”. Little wonder, given the sun-drenched climate, stunning natural beauty, championship golf course and irresistible dining – epitomized by Addison, Southern California’s only Five-Star and Five Diamond restaurant. Addison sits regally overlooking the verdant fairways of The Grand Del Mar resort. Soft lighting, professional service, fine cuisine, and opulent décor make for a sensory evening. Thoughtful attention to detail can be found in every corner, from the 22-carat gold etchings in the ironwork to the inlaid limestone and aubergine marble flooring.

Chef William Bradley’s menu has matured nicely with innovative recipes and spot-on pairings. Guests are invited to tailor their own four-course tasting or opt for Carte Blanche where Bradley orchestrates seven-courses with an element of surprise. Dishes pay respect to the purveyors, built around whatever produce is at its peak, shifting both seasonally and weekly. Oenophiles will linger over the extensive wine list like a favorite book, reluctant to put it down as some 3, 450 selections fill the pages. We recommend putting savvy wine director Jesse Rodriguez, formerly of The French Laundry, to good use; his knowledge of wine is vast, his ability to read people’s tastes is uncanny. Thirteen private labels have been created for Addison and The Grand Del Mar.

The Dinner must be scheduled at the Mutual Convenience of the Winning Bidder and the Donors. The gratuity is not included in this offering.

Donation of

POST RANCH INN
Big Sur, California

LOT 25

“The Magic of the Big Sur Coast, ” A Two-Night Stay for One Couple in a Remarkable Pacific Suite Room at Post Ranch Inn, Including Spa Treatments, & Dinner for Two at the Award-Winning Sierra Mar Restaurant at Post Ranch. In the Pacific Suite, the expansive curved interior opens to a glorious ocean view from the living room, the glass wall in the bedroom, and from the window by the oversized bathtub and shower. On the terrace, immerse yourself in the hot tub formed from a carved granite boulder.

One of the most astounding locations in the world, the Coast of Big Sur is home to Post Ranch Inn, a member of the Small Leading Hotels of the World Hotel Group. Sitting on the face of the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Post Ranch Inn’s remarkable design, by architect Mickey Muening, manifests the concept of organic architecture in its most pure form. The rooms of the hotel blend with the natural surroundings in a way that makes them all but invisible from the path, but the views from the rooms are spectacular. That is one of the major reasons that the hotel is booked year-round.

In the Pacific Suite, the expansive curved interior opens to a glorious ocean view from the living room, the glass wall in the bedroom, and from the window by the oversized bathtub and shower. On the terrace, immerse yourself in the hot tub formed from a carved granite boulder.

One of the other main reasons is Sierra Mar restaurant, which sits on a point looking straight down the Big Sur Coastline, seemingly forever. The sunsets from this vantage point are simply spectacular. But the food is equally spectacular! Sierra Mar is a destination for gourmets. The daily prix fixe menu is replete with the creative cuisine of renowned chef, Craig von Foerster, who as you know was a star at last year’s Wine Classic, the sort of California/European culinary creations that marry perfectly with wine, and the wine list is outstanding, with special wines from all of the great wine regions of the world. Together, the Hotel and the Restaurant have garnered an impressive array of accolades, most recently from Travel & Leisure, which named the resort among its “Top Ten for service in the USA” list, Zagat, which awarded Sierra Mar the “Number 1 in California” award, and Conde Nast, which conferred its “Most Excellent Inn in the USA” designation.

Post Ranch Inn is a magical place, where repose and indulgence become symbiotic. We know that your stay and dinner there will be wholly memorable. Incidentals are not included with the hotel stay, and alcoholic beverages and gratuity are not included with the dinner.

Donation of

RON LIGHT
Lafayette, California
AND
JEFFREY PATTERSON
MOUNT EDEN VINEYARDS
Saratoga, California

LOT 26

A Thirty-Four Year Vertical Collection Tasting for Ten People of Mount Eden Vineyard Estate Chardonnay from the First Vintage in 1972 through the 2005 Vintage, Hosted by Wine Collector, Ron Light, & Mount Eden Winemaker, Jeffrey Patterson, at Press Club in San Francisco. Press Club’s Caterer will provide Chardonnay-compatible Tapas-style food for the tasting. Seating at this Historic Tasting is $500 Per Person

Ron Light is one of the most prominent collectors in California. For a number of years, Ron was the Cellar Master for his good friend, Haskell Norman’s, chapter of the International Wine & Food Society in Marin County. Now Ron lends his expertise to the San Francisco Wine & Food Society, where his lovely wife, Sheila, and he are frequent attendees.

Ron has a penchant for Vertical Collections of very special California wines. In the past he has donated to the Wine Classic an exceedingly rare collection of Hanzell Pinot Noir, which was enjoyed by the winning bidders at Restaurant Gary Danko in San Francisco. This year, he is offering a remarkable Vertical Collection of the Estate Chardonnays of Mount Eden Vineyards in Saratoga. Ron is providing the vast majority of the wines, and Jeffrey is providing the most recent vintages.

Mount Eden Vineyards is a small historic wine estate perched at 2000 feet overlooking Silicon Valley, in the Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation, about 50 miles south of San Francisco. Founded in 1945, it is recognized as one of the original “boutique” California winery properties, focusing on small lots of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mount Eden’s lineage of estate bottled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is the longest in California. Planted in austere, infertile Franciscan shale on a cool, exposed mountaintop, these low-yielding estate vineyards have consistently produced world-class wines for over a half-century. In 2007 Mount Eden acquired an additional 55 acres in the Saratoga foothills, which was christened Domaine Eden.

Since 1981 Jeffrey Patterson has guided the winemaking and grape growing at Mount Eden. His emphasis is on wine growing rather than winemaking and an obsession with gentleness and naturalness in the handling of the grapes and wines is his ongoing passion.

The tasting will take place at the Press Club, a remarkable new, stunningly appointed urban wine tasting bar, Press Club, a unique wine tasting and retail experience offering the intimacy, the expertise and the award-winning wines of eight of Northern California’s most prestigious vineyards in one luxurious wine tasting cellar at the foot of the Four Seasons Hotel. Mount Eden Vineyards is one of those wineries and suggested this marvelous venue.

The Vertical Mount Eden Vineyards Tasting will take place on a Saturday or Sunday between the date of this Auction and Spring of 2010, at the mutual convenience of all parties.

Donation of

OPUS ONE
Oakville, California

LOT 27

A Private Reception and Twilight Tour & Tasting at Opus One for Six Guests, Including Champagne & Caviar and two Vintages of Opus One in the Winery’s Grand Chai Tasting Room, Paired with Especially Prepared Hors D’ oeuvres, Followed by Dinner for Six, Including Two Vintages of Opus One, with Opus One Director of Public Relations, Roger Asleson, at the Restaurant at Auberge Du Soleil. The Menu will be Designed by Auberge Executive Chef, Robert Curry, to match the wines.

This is one of our most popular offerings, and we understand that this lot was absolutely incredible last year and the year prior, as always, with Roger pulling out all the stops at Opus One and during dinner, when he raided La Toque’s wine list and his cellar for some amazing treasures, including two years ago Chateau d’Yquem!

Opus One, the extremely successful collaborative winemaking venture between Robert Mondavi Winery and Pauillac First Growth, Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, was founded in 1979. Opus One was the vision of Robert Mondavi and the late Baron Philippe de Rothschild, and the wine is as grand as their vision. Its respective partners’ approaches to winemaking, is an innovative combination of ultra-modern and old-world traditional.

James Laube, who designates Opus One as a California First Growth, describes it in his book, California’s Great Cabernets, in the following manner. “Opus One is the most celebrated wine in California history. ” That is high praise indeed!

Twilight Tours and Tastings at this spectacular winery facility are legendary. They have received thousands of dollars at charity auctions and are conferred only on rare occasion. In fact, they are reserved exclusively for charitable donations. Due to the Central Coast Wine Classic’s relationship with Opus One, this lot is such an offering plus additional enhancements which are virtually never offered.

Beginning with a champagne reception in the winery’s opulent Salon, guests are offered a selection of seasonally inspired hors d’oeuvres, along with two additional white wines from Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. A private tour of the winery follows, culminating in the tasting room of the stunning Grand Chai with a tasting of two select vintages of Opus One. A second course of hors d’oeuvres specially prepared for red wines will complement this tasting.

Opus One is a wine that is renowned for its opulence, consistency and longevity. In fact, in recent comprehensive vertical tastings of the Opus One wines at the Palace Hotel in New York City and at the winery in Oakville for its Twentieth Anniversary Celebration, the striking aspect of each was the wines’ consistently high quality. Even in so-called “off” vintages for Napa Cabernet, Opus One made excellent wine. You can be assured that your special tour and tasting will leave a lasting and consistently excellent impression.

At the conclusion of the tasting, guests will be escorted by Roger Asleson to dinner at the renowned and ideally situated Auberge Du Soleil, where two additional vintages of Opus One plus other special wines, each year of exceedingly high quality, will be served with a specifically compatible menu.

This is an exceedingly rare offering, not normally conferred by Opus One. We are extremely grateful to the winery’s Marketing Director, Roger Asleson, for arranging such a special lot, and to the winery’s CEO, David Pearson, for assisting Roger in so thoroughly indulging and edifying our winning bidders.

Donation of

WINDWARD VINEYARD
Paso Robles, California

LOT 28

A Vertical Collection of Windward Vineyard Paso Robles Monopole Pinot Noir in a Custom Case, One Jeroboam (Five-Liter Bottle) of the 2000, &One Double Magnum Each of the 1999 & 1997, as well as Dinner for Six People at Windward Vineyard with Owner/Vintner Marc Goldberg, Featuring “Lobster Fra Diavola” Paired with Venerable Vintages of Pinot Noir from Marc’s Cellar

Marc Goldberg & Maggie D’Ambrosia, who were 2008 Central Coast Wine Classic Honorees, are an integral part of our family. They have supported us in so many ways over the years, and they have given great credibility to the Templeton Gap as a premier terroir for fine Pinot Noir, a substantive amount of which is a part of this offering.

They are also gourmets, as evidenced by the fact that Marc was the Bailli of the Central Coast Chaine des Rotisseurs and is a Founder of the extremely popular, annual Pinot & Paella Cook-off in Paso Robles, and their interest in fine cuisine is also manifest in this offering.

Add the fact that they are extraordinarily interactive and gracious people, and you will know how special the fulfillment of this Auction lot will be.

Windward Vineyard was planted in 1990, and its first crush in 1993 yielded a wine that consistently won awards for its velvet texture and layered complexity. The vineyard is in the same geographical area as the old Hoffman Mountain Ranch, where Dr. Stanley Hoffman and world-renowned wine consultant, Andre Tchelistcheff, planted Pinot Noir in the 1970s, and which firmly placed the Paso Robles Westside area on the map as a superlative Pinot Noir producing location.

Reflective of the Westside, the soil is rocky limestone and is on a well-drained slope. The Pinot Noir clones that are planted are either bench grafted budwood or cuttings. They are representative of the Burgundian clones that produce grand cru wines in France. They include the Hoffman Mountain Ranch clone, which was originally from Clos de Beze in Burgundy, Adelsheimer Clone 1 from Oregon, Bien Nacido Clone 13 from the Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County, and the Sanford & Benedict Clone from the western Santa Ynez Valley, originally from Vosne-Romanee.

Marc and Maggie have always been gracious and generous supporters of the Central Coast Wine Classic, with beautiful donations to the Live Auction year after year, this year being no exception as you will see from their stunning offering of special large format bottles of the superb Windward Vineyard Pinot Noir and an evening of sharing fine wine, cuisine and companionship.

Donation of

DAN & JETTE GULBRONSEN
Santa Rosa, California

LOT 29

“The Killer B’s, ” Barolo, Barbaresco & Burgundy

Dinner for Eight People, Hosted by Dan Gulbronsen & Archie McLaren, at the Stunning Home of Dan & Jette Gulbronsen, Focusing on the 1985 Vintage, the year the Central Coast Wine Classic was Founded, Featuring Barolo, Barbaresco & Burgundy from Dan’s Amazingly deep and broad collection, including, for example, fine Burgundies from the stellar 1985 vintage. Champagne will begin the evening and Sauternes & Vin Santo will be the “coup de grace. ” Archie will offer a Red Burgundy from the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti from 1985. A Master Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers will handle the wine service.

Dan Gulbronsen, an Honorary Central Coast Wine Classic Steering Committee Co- Chair, is a wine collector, gourmet and lifestyle maven beyond description. His extensive wine cellar is replete with exceptional Burgundy, Barolo and Barbaresco, and you will see many of the great names of Italy, such as Bruno Giacosa, for example. Dan and his wife, Jette, who have been supporting the Wine Classic for roughly twenty years, are the consummate hosts, and dinners at their home are indescribably enjoyable and edifying on may levels.

Thank you Dan and Jette, for all that you have done and continue to do for us!

Donation of

DAN GULBRONSEN
Santa Rosa, California

LOT 30

The “Wine Roads of Spain” Gourmet Trip

September 1 through September 13, 2009, for Two People with Dan Gulbronsen, featuring Madrid, Ribera del Duero, the Penedes, the Priorat & Barcelona, including visits to Vega Sicilia, Alejandro Fernandez, Montecastro, Muga & Valenciso in the Duero, and Luncheons & Dinners at Restaurants of Some of Spain’s Most Famous Chefs

SEPTEMBER 1ST, TUES. : Madrid Arrive in the Spanish capital today in time for dinner by the Royal Opera house at Salon Aljibe. Your hotel is in the heart of the chic Salamanca quarter, with fine shopping and dining on your doorstep. Overnight: Hotel Bauza

2ND, WED. : Madrid Today’s morning city tour travels down the Castellana past the Paseo del Prado into the heart of old Madrid. Below the Straw Market are remains of the Moorish walls when this was an Arab seat of power. The Hapsburgs made Madrid their capital, and the Bourbons consolidated power and its center where the Royal Palace now stands. On a private palace tour you’ll be able to observe scars of the Civil War 1936-39, a reminder of that war’s terrible cost. Since the end of the war the city has grown out and renovated the core, with newly gentrified quarters in what were run down areas only fifteen years ago. One of these is Chueca, your lunch destination. After lunch, you’re free to explore on your own. Overnight: as above

3RD, THUR. - 5TH, SAT. : Madrid El Duero Depart Madrid for the Valley of the Duero River/Ribera del Duero, one of Spain’s premier wine regions. Thanks to the Moors and their passion for water, this arid landscape was irrigated; in the Middle Ages, their farming systems were adopted by the monks who reintroduced viticulture, first established by the Phoenicians, to the Peninsula. Today, sugar beet and grapes are principal crops, together with sheepherding. Vineyards alternate with mixed arable crops and the famous merino sheep graze fields that reach the river’s edge. Old Castile is quintessentially the land of castles. Your base for three nights in Peñafiel is appropriately in a Claritian convent, now hotel. The Pesquera Phenomenon continues to influence winemakers in the Duero. Alejandro Fernández created a name and style of wine in this region in little more 125 Never think of giving perfumes or wine to your heir. Let him have your money, but give these to yourself. Martial: Epigrams than a decade. Prior to his entry on the scene, perhaps the only noteworthy wine known outside the appellation came from Vega Sicilia. Alejandro Fernández changed that with his 100% Tempranillo wines, a varietal ideally suited to this Atlantic growing climate, where vineyards lie at 700-800 m above sea level, in terrain characterized by loose, thin, barely fertile soil. During your stay your private hosted bodega visits include: Bodega Vega Sicilia, Bodegas Alejandro Fernández (Pesquera, Condado de Haza, Dehesa la Granja), Bodega Montecastro, Bodegas Muga, Bodega Valenciso. Winemakers will join our group for leisurely Spanish lunches and dinners, including at Pesquera and Condado de Haza, and in select regional restaurants. Overnight: Hotel Convento de las Claras

6TH - SUN. 7TH, MON. : Ribera Del Duerorioja To the north lies Rioja where in the verdant Cárdenas Valley a 13th century monk was credited with inscribing the first words in modern Castilian—un vaso de bon vino-- words that prefigured the great wines that would be produced one day in this appellation. Your two night stay is in the heart of the region, in the old Agustinian Convent which stands in the middle of a small town with 18th century noblemen’s houses, an Oenological Station, a small plaza and the scent of harvest time wafting up from the station district below with its many bodegas. As you make your way through Rioja’s subzones, you’ll pass Bronze Age sites and cutting-edge new architecture— Calatrava’s Ysios winery and Bodegas Marqués de Riscal among them. Your visits include Compañía Valenciso, Bodegas Muga, and Bodegas Bréton. Muga, in the Haro station district, still clarifies with egg whites and has its own cooperage. Within a decade Bréton, founded in 1985, had moved its winery into the front ranks in Rioja. Compañía Valenciso was founded in 1998 by Luís Valentín and Carmen Enciso to produce a French Burgundy style wine of the highest quality. On arrival in Rioja, Luís will join us for lunch in one of the region’s most charming restaurants, la Vieja Bodega. The next day we’ll sit down tolunch at the winery at Bodega Bréton, and also enjoy a tapas crawl along one of the North’s most famous tapas streets/calle Laurel. Overnight: Los Agustinos

8TH, TUES. - 13TH, SUN. : Rioja Bilbao Barcelona Today Bilbao is known internationally for Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was the banking and industrial center of the North, which left a legacy of fine architecture and endowment for a superb Fine Arts Museum. The city’s wide avenidas are lined with smart boutiques and its plazas and narrow back streets with extraordinary restaurants. One of Basque country’s star chefs is Beraseteguí whose Bistrot within the Guggenheim Museum is your destination. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the building and collection before free time to wander in downtown Bilbao, on the museum’s doorstep. We’ll rendezvous again for transfer to the airport for the flight to Barcelona. Our five night stay in the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample district is perfect for exploring some of the city’s best tapas bars, choicest shopping and galleries, and places you in the heart of the Modernist buildings associated with Montaner, Puig I Cadafalch, Gaudí and others. On a Barcelona city tour we’ll visit the great unfinished Cathedral by Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia, and his surrealistic park built for his patron, Parque Güell.

The 11th of September is Catalunya’s 4th of July, and a holiday for us too—a free day to explore independently, suggestions provided. The city is well situated for visits to three appellations—Penedès, CAVA and Priorat. Penedès is called the land of monks &wine and is bounded by historic monastic communities where nearby villagers have worked in viticulture for centuries, and today carry on the tradition in cooperatives and privately owned wineries. The region is overlooked by the Montserrat massif and protected by the moderating effects of the Mediterranean. Our day in Penedès includes visits to sparkling and still wine producers, including the historic Catalan family of producers Huguet de Can Feixes, the CAVA producers at Mont-Marçal, and the madman of Catalunya Miguel Torres, so named for his early faith in the restoration of this wine producing region. Again we’ll meet and dine with the winemakers, including a bodega lunch at Mont-Marçal and dinner at Bodegas Torres. On our day in Priorat we’ll ascend through steeply terraced hillsides where vines grow in slate/llicorella soils to the Scala Deí/Stairway to Heaven—and beyond to Montsant/the Sacred Mountain. In Montsant we’ll visit the winemaker at Pasanau Germans before descending to the oenological study center for lunch in a former abbot’s lodge in one of the region’s many picturesque villages. After lunch we’ll descend the stepped terraces to visit another leading bodega for a hosted tasting.

Overnight: Hotel Clarís

Our Wines Roads of Spain concludes in Barcelona at a Michelin One Star restaurant where we’ll toast farewell. Hastala próxima!

INCLUDED:

• Hotels with Buffet Breakfast
• 17 Lunches or Dinners
• Land Transfers in comfortable air-conditioned Motorcoach
• City Tours of Madrid & Barcelona

This trip must take place during the appointed time in September of 2009. Air Transportation is Not Included.

Donation of

TOLOSA WINERY
OWNERS, BOB SCHIEBELHUT & JIM EFIRD
San Luis Obispo, California

LOT 31

The Only Remaining Bottle of the Candice Norcross Artist Collection, from an Initial Edition of Forty Five-Liter Artist Bottles Containing an Exclusive Blend of 2006 Tolosa Winery Edna Valley Pinot Noir - Adorned with the Etched and Hand-Painted Image of Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss, ” the Bottle Art also Contains Swarovski Crystals.

These Extraordinary Artist Bottles Were Offered at $2500 Per Bottle. The Winning Bidder will also Receive Dinner for Eight at Ciopinot Restaurant in San Luis Obispo, Accompanied by a Vertical of Tolosa Winery’s 1772 Pinot Noirs from 2001 through 2008. This unique Wine & Art collectors’ offering consisted of extraordinary Five-Liter Bottles filled with an Exclusive Blend of 2006 Tolosa Winery Edna Valley Pinot Noir. Each was beautifully adorned by Designer and Glass Artist Candice Norcross with the etched and hand-painted image of Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss. ”

Painstakingly created by Candice, the intricacy of these pieces required many steps including hand-drawing, sandblasting, airbrushing, sponging and layered hand- painting. Each was done in a deliberate order and manner, all by hand. As crowning touches, Swarovski crystals were strategically added to the artwork, and the bottle necks were carefully hand-dipped in gold wax.

The wine in the bottle is an exclusive Artist Collection blend of 2006 Pinot Noir from the now renowned Tolosa Estate, made by Tolosa’s team of talented winemakers. Select blocks in the vineyard were chosen for their high quality fruit and distinctive flavors. The grapes were hand-harvested, and the wine was hand- crafted in classic French Oak barrels. While the wine aged, the winemakers meticulously evaluated each and every barrel. Only those that display exceptional characteristics of Pinot Noir, with emphasis on aromatics and extraction, were chosen to create the blend for “The Artist Collection” program.

This is a very exclusive presentation, as only a limited number of bottles were created, and the design has been retired.

Ciopinot is the hot new restaurant in San Luis Obispo about which everyone in the area is raving. The cuisine leans toward seafood; however, the owner, Leonard Cohen, is very, very fond of Pinot Noir, so he has crafted the menu to be Pinot Noir compatible.

Tolosa’s 1772 Pinot Noirs are the highlights of a Pinot Noir library that is a showpiece of the Edna Valley appellation. Winemaker, Larry Brooks, whose background includes years at Pinot Noir production at Acacia Winery in Carneros, is a Pinot Noir Master.

Donation of

JAMES-PAUL BROWN
Carpinteria, California

LOT 32

“Road to Romance, ” a 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Painting, an Original Acrylic on Canvas, Signed by James-Paul Brown

It is impossible to be in the presence of our friend, James- Paul Brown, without absorbing his good energy and enthusiasm. James-Paul projects a positivism that is positively contagious. His thoughtfulness and generosity in creating special art works for Honorees and for his annual Commemorative Art Auction Lot are remarkable.

Michael Zakian, Director of the Frederick Weismann Museum of Art, describes James in this manner. “James- Paul is a sensitive and caring recorder of intimate sights and events. His paintings are lyrical. As in lyric poetry, the poetry, the art results from a rapid outpouring of intense personal feeling. Intuition and spontaneity rule. ”

A Neo-Impressionist artist, James-Paul melds the broad brushwork and vibrant colors of Van Gogh with the ethereal strokes and pastel shades of Monet to produce enchanting, passionate masterpieces. A renowned painter, radio entrepreneur, wine aficionado and marathon runner, his life resembles a colorful palette, capturing the beauty and adventure of the human spirit. His broad range of subjects includes Hollywood celebrities, famed athletes and world leaders, as well as favorite cities, landscapes and vineyards.

This remarkably magical art work is truly a special painting from the creative energy of a most special artist, the Artiste d’Amour. .

AND
Donation of

QUPÉ WINE CELLARS
BOB LINDQUIST
Santa Maria, California

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Large-Format Bottle, One Nine-Liter Salmanazar, Three Magnums & Six 750 ml Bottles, Containing a Unique Cuvée of 2007Qupé Wine Cellars Hillside Estate Santa Maria Valley Syrah.

The Commemorative Bottle is Etched and Hand-Painted with the Commemorative Art Work of James-Paul Brown by Glass Etching Artist and the Wine Classic’s Official Bottle Artist, Candice Norcross.

As we have previously indicated, Bob Lindquist has been supporting the Central Coast Wine Classic virtually since the idea of our event had its conception, and he has enthusiastically and generously donated special bottles to the event. Bob, one of the original Rhone Rangers, and one of the Wine Classic’s all-time strongest supporters, is not only credited with presenting Santa Barbara County Rhone varietals to the world, he is also renowned for doing it at the very highest level of quality. His reputation is such that he has been hired outside the United States to consult for winery properties producing Rhone varietal wines.

Bob’s Hillside Estate Syrah is the “ne plus ultra” of Santa Barbara County Syrah. This remarkable cuvée will be chosen by Bob just for this one etched and hand- painted bottle.

Donation of

JAMES-PAUL BROWN
ARTISTE D’AMOUR
Carpinteria, California

LOT 33

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Artist Barrel

The extremely colorful art work on this Barrel is a manifestation of the romantic neo-impressionism of our long-time Commemorative Artist, James-Paul Brown. This is the only barrel art that Commemorative Artist James-Paul Brown has ever created. As a romantic and an aficionado of Paris, James reflected on the magic of the City of Lights and painted several scenes that embody the emotional color of the city.

His soft but colorful pastels incur emotions of languid romanticism that removes the viewer from the hustle and bustle of Paris but also imbues the art work with a vibrancy that allows for a relationship with the urban life of this special place. As Michael Zakian, Director of the Frederick Weismann Museum of Art, describes James, “James- Paul is a sensitive and caring recorder of intimate sights and events. His paintings are lyrical. ” Indeed, you can almost feel the music and conversation in Paris as you circle the barrel and view these lovely images.

Donation of

JAMES-PAUL BROWN
Carpinteria, California

LOT 34

Pose for the Master Painter, “Your Portrait” by James-Paul Brown

As has previously been indicated, James-Paul Brown’s broad range of subjects, as well as favorite cities, landscapes and vineyards, includes Hollywood celebrities, famed athletes and world leaders. James has painted, just to name a few, Ronald Reagan, Pope John-Paul, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Julia Child. Three of his most remarkable works have been of Wine Classic Founding Director, Larry Shupnick, and chefs Rick Manson and Cat Cora, as well as a stunning portrait of President Barack Obama.

You may sit for James at his studio in Carpinteria or at a favorite location in Santa Barbara, or to make it even more convenient, he will work with your favorite photographs of yourself or whomever you select, a child, a pet, a friend.

The portrait will be done in gouache on paper measuring, 44" x 30" and signed by the artist. Arrangements can also be made for a portrait using acrylic.

This is James’ second offering for a Wine Classic Auction Lot. We know that you will enjoy the interaction with James-Paul as well as the remarkable end result of his artistry.

THE 2009 TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST WINE CLASSIC PREMIER AUCTION LOT OFFERING

Donation of

LEXUS

LOT 35

This Year’s Premier Auction Lot Offering is Donated to the Wine Classic by Lexus. ANEW 2010 LEXUS RX 450h, THE HYBRID WITH PERFORMANCE AS STUNNING AS ITS LOOKS.

We are deeply grateful to Lexus for its gracious and generous offer. A Minimum Bid Will Be Required, and Certain Receipt Requirements Apply.

Seeing is believing, but harmonious aesthetics are just the starting point for what makes the newly redesigned 2010 RX 450h a luxury utility vehicle with beauty beyond visual appeal.

The RX 450h features an enhanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system with a 3. 5-liter V6 gas engine and combined total system output of 295 horsepower as well as conscientious improvements in both fuel economy and emissions. Available in either all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, the 2010 RX Hybrid is styled for efficiency and performance with a new Exhaust Gas Recirculation system and Exhaust Heat-Recovery system that eliminate waste and reduce the time it takes to run on battery power alone.

The innovations continue with active and passive safety technology that includes available Bi-XenonTM High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) and intelligent high-beam headlamps to illuminate more of the road ahead and reveal obstacles best avoided.

For pleasure as well as comfort, the driver-intuitive interior with dual-zone cockpit design accommodates easily accessible operational and navigational displays with an available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System with Remote Touch navigation controller, Lexus 12-speaker Premium Sound System with Bluetooth® technology and steering-wheel-mounted controls, in addition to the available heated and ventilated front seats, wood- and leather- trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.

From the outside, the available 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55VR19 all- season tires complement the strong and sturdy, yet sleek, look of the RX 450h. And as function follows style, there is now more cargo space with easier loading to carry whatever passenger accoutrements make for more interesting journeys.

So no matter where your life and lifestyle take you, the RX 450h promises to provide you with performance, innovation, luxury, craftsmanship and comfort—everything you have come to expect from a Lexus but never expected to find in a hybrid. Or in one so stylish and technologically advanced that it makes today seem like tomorrow.

Donation of

YOU THE CENTRAL COAST WINE CLASSIC’S
GENEROUS PATRONS

LOT 36

The Annual Central Coast Wine Classic Fund-A-Need Auction Lot for Alzheimer’s Association, San Luis Obispo & Santa Barbara Counties Our annual Fund-a-Need Lot is the most important Auction Lot that we present during the Wine Classic Auction. This essential lot allows us to fund a project need of a single charitable entity, with 100% of the proceeds directed to that project. Please be at your most generous in assisting this worthy non-profit and its extremely critical need.

This special Auction Lot is dependent on the altruism of our patrons, who will raise their Auction paddles to support this worthy cause. All proceeds raised by this Auction lot inure directly to the benefit of the Alzheimer’s Association.

The mission statement of the Alzheimer’s Association is as follows: To enhance care and support for individuals with Alzheimer’s, their families and caregivers, while working to eliminate the disease through the advancement of research.

The Fund-A-Need lot is requested by the Alzheimer’s Association for Respite Care funding. These funds will provide for rest and recuperation for those who take care of their loved ones who have Alzheimer’s. It is a part of the tragedy of the disease that is not often contemplated by the general public but which is profoundly challenging, both emotionally and physically. A representative from the Alzheimer’s Association will explain this essential project.

Donation of

TOM & KRISTEN BOOTHE
Portland, Oregon

LOT 37

A Vertical Collection of Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from 1984 through 2006. A Total of 23 Bottles

Number One Bidders for the 2008 Central Coast Wine Classic Rare & Fine Wine & Lifestyle Auction, Tom and Kristen Boothe, not only enjoy the finest food and wine available, they also enjoy sharing it. They are among our most generous donors, and the wines in their collection that they generously and graciously share with us are among the most exciting in the world. For this year, they are offering an extraordinary vertical collection of one of California’s most iconic wines, Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chateau Montelena’s rich history began on a chilly fall morning when Alfred L. Tubbs spaded over and inspected the soil where he thought of planting estate vineyards. He’d heard the Napa Valley was the best place to grow grapes in California. A deal was struck and in January of 1882 the San Francisco entrepreneur owned 254 acres of rugged land just two miles north of Calistoga at the base of Mount Saint Helena. The soils are well drained, stony and loose – perfect for the vine cuttings he would plant.

It took less than a decade to turn his dream into reality. First Tubbs planted his vineyards, then he built his Chateau, and in 1886 he imported a French-born winemaker. By 1896 his winery, christened Chateau Montelena (a contracted form of Mount Saint Helena), was the seventh largest in the Napa Valley.

Winemaking at the Chateau came to an end with prohibition. After prohibition was repealed, the Tubbs family continued to harvest the vineyard, making some wines and selling grapes to other wineries and home winemakers until they sold the winery in 1958.

The Chateau and its overgrown grounds passed into the hands of Yort and Jeanie Frank who were looking for a peaceful spot to retire. The Chateau inspired Frank to excavate a lake with grounds landscaped to reflect the Chinese gardens of his homeland. Today, Jade Lake is considered one of Napa Valley’s most beautiful sanctuaries, home to a variety of fish and wildlife, and surrounded by weeping willows and native fauna.

The next chapter begins with the renaissance of Chateau Montelena Winery and the Estate vineyard. Under the leadership of James Barrett, the vineyard was cleared and replanted, and the Chateau outfitted with modern winemaking equipment. He assembled a team to oversee the vineyard and winemaking, grew and contracted for the highest-quality grapes in the Napa Valley. In 1972 wines were made for the first time.

In 1976 Chateau Montelena put California at the forefront of the wine world. That year a who’s-who of the French wine and food establishment gathered for a grand tasting at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Paris. Four white Burgundies were tasted against six California Chardonnays. When the scores were tallied, the French Judges were convinced that the top-ranking white wine was one of their own. In fact, it was Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay, rated above all other wines.

The results proved that Chateau Montelena could produce some of the world’s finest wines, and that California’s wine industry had come of age, and Master Winemaker, Bo Barrett, James Barrett’s son, has continued that course.

And most aficionados believe, and justifiably so, that the Cabernet Sauvignon, with its three-decade track record, is a true California First Growth producing an outstanding wine each and every vintage, a blue chip estate winery who’s name is synonymous with excellence.

In 2006, Chateau Montelena Winery celebrated its 30th anniversary of the 1976 Paris Tasting. An independent film entitled “Bottle Shock, ” that is loosely based on the events and situations that lead up to the historic day, starring Jim Barrett, Bill Pullman, Chris Pine, Bo Barrett, and Alan Rickman as Steven Spurrier, is generating quite a buzz about Chateau Montelena wines again.

Donation of

TOM & KRISTEN BOOTHE
Portland, Oregon

LOT 38

A Collection of Remarkable Red Burgundies from the Superlative 1990 Vintage. The Complete List of these Rare Wines is Located in your Auction Catalog Addendum.

Tom is an aficionado’s aficionado. He enjoys great wines from a number of areas, including Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Oregon Pinot Noir, French Bordeaux and French Burgundy. His collection of fine Burgundies is redolent with wines of the great producers, such as those of Lalou Bize Leroy. This collection would be extremely difficult to duplicate for two reasons, one being that the wines of such special producers are highly sought-after, and the second being that the 1990 vintage was extraordinarily fine for Red Burgundies.

According to England’s venerable wine house, Berry Bros. & Rudd, “An exceptional vintage for Red Burgundy. March was unusually warm and was followed by a colder than average April. May and June were equally cool and were then followed by almost drought conditions throughout July and August. A storm at the end of August bought welcome relief to the vines, with the grapes being harvested under ideal weather conditions in September.

Yields were on the high side but the hot, dry summer produced small, concentrated berries and consequently deeply coloured and intensely flavoured wines were produced. They are very well-balanced and display more finesse than the seductive 1989s. Many of the wines are drinking superbly now but the very top ones are still some way off their peak. Arguably the best Red Burgundy vintage since 1949. ” You can cellar these fantastic Burgundies, or you can consume them at your pleasure. Either way, these collectible and extremely enjoyable wines will enhance your experience with the world’s most seductive grape.

Donation of

DAVID & JUDY BREITSTEIN, KAREN MACNEIL, NARSAI DAVID, JIM BARRACO, JIM CLENDENEN, GARY EBERLE AND ARCHIE MCLAREN & CARISSA CHAPPELLET

LOT 39

The History of California Wine Dinner for Eight People, |based on the donation of a Historic California Wine Collection by David & Judy Breitstein, Proprietors of the Duke of Bourbon in Canoga Park, California, to the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California, to be Held at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, Hosted by David & Judy and Archie & Carissa and Narrated by Wine Expert & Historian, Karen MacNeil, Featuring Rare Collectibles that form a part of the Evolution of California Wine, Including:

• 1958 Inglenook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Archie)
• 1961BVLatour Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Archie)
• 1969 Chappellet Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Donn)
• 1973 Heitz Martha’sVineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (David & Judy)
• 1973 Stags Leap Wine Cellars SLV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Narsai)
• 1977 Hoffman Mountain Ranch San Luis Obispo County Cabernet Sauvignon (Archie)
• 1978 Estrella Winery Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon (Gary)
• 1979 Opus One Napa Valley (Jim Barraco)

As well as several propitious Pinot Noirs, such as:

• 1981 Calera Jensen Vineyard Mt. Harlan (David & Judy)
• 1975 Caymus Napa Valley Special Selection (David & Judy)
• 1982 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County (Jim Clendenen)

As well as an Extremely Rare Paso Robles-Area Syrah, 1990 San Ygnacio Estate, bottled by Gary Eberle from grape vines planted by world-famous musician and statesman, Ygnace Jan Paderewski, in 1914 (Archie), and two remarkable Methodé Champenoise Sparkling wines, including one from the initial release in 1986 of Maison Deutz Brut Cuvée, signed by famed French winemaker Andre Lallier-Deutz (Archie), and one of Tonio Conti (Archie), a truly unique Central Coast wine that will be disgorged the evening of the dinner. The final wine of the evening will be the extraordinary and extraordinarily rare 1998 Chappellet Napa Valley Liquoreaux (Carissa). Seats at this One-of-a-Kind Dinner will begin at $1, 000 Per Person and will be sold to the last Eight People Standing to Bid.

The progenitors of this incredible lot are David and Judy Breitstein, who, through their renowned wine shop, the Duke of Bourbon in Canoga park, accumulated over the history of the business a collection of over 150 historic California wines. “The David & Judy Breitstein Collection, ” the first major educational exhibit to document the rich history of the California wine industry, was placed on permanent loan by the Breitsteins at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California. It was researched and is curated by Karen MacNeil, Chairman of the Institute’s Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies. The collection is displayed in the Vintners Hall of Fame, which is the original 1899 barrel room of the Greystone Cellars and later , The Christian Brothers.

During the central Coast Wine Classic several years ago, when Karen was a Symposium host, the Breitsteins and formed the concept behind this amazing collection. Fittingly, David, Judy and Karen are an integral part of this Wine Classic Auction offering. As you can see from the list, there are a number of irreplaceable wines that will be served at the dinner, including the Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting. David, Judy, Kane, Archie and Carissa will host the dinner at the Culinary Institute of America on an evening that is mutually convenient for all parties.

Donation of

RANSON & NORMA WEBSTER
Reno, Nevada

LOT 40

A Private Tour for Twelve People of the “Webster Porsche Collection”

The Fortunate Bidders Will Enjoy Three Hours of Perusing and Discussing with Ranson the More Than 45 Rare Porsches in His Collection. The Tour Will Include Fine Wines and Cheeses.

The Evening of the Tour the Central Coast Wine Classic Will Treat the Twelve Winning Bidders to Dinner (Sans Alcoholic Beverages) at a Reno Chaine des Rotisseurs restaurant. The Dinner Will be Hosted by Central Coast Wine Classic patron Richard Wilson and by Archie McLaren, a serious car aficionado who will be bidding on this lot along with those others of you who enjoy kinetic art forms. Places for this Priceless, Once-in-a Lifetime Opportunity to see what is considered to be One of the Finest Porsche Collections in the World and Dine with your Tour Companions at one of Reno’s Top Gourmet establishments are $500 per person.

Ranson Webster is a gourmet (Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs), a wine aficionado (exceptional cellar) and a Porsche fanatic! His collection may well be the very finest in the world and includes both racing and street cars, any one of which would be on the wish list of any other Porsche fanatic. A tour hosted by him is both a visual and an encyclopedic journey into the realm of one of the all-time iconic automobiles. The date must be mutually acceptable to both the donor and the successful bidders.

Donation of

HARVEY STEIMAN
WINE SPECTATOR EDITOR-AT-LARGE
San Francisco, California
AND
ARCHIE MCLAREN
Avila Beach, California

LOT 41

Dinner for Eight People with Harvey Steiman & Archie McLaren, featuring Rare & Fine Wines from Oregon and Burgundy from the Cellars of Each.

You may anticipate, the very finest Oregon wines, including Domaine Serene Coeur Blanc, several superb Pinot Noirs from the exceptional 1998 Vintage, such as Argyle Extended Tirage, Brick House Les Dijonnais &Les Tonneliers & 2002 Beaux Freres, as well as Burgundies from Leroy and the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti.

This is the Eighth such dinner offered by Harvey Steiman and Archie McLaren, and they keep setting the standards higher. This year’s offerings will be a remarkable array of wines from around the world, including France (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne & the Rhone), Italy, Spain, Australia and New Zealand, as well as California, Oregon and Washington.

Just to give you an idea of the level of the playing field, the offerings over a previous year’s indulgences have featured such stellar wines as Henri Jayer Echezeaux from 1985 from Harvey’s cellar and 1985 La Tache from Archie’s, as well as other fine examples of the luscious and seductive wines of France and the United States, including stupendous vinous manifestations, such as the 2002 and 2003 Quilceda Creek Washington Cabernet Sauvignons, the only wines in history that have received a back-to-back Robert Parker score of 100! Harvey and Archie spare no effort to bring the finest wines to the table, within the parameters of their cellars of course.

Harvey is a peripatetic gourmet. You will find him searching for superlative restaurants, particularly ones that have not already achieved fame, so his choice for dinner will likely be a find and will certainly be a wonderful find. Harvey is one of the wine and food world’s most enjoyable and interesting dinner companions. His knowledge of wine and food pairings is voluminous, his expertise coming from years of experience including his monthly wine and food menus for Wine Spectator. Harvey also has very broad interests, hence, conversations with him tend to be most interesting and pleasant.

Writing cover stories and columns, creating a monthly menu matching food and wine, and being a regular member of the tasting panel that reviews thousands of wines each year, Harvey became and continues to be widely read and universally respected as a wine and culinary authority and teacher. Although he has an interest in and knowledge of a vast array of wines, from single vineyard Italian wines to the great Burgundies and Bordeaux of France to the very finest California wines, he is considered a specialist in the wines of Australia, Italy, New Zealand and the Pacific Northwest. Harvey will share his vast knowledge with you during this unforgettable evening of extraordinary food and wine pairings and conversation.

Harvey has authored various cookbooks including Harvey Steiman’s California Kitchen, Great Recipes from San Francisco, and Chinese Technique with Ken Hom. His most recent book is the popular and widely reviewed Wine Spectator’s Essentials of Wine: A Guide to the Basics. Harvey and Archie are hosting this special wine dinner with incredible wines at one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s superlative restaurants. This is a dinner you do not want to miss!

The gratuity is not included with the offering.

Donation of

THE ANDEAN EXPERIENCECO.
Cuzco, Peru
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
JG BLACK BOOK OF TRAVEL COLLECTION
WWW. BLACKBOOK. TRAVEL
New York, NY

LOT 42

Best of Peru Package for Two

Includes Three Night Stay at Urubamba Villas &Two Night Stay at Titilaka At Urubamba Villas, five luxurious private villas offer an idyllic setting for discovering the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas. Each Andean-style adobe casita is decorated with local crafts and antiques, embracing visitors with authentic hospitality and comfort. And each day offers guests an unforgettable experience, whether it’s visiting astounding Peruvian archaeological sites, exploring picturesque villages and local artisan markets, or taking part in the many outdoor activities including climbing, horseback riding and river rafting.

The 3-night stay at Urubamba Villas includes:

• 3-nights accommodation in a luxurious independent villa
• all meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea time and cocktails
• Private housekeeper services

Titilaka, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca in the Peruvian highlands, is an indulgent oasis to explore this remote and beautiful region. The 18 lake-view suites with ultra-modern amenities offer wraparound terraces from which guests can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and peaceful sunsets. The highly-trained staff provides impeccable service on site, while numerous excursions, like sailing on top of the world on the highest navigable lake on Earth, allow guests to experience the area’s stunning scenery and archaeological sites. The 2-night stay at Titilaka includes:

• 2-nights accommodation in lake-view suite*
• Welcome gift
• Excursions – 14 excursions available
• All meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner and open bar twice a day
• Roundtrip transportation between hotel and airport
• English-speaking guide

We are most grateful for Jena Gardner, President and Founder of JG Black Book of Travel, which offers discerning travelers access to a world of unique destinations and seductive travel experiences through a collection of hotels, resorts, villas, tour operators, cruises and yachts. If you’re ready for an incredible adventure, please contact your travel professional or JG Black Book of Travel’s VIP Desk at 888. 241. 9763 ext. 1 orvip@jgblackbook. com and mention Central Coast Wine Classic to receive special upgrades and amenities at the collection.

Package valid from 7/1/2009 – 3/31/2010 and subject to availability. *Upgrade to dawn suite based on availability.

The following three offerings are from the Chappellet Family, a remarkable clan of eight talented and successful people, including Donn and Molly Chappellet’s six children, that has been extraordinarily supportive of the Wine Classic for many years. In fact, Alexa Chappellet attended the first Central Coast Wine Classic in 1985. The following Auction Lots manifest the comprehensive talents and visions of three of the Chappellets, Donn and his daughters, Lygia and Carissa.

Donation of

LYGIA CHAPPELLET
Big Sur, California

LOT 43

“Truth Among the Clamor of Swans, ” an Original Oil on Canvas by Lygia Chappellet

This is Lygia’s second year of participating as in artist in the Wine Classic, and she has created one of her most extraordinary works to offer. This painting combines the natural and the metaphysical in a compelling, almost mesmerizing manner and presents the soft but powerful colors that most completely manifest such a theme, one that in a sense personifies the magic of the intertwining energy of nature. Lygia paints the environment, in the colors of her emotions. She chooses animals and their relationships to describe the qualities in all relationships sometimes symbolically, sometimes more literally.

Although she uses describable subject matter she is at heart an abstract painter. Her schooling includes a year studying in Florence, Italy, a liberal arts education from Lewis and Clark and UC Davis and a degree in Fine Arts from California College of the Arts. She exhibits in the Western United States and is collected in both Europe and the US.

Lygia moved to Pritchard Hill with her parents when she was 14 years old. “I remember driving up the mountain for the first time with my family, ” says Lygia. “My father turned to us and said, ‘The only way this will work, is if we work it together. ’ I took those words very literally. ”

Throughout her teen years, Lygia helped out at the winery doing a variety of tasks including picking grapes, bottling wine and labeling. At the same time, as she explored the mountain property, Lygia began to develop a deep appreciation for nature and agriculture—an appreciation that would help to shape her life, and her future work as an artist.

Leaving Pritchard Hill, Lygia first studied biology at Lewis & Clark College, and then a combination of enology, viticulture, languages and liberal arts at the University of California, Davis, before graduating from the California College of Arts and Crafts with a degree in fine art. After college, she decided to make her home in Big Sur, were she lives today with her partner, Carlos Volpini, on a shared family ranch that is also inhabited by a milking goat, a herd of sheep, cows and horses.

AND
Donation of

TABLAS CREEK VINEYARD
ROBERT HAAS & JASON HAAS
Paso Robles, California

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Large-Format Bottle, One Nine-Liter Salmanazar, Three Magnums & Six 750 ml Bottles, Containing 2007 Tablas Creek Vineyard Paso Robles Panoplie, Tablas Creek’s Elite Wine, Never Available in Distribution and Never Before Offered to an Auction.

The Commemorative Bottle is Etched and Hand-Painted with the Commemorative Art Work of Lygia Chappellet by Glass Etching Artist and the Wine Classic’s Official Bottle Artist, Candice Norcross.

Tablas Creek is the realization of the combined efforts of two of the international wine community’s leading families, the Perrin Family, proprietors of Chateau de Beaucastel in the Rhône region of France, and Robert Haas, founder of Vineyard Brands. They had since the 1970s believed the California climate to be ideal for planting Rhône varietal grapes. In 1987, they began the lengthy process of creating a Châteauneuf-du-Pape style vineyard from scratch in the New World. The Tablas Creek Vineyard Partnership was born, with the Perrin and Haas families as majority partners, and French and American wine loving friends as minority partners.

The partners searched California from the foothills of the Sierras in the north to coastal Ventura County in the south, looking for a close match to the Mediterranean climate and high pH soils of Château de Beaucastel. In 1989, they purchased a 120-acreparcel twelve miles from the Pacific Ocean in west Paso Robles. They named it Tablas Creek Vineyard, after the small creek running through the property.

The property elevation averages 1, 500 feet, and the shallow, rocky limestone soils are of the same geologic origin as those at Beaucastel. Summer days are hot and sunny, but the influence of the nearby Pacific cools the nights, and the remarkably Rhône-like Paso Robles climate allows the grapes to mature fully and yet retain crisp acidity. To ensure that the vines at Tablas Creek were of the highest quality and same genetic source of those at Beaucastel, the partners imported vinifera from the French estate. Several clones each of Mourvédre, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Counoise, Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc and Picpoul Blanc were imported. This diversity allows Tablas Creek to replicate the clonal selection of an established French vineyard. In January 1990, the first vine cuttings were imported from France. Before arriving at Tablas Creek, they underwent a USDA-mandated three year indexing process that ensured that the vines were virus-free; the first imported vines were available for multiplication at Tablas Creek in 1993. New clones arrived at Tablas Creek each year between 1993 and 2000. Planting continues at the estate, with the goal of having 110 acres in vines by 2010.

In exceptional vintages, Tablas Creek Vineyard produces small quantities of Panoplie: a Mourvèdre-based cuvée from meticulously selected grapes, made in the model of Château de Beaucastel’s Hommage á Jacques Perrin. Extremely small amounts are produced, generally fewer than 500 cases.

As with all its wines, the grapes for Panoplie were grown on Tablas Creek’s 120-acre certified organic estate vineyard.

The grapes for this special wine were fermented using native yeasts in open and closed stainless steel fermenters. After pressing, the wines were moved into barrel, blended, and aged in large-format French oak demi-muids before being bottled in the summer of 2009. The Tablas Creek Vineyard Panoplie 2007 is a barrel-by-barrel selection of the most intense lots of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah in the cellar, structured for long aging.

Donation of

DONN CHAPPELLET
CHAPPELLET WINERY
St. Helena, California

LOT 44

One Bottle of 1945 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac

Donn’s wine collection began as a young man when he had completed his studies and an acquaintance suggested that he purchase some very fine Bordeaux wines, including First Growths from the 1945 and 1961 vintages, among other stellar years. He stored those wines in a cellar dug into the hillside below the Chappellet Family home on Pritchard Hill, high above the Valley floor.

The storage conditions in the earthen cellar were impeccable, including perfect temperature and humidity. Ultimately the roof collapsed, burying all of the collection. Donn resurrected every bottle and placed them in an air conditioned above-ground cellar at his home, where they have been in repose for many years. As a consequence of the original cellar, the labels manifest, shall we say, venerability. The wines, however, are impeccable. The 1945s and the 1961s are simply extraordinary, drinking perfectly.

Donn purchased this 1945 Mouton when it was released. In fact he acquired more than a handful of bottles, and the story is recounted that he drank one at the time and considered it not to be ready to drink for another twenty years. He tried another twenty years later and, still considering the wine to be too young, did not try another for an additional extended period of time.

As Parker effuses concerning the 1945 Mouton, “A consistent 100 point wine (only because my scale stops at that number), the 1945 Mouton-Rothschild is one of the immortal wines of the century. This wine is easily identifiable because of its remarkably exotic, overripe, sweet nose of black fruits, coffee, mocha and Asian spices. An extraordinarily dense, opulent and rich wine, it behaves more like a 1947 Pomerol than a structured, powerful and tannic 1945. The wine finishes with more than a sixty-second display of ripe fruit, extract and sweet tannin. This remarkably youthful wine is mind-boggling! Will it last another 50 years?”

The family has enjoyed this wine on a couple of recent occasions and found it to be at its peak, an absolutely magnificent tribute to the transcendent 1945 vintage and to Mouton-Rothschild. As you may know, 1945 marked the end of World War II and the beginning of the Art Labels of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, rendering this historic wine even more collectible.

Donation of

CARISSA CHAPPELLET
Big Sur & St. Helena, California

LOT 45

“The Dragons of Pritchard Hill, ” an Original Art Work on Canvas

This powerful art work is a depiction of Core Divers, Carissa’s concept of the type of Dragon that is able to dive into the molten material toward the earth’s core, a concept that is inherently appropriate to the theme of her book in progress, The Dragons of Pritchard Hill.

Carissa Chappellet is a Renaissance Woman in every sense of the word. She works alongside her brothers, Jon-Mark and Cyril, all of whom are Co-Directors, and their parents, Donn and Molly, running the Chappellet Winery. Called upon from time to time to assist in the promotions of the family wines, Carissa discovered her interest in traveling, photography and the culinary arts all combined nicely with work in the marketing side of the wine business. With encouragement from her brothers she put aside the practice of law and joined them in running the business, where she became Chappellet’s equivalent of Ambassador-at-Large.

Obviously a woman of many talents, Carissa published her first book in 1997, The Romance of California Vineyards, a visual tour of the wine country with breathtaking photographs by Daniel D’Agostini. She is currently working on her second book, a recounting of her 15, 000 mile millennium adventure on the Odyssey 2000 bicycle trip around the world, as well as a magical third book, The Dragons of Pritchard Hill, a fantastical history of the creation of the venerable property on Pritchard Hill where the Chappellet Winery sits in astonishing natural beauty.

Carissa makes her home in Big Sur, Avila Beach, and St. Helena, California. When not on the computer or phone, she paints, writes, gardens, bikes and cooks. A skilled photographer, painter and musician, Carissa not only carries her camera, but also her paints, banjo and mandolin with her everywhere. In fact, it is simply amazing that, while in the midst of all of her various projects, she still finds time to practice the banjo and the mandolin. She’s also, a licensed hypnotherapist and certified massage therapist.

It is especially gratifying to share the Central Coast Wine Classic and its fruition with such a special person and her wondrous energy, and it is a great boon to the Central Coast Wine Classic that her family’s revered winery would play such a substantive role in the Wine Classic’s proceedings.

AND
Donation of

CHAPPELLET WINERY & CONTINUUM
St. Helena, California

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Large-Format Bottle, One Nine-Liter Salmanazar, Three Magnums & Six 750 ml Bottles, Containing a Unique Blend of Napa Valley Bordeaux Varietal Grapes from the Pritchard Hill Properties of Chappellet Winery and Continuum from the Stellar 2007 Vintage

The Commemorative Bottle is Etched and Hand-Painted with the Commemorative Art Work of Carissa Chappellet by Glass Etching Artist and the Wine Classic’s Official Bottle Artist, Candice Norcross.

This incredibly unique blend is from the properties of two of the Napa Valley’s most hallowed families, the Chappellets and the Mondavis, as Tim Mondavi, along with Margrit Mondavi, has Founded Continuum Adjacent to Chappellet Winery. Tim Mondavi and Phillip Carallo-Titus, Chappellet’s superlative winemaker, have created this special blend.

In the early years of the Napa Valley wine families, the Chappellets and the Mondavis became very close, sharing many, many wine experiences. They remain very close today. Continuum is yet another page in the Mondavi family legacy, a ‘5th beginning’. Founded in 2005, it is a partnership between members of the Robert, Marcia and Tim Mondavi families. It is a rededication and refinement of the family’s longstanding commitment to excellence in winemaking. Continuum’s goal is to produce a single wine that is recognized among the finest in the world

The partners in Continuum represent three generations. At the helm is Tim Mondavi who led the winegrowing team at Robert Mondavi Winery for 30 years. He is joined in guiding the vision and direction by his sister Marcia, his father Robert and Robert’s wife Margrit. Their combined passion and creativity are the primary inspiration for this important new beginning. Carissa Mondavi is the first of the third generation to join the winery. The Continuum partnership is more than just the ongoing legacy of the Mondavi family.

It is a renewed commitment to the innovation, excellence, and artistic expression in grape growing and winemaking. The grapes for both the 2005 and 2006 vintages come from vineyards in the Oakville appellation, cultivated by the Mondavi family for decades. Soon the wines will come from the renowned Pritchard hill property adjacent to Chappellet.

The Continuum wines are raised with respectful and time honored techniques, acquired over four generations and 85 years of experience. The grapes are hand harvested into small lug-boxes, hand-sorted and fed by gravity into small Oak Tanks for fermentation. The wines are aged in 100% new French Oak barrels and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

As is so eloquently stated by the Mondavi Family partners, “Continuum celebrates the ongoing legacy of our family’s proud history in Napa Valley. It represents a new beginning, and reaffirms our longstanding commitment to winemaking excellence….

Wine is an artistic expression of man’s harmony with nature. Production practices at Continuum honor and support the vineyards through balancing the essence of classic techniques with modern day innovations. Our goal is to craft balanced wines with power, finesse and elegance -- wines that are expressions of the land, the people and the vintage. Continuum carries forward the belief that wine is integral to enhancing the meal and the celebration of the good life. ”

As everyone who is interested in fine Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux Varietal wines is well aware, thanks to Donn and Molly Chappellet, Pritchard Hill is beginning to be held in as high esteem as any Bordeaux Varietal terroir on the planet. Forty plus years of Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon, all of which are still drinking well, including those from 1969, 1970 and 1971, attest to that fact.

This is a blend of and for the ages!

Donation of

FREDERICK ROUZAUD
PROPRIETOR OF CHAMPAGNE LOUIS ROEDERER
Reims, France

LOT 46

One Jeroboam of 2002 Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé & a Private Tour of Champagne Louis Roederer & a Luncheon at the Residence of Frederick Rouzaud

Only Four Jeroboams of Cristal Rosé 2002 are entering the USA, and they are not for sale. One will be for the Opening Gala of the New York Metropolitan Opera on September 21st, and one will be offered to the 2009 Central Coast wine Classic Auction.

This estate-bottled wine was made in the bottle (no transfer) and riddled by hand by Roederer’s Master Riddler. The 2002 vintage is an exceptional vintage rated on an average of 95-98 points by all publications including the Wine Advocate… It is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay from grapes coming only from 100% Grand Crus vineyards owned by the Roederer/Rouzaud family.

The winner will be invited with a guest of his/her choice to a private tour of Louis Roederer cellars in Reims and to a lunch at the private residence of the Rouzaud family. Since its founding in 1776, the House of Champagne Louis Roederer has been synonymous with the world’s great Champagnes.

The Louis Roederer experience is defined first and foremost by the art of champagne making. Such artistry can only be attained when it begins with this kind of uncompromising commitment to the individual vines, where the essence of the final product begins to develop.

With over 70% of the grapes coming from its own estate vineyards, and the largest percentage of vineyard ownership of any major Champagne house, Louis Roederer is proud to have such careful control over the quality of its grapes. To enhance the winemaking process and ensure consistent quality and complex flavors, every good vintage year some of the very best wines are aged in large oak casks located in Roederer’s reserve wine cellar.

Today, Frédéric Rouzaud, the great grandson of Camille Olry-Roederer, pursues the work of five previous generations. Passionate about great wines, he succeeds his father Jean-Claude, who was one of the very rare Champagne House leaders to be a trained oenologist, and to have had a personal hand in the production of his wines. Determined to keep the quality of Champagne Louis Roederer at the top of the pinnacle, Frédéric has been assigned the mission of developing the companies his father has assembled around the venerable firm in Reims, while remaining faithful to the independence and the strict values which have forged its undeniable success. Frederic Rouzaud and his charming wife, Sophie, are engaging and gracious people who will, no doubt treat you to a most special luncheon at their lovely residence in Reims.

This is truly a one-of -a-kind experience!

Donation of

ARCHIE MCLAREN
Avila Beach & Big Sur, California
THE CENTRAL COAST WINE CLASSIC
AND
MAISONS MARQUES & DOMAINES, XAVIER BARLIER
Oakland, California

LOT 47

A 1996 Champagne Dinner for Ten People in the Dining Room of the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, hosted by Archie McLaren and Xavier Barlier, Vice-President of Marketing & Communications for Maisons Marques & Domaines

Featured wines from this extraordinary and highly-collectible vintage will be:

1996 Laurent Perrier in Magnum to begin, followed by 1996 Bollinger Grand Annee, 1996 Gosset Celebris, 1996 Bollinger RD, 1996 Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill, 1996 Krug, 1996 Louis Roederer Cristal & 1996 Dom Perignon Rosé

What’s so special about the 1996 vintage? The CIVC, Champagne’s regulatory board, calls it one of the best vintages of the past 50 years. Champagne writer Richard Juhlin, author of 4000 Champagnes, thinks 1996 might be the best vintage since 1928! It was a truly unique year, the likes of which we’ve seldom encountered. For one thing, 1996 Champagnes possess extraordinary ripeness AND high acidity, a combination which is rare indeed! Christian Pol-Roger of Champagne Pol Roger states that he never saw such a combination of concentration, ripeness, and high acidity in a vintage; Pol-Roger says that 1996 is like “a blend of 1/3 1985 for extract, 1/3 1988 for balance, and 1/3 1990 for power. ”

Unfortunately, many ‘96s are no longer available. They include Bollinger Grande Année, all Deutz except Cuvée William, Delamotte, Gosset Millesimé, Moét Brut and Rosé (with the ’96 Dom Pérignon (available mainly in some restaurants), all Nicolas Feuillatte, all Pol Roger except Sir Winston Churchill, all Louis Roederer including Cristal (long gone), Taittinger (except a little bit of Comtes de Champagne), and all Veuve Clicquot (except La Grande Dame). Also, just about all 1996 grower Champagnes, which typically are released earlier than the large houses, have long disappeared from the market.

A vintage such as 1996 is a rarity in the Champagne region. Possessing both outstanding concentration of fruit, ripeness, and great acidity, it has all the earmarks of greatness and longevity.

Host for a luxury Champagne Dinner could hardly be more appropriate than these two gentlemen. Archie has been a Champagne aficionado for many years and was Founder & Chairman of the International Festival of Methodé Champenoise that was held for several years on the Central Coast of California.

To be in the company of Xavier Barlier is to feel special and nurtured. Xavier has been responsible for a number of remarkable Central Coast Wine Classic embellishments, including the presentation of Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal at this year’s Dinner at Hearst Castle. He has also been a part of some of our most remarkable gatherings, including one very memorable occasion with Wahei Hirai, the Chief of Design for Toyota International, at the Chappellet Estate in Pebble Beach, when Xavier brought a magnum of 1990 Crsital to share with his luncheon companions. Wherever Xavier arrives, the energy immediately becomes more gracious and enjoyable.

Xavier Barlier joined Maisons Marques & Domaines in 2001 after spending the previous four years in the position of Director of Corporate Alliances and co-branded marketing of Disneyland Paris Resort, promoting the Paris theme park internationally with such companies as American Express, Coca Cola, Nestle, McDonald’s Kodak and Hertz.

His role today is to oversee all marketing and communication activities, including product development and media relations, as well to manage Maisons Marques & Domaines operations in the Midwest markets.

Dinners at the Dining room at the Ritz-Carlton are always remarkable; this Dinner promises to be even more so!

The gratuity is not included with this offering.

Donation of

SILVERSEA CRUISES
AND
THE CENTRAL COAST WINE CLASSIC

LOT 48

A Seven-Day Cruise of Two People (One Cabin) on Silversea Cruise Lines from Monte Carlo to Athens, Greece, Embarking on October 17, 2009. Prior to the Cruise, You Will Be Guests of the Central Coast Wine Classic for a Two-Night Stay at the Hotel de Paris in Monaco and Dinner for Two at Le Louis XV, Alain Ducasse’s Transcendent Restaurant in the Hotel. Incidentals Are Not Included in the Hotel Stay and Alcoholic Beverages and Gratuity are Not Included with the Dinner.

After the Cruise, You Will be Guests of the Central Coast Wine Classic in Santorini at Oinotopos Wine Chambers and Be Accommodated for Two Nights at Domaine Sigalas, a Unique Property that Will Afford You the Pleasure of Experiencing Top-End Greek Wines and Their Compatibility with Greek Cuisine by Presenting You with a Six-Course Greek Dinner Paired with a Different Wine for Each Course. You Will Also Have the Opportunity to Attend a Wine Seminar.

Silversea Cruises creates extraordinary ocean travels with unique opportunities to explore remote ports-of-call from an intimate haven of incomparable luxury, each voyage a unique masterpiece. Discover genuine European expertise reflected in every detail, from their tranquil all-suite accommodation and uncompromising service to distinctive fine dining and a carefree all-inclusive philosophy.

Silversea Cruises and their guests hail from across the globe, yet share an appreciation for the spectrum of choice offered in Silver Seas array of exotic destinations and exclusive explorations ashore. By joining together these elements with additional enrichment experiences, each new port becomes more than a destination, it becomes a state of mind, transcending the traditional concepts of cruising. It is this distinction that has earned Silversea the reputation of World’s Best, year after year.

Silversea Cruises … The art of travel. The art of good living. Enjoy the elegance and pampered experience aboard the Silver Whisper as you sail from Monte Carlo to Athens. En route, you will visit the Greek Isles of Mykonos and Corfu, plus Katakolon (gateway to Olympia where the original Olympic games played out for hundreds of years).

This remarkable itinerary will take you to beautiful and romantic locations where you will be thrilled with the scenery and the activities.

MONTECARLO, MONACO The independent principality of Monaco is famous as the playground of the Côte d’Azur. With sandy beaches, elegant hotels and a vibrant nightlife, this tiny domain is a favourite haunt of the jet set. In the possession of the Grimaldi family for more then 700 years, treaties with France guarantee Monaco’s independence. In Monte Carlo, the Grand Casino and Opera is perhaps Monaco’s most outstanding attraction. For more than a century, the principality’s livelihood was centered beneath the copper roof of this splendid establishment. The resemblance to the Paris Opera House is less than accidental since they share the same architect, Charles Garnier. Also facing the square are the famed Hotel de Paris and the more modest Café de Paris. Monte Carlo spells sophistication; it is the epitome of elegance and glamour. Year after year, the rich and famous of business and entertainment gather here to bask in the sun, gamble at the world’s most opulent casino and attend spectacular parties. Nothing typifies more the elegant lifestyle of the Côte d’Azur than glamorous Monte Carlo.

DAY AT SEA While we’re at sea, enjoy wine tastings, designer boutiques, language and dance classes. Take in a matinee movie, check the market or your e-mail in the Internet Point, slip away with a novel from the library to a sunny chaise or with a movie to your suite. Or just take in the sun pool side. The choice is yours.

SORRENTO, ITALY Set high atop the Mediterranean cliffs, Sorrento is a town of extraordinary beauty that has endured as a favoured resort for centuries. Sorrento is also known as a popular gateway to Pompeii, Italy’s most celebrated classical ruins. They offer a look at the finest example of a Roman town and its way of life, presented to modern eyes by excavation. The ever-popular Isle of Capri is just a short distance from Sorrento by jetfoil. It ranks as one of Italy’s most beautiful islands, and has captured the fancy of visitors for centuries. Capri’s excellent year-round climate, spectacular landscape and fantastic sea caverns ensure a never-ending stream of tourists. In addition, the island boasts lavish villas, elegant hotels, chic boutiques and quaint restaurants, making it easy to understand why Capri has become so popular. Discover the charm of Sorrento, explore the famous archaeological sites and take in the breathtaking scenery along Amalfi Drive, or sit in a shady sidewalk café with an espresso or a cold drink and savour the local ambience.

MESSINA Situated at the northern end of the Straits of Messina, the port of Messina is the natural entrance to Sicily. Although boasting a history of 3, 000 years, the city you see today is completely modern, having been almost entirely rebuilt after its destruction by a major earthquake in 1908 that killed nearly half of Messina’s population. Among Messina’s main attractions is the Duomo. Dating from the 12th century, the church was completely reconstructed after the 1908 earthquake. An astronomical clock in the bell tower is reputed to be one of the largest of its kind in the world. Although frequently under repairs, it normally has a host of gilded automatons spring into action every day at 12 noon. Messina is the birthplace of the great Renaissance painter, Antonello da Messina, whose works, along with two large Caravaggios, can be seen at the Regional Museum. Visitors find Messina a convenient starting point for excursions to Taormina and Mt. Etna.

CORFU, GREECE Situated off the western coast of the Greek mainland, Corfu, or Kerkira in Greek, is one of the seven Ionian Islands. Its unique scenery, gentle green hills and subtropical flora rank it among the most captivating of all the Greek Islands. For many years, the island was a well-kept secret among Europe’s elite. Their discovery of Corfu’s charms led to widespread interest, and eventually made Corfu a popular holiday destination for vacationers from all walks of life. Visitors come to enjoy the mild climate, calm, blue-green water, rugged mountains, hidden coves, and miles of beaches. However, despite its popularity, many parts of Corfu remain surprisingly unspoiled. Complementing the island’s scenic attractions is a number of historic sites ranging from old fortresses and mansions to cathedrals and palaces.

KATAKOLON (OLYMPIA), GREECE The tiny port of Katakolon serves cruise vessels for an excursion to the ancient archaeological site of Olympia. Adjacent to the port is the village of Katakolon, which features a pair of main streets lined by a few souvenir shops and typical local restaurants. Ancient Olympia, the great Panhellenic sanctuary, lies approximately 30 minutes from Katakolon. The site of Ancient Olympia is spread out along the foot of wooded Mount Kronos. Excavations began in 1875, and are considered one of the archaeological world’s greatest achievements. A direct consequence was the revival of the Olympic Games by Baron Pierre de Coubertin. Today’s visitors can walk among the ruins and reflect on their significance. Don’t miss the original site where the Olympic flame was lit for today’s modern-day games.

MYKONOS, GREECE Mykonos is the most easterly of the Northern Cyclades. The island’s historic setting and captivating beauty combine to make it one of the most celebrated holiday destinations in Greece. Mykonos Town is a colourful maze of narrow streets lined by whitewashed houses with bright blue doors and shutters. During the 1960s, the Bohemian jet set discovered Mykonos. Since then, many old houses along the waterfront became restaurants, bars and discos catering to an international yachting crowd. The cube-shaped houses of this tiny town extend in a semicircle around the picturesque bay. The island’s famous windmills form an attractive backdrop, and are lined up like toy soldiers on the hillside. These vestiges reflect a time when wind power was used to grind the island’s grain. Mykonos boasts some 365 churches and chapels scattered about the island; quite a few of them are located right in town. Radiant flowers spill over whitewashed walls and shady courtyards. In addition to swimming, sunning, water skiing and surfing, Mykonos welcomes visitors with endless shopping and dining opportunities. For years, Mykonos has served as an inspiration to artists, and this enchanting island oasis continues to be a favorite destination among visitors to the Greek Islands.

ATHENS (PIRAEUS), GREECE The landmark hill of the Acropolis looms over Greece’s busy metropolis. This age- old symbol of Athens was built by the Athenians during the 5th century BC in honour of the goddess Athena, patroness of the city. The temple complex was regarded as a citadel of the gods, with the Parthenon standing out as the most architecturally sophisticated temple of that period. In 1834, Athens became the capital of modern Greece with a population of fewer than 10, 000. Today, about a third of the country’s more than four million people live in the city. The central area of modern Athens is relatively small, stretching from the Acropolis to Mount Lycabettus. Its layout is simple: three main streets - Stadiou, Venizelou and Akademias - link the two main squares, Syntagma and Omonia. The city is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Greece. A stroll around the main squares or in areas off the beaten path can provide a feel of the unique character of Athens. Observe the activities at the central market or simply enjoy a cool beverage in one of Athens’ many sidewalk cafés.

The real treasures of Athens are found in its classical art and architecture, which date back to the very beginning of Western civilization. The highlight remains the Acropolis complex as it has been since the 5th century BC. In addition, there is the National Archaeological Museum, which contains one of the most exciting and complete collections of antiquities in the world.

Monte Carlo, Monaco, has been the destination of the rich and famous for decades, and Alain Ducasse’s Michelin Three-Star restaurant, Le Louis XV, is the culinary destination they love. The cuisine is extraordinary, and the service and ambiance may well be its equal.

Santorini is renowned for its unique caldera, the beautiful sunset and the volcano that dominates the sea view. Less people are aware that the island is not only one of the most important wine making regions of Greece but there are also archaeological findings which prove that there has been uninterrupted cultivation of the vineyards on Santorini since the 17th century BC.

Domaine Sigalas is a Santorini winery with a distinctive passion in wine making and a number of awards in both Greece and abroad.

Oinotopos Wine Chambers and Accommodation-Domaine Sigalas, is a charming nest in the village of Pyrgos where four old vinification rooms, built into the rock have now been converted to stylish accommodation, with earthly and rounded aesthetics.

You can accommodation visit to Domaine Sigalas winery, the vineyards, learn about the special characteristics of the Santorinian “terroir”, enjoy a wine tasting of the Domaine’s wines with different vintage and grape varieties, experience a six course Greek dinner with local products, each with a different Sigalas wine and last but not least attend a wine tasting seminar with the terminology and basic steps of the wine tasting.

Oinotopos Wine Chamber and Accommodation-Domaine Sigalas, also has a one hundred year old Wine Chambers that is divided in three areas: The Cellar, The Wine Tasting Area where every night there is wine tasting of one of the Domaine Sigalas wine and the Spa studio (Jacuzzi, steam room and shower), where face and body therapies with grape extracts and wine products are taking place.

Air Transportation is Not Included. Alcoholic Beverages and Gratuities are Not Included at Le Louis XV, and Incidentals Are Not Included in the Hotel Stays.

Donation of

NARSAI & VENUS DAVID
Berkeley, California
ARCHIE MCLAREN & CARISSA CHAPPELLET
Avila Beach & Big Sur, California
AND
THE RITZ-CARLTON SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco, California

LOT 49

Our Annual Wine Classic Narsai David Dinner for Six to Eight Singularly and Collectively Fortunate People, with Narsai & Venus David and Archie McLaren & Carissa Chappellet, in the Private Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, Featuring Fine California Wines from Narsai’s Cellar from Great Vintages Such as 1974 & 1978, Plus Extraordinary Embellishments and the World-Class Cuisine of Dining Room Chef Ron Siegel

Narsai David, the San Francisco Bay Area’s Culinary Icon and the Wine Classic’s Culinary Consultant, is moist certainly one of the most interesting, engaging and erudite food and wine mavens in America! He has been a wine collector, restaurateur (The wine list at Narsai’s in the Bay Area was described as one of the “Ten Finest in the World” by The New York Times), vintner, chef and caterer. In fact with regard to his catering capabilities, Narsai’s years as one of the Bay Area’s leading restaurateurs were overlaid with highly publicized caterings representing some of the grandest large scale outdoor dining experiences anyone has ever known. Rock impresario Bill Graham called on Narsai regularly to cater his concerts as did the Napa Valley Wine Auction, once a Bacchanalian feast for twelve hundred wine lovers on the rolling green lawns of the Meadowood Resort. Now Narsai’s time is divided between travel and food segments, the management of Narsai’s Specialty Food business, KCBS radio and Macy’s West. He has been a food columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and makes celebrity chef appearances at gatherings throughout the United States and the world, including, we proudly state, the Central Coast Wine Classic, where he always hosts the Wine Classic’s cooking demonstrations.

He has authored several culinary books, and his comprehensive community service involvement manifests what a wonderful person he is. However, one only need be in the presence of Narsai and his lovely and gracious wife Venus, to understand how extraordinary an evening with them would be, particularly with such wines as his cellar contains. For one such dinner, he presented an astonishingly rare 1875 Isais Hellman Angelica, for example, as well as a brace of fantastic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the legendary 1974 vintage. For another dinner, venerable Schramsberg, Stony Hill and Sterling wines were showcased, with the coup-de-gras being a 1977 Hine Grande Champagne Cognac. Also in the offing are Narsai’s newly produced wines from the Napa Valley, quite special in their own right, and Archie and Carissa will add wines from their cellars. Perhaps a venerable vintage or two of Chappellet will turn up! It’s a good bet that all of the wines will be extraordinary and that the service from Ritz Sommelier Stephan Lacroix and his staff will be so as well!

Gratuities are Not Included with this offering. The dinner must be arranged when the private dining room is available and at the mutual convenience of all parties.

Donation of

CAVALLO POINT
THE LODGE AT FORT BAKER
Sausalito, California

LOT 50

A Two Night-Stay for one Couple in a Historic Suite, Dinner for Two at Murray Circle & Two One-Hour Spa Treatments. Cavallo Point is an Elegant & Environmentally Sustainable Luxury Resort Hotel, Set in Historic Fort Baker, Home to Michelin Star Murray Circle Restaurant, Farley Bar, the Cooking Scholl and Authentic Healing Arts Center & Spa Just Across the Golden Gate Bridge Adjacent to Saucelito. The Views Are Absolutely Stunning.

Cavallo Point fine dining -- incomparable food & wine in an incomparable setting!

Cavallo Point offers a selection of dining options to satisfy the cravings of Bay Area residents, San Francisco visitors and lodge guests who wish to pair exceptional food and an incomparable setting. Murray Circle is the signature restaurant for casually elegant dining and drinks. The menu celebrates the seasonal bounty of culinary producers in the San Francisco Bay Area as inspiration to create Bay Area Cuisine. Murray Circle also offers room service for Cavallo Point guests. Next door, Farley Bar, is a Bay Area gathering place for great casual food, wine, spirits and conviviality -- and to learn some local history of Sausalito and Fort Baker. The Tea Bar , in the Healing Arts Center & Spa, offers alight menu, including snacks, teas and healthy tonics.

All cuisine is under the direction of Michelin one-star Executive Chef Joseph Humphrey. He oversees Murray Circle, Farley Bar, room service for lodge guests, banquet service for meetings, groups and special events, and Cavallo Point’s on-site cooking school.

Next to the scenic village of Sausalito, across the bay from exciting San Francisco and nestled in nature at the heart of Golden Gate National Parks. Cavallo Point Lodge’s expansive campus surrounds the grassy parade ground of the renovated Fort Baker military post and is the only luxury hotel near the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Sausalito Lodge features 68 historic and 74 contemporary accommodations.

Virtually all the accommodations exhibit stunning views of San Francisco, the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge or the rolling Marin Headlands. All the rooms boast cozy beds, soft organic linens, comfy reading chairs, windows that open to fresh bay breezes, impressive original art and photography, and most rooms have toasty gas fireplaces.

Renovated and designed to be green and sustainable, everything you need is just a pleasant stroll from your room. Every Cavallo Point accommodation is in easy walking distance of our signature restaurant, Murray Circle, Farley Bar, Healing Arts Center & Spa, Cooking School, meeting spaces and program centers. Just leave your car at one of our designated lots and walk, bike or take one of our complimentary electric shuttles.

Donation of

TABLAS CREEK VINEYARD
ROBERT HAAS & JASON HAAS
Paso Robles, California
AND
PATRON SPONSORS OF THE CENTRAL COAST WINE CLASSIC

LOT 51

At Tablas Creek on the Paso Robles Westside, A Private Tour of the Organic Vineyard, On-Site Grapevine Nursery & Winery and a Full Tasting of Current & Reserve Tablas Creek Wines, Followed by Dinner for Six at Bistro Laurent with Robert Haas & Jason Haas, Featuring a Menu Designed to Match the Magnificent Wines in Robert Haas’ Cellar, Including the Renowned Wines of Château de Beaucastel. Accommodations at a Paso Robles Bed & Breakfast Inn of Your Choosing are also Included with this Offering.

The history of Tablas Creek Vineyard is well known to most lovers of Central Coast Wines. The Perrins of Chateau de Beaucastel teamed with legendary importer Robert Haas, who founded Vineyard Brands, bought virgin land in Paso Robles, and set about creating a world-class Chateauneuf-du-Pape style vineyard from scratch. Fifteen years later, after importing vines, planting a fully organic vineyard, and emphasizing natural winemaking, the Tablas Creek venture has established itself as one of the Central Coast’s leading wineries.

Six of you will be treated to a tour through their unique vine nursery, organic vineyard and winery at Tablas Creek, one of the most beautiful and well-conceived vineyard properties in the world.

To enjoy a dinner with the Haas Family is to enter a magical world of wine, food and companionship. Bob’s cellar is as legendary as he is, and he is exceedingly generous in sharing it for such special occasions. Laurent Grangien, who was famed chef Michel Rostaing’s point chef in opening all of his Paris Bistros, is an exceptional culinary talent who is versed in presenting courses that match with wines from both California and France. The meal will no doubt match the very high quality of the wines.

As guests of Wine Classic Patron Sponsors, you may choose among any of the fine Bed & Breakfast Inns in the Paso Robles area for an overnight stay for three couple. If you wish, we will offer suggestions. Incidentals are not included in the overnight. Of course that’s what the Perrin family, who run the venerable Chateau Beaucastel in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation of France’s Rhone Valley have been doing since 1909. So, when after 80 years of making one of France’s top wines, the family decided to join with the Haas family, an equally prominent name in American wine, to create a new winery, there wasn’t a lot of fanfare.

The Perrins first knew Robert Haas as the founder and owner of Vineyard Brands, an import company he started in 1973, largely to bring great French wine to the United States. The relationship between the Haas and Perrin family deepened over the years to become much more than a simple business connection, leading to a natural collaboration when the Perrins decided to explore making Californian wine. Together the two families searched the state for a vineyard site that could approximate the Mediterranean climate required to produce great Rhone-style wines, and in 1989, they settled on a 120 acre parcel of land in the western part of the recently created Paso Robles American Viticultural Area.

This plot of land, which is roughly bisected by the creek which lent its name to the new project, consists of broken limestone soils nearly identical to the soils at Chateau Beaucastel. Into this familiar geology and climate the family imported cuttings directly from their estate vines, and proceeded to set up what today is a completely organically farmed vineyard operation that replicates both the grape varieties and clonal selections of the original Beaucastel estate vineyards. The importation of foreign vine cuttings has gotten the wine world into trouble before, so it’s should come as no surprise that the process of getting vines into the U. S. for propagation took several years of testing and certification, not to mention tedious propagation afterwards in order to have enough grafts to start a vineyard.

Between 1993 and 2000, using its own specialized nursery set up on the property, the estate produced nearly 200, 000 vine grafts for planting, and for sale to other wineries in the area, many of which have become some of the region’s top producers. At this point the winery has a bit less than 100 acres of its vineyards planted, and is producing around 16, 000 cases of wine each year.

Winemaking at Tablas Creek, as one might expect, follows a traditional old world model. After careful hand-harvesting and sorting, all grape varieties are fermented separately with no added yeasts, and aged separately in neutral French oak barrels. Just as in the appellation of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, where up to 13 different grape varieties are blended together to make the final red wines, Tablas Creek places a heavy emphasis and puts much care into the process of blending its final wines. The estate’s signature wines are all blends evocative of their Rhone forbears, though it also produces some single varietal wines.

Tablas Creek will soon bottle their 10th vintage (though the 2007’s won’t be released for some time) and continues to produce a wide variety of wines distinguished by their shared attention to detail and unique character. The winery also continues to distinguish itself by its accessibility and its ability to produce what I believe to be some of the highest quality wines under $20 in the entire state. That alone is enough to make me love the wines of Tablas Creek, but of course, the wines also happen to be great, with some bordering on phenomenal.

While the investment that the Perrin and Haas families have made in creating the perfect marriage between new world terroir and old world winemaking knowledge must have been quite substantial, tasting the wines year after year makes it clear to me that they are well on their way to reaping great returns. Tablas Creek Winery continues to be one of the reasons every wine lover should pay attention to Paso Robles.

Donation of

YUROZ
Camarillo, California

LOT 52

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Painting by Yuroz “Celebration!” An Original Oil on Panel Created Especially for the 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic

This auction lot presents the creative process in its most detailed and highest form, a world-class artist creating a masterpiece. In the words of Yuroz, “A woman begins to dream on the day she can see. The dream begins to exist on the day she can speak, and her dreams last until she takes her last breath. She is lost in one of her dreams and we experience it through the open window. She has dreamt this dream many times, but this one is different because he has become apart of her happiness. A man dreams and then fulfills that dream. He is ready to offer himself completely, through the giving of his pomegranate, which symbolizes all the sweetness of life they haven’t tasted yet. He has observed her and waited, now he wants to share all that exists with her. The nectar of life awaits them both. They only need to lift their glasses and sip to feel the warmth flowing through their bodies, and then they will experience “The Celebration!” of their love. Yuroz’s art, whether painting or sculpture, is powerful in its representation of the emotions expressed in the dynamics between and among people whose particular circumstances range from romantic to tensely dynamic.

Yuroz is the artist of the people. Lovers, musicians, poets, athletes, the homeless, and even refugees fill his canvases, drawing forth the spectrum of emotions and moods that reside deep in the human soul. Yuroz’s amazing ability to bring this soulful human quality to fruition through his art stems from his own life experiences, which are as diverse as being a master architect in Armenia to being a street person in Los Angeles.

Yuri’s 2009 Commemorative Painting is reproduced on the cover of our Auction Catalog. It is a powerful, sensual and romantic representation of the subject of bringing us together to share our vinous and culinary experiences. It should be noted that original works by Yuroz are highly sought-after and command significant prices.

It is a great honor and pleasure to have him favor us by continuing as one of our sustaining Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Artists. Yuri is an extraordinary human being, a passionate and aware individual who translates those attributes to his canvas in the most interactive of all themes, romance. Our romance with Yuroz gratefully continues.

This art work is truly a special painting from the creative energy of a most special artist!

AND
Donation of

BAILEYANA WINERY
San Luis Obispo, California

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Large-Format Bottle, One Nine-Liter Salmanazar, Three Magnums & Six 750 ml Bottles, Containing a One-of-a-Kind Pinot Noir from Winemaker Christian Roguenant of Baileyana Winery

The Commemorative Bottle is Etched and Hand-Painted with the Commemorative Art Work of Yuroz by Glass Etching Artist and the Wine Classic’s Official Bottle Artist, Candice Norcross.

In 1998, the Niven family, owners of the Firepeak Vineyard and Baileyana, gave Burgundian born and educated Christian Roguenant, one of our 2001 Wine Classic featured winemakers, a blank slate to design the winery of his dreams.

The Firepeak Vineyard is located at the base of an extinct volcano—one of seven in a chain that begins at Baileyana and ends north in the ocean off Morro Bay. The newly bearing vineyard boasts unique soils, which combine marine sediment with volcanic detritus. Everything the owners(the Niven family) have learned in thirty years of research and grape growing has gone into this vineyard. Utilizing knowledge gained from generations of viticultural experience in the Edna Valley, the Niven family planted the vineyard with careful attention to the requirements of the location and soils. Contrary to common practice, rows are sited in a north-south orientation, encouraging better maturation of the fruit. A simple catch-wire system of trellising takes advantage of the prevailing breezes.

The carefully selected clones, matched to specific rootstocks, provide Roguenant with a variety of flavor profiles to blend to his specification.

This special Commemorative Pinot Noir Cuvée is the ultimate manifestation of the remarkable terroir of Firepeak and the winemaking expertise of Christian Roguenant.

As previously indicated, our Twenty-Fifth Annual Event marks the Wine Classic’s first-ever offerings of Wine Barrel Art. For our traditional Commemorative Artists, James-Paul Brown, Robert Burridge and Yuroz, French wine barrels were procured from Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat and one was transported to each artist. James- Paul, Robert and Yuroz prepared the barrels and then created vibrant art works on them. That which follows is the Barrel Art of Yuroz.

Donation of

YUROZ
Camarillo, California

LOT 53

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Artist Barrel

The extreme richness of design and color of the art work on this Barrel is a confirmation of the deep awareness of and the ability to create rich and powerful emotion in art by our long-time Commemorative Artist, Yuroz.

The encircling painting that depicts both the romantic couple and the horses grazing in the field below the mountains is absolutely ideal for the Wine Classic’s theme and terroir. It actually makes you feel as if you are living the art work. Now that is really ideal! Yuri has created only one Artist Barrel prior to this offering. On March 30, 1956 the art world would change again with the birth of Yuri (YUROZ) Gevorgian.

“Being an artist is as important as being a lawyer or an engineer, because it fills your soul; it fills your spirit. You can have a healthy body, but if your soul is not fed, you will never be complete. If you appreciate what is around you; if you see beauty and love art, then you have strong connection to life. You are never going to kill someone; you are going to let other people appreciate their lives as well. Art is very important; it breeds appreciation. Art is an extension of life. ” - Yuroz

The story of Yuroz is as compelling as his art. Yuroz is literally and figuratively the artist of the people. Lovers, musicians, poets, athletes, the homeless and refugees fill his canvases, drawing forth the spectrum of emotions and moods that reside deep in the human soul. Yuroz’s amazing ability to bring this soulful human quality to fruition through his art stems from his own life experiences.

A child prodigy born in Soviet Armenia in 1956, Yuroz was only ten years old when he entered the renowned Akop Kodjoyan School of Art in the Armenian capital of Yerevan. After graduating with honors, Yuroz gathered up his incredible talents and entered the Yerevan University of Art and Architecture, where, at the age of twenty, he was considered one of the worst art students in the history of the school. After departing the school and becoming a successful architect, for seven years he attempted to escape communist held Eastern Europe to come to the freedom of the United States. Those seven years imbued him with a compassion and understanding for all refugees seeking new homes and fresh beginnings.

At the age of 40 he was recognized as a Living Master with several museum shows under his belt. The Coral Springs Art Museum in Florida, The Museum of Contemporary Art in Hot Springs Arkansas, The Fuller Arts Museum in Brockton, Mass, The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, The Anchorage Art Museum, The Fine Arts Museum of Long Island, and others.

Since that time, Yuroz’ art has reached new heights and continues to climb. But even with all of his growth and success as an artist, Yuroz has never lost sight of his own humble beginnings, and he has donated the proceeds from a variety of originals and limited editions to numerous causes and foundations. Charities around the globe have thanked him for his countless donations that have raised money and awareness for their causes. In 1995 he created “The Harlequin’s Gift” for Comic Relief, an organization that alerts audiences to the growing American homeless population.

Also, 2001 marked the fourth consecutive year that Yuroz will be the official artist for the Suzuki Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon in San Diego, and he has on several occasions created an original oil for sale at auction to benefit the Leukemia Society of America, for whom he has personally raised over a million dollars with his artistic contributions.

At the age of fifty, in January 2000 Yuroz was chosen by the United Nations to be the official artist for their 50th anniversary stamp honoring refugees worldwide. The stamp has been released in over 150 countries. In November his stunning five-panel mural was unveiled at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Through this mural we can see the grand panorama of Yuroz’ vision, where individual and racial differences slide away, and the courage of refugees and humanity as a whole is brought to the surface. His magnificent testament to human courage will ultimately be sent to the General Assembly Building in Geneva, Switzerland, to be installed permanently as a part of their collection.

Even with such momentous events in his life, Yuroz never forgets the small joys of sounding our feelings and moods through his art. A producer who was once in the studio to interview Yuroz for a national commercial experienced his signature “art massage, ” which involves drawing on the clothing people are wearing. When Yuroz finished his “massage, ” the producer was left speechless by the finished product on the back of her T-shirt. Loss of speech is a common reaction to Yuroz’ art. We are stunned by the human quality captured in such a simple way, and words cannot express the emotions Yuroz stirs in our souls.

Yuroz projects a wondrous energy, and those who are so fortunate as to be in his presence, always leave with at least a brush stroke or more of that good energy.

How exceedingly fortunate we are to have such a special and wonderful human being and artist as a substantive part of our Wine Classic aesthetic presentations, including the art on the cover of the Wine Classic Auction Catalog, as well as that for the full-page Wine Spectator ad. This is Yuri’s tenth year presenting his extraordinary art at the Central Coast Wine Classic. He has become a Sustaining Artist in every sense of the term. We hope that the relationship will always continue! We know that you will enjoy the amazing energy of our artist friend, as well as his spontaneous creativity.

Donation of

BAILEYANA
San Luis Obispo, California

LOT 54

The Matisse Series, Three Double Magnums Etched and Hand-Painted by Candice Norcross with the Art of Renowned Impressionist Artist, Henri Matisse, One Each Containing 2007 Baileyana Edna Valley Firepeak Vineyard Grand Firepeak Cuvée Chardonnay, 2007 Baileyana Edna Valley Firepeak Vineyard Grand Firepeak Cuvée Pinot Noir & 2007 Baileyana Edna Valley Firepeak Vineyard Grand Firepeak Cuvée Syrah

The Niven Family, beginning with Jack and Catherine Niven during the early years of our event, and continuing with John R. and Yvonne Niven, who are Featured Vintners at this Year’s Wine Classic, as well as Vintner Committee member, John H. Niven, and Michael Blaney, have substantively supported the Wine Classic virtually since its inception. John R. ’s sister and brother, Jane and James, have also been extremely supportive.

The Nivens have set the standard for family involvement in the Edna Valley wine community, beginning with Jack’s planting grapes in the Edna Valley in the early 70s and in establishing Edna Valley Vineyard in 1981, and Catherine’s founding of Baileyana. There is no doubt why the Nivens are termed the “First Family” of San Luis Obispo Wine Country.

At the heart of the Baileyana program are wines from the Firepeak Vineyard, a low- yielding parcel on a high piece of ground that produces intense Edna Valley fruit. Adjacent to our estate vineyard, the Firepeak Vineyard lies at the foot of Islay Mountain, the final peak in the chain of the “Seven Sisters”.

The Firepeak Vineyard is located at the base of an extinct volcano—one of seven in a chain that begins at Baileyana and ends north in the ocean off Morro Bay. The newly bearing vineyard boasts unique soils, which combine marine sediment with volcanic detritus. Everything the owners (the Niven family) have learned in thirty years of research and grape growing has gone into this vineyard. Utilizing knowledge gained from generations of viticultural experience in the Edna Valley, the Niven family planted the vineyard with careful attention to the requirements of the location and soils.

Contrary to common practice, rows are sited in a north-south orientation, encouraging better maturation of the fruit. A simple catch-wire system of trellising takes advantage of the prevailing breezes.

The carefully selected clones, matched to specific rootstocks, provide Roguenant with a variety of flavor profiles to blend to his specification. The 2007 vintage was a terrific one. The resulting wines are elegant with concentrated and have complex varietal characteristics.

Baileyana wines are produced in the new, state-of-the-art winery located adjacent to the Firepeak vineyard. From the state-of-the-art fruit delivery system, to the press pad and on to the open-top fomenters, the grapes are treated with exceptional gentleness. Roguenant keeps each clonal lot separate, treating each as an individual wine until he crafts his final blends. “These wines are an expression of the vineyard, of our wonderful winery, and of the vision of the Niven family, ” he states.

When you think of great Central Coast Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah, you naturally think of the Edna Valley. When you ponder substantive art, you arguably probably conjure the most famous artist of all time. And if you want to put them together in an exquisite package for the wine and art lover, you call upon Candice Norcross to create the bottle art.

The Niven family, owners of Paragon Vineyard and aficionados of fine art and who are always eager to combine it with the art of the vintner, has once again bestowed a perfect marriage of the two upon our auction. This gorgeous lot presents the fine wine making of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and now Syrah, superstar winemaker Christian Roguenant.

As previously mentioned, the vintage represented here was outstanding at the now renowned, Firepeak Vineyard in the Edna Valley, and these bottles will afford substantial drinking pleasure and still retain their roles as lovely art forms. Baileyana is definitely on a roll, as is evidenced by its stellar wines and its new world-class winemaking facility and vineyards! It is a joy to watch, and drink, the evolution!

Donation of

JACK & STEPHANIE HARKNESS
Santa Cruz, California

LOT 55

An Etched Wooden Box Containing Six Bottles of “The Inaugural” Sine Qua Non Eleven Confessions Vineyard Santa Rita Hills Estate Grenache. Created by Elaine & Manfred Krankl, proprietors of Sine Qua Non, this stunningly packaged and extremely rare bottling is described by the Krankls as, “A wine made without compromise and with deep, individual emotion. ”

In August of 2007, renowned wine critic, Robert Parker, made the following statement about the profundity of “The Inaugural”:

“The mind-boggling 2003 The Inaugural Syrah is an emotional experience to taste as well as drink. Aged 38 1/2 months in French oak, it was fashioned entirely from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard, which is planted with Syrah clones #470, 174, and the Estrella River and Alban field selections.

This stunning Syrah boasts a magnificent bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, charcoal, licorice, and roasted meats. It hits the palate with remarkable intensity, purity, and full-bodied power, but it somehow manages to dance across the taste buds with the gracefulness of a ballerina. Awesomely long, I still tasted this wine 60 seconds after I had spit it out - no easy task, even for a professional.

This majestic Syrah should be a modern day legacy for Sine Qua Non, ranking alongside the other stunning Syrahs they have produced, such as the two 2002 cuvées, Just For The Love Of It and Heart Chorea. This is a nuanced, complex wine, whereas the 2004 Poker Face is more exuberant and flamboyant. It should age beautifully for 10- 15+ years.

To reiterate, it is a challenge to analyze these wines. I know they are distinctive, and I think I am beginning to understand why they are so much greater than just about every other Syrah or Grenache-based wine in California. In short, it is talent and incredibly meticulous hard work. No one works as hard or is as maniacal about a vineyard’s viticulture and winemaking as Manfred Krankl. Take that, add in exceptional talent, humility, top-notch vineyards, and I believe I understand the fundamentals of why these wines are so special. Drink: 2007-2022. ”

We are very grateful to Central Coast Wine Classic Foundation President, Stephanie Harkness, and her husband, Jack, who continually support the Wine Classic in so many ways, for offering a wine that is so special and so rare, one that is virtually impossible to procure. Stephanie and Jack, thank you for all that you do for us!

Donation of

SINGITA GRUMETI RESERVES AND MICATO SAFARIS
Tanzania, Africa

LOT 56

A Superb Visit of Five Nights for One Couple at Singita Grumeti Reserves, in the Serengeti, Tanzania. Your Package Includes Luxurious Accommodation, All Dining and Beverages (excluding imported French Champagne), Open Land Rover Safaris Per Day Accompanied by a Personal Guide. Laundry and Valet Services Are Included.

Micato Safaris is happy to provide transfers to/from the Arusha, Tanzania airport, an unforgettable meal in Arusha and two fashionable and functional Micato safari bags.

The package is valid for travel through December 10, 2010, and accommodation is subject to availability, with blackout dates of June 21 to August 31. The prize is not redeemable for cash or credit and cannot be transferred to a third party. Travel must be booked by December 31, 2009. The Time of the Stay is Subject to Suite Availability. Air Transportation is Not Included.

This fabulous destination was first brought to us through JG Black Book of Travel in New York, and now Singita has graciously reached out to us to be a part of our Auction again. Singita Grumeti Reserves boasts spectacular scenery teeming with wildlife and two beautiful lodges and a tented camp; Sasakwa Lodge, Faru Faru Lodge and Sabora Tented Camp. It is synonymous with exceptional luxury and the ultimate African game experience, operating a number of luxury lodges in pristine wilderness locations, including four lodges in South Africa, three in Tanzania and one in Zimbabwe. A member of the prestigious international Relais & Châteaux brand, Singita Game Reserves guarantees lavish accommodation, outstanding service, culinary excellence and a selection of award-winning wines, a truly unique and memorable safari experience. Micato Safaris, voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel & Leisure for an unprecedented five consecutive years. Programmes are deliberately luxurious featuring world-class accommodations, legendary game parks and astonishing wildlife. Safari guides educate and amuse while splendid game lodges and camps beguile. Plus, such extraordinary personal service as dinner at the home of company owners! This remarkable offering most certainly will fulfill and even exceed your dream of the optimum luxurious safari excursion!

Donation of

FAR NIENTE
Oakville, California

LOT 57

Dinner for Eight Guests at Far Niente Winery, Hosted by Winery proprietress, Beth Nickel, & Her Long-Time Friend, Archie McLaren, Presented by Far Niente Executive Chef, Abi Martinez, &Featuring Library & Current Release Wines from the Wondrous Array of Far Niente Bottlings, Including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon & Dolce

The Evening Will Begin with a Special Tour & reception, Followed by Dinner in the Great Hall. The Winning Bidders Will Receive Four Gift Packs (One Per Couple) Containing 2006 Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay & 2005 Dolce.

The relationship between the Central Coast Wine Classic and Far Niente is profound. Archie considered the late Gil Nickel to be among the most gracious generous individuals imaginable, and his widow, Beth, is equally so. Gil and Beth were Wine Classic Honorees in 1986, and, until this year, were the only two-time honorees. Beth, however, is a Featured Vintner, so the extraordinary relationship continues. Many years ago, Larry Shupnick assisted Gil and Far Niente in becoming visible to the wine world by purchasing the Far Niente lot at the Napa Valley Wine Auction for a price unheard of at that time. The purchase of the Far Niente Chardonnay “Piano Case” was reported around the globe, and Larry opened the Imperial from the case at a special dinner for Gil at the San Luis Bay Inn.

Far Niente was founded in 1885 by John Benson, a forty-niner of the California gold rush and uncle of the famous American impressionist painter, Winslow Homer. Benson hired architect Hamden McIntyre, creator of the former Christian Brothers winery – now the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone – to design the building. Constructed against a hillside in western Oakville, Far Niente functioned as a gravity flow winery, gently moving the grapes through each stage of production.

Far Niente prospered until the onset of Prohibition in 1919, when it was abandoned and left to fall into disrepair. Sixty years later, in 1979, Gil Nickel purchased the winery and adjacent vineyard and began a three-year restoration of the property.

During restoration, the original name, Far Niente, from an Italian phrase that romantically translated means “without a care, ” was found carved in stone on the front of the building where it remains to this day. We felt an obligation to preserve the name with the hope that we could recapture a bygone era when life was indeed without a care.

Nineteen eighty-two marked the return of winemaking to Far Niente, with the harvest of the winery’s first Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay was also produced at the winery for the first time that year; the 1979, ’80 and ’81 vintage wines were made at an offsite location.

Today the wines are produced at the Napa valley’s most gorgeous winery facility. It includes incredibly comprehensive and beautiful landscaping, vines producing superb grapes and an automotive museum that houses such remarkable vehicles as a historic one-off Ferrari, as well as several other Ferraris, and a venerable Bentley Continental.

Dinners at Far Niente are indescribable, for the venue, the view, the wines, the food and the companionship. This will be a truly transcendent evening with one of wine’s most gracious ladies.

Donation of

JIM CLENDENEN
AU BON CLIMAT
Buellton, California
AND
RANDALL GRAHM
BONNY DOON VINEYARDS
Santa Cruz, California

LOT 58

Dinner for Twelve People Hosted by Fabled Vintners, Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat& Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyard, at the Ultimate Glamour Location, the Bonny Doon Vineyard Cellar Door Café in Santa Cruz, where Chef Charlie Parker, Protégé to Iron Chef David Kinch of Manresa, Will Amaze Your Palate with a Succulent Six-Course Repast of Farm Fresh Organic Cuisine Served Family-Style. The Dinner features Exotic Italian Varietals from Jim and Randall, as well as Cellar Favorites from Jim’s & Randall’s Personal Cellars, Plus Five Liter Bottles of Le Cigare Volante from Randall, Cuvée Isabelle from Jim & a Five Liter Bottle of a Blend from Transcendentalists Incorporated (TMI), the Symbiosis of “Minds Behind. ”

Seats at this “Happening” of two great minds are$750 per person. This is an amazing offering to say the least! Jim and Randall are two of the most interesting individuals to be found on the planet, irrespective of the fact that they are iconic vintners. Each has been a part of the Wine Classic since its beginnings. In addition, they are raiding their cellars for remarkable wines that have created over the years and are sharing them with you!

Charlie Parker’s culinary roots are very exciting, as Manresa is one of the finest restaurants in America. You can anticipate the optimum symbiosis of food, wine and conversation during what will no doubt be an unforgettable evening.

Au Bon Climat has cultivated an international reputation for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Jim Clendenen, the “Mind Behind” Au Bon Climat, is recognized worldwide for his classically styled wines (in addition to his Burgundian-focused ABC wines, Jim is also highly regarded for his Italian and other French varietals). In 1989 and 1990 Au Bon Climat was on Robert Parker’s short list of Best Wineries in the World, and in 1991 was selected by Oz Clark as one of fifty world-wide creators of Modern Classic Wines. Dan Berger of the Los Angeles Times named Clendenen the “Los Angeles Time Winemaker of the Year” in 1992; Food & Wine Magazine named him “Winemaker of the Year” in 2001. Germany’s leading wine magazine, Wein Gourmet, in 2004 name Clendenen “Winemaker of the World;” and in 2007, Jim was inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America. ”

In 1989, Randall was indicted into the Who’s Who of Cooking in America by Cook’s Magazine for “lifetime achievement and leadership in the improvement and development of American cuisine. ” He was nominated for Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year by the James Beard Foundation in 1990 and 1993, and when the Foundation came to its senses, walked off with the award in 1994. In 1992, Ted Bowell of the Lowell Observatory in northern Arizona named the “Rhoneranger” asteroid in his honor. Randall unaccountably landed the Bon Appétit Magazine 1999 Wine & Spirits Professional of the Year award though that distinction is still subject to a recount in New York State.

Randall lectures frequently to wine societies and to technical groups and occasionally contributes quixotically sincere articles to wine journals. His occasional idiosyncratic newsletters are frequently reproduced though never copied. Since 2002 Randall Grahm has focused on Rudolf Steiner’s biodynamic principles in both vineyard and winery. In brief, biodynamic practices acknowledge the farm as a holistic, self-sustaining organism. With the use of the biodynamic calendar, Randall leverages knowledge of planetary, cosmological and seasonal movements to optimize the timing of the various agricultural activities, maximizing the strength and quality of the plants and the crop. In May 2007 the Ca’ del Solo Vineyard received Biodynamic® certification from the Demeter Association. The dinner will be scheduled at the convenience of all parties.

Donation of

JIM CLENDENEN
AU BON CLIMAT
Santa Maria, California
AND
FRANK OSTINI
HITCHING POST
Buellton, California

LOT 59

Dinner Redux for Twenty-Five Guests at Rancho La Cuna, Jim’s New Ranch in Los Alamos, California, with French Bistro Cuisine. Conceived by Jim & Prepared & Presented by Frank Ostini’s Team, Including Great, Large-Format Bottles of Hitching Post, Au Bon Climat & Il Podere Library Wines.

Places at this remarkable dinner are offered at $750 Per Person. This unique dinner, presented for the third time and featuring the wines of two of the Central Coast’s most celebrated wine and food personalities, will include a multi- course presentation of French Bistro Cuisine conceived by Jim Clendenen and presented by Frank Ostini, along with Hitching Post Pinots and a blow by blow account of how SIDEWAYS took the Hitching Post Restaurant and Wines into international recognition.

Frank Ostini grew up in and around the Casmalia Hitching Post, his family’s steakhouse that was founded in 1952. With a long history of oak wood grilled beef, Frank has expanded his menu at his Hitching Post II in Buellton “to cook almost anything over the fire. ” With high acclaim from the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Gourmet and Sunset Magazine and the Food Network with Wolfgang Puck and Bobby Flay, Frank has become the regional spokesman for what is popularly known as “Santa Maria Style BBQ. ”

Frank and partner, Gray Hartley, have, since 1984, made outstanding wines under the Hitching Post Wines label, specializing in Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir. Frank has recently received widespread international attention since his Hitching Post II and Hitching Post Pinot Noirs were featured in the Academy Award winning film SIDEWAYS.

One of the highlights of Wine Classic Auction lots two years ago was this dinner for twenty-four people at Rancho la Cuna, offered by Jim and Frank. It was a wholly remarkable evening of incredible food, wine and companionship. This offering is certain to be so as well, particularly since Frank and Jim are turning Rancho la Cuna into America’s only Far-Western Santa Maria-Style French Bistro and since Frank is presenting the cuisine.

Dinner will be at the main house on the property, recently refurbished to include a first-rate kitchen and wonderful views of the neighboring hills, indoors or outdoors as suits the circumstances. The lovely Rancho contains one a one-half acres of vineyards and thirteen acres of olive trees. It is a very special venue, made more special by the charm and enthusiasm of your hosts. Jim has been a major contributor and supporter of the Central Coast Wine Classic from its inception, and his generosity in opening his home and fine wines never ceases to amaze us.

Raise your paddles to join the party for another evening of extraordinary food, wine and companionship brought to you by two of our most consistent and ardent supporters!

Donation of

RICHARD TULLIS
ATELIER
Portland, Oregon
AND
JIM CLENDENEN
AU BON CLIMAT
Santa Maria, California
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO
MICHAEL DUSI SHIPPING
who generously donated the shipping of our barrel, and to
RICK DIFERRARI
of Oregon Barrel Works who generously donated the barrel, packed it for transport and arranged the shipping.

LOT 60

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Artist Barrel

AND

An Etched and Hand-Painted Nine-Liter Salmanazar Featuring the Tullis Barrel Art, Three Magnums and Six 750ml Bottles of a Special Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir that Jim Clendenen Has Personally Selected from the Barrels at Au Bon Climat. Richard Tullis comes to us from long-time Wine Classic supporter and renowned vintner, Jim Clendenen, proprietor of Au Bon Climat. Jim and Richard have been friends for many years, and Richard has, at the behest of Jim, created art works for us for several Wine Classic Auctions. This is the first time that Richard has created this type of Barrel Art

Richard Tullis was ten when he began working for his father, Garner Tullis, at Garner’s International Institute of Experimental Printmaking in Santa Cruz, California. Richard began to learn about his father’s world by making paper. Using found natural fibers ground into pulp by a macerator, Richard’s earliest paper making experiments included anise, grass, foxtail, wool and cotton.

When Richard was thirteen Garner began collaborating with Sam Francis, and Sam has had a profound influence on Richard’s life since then. Early on, Sam and Garner put Richard to work cleaning brushes and printing plates. Later, Richard learned to mix paints, cut and prepare plates with flat colors and eventually to construct presses and print for Sam during his many monotype sessions.

In 1977, when Richard was fifteen, the Institute moved from Santa Cruz to San Francisco and shortened its name to Experimental Printmaking. Richard spent high school summers at the studio casting Louise Nevelson paper multiples, Robert Arneson Paper Heads from the series “Up Against It, ” Arnoldo Pomodoro sculptures combining cast paper with polyester resin, and Helen Frankenthaller’s “Bay Area Monotypes. ” Beginning yet another chapter in printing history, the Garner Tullis Workshop moved from the Bay Area to Santa Barbara, California in 1985. Richard became owner of the Santa Barbara studio in 1992 and changed the name to Tullis Workshop. Printing continues today and paper making has resumed.

Since 1985 Richard has collaborated with the following artists: Richard Aber, Charles Arnoldi, Martin Beck, Billy Al Bengston, Jake Berthot, Jean Charles Blais, Stanley Boxer, Louisa Chase, Peggy Wirta Dahl, Roy de Forest, Laddie John Dill, Richard Diebenkorn, Friedel Dzubas, Eric Erickson, Robert Feintuck, Sam Francis, Christian Garnett, John Gillen, John Groom, Red Grooms, Don Gummer, Mary Hambleton, Joseph Haske, Nancy Haynes, Roger Herman, Tom Holland, Roni Horn, Jacqueline Humphries, Yvonne Jacquette, Ron Janowich, Wolf Kahn, Ken Kiff, Per Kirkeby, David Lasry, Christopher LeBrun, Catherine Lee, Margrit Lewczuk, Tom Lieber, Robert Lobe, Emily Mason, Sam Messer, John Monks, Jim Muehleman, Kathy Muehleman, John Millei, Richard Nonas, Therese Oulton, William Perehudoff, Rona Pondick, David Reed, David Row, Italo Scanga, Sean Scully, Carol Seborovski, Andrew Spence, Rick Stitch, Clinton Storm, Trevor Sutton, Yoshito Takahashi, David Trowbridge, Emilio Vedova, Peter Voulkos, John Walker and John Zurier.

There is no doubt that Jim’s Pinot Noir will be absolutely extraordinary, as he is among the elite producers of this grape varietal in the world.

Donation of

JAMES-PAUL BROWN
Carpinteria, California
AND
BION RICE
ARTISTE WINERY
Santa Ynez and Healdsburg, California
IN HONOR OF
SAUVAGES DU VIN
Santa Barbara, California

LOT 61

“Artiste Jacquimo, ” One Melchior (18 Liters) Containing 2008 Artiste Larner Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley Syrah, &Graced with Original Artwork from Wine Classic Commemorative Artist, James-Paul Brown, and the Original “Jacquimo” Painting by James-Paul Brown

Jacquimo is a manifestation of the playful side of colorful neo-impressionist artist, James-Paul Brown, who imbues Jacquimo with a spirit of childlike indulgence. Jacquimo is a fitting visible manifestation of the Sauvages du Vin wine tasting group, many of whom are not only wine aficionados, but also Wine Classic Patrons, such as John Pearcy and John Wiemann. These gentlemen, including James-Paul and our own Foundation Board member, Jim Hathaway, and an occasional lady, meet once a month to indulge in and commune with fine wines from throughout the world. It is speculated and rumored, particularly given their figurehead, that their vinous deliberations dwell in regions analytical, hedonistic, metaphysical and spiritual.

The wine contained in this magical bottle is created by one of the Central Coast’s most exciting young vintners, Bion Rice, founder and owner of Artiste Winery, now in Healdsburg as well as in Santa Ynez. The concept of Artiste is to combine a reverence for tradition and a philosophy of winemaking as an artistic expression. In order to manifest that concept, Artiste wines are labeled with gorgeous works of impressionist art. Each of its wine blends are named after the title of the painting that graces its bottle. Artiste’s highly sought-after wines are limited productions of less than 300 cases each blend and are available exclusively through Artiste Tasting Studios in historic old Santa Ynez and charming Healdsburg or through Artiste. com.

Commemorative Artist, James-Paul Brown, needs no introduction. He has been a Wine Classic Family Member for years, and his wonderful, thoughtful, enthusiastic and spontaneous energy always adds to any proceedings, particularly one where art is involved, such as this offering for instance. His art work that graces the “Jacquimo” Melchior and the painting itself are as collectible as the wine, rendering this lot triply desirable.

Donation of

AMERICAN AIRLINES
AND
WINE CLASSIC PATRONS
ROGER & ANNE FORBES
Lake Tahoe, Nevada & San Francisco, California
WITH SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FROM
RELAIS & CHATEAUX
New York, New York
AND
MARTINE SAUNIER
MARTINE’S WINES
Novato, California

LOT 62

Our Annual Incredible American Airlines/ Relais & Chateaux Business Class Trip to Paris, Bordeaux, the Rhone, Burgundy and Champagne for Two People, with Business Class Transportation for Two Provided by American Airlines

Our annual excursion to France not only maintains its exceedingly upscale look this year. With three nights at the Relais & Chateaux property Hotel Daniel, beginning the excursion, and three nights at the Georges Cinq, with Dinner for Two at its fine dining restaurant, Le Cinq, ending the trip, how could you not be pleased and pampered?

That is also the case upon your return to Paris for your stay at the exquisite Georges Cinq. You will note that it is located just off the Champs Elysees in Paris most vibrant shopping area, and just so you will not feel too freneticized by the ever-kinetic street scene, Wine Classic patrons Roger & Ann Forbes will treat you to dinner at Le Cinq, the hotel’s fantastic dining room, where the extraordinary Philippe Legendre weaves his culinary magic. While in Paris, the Central Coast Wine Classic will provide you with museum passes to all of the famous museums in this wonderfully diverse and artistic city, such as the Louvre, the Pompidou Museum, the Rodin Museum and/or the amazingly eclectic Musee d’Orsay.

For your further culinary and aesthetic edification, you will be the guest of the Wine Classic for lunch at Restaurant Jules Verne, the superb restaurant situated on the Eiffel Tower high above the city of Paris. Viewing the city from such a vantage point is amazing, and Jules Verne, one of the most popular restaurants in Paris. You must book well in advance to secure seats.

So that you will enjoy Paris to its culinary fullest, you may also be the guest of our the Central Coast Wine Classic at two of the following pantheons to world-class cuisine: the impeccable and creative Restaurant Alain Ducasse, owned by the only chef in the world to have the maximum stars at three restaurants simultaneously (New York, Paris & Monte Carlo), the wildly imaginative Restaurant Pierre Gagnaire, due to his incredible world-wide popularity one of the most difficult reservations in the city; or at Restaurant Guy Savoy, where the charming and affable Savoy has now received his third star, an absolutely exquisite fine dining experience that may be the best of all.

These three restaurants are ranked near the very top of all restaurants in Paris, certainly so by Parisians. There is no doubt that your dinners at two of these pantheons to the French culinary arts will be unforgettable. Should you dine at Ducasse, we will arrange a special tour of the Wine Cellar for you.

Your next stop will be Bordeaux and the lovely Relais & Chateaux Hotel Plaisancein the exquisite town of Saint-Emilion. You will stay for one night as a guest of the Wine Classic in the Suite overlooking the town (if you plan in advance, so that it is available) and dine in the hotel’s one-star restaurant, or you may choose to stay and dine at Hotel Château de Grand Barrail, a wonderful restored château which also boasts a one-star restaurant.

The following day, you may wish to visit a Château in the Pomerol/Saint- Emilion area and/or First Growth Château Haut-Brion, just south of the city of Bordeaux, where our friend, patron and Steering Committee Co-Chair Vince DiPierro, who once owned the most comprehensive collection of Haut-Brion in the world, will use his considerable connections to arrange a visit.

It is then a short drive to Pauillac, for an evening at the fine Relais & Chateaux 17th century property Château Cordeillan-Bages, where you will be guests of the Chateau for two nights with dinner at the very fine restaurant of the Château and Luncheon at Café Lavinal. We will arrange tours and tastings at the renowned Château Lynch-Bages, Pichon-Longueville Baron and Suduiraut, or at Château Pichon-Lalande and Chateau Mouton- Rothschild, where Wine Classic Executive Director Archie McLaren has considerable connections.

Your next stop will be the Rhone, where you will visit the renowned Chateau de Beaucastel, a property that has been biodynamic its entire life and which produces some of the finest wines in the Rhone. You will stay at the gorgeous Villa Florentine in Lyon, A splendid villa offering prime views of Lyon.

You will then travel to Burgundy, where visits at remarkable vineyard properties will be orchestrated by the Wine Classic and Martine Saunier, who knows Burgundy, both the vintners and the region, exceedingly well. In fact, Martine has a home in Burgundy. You will also be treated to a tour of the Burgundy region by Becky Wassermanand Russell Hone, renowned Burgundy experts whose knowledge will give you a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the special Burgundian terroir.

A wine and culinary enthusiast can experience wonders on a spectacular path in Burgundy following the Route des Grands Crus through Burgundy’s great wine growing region. You will spend four nights at your choice of four world- renowned Relais & Chateaux properties, one night at each or two nights at two of them or four nights at one property, including accommodations, breakfast and a memorable dinner for two on two of the nights.

You will be the guests of the Wine Classic for all of the aforementioned accommodations plus dinner as guests of Roger & Anne Forbes at two of the following great restaurants in the area. The choice is yours; it may be the exquisite cuisine at Georges Blanc, Lameloise, L’Esperance, La Cote St. - Jacquesor Hostelerie de Levernois.

From Burgundy, your next stop will be the exhilarating Champagne District, where you will visit the extraordinary house of Louis Roederer, held by aficionados of the subject to be virtually at the pinnacle of the finest Champagne houses in France. Your accommodations in Champagne for two nights will be at the renowned Les Crayeres, an elegant turn-of-the-century residence thought by many to be the finest hotel and restaurant combination in the world, nestled in a 17th century park in Reims. Les Crayere’s restaurant is not only considered among the finest in all of France, but the Chateau itself has been rated the number one hotel in the world by Conde Nast Traveler.

From Champage, you will return to the exquisite and impeccably located Georges Cinqin Paris for the culmination of your excursion. Hotel stays do not include incidentals. Dinners do not include gratuity or alcoholic beverages.

AMERICAN AIRLINES TRAVEL AWARDS/TICKETS – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Donation of

GARY & MARCY EBERLE
EBERLE WINERY
Paso Robles, California

LOT 63

A Dinner for Eight People in the Home of Gary Eberle, Aptly Named “Club Eb, ” Prepared by Gary & Paired with Eberle’s Award-Winning Wines, Including as Gifts Four Magnums, One for Each Couple, of Eberle Winery Paso Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Private Dinners at “Club Eb” are quite rare and extremely enjoyable. For starters, Gary, as is Marcy, is one of the most gracious and gregarious companions in the Central Coast wine milieu. And he is a gourmet, so the cuisine is always spectacular. And his wines are simply outstanding! Gary has precious few Magnums of his Cabernet Sauvignon. For Gary to offer Four with one Auction Lot is remarkably generous, even for one so generous as he.

Gary Eberle was the first vintner to fully stand behind the Central Coast Wine Classic concept. He was then and is now a dear friend of Founding Director, Larry Shupnick, and is one of the true pioneers of the Central Coast wine industry. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, several vineyards were planted in the Paso Robles region, yet there was not a winery truly competing on a national or international level. The arrival of Gary Eberle in 1972 began one of the brightest winemaking chapters in the history of Paso Robles.

The history of Eberle Winery dates back to 1979, when Gary produced his first bottle of Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon. Now Gary and his team are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of making ultra-premium wines exclusively from the Paso Robles Appellation. To date, Eberle Winery remains one of the highest award-winning wineries in California, consistently ranking in the top twenty of more than 1500 wineries now operating in the state.

Many wineries in our area owe Gary Eberle a great debt of gratitude. No one has been more energetic, conscientious and successful in promoting the Paso Robles appellation throughout the United States than he, and he has done so of his own volition and with his own resources. He is not only a pioneer but a sustaining icon of the Central Coast as well. You will see firsthand why Gary Eberle is so passionate about Cabernet fruit from Paso Robles.

Gary’s Cabernets are prime examples of forward Cabernet fruit aromas and flavors, balanced with firm tannins that have marked Eberle Winery as a leading producer of Estate Cabernet Sauvignon throughout its history. The dinner must be arranged at the mutual convenience of all parties and should take place within a year of the date of this auction.

Donation of

JOANNE BEAULE RUGGLES
San Luis Obispo, California

LOT 64

“Botanical Bacchanalia, ” Acrylic on Canvas by Joanne Beaule Ruggles Joanne is a long-time Central Coast Wine Classic supporter who is always willing to assist us and participate in our activities. A charming person with lovely energy, she is always a welcome addition to our proceedings.

The landscape paintings of Joanne Beaule Ruggles have garnered awards and notice from museum curators, art critics and wine luminaries. Archie McLaren, Founder and Chairman of the Central Coast Wine Classic has written, “Ruggles has truly portrayed the essence of our terroir”. This powerful painting expresses the result of that terroir in a manner that is not just naturalistic but is also filled with emotion.

Selected to be a featured artist of the Central Coast Wine Classic in 2005, Ruggles also has shown her landscapes in recent years at the Monroe Center for the Arts in Hoboken, Finegold Gallery in LA, the Berkeley College Art Gallery in White Plains, the Armory Art Center in W. Palm Beach, Masur Museum of Art in Monroe, Louisiana, the Brea Civic and Cultural Center’s Made in California exhibition, and in 2009 at the Robeson Gallery of Penn State University when it hosted the 120th Anniversary Exhibition of the National Association of Women Artists.

Praise and awards continue to flow in. “A luscious, summery essay in abstract impressionism. ” Is how Minot State University’s Americas 2000 juror Gordon McConnell is quoted as describing Ruggles painting in the exhibit’s catalog. NY critic Wilson Wong wrote in Gallery & Studio “Postmodern approaches to painterly abstraction can be seen in a darkly sumptuous acrylic painting by Joanne Beaule Ruggles. ” She won the American Society of Contemporary Artists’ Donald Pierce Memorial Award and The Art Institute of San Diego’s 45th International McKee Memorial Painting Award (juried by arts writer, critic and collector Bram Dykstra) in 2001 & 2002. In 2005, Ruggles received the National Association of Women Artists’ Miriam Russo Enders Award for Painting and the ASCA’s Irwin Zlowe Memorial Award. Women Painters West awarded the artist its Evylynn Nunn Miller Award in 2008.

AND
Donation of

EBERLE WINERY
Paso Robles, California
AND
STILL WATERS VINEYARDS
Paso Robles, California

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Large-Format Bottle, One Nine-Liter Salmanazar, Three magnums & Six 750 ml Bottles, Containing a One-of-a-Kind Blend of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon from Eberle Winery & Still Waters Vineyards

The Commemorative Bottle is Etched and Hand-Painted with the Commemorative Art Work of Joanne Ruggles by Glass Etching Artist and the Wine Classic’s Official Bottle Artist, Candice Norcross.

As previously indicated, Gary Eberle is at the pinnacle of Cabernet Sauvignon production on the Central Coast. One of his neighbors, Paul Hoover, founder and owner of Still Waters is becoming recognized as being in the upper echelon as well.

Still Waters Vineyards originally developed as a dream of Paul and Patty Hoover to own a small one-acre vineyard. Their small dream grew into a large reality of about 60 acres producing ten varieties of premium central coast grapes. Eighty percent of the two hundred tons of fruit produced is sold to exclusive wineries throughout the state. The Hoover’s commitment to producing only the finest quality fruit reflects in the excellence of Still Waters wines as well as the wineries to which they sell their fruit.

The wine making process here at Still Waters is a year-round art with a commitment to the vines. Paul feels the entire process centers on the attention to the details: beginning in February with winter pruning focusing on shoot positioning and the perfect balance of the vines, to spring time shoot thinning and early summer leafing for proper sun exposure, to hand-harvesting at just the optimum sugar level and fruit maturity. Once in the winery, the winemaking process is centered on very small 100- gallon open top fermentors using gravity and Mother Nature to move and rack the wine.

The hands-on approach to farming practiced at Still Waters Vineyards reflects the underlying concept the family has had from the beginning: “Be small, have fun and focus on quality!”

Donation of

STILL WATERS
Creston, California
AND
LARRY SHUPNICK
Avila Beach, California

LOT 65

Dinner for Eight People at Still Waters Winery in Creston, Prepared by Cliffs Resort Executive Chef, Greg Wangard, Featuring Still Waters’ Superb Wines and Wines Twenty Years Old or Older from Wine Classic Founding Director, Larry Shupnick’s, Cellar

As those of you who attended the Wine Classic last year, or the previous three years, are aware, long-time friends and associates Larry Shupnick and Paul Hoover are associated once again with a wonderful vineyard and winery project in the Creston area east of Paso Robles. Paul has created a stunningly beautiful venue for food and wine, and the resultant wines are gaining high accolades from an array of prominent wine critics. As you now know, we are proud to say that Still Waters is a part of the Classic Cuvée Program this year, creating a beautiful Bordeaux varietal blend with Chateau Margene.

Renowned gourmet and superior home chef, Larry, who was not only a Founding Director of the Central Coast Wine Classic but also was the National Bailli (president) of the Confrerie de la Chaine de Rotisseurs, is going to make the culinary arts manifest.

Larry is also going to make the vinous arts manifest as he shares with the winning bidders treasures from his venerable and perfectly maintained cellar. The wines that he has collected prior to the mid-eighties would cause any aficionado to stand and take note, and the ones he has gathered since are equally noteworthy. Enjoy with Paul and Larry the fruition of this exciting and extraordinary property in the Paso Robles appellation.

Donation of

JOSEPH & PAT HARBISON
Sacramento, California

LOT 66

A Magnum Collection of Extremely Rare Harbison Central Coast & Napa Valley Bottlings, Including:

• One Magnum of Harbison 2005 Napa Valley Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon from a Total Production of Six Barrels
• One Magnum of Harbison Le Bon Climat Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay from a One Barrel Production by Jim Clendenen
• One Magnum of Harbison 2005 Auction Napa Valley One of a Kind Blend of only Twenty Cases (The 10 Cases that Were Donated to the Auction Garnered Bids of $30, 000!)
• An Additional Six Bottles of the Aforementioned Wine & a Place on the Harbison Mailing List for the Estate 2008 “Scheming Legal, ” to be Released in 2011or 2012

Attorney Joe Harbison and his wife, Pat are among the most noteworthy wine collectors in California. Their cellar contains many of the “Cult” wines that have become famous, rare and pricey. They have created their own cult wine which is produced in very small quantities.

The winery building in the heart of the Napa Valley on the Silverado Trail next to Screaming Eagle is in the process of completion.

This offering consists of Magnums of very rare wines, including their own, as well as a place on the Harbison mailing list, one that is certain to be filled.

Joe has also been, for many years, the driving force behind the successful Make a Wish Foundation Auction in Sacramento, and he is always a generous and enthusiastic bidder at other charity wine auctions.

Donation of

THE GUILD OF SOMMELIERS
San Francisco, California

LOT 67

“Masters at Morton’s”

The Guild of Sommeliers Will Break Open Their Cellar and Send Two Master Sommeliers to Host Five Couples for Dinner at Morton’s the Steakhouse. You Choose the Morton’s Location, and the Masters Will Come to Host the Evening with a Case of Library Wines to Enjoy with the Meal. To Commemorate the Evening, the Winning Bidder Will Take Home a Double Magnum of Domaine du Pegau, Chateauneuf du Pape 1995, Signed by Some of the Country’s Most Influential Sommeliers, Including the Godfather of Master Sommeliers, Fred Dame and the 2009 Winner of the Best Young Sommelier in America Competition, Jason Heller. The Dinner must take place on a date that is mutually agreeable for all parties.

Fred Dame, the Founder of the Guild of Sommeliers has led a storied existence in wine appreciation, and the Guild Cellar is a manifestation of his interest. It is Replete with Great Wines, and this dinner will have them. And you will have two master Sommeliers to handle the wine service! Domaine de Pegau is a superb, collectible Rhone, and to receive in the rare large format, signed by Fred Dame and other master Sommeliers is truly unique and makes the bottle even more collectible.

“The formal establishment of the Guild of Sommeliers in the United States follows twenty-five years of work by the Court of Master Sommeliers in this country. There will now be a membership organization for all Levels of the Master Sommelier Program to promote the knowledge and service of fine wine and cuisine. ” - Fred Dame, MS - President, Guild of Sommeliers

The Guild of Sommeliers is a non-profit, member-run organization, committed to excellence measures, development, inspiration and exchange of information for wine service professionals and wine enthusiasts across the U. S. Through our online community and in-person events, we aim to help our members broaden their knowledge of the world’s wine regions, enhance their beverage service skills, network with other wine enthusiasts and stay up-to-date on industry news and trends.

The U. S. chapter of the Guild of Sommeliers was founded in 2003 by a group of Master Sommeliers led by Fred Dame, one of America’s first Master Sommeliers. The Guild of Sommeliers, like the Court of Master Sommeliers, originated in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1953, the Guild’s goal was then, and remains now, to educate and reward those in the beverage service industry. “Our Foundation encourages the ongoing education of sommeliers by offering financial aid and supporting enrichment programs. In 2008 we granted scholarships totaling more than $100, 000. ” - Blakesley Chappellet - Executive Director, Guild of Sommeliers

Donation of

ALPHA OMEGA WINERY
St. Helena, California

LOT 68

“A Day on the Bay in San Francisco. ”

Three Couples Will Join Alpha Omega (Napa Valley) Owners, Robin Baggett and Michelle Fields, for a Day on the Bay in San Francisco on Their 60-foot Yacht.

This amazing lifestyle and wine lot is courtesy of Robin Baggett, whose influence on the Central Coast is profound, and who has now created a very special wine property in the heart of the Napa Valley. With the renowned wine consultant from France, Michel Roland, assisting in the winemaking direction, the wines of Alpha Omega are already garnering scores in the mid-90s, a remarkable feat for such a young winery venture.

This offering includes meeting a couple of Robin’s famous friends, former baseball stars Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper, who are held in the highest esteem as athletes and as baseball analysts and announcers.

Your day will begin at Pier 39 in San Francisco, where you will board USS Alpha Omega for a cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Angel Island and Alcatraz, all the while enjoying brunch and Alpha Omega wines from the BBQ on the yacht’s flybridge.

You will end up at AT&T Park where Mike Krukow, Giants Broadcaster and partner in Alpha Omega, will take you on the field for pre-game batting practice. After batting practice, you will enjoy the game in some of the best seats in the house and during the game you will be invited to the broadcast booth to visit with Krukow and Duane Kuiper while they give their insights into the game.

Following the game, you will reboard the yacht for a cruise to Cavallo Point between the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito at historic Fort Baker where Joseph Humphrey, two-star Michelin rated chef, will prepare a special five course meal at Murray Circle. At dinner you will be joined by Jean Hoefliger, Alpha Omega’s winemaker, formally with Newton Vineyards and Lynch-Bages. There will be plenty of Alpha Omega wines served all day and at dinner.

In addition, you will receive a vertical of Alpha Omega’s Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 in a wooden box.

The components of this Auction Lot are wholly remarkable. What a day and evening it will be! The activities must be scheduled at the mutual convenience of all parties.

Donation of

LOUISE LACHANCE LEGAULT
St. Anicet, Quebec, Canada

LOT 69

“Sax and Wine, ” a Mixed Media Art Work by Louise Lachance Legault

Louise Lachance Legault comes to us through her dear friend who is also a long-time friend of the Central Coast Wine Classic, San Luis Obispo artist, Joanne Ruggles. Like Joanne, Louise extracts emotion from color and context to create art works that seem to come alive. You can see motion and hear the music in this marvelous mixed media piece.

Louise was born in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, and started very early to draw and paint. She attended Concordia University of Montreal, where she graduated with distinction in Fine Arts, majoring in painting and printmaking. She has taken and given many workshops in Watermedia, Mixed-media, Watercolour, Printmaking, Monotype, in Canada and the United States all of which influence her art form. Louise has taught Creativity for 50 years to children in private and public schools and to adults in her private studio. Music is a great part of her life: she plays the piano and listens to many forms of music, especially opera.

Louise is a Signature member of La Société canadienne de l’aquarelle, member of the Federation of Canadian Artist, member of Le regroupement des Artistes en Arts Visuels du Québec, member and founder of Arts’ Mana, member of Ottawa mixed media artists, The National Watercolor Associate Member and Valedar in Valleyfield.

Passionate exuberant experimentalisms are the words that summarize her Art. Art is passion, and she lives this passion intensively. “I paint, I experiment, I search for things, I work hard, I love it and I do it all with exuberance. ”

AND
Donation of

MARTIN & WEYRICH WINERY
Paso Robles, California
AND
MIDNIGHT CELLARS
Paso Robles, California

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Large-Format Bottle, One Nine-Liter Salmanazar, Three Magnums & Six 750 ml Bottles, Containing a One-of-a-Kind Blend of Paso Robles Italian Varietals & Cabernet Sauvignon from Martin & Weyrich and Midnight Cellars The Commemorative Bottle is Etched and Hand-Painted with the Commemorative Art Work of Louise Lachance Legault by Glass Etching Artist and the Wine Classic’s Official Bottle Artist, Candice Norcross.

AND
Donation of

VILLA TOSCANA
Paso Robles, California

This lot also affords the opportunity for the winning bidders to come to Paso and stay at one of the most extraordinary properties on the Central Coast. It includes the following Paso Robles Wine Country experience in that no other package can offer! Martin & Weyrich Winery and the Villa Toscana is pleased to provide you with a Two Nights’ stay in the elegant Winemaker’s Residence for Two Couples.

You will experience an opulence you won’t soon forget with this package! Villa Toscana is reminiscent of a small Italian village with an intimate bistro exclusive to guests. Guests can enjoy a lavish breakfast in this elegant bistro or choose to dine on the patio overlooking the gardens and imported fountain. In the afternoon guests can enjoy a selection of Martin & Weyrich wines and complimentary hors d’oeuvres, which may include a sampling of Quail, Garlic Prawns Toscana, Roast Rack of New Zealand Lamb, Smoked Salmon, Gourmet Cheeses, Soy Mirin Duck, Halibut Crostini, Phyllo Wrapped Baked Brie and much more.

As well as the two night’s stay, the two couples will be “wined” with Martin & Weyrich wines and York Mountain wines! The package also includes a complimentary VIP tour and tasting with Winemaker, Craig Reed.

Donation of

JAMES LAUBE
WINE SPECTATOR
Napa, California
ARCHIE MCLAREN
WINE INDULGENCE
Avila Beach & Big Sur, California
AND
LA TOQUE RESTAURANT
Rutherford, California

LOT 70

A Multi-Course Vertical Marcassin Pinot Noir Dinner for Eight People at La Toque Restaurant in Napa, Hosted by Jim & Archie &Presenting Blue Slide Ridge Vineyard & Marcassin Vineyard Pinot Noir from the 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 & 2003 Vintages, as well as Marcassin Chardonnay to Begin the Proceedings

Wine Spectator Senior Editor, Jim Laube, is a studious man who hangs out and tastes wine in the Napa Valley, where fine wine is produced. Archie McLaren is a peripatetic indulger who hangs out in places where fine wine is shared. Together, they have “Analyzed” a fair country amount of excellent wine, and they have, on occasion, done so together. Each has a great fondness for Marcassin’s wines and find them to be rich and luscious while being both redolent of terroir and sometimes metaphysical.

If you haven’t heard of Helen Turley, or tasted one of her wines, you’ve definitely not been paying close enough attention to the wines coming out of California in the last 10 years. She is arguably one of the most influential winemakers in the business, receiving critical acclaim for almost every wine she touches. Aside from her own boutique winery, Marcassin, which she runs with husband John Wetlaufer, Helen has been the consulting winemaker for some of the best wineries in the country – Colgin, Bryant Family, Martinelli – just to name a few.

Marcassin (French for ‘young wild boar’) is a VERY small winery – in fact it’s so small that the wines have actually been made at the Martinelli winery in Russian River Valley. Located on the Sonoma Coast, the Marcassin vineyard is planted to 50/50 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and is about 10 acres in size. Fruit for the other vineyard designated wines is sourced from other neighboring vineyards. Marcassin will always be a small winery; John & Helen feel the perfect size is 100 barrels, enough for 2, 500 cases.

Helen’s winemaking philosophy is simple: great vineyards, meticulously farmed, limited yield, long hang time and natural yeast. She approaches every project with these same priorities.

Find out first hand with these two relatively unbiased wine geeks what the Marcassin allure is all about, and enjoy an array of subjects both related and unrelated to fine wine. You may anticipate the cuisine being equally as special as the wine and conversation.

Wine Spectator once ranked La Toque among the top twenty restaurants in America. If anything, it is even better now, and its new quarters in the heart of Napa are extremely well designed for ambiance and enjoyment. According to Wine Spectator, “Even among chefs cooking in wine country, Ken Frank has an extraordinary interest in wine, and it shows in his food. Frank’s flavor and texture palette relies on classically French techniques, which he caries with an American sense of freedom and whimsy. The results take to wine as seamlessly as Frank’s light, fragile hollandaise sauce melds to white asparagus in one of the chef’s perfectly rendered dishes. . . for a complete food and wine experience, no restaurant in Napa Valley can match La Toque. Frank’s food is impeccable, and the servers handle the complex menu options with aplomb. ”

The dinner must take place within one year of the date of this auction. Gratuities are not included with the dinner.

Donation of

JEAN HURD
Pebble Beach, California
CHEF WENDY BRODIE
Carmel Highlands, California
AND
GLENN & SUE HAMMER
Monterey, California

LOT 71

A Gourmet Dinner for Ten People at “Cheval Blanc” the Pebble Beach Estate of Jean Hurd, Hosted by Jean and Archie McLaren, Prepared by Chef Television Personality, Wendy Brodie, with Wines from Robert Talbott Winery, Pisoni Vineyard, Bernardus & Chappellet, as well as a Port from Jean’s Remarkable Hand-Hewn Wine Cellar. The Next Morning, You Will be Treated to a Comprehensive Brunch at the Home of Glenn and Sue Hammer, Prepared by Gourmet Glenn.

Cheval Blanc is an absolutely gorgeous home with amazing views of the ocean beyond Cypress Point Beach. In fact, you can hear the waves from the Estate. The home is furnished in collectibles, including antiques, fine art, oriental rugs and other remarkable objects of art. Jean is a most gracious host, and she will explain the origins and significance of as many of these items as possible while you sip Champagne.

Celebrated California Artist/Chef Wendy Brodie is known for her creative style with food, presentation and table decor. In fact, she is often described as an artist whose medium is food. She has her own local weekly television show, “Art of Food, ” broadcast daily on Comcast cable and is also viewed weekly on Public Television stations nationwide in the United States and Canada.

A graduate of the first class of the California Culinary Academy of San Francisco, Brodie has held executive chef positions at prestigious world-class resorts, including the Preserve at Rancho San Carlos, where she developed her own innovative style of ranch cuisine, Stonepine Inn and Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch, all in Carmel Valley. Brodie, who was born in San Francisco and grew up there and in Palo Alto, has written food columns, lectured and demonstrated cooking and tabletop designs at such venues as Filoli Center, Macys, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus. She has been a guest chef, developing menus to represent California cuisine, at numerous four and five-star hotels in Europe and the Jockey Club in Hong Kong. Wendy has sailed with the Crystal Cruise Line as their Celebrity Guest Chef.

She has cooked for and with numerous celebrity chefs including Julia Child, Jacques Pepin, Roy Yamaguchi, Paul Prudhomme and Martha Stewart. She has also been a guest chef at the Master’s of Food and Wine in Carmel and the Monterey Wine Festival. She is one of the featured chefs in the Masters of Food and Wine cookbook. In 1991 Brodie was selected to attend Madeleine Kamman’s graduate program at the School for American Chefs at Berringer Wine Estates and has been inducted as an honorary member of the American Academy of Chefs of the American Culinary Federation. She was awarded the 1982 Chef-of-the-Year of the Monterey Peninsula. Currently she gives classes of her artful style with food, table décor and entertaining in her demonstration kitchen in the Carmel Highlands. She also teaches cooking classes as team-building and spousal programs.

Brodie is affiliated with The Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, Les Toques Blanches, Knights of the Vine, American Institute of Wine & Food, International Wine and Food Society, American Culinary Federation and has been an officer and board member of several of them.

In other words, the dinner will be wondrous as will Wendy’s presence. The wines will speak for themselves as perfect accompaniments to Wendy’s cuisine. Glenn Hammer is a gourmet wine guy of the highest order, having been involved for many years with such organizations as the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, among others. He has one of the most engaging personalities you will ever have the pleasure of encountering. Brunches at Glenn and Sue’s home are held in reverence by those who have been treated to them.

Donation of

MARTINE SAUNIER
MARTINE’S WINES
Novato, California

LOT 72

Dinner for Eight People with Martine Saunier, Featuring Fine Wines of the Superb French Properties in Her Portfolio, Including Domaine Leroy, Domaine Perrot-Minot & Domaine D’Auvenay from Burgundy & Chateau Rayas from the Rhone

Martine is a long-time friend of Lalou Bize-Leroy, who owns Domaine Leroy in Burgundy, for whom she has importing Domaine Leroy wines for many years. Martine has been called “San Francisco’s premier wine maven, ” and you will be amazed by her experience and knowledge, as well as the quality of these wines and the dinner conversation at her home in Tiburon or at a special near-by fine dining establishment.

The wines above indicated are some of France’s most sought-after, Martine will present them and describe them as only she is able.

Donation of

THE THIRD ANNUAL PEBBLE BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL,
DAVE BERNAHL & ROBERT WEAKLEY, DIRECTORS
Pebble Beach, California

LOT 73

Two Imperial Packages to the 2010 Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, Which Gives You Unprecedented Access to 14 of the Exclusive Events, Including Tastings & Dinners

This event has just completed its second year, and those of us who know what comprehensive wine events seek to be and sometimes are, can say that it is one of the most extraordinary showcases of food and wine on the planet. What Dave and Robert have envisioned is remarkable, and it even more remarkable that their vision has achieved fruition. What an event! Wow!

As if the Pebble Beach settings at the Lodge at Pebble Beach and the Inn at Spanish bay were not sufficient, tastings Presented at this Stunningly Opulent Event in 2008 Featured: among others, Far Niente, Au Bon Climat, Colgin, 1959 Bordeaux, Tignanello, Domaine Leroy & a Vertical of Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal. Dinners Included a Louis Roederer Cristal Menu from Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin in New York City. Other chefs at the event included Rick Tramonto, Thomas Keller, Hubert Keller, Jean Joho, Claudine Pepin, Craig Von Foerster, Sylvain Portay, Cat Cora, Cal Stamenov, David Kinch, etc. etc. etc. The list goes on and on…

Even the Public Tastings are stupendous with dozens of wineries and food stations that are presented by top chefs. No other event presents such a comprehensive array for a public tasting.

The Imperial Package is the ne plus ultra of the proceedings, as it allows you the Luxury of attending 14 Exclusive Events, Including special tastings and dinners. And it is Expensive, and it is Worth It, but you can Make It Happen here and now. Dates for the 2010havenot yet been released, but it is anticipated that it will once again take place in April.

Donation of

JOHN & LAURIE TILSON
Monterey, California

LOT 74

Dinner for Eight People In the Montecito Estate of John & Laurie Tilson, Featuring Rare & Venerable Bordeaux & Burgundy Wines, and Perhaps Even a Few from California, from John’s Incredible Collection

John Tilson, former Editor of The Underground Wine Journal, is one of the most prominent collectors in America, and his support of exceptional cutting-edge wineries such as Diamond Creek, Mount Eden and Ridge is legendary among aficionados. John’s offering to the Wine Classic for special dinners with the Winemakers, featuring multiple bottles of these rare and expensive wines is most generous, and we are deeply appreciative.

This year, John is offering in the dining room of the Tilson’s exquisite Estate in the hills of Montecito, the quintessential aficionado dinner with extraordinary Bordeaux & Burgundy wines from venerable vintages. This is a wine collectors’ dream dinner that is not to be missed. The visit to the stunning wine cellar is a concomitant to remarkably comprehensive food and wine experience.

In the cellar lie wines of the greatest wine properties in the world. John’s collection is simply too comprehensive to be described. This wine dinner in the home of one of America’s greatest collectors will be as well!

Donation of

LORI ANN DAVID
Santa Barbara, California

LOT 75

“Vertical Horse, ” an Art Work Consisting of Steel Frame, Ceramic and Glass Tile, Stones & Leather, by Lori Ann David. Dimensions: 7' tall, 7' long, 21/2' wide

Lori Ann David is an amazing individual, well-educated with comprehensively diverse interest and talents and an embracing sociological construct, a Renaissance Woman in every sense of the word.

Lori Ann’s work is an ongoing synthesis of her lifetime of creativity in the renaissance arts. She began at an early age sewing with her Sicilian grandmother and mother, noted seamstresses, making shoes with her grandfather and his contemporaries. Always one for original fashion, this gave way to her own original couture, which remains to this day. Never one to stop learning or creating, she has mastered most skills and techniques that are required to create anything.

In her early days of farming on a Pacific Northwest island, she learned to weld as a necessity, while driving tractors and combines, haying, raising grain crops, cattle, sheep, poultry, organic crops and products, all the while running a successful custom shoemaking studio.

This led the way to be coming one of the most highly sought after designers and fabricators of Topiary, the art of living sculpture. Thousands of shapes, displays, gardens and installations later, Lori Ann started experimenting with these steel welded forms, adding either fiberglass, ferro-cement or other permanent shaping exteriors, and adding ceramic tiles, handmade tiles, glass, mirror, semi-precious stones, stones, and other materials.

These sculptures are made to be interior or exterior, are completely water-proof, and are all structural climbing objects. According to lori Ann, “If you can imagine it, it can be made. ”

AND
Donation of

DOUG MARGERUM
MARGERUM WINE COMPANY
Los Olivos, California

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Large-Format Bottle, One Nine-Liter Salmanazar, Three Magnums & Six 750 ml Bottles, Containing a One-of-a-Kind Cuvée of Santa Barbara County Rhone Varietals from Doug Margerum

The Commemorative Bottle is Etched and Hand-Painted with the Commemorative Art Work of Lori Ann David by Glass Etching Artist and the Wine Classic’s Official Bottle Artist, Candice Norcross.

In the Wine Classic’s early years, Doug, Jim Clendenen and Bob Lindquist were inseparable and always came together to the Wine Classic, Jim and Bob to present their fine wines, and Doug to support them and to promote his up-and-coming culinary destination, The Wine Cask, located in the heart of Santa Barbara. For the entire span of his ownership of The Wine Cask, Doug donated cellar raid dinners hosted by him at the restaurant. These dinners became one of the Auction’s most popular offerings. Doug also was a spirited bidder who supported his vintner friends and the Wine Classic by enthusiastically placing winning bids every year at the Auction.

It is a great pleasure once again to share the Wine Classic’s activities with Doug Margerum, a member of our Wine Classic family!

Donation of

MEADOWOODNAPAVALLEY
St. Helena, California;
AUBERGEDUSOLEIL
St. Helena, California
LATOQUERESTAURANT
Napa, California;
FARNIENTEWINERY
Oakville, California;
ALPHA/OMEGA
Rutherford, California;
VINEYARD29
St. Helena, California;
HALLWINERY
St. Helena, California
SCHRAMSBERGVINEYARDS
Calistoga, California;
VIADERVINEYARDS&WINERY
Deer Park, California;
HARLANESTATE
Oakville, California
DIAMONDCREEKWINERY
Calistoga, California;
CHAPPELLETWINERY
St. Helena, California;
SHAFERVINEYARDS,
Napa, California;
VIADERVINEYARDS
Deer Park, California;
BILLSHEA
San Francisco, California
AND
ARCHIEMCLAREN&CARISSACHAPPELLET
Avila Beach & St. Helena, California

LOT 76

“The Napa Valley at its Most Indulgent & Edifying, ” for Two People, a Cornucopia of Pleasures as Guests of the Properties Heretofore Listed, Including a Room for Two Nights & Dinner for Two or Four at Meadowood Napa Valley; a Room for Two Nights & Dinner for Two or Four at Auberge du Soleil; a Tour & Tasting at Alpha/Omega with Winery; a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Appellation Tasting Presented by Master Sommelier Gilles de Chambure at Meadowood; a Five-Course Dinner with Wine Pairing for Four at La Toque; a Friday Luncheon for Four at Far Niente (April through October), a Tour & Tasting at Vineyard 29, a Tour & Tasting at Hall Winery, a Tour & Tasting at Viader Vineyards and a Tour & Tasting at Chappellet Winery on Pritchard Hill

Also included are Rare Napa Valley Wines in Large Formats as follows: One Magnum of 1999 Diamond Creek Vineyards Lake Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon One Magnum of 2005 Napa Valley Harlan Estate One Magnum of 2000 Hundred Acre One Double Magnum of 2004 Viader Napa Valley One Double Magnum of 2005 Araujo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the Wine Cellar of Bill Shea One Imperial of 1998 Shafer Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot

The Central Coast Wine Classic’s “Napa Valley at Its Most Indulgent & Edifying” Excursion has taken on legendary status, with visits to and wines from many of the Valley’s most hallowed properties. Comments have ranged from “Wow!” to “I’ve never seen anything quite like this!” to “I’ve never experienced anything quite like this!” Now it’s your turn!

Donation of

STEVE & JUDY PADIS
PADIS JEWELRY PLU S& PADIS VINEYARDS
San Francisco and Napa, California

LOT 77

The Very First Bottle from Only One Single Barrel of the First Vintage of Padis Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, One Etched & Hand-Painted Imperial from the 2007 Vintage. The “I” in Padis is Dotted with a Diamond.

Long-time Central Coast Wine Classic patrons, donors and bidders, Steve and Judy Padis, are serious cabernet sauvignon aficionados. As you will recall, they are the traditional hosts of the Napa Valley Cult Cabernet Dinner Auction Lot. They have collected an impressive amount of fine Cabernet from revered wineries in the valley, and now they have their own exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon.

However, there was only One Barrel of this Wine! And it is Not Commercially Available, Not for Sale! This wine is reserved for three purposes: Family, Friends and the Central Coast Wine Classic Auction. The terroir whence the grapes for this rare and special wine is a severe hillside vineyard of 14 acres adjacent to the Padis home in Napa. The spacing is a very tight 3 feet by 3 feet.

The 2007 harvest was a terrific one in the Napa Valley, with high scores from all of the wine pundits. The harvest was even more wonderful for Steve and Judy, as it took place on October 15, 2007, their Anniversary! The 2008 vintage, another excellent one in the Napa Valley will provide the grapes for their first release, but Enjoy This Vintage Now, and Enjoy the Bottle Art and the Diamond as well; No One Has Seen a Bottle Such as This One!

The Following Three Lots Offer the Napa Valley’s Most Sought-After Wines. They Are Both Venerable and Cult, and You Will Not Find These So Offered at Other Charitable Wine Auctions. The Theme is Mountain Vineyards of the East Side of the Napa valley, Including the Pritchard Hill Area and Angwin.

Donation of

DUNN VINEYARDS
Angwin, California;
COLGIN CELLARS
St. Helena, California;
DAVID ARTHUR VINEYARDS
St. Helena, California
AND
CHAPPELLET WINERY
St. Helena, California

LOT 78

One Etched, Hand-Painted and Numbered Double Magnum of Colgin Cellars Herb Lamb Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

One Imperial of 2006 David Arthur Vineyards Elevation 1147 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Signed by the Vintner

One Etched, Hand-Painted and Signed Imperial of 2007 Chappellet Winery Pritchard Hill Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

One Etched, Hand-Painted, Numbered & Signed Imperial of 2006 Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Yes, these really are being offered as one lot! Not only does this not happen anywhere, but also the offerings of each winery are the very finest that each winery has to offer.

Bottles of Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard in 750ml formats are few and are very collectible. Large formats are almost never seen. David Arthur’s 1147 is the pinnacle of his Pritchard Hill Area fruit come to fruition as a most rare and special wine. Chappellet is the progenitor of Pritchard Hill, the first winery to reside there and the one that brought the terroir to international prominence. Dunn is a cult legend that has defined the terroir at Angwin as no other winery there has. Collect, admire, savor and enjoy!

Donation of

ARCHIE MCLAREN
Avila Beach & Big Sur, California
AND
THE CENTRAL COAST WINE CLASSIC

LOT 79

A Triple Vertical of Cult Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, One Bottle Each of the Following: Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from 1999 through 2005 Bryant Family Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from 1999 through 2005 Harlan Estate Napa Valley Red Wine from 1999 through 2005 Total of Twenty-One Bottles

Obviously, these extraordinary, mailing-list-only wines are highly prized. Just to give you an example of the ratings, 2000 Bryant, not a well-respected vintage in the Napa Valley, received 95 points and the 2002 and 2003 received 96 points each from the Wine Advocate. Amazingly, Colgin’s scores were even higher! And Harlan is considered by many aficionados to be the best of the three.

But who would argue which is better or best? All three are profound.

Donation of

ARCHIE MCLAREN
Avila Beach & Big Sur, California
AND
THE CENTRAL COAST WINE CLASSIC

LOT 80

A Vertical Grace Family Vineyard Dinner for Ten People at either Patina in Los Angeles, Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, or Restaurant Gary Danko in San Francisco California, Hosted by Archie McLaren and Featuring the 1994 through 2005 Vintages, a Total of Twelve Vintages. Seats at this Dinner are $750 Per Person; however, We Will Hammer the Lot for One Bidder for a Bid of $10, 000 or Higher!

Grace Family Vineyard, the vision and actuality of Dick Grace in St. Helena, is one of the truly remarkable success stories of the Charity Wine Auction scene, as Dick’s wine is often the most highly sought-after at charity wine events.

It may be because Dick and his wife, Ann, are very altruistic when it comes to certain causes involving children and indigenous cultures, particularly that of Tibet, where the Graces have contributed greatly to the establishment of hospitals.

Patina is the brainchild of world-class chef, Joachim Splichal, and has been the favorite of Los Angeles gourmets for years. Joachim has favored the Wine Classic on many occasions, including being one of the first chefs ever to participate in the Vintage Dinner. That was in 1986! Post Ranch Inn is home to one of America’s finest chefs, Craig Von Foerster, who has been a star for the Central Coast Wine Classic on several occasions, including a wonderful Cooking Demonstration and Luncheon last year. Gary Danko has, without the collaboration of other celebrity chefs, presented a fantastic Wine Classic Dinner at Hearst Castle. His restaurant is considered by Bay Area gourmets to be among the top two or three restaurants in San Francisco.

Archie will collaborate with you to pick the venue that is the consensus favorite. The dinner will be fantastic, and if Grace family Vineyard’s wines achieve their reputation, so will they! The evening will begin with Schramsberg Sparkling wine, and the first course will be matched with Aubert Chardonnay, two world-class California stars.

Gratuity is not included with this offering.

Donation of

ADAM LICSKO
Cambria, California

LOT 81

“Vines on the Edge, ” a 30" x 40" Oil on Canvas by Adam Licsko

The amazing expression of color in this art work brings out the physical and the metaphysical qualities of the depicted terroir in ways that very few artists, particularly one so young, can accomplish. Adam’s technique leads to impressions that are so powerful on so many levels that they are reminiscent in some ways of the works of the great landscape masters; however, his work manifests something above and beyond, and that manifestation is that they are deeply and uniquely of him.

This work, as are all of Adam’s creations, is truly special. Adam made a very large impression on Wine Classic Chairman, Archie McLaren, and it was only a newspaper reproduction, and a very small one at that, of one of Adam’s paintings that caught Archie’s eye.

One thing that is for sure about this 30- year-old artist from Cambria, California, is that his painting is a conscious force that really hums. Adam creates Colorscape that glorifies everything that is right about the spirit of the famed California landscape. In only five years as a professional artist, his unique minimalist style has attracted a devotee following.

In his short painting career he has been featured in many magazine and newspaper articles, his paintings have appeared three times in Art World News he has already had three one-man shows and has among his many collectors several major corporate collections including Nissan, Amgen, Seagate Technologies and State Farm. In 2005 he received his first patents for a brilliantly simple device, only 31/2"long, to help maintain proper posture while carrying heavy or awkward loads.

Adam’s painting continues to intensify after his recent move to a bluff top home and a new studio nestled among the hills and trees that supply the grand images found in many of his paintings. One thing that is for sure about this 30-year-old artist from Cambria, when you see one of his unique and powerful paintings you know it is an Adam Licsko.

AND
Donation of

DOUG BECKETT, JAKE BECKETT & JOSH BECKETT
PEACHY CANYON WINERY & CHRONIC CELLARS
Paso Robles, California

A 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Large-Format Bottle, One Nine-Liter Salmanazar, Three magnums & Six 750 ml Bottles, Containing a One-of-a-Kind Cuvee of Paso Robles Varietals by Josh Beckett

The Commemorative Bottle is Etched and Hand-Painted with the Commemorative Art Work of Adam Licsko by Glass Etching Artist and the Wine Classic’s Official Bottle Artist, Candice Norcross.

When Doug and Nancy Beckett, a couple of school teachers looking for a better life, moved to Paso Robles in 1982 with their two sons, Joshua and Jacob, they never knew the life they would lead today. The labels start came in 1988, thanks to a load of Zinfandel grapes from Benito Dusi’s vineyard. Though only amounting to a couple hundred cases, the premiere release centered the label’s reputation for premium red wines.

The winery is still headed by founding vintners Doug and Nancy, as well as the family’s second generation. After years away from home, both Josh and Jake returned to Paso Robles and Peachy Canyon to work for the family business.

At the start, the Becketts made their wines in a small winery adjacent to their home. But as demand grew, so did their need for space. So in 1999, they purchased a 20-year old winery on Nacimiento Lake Drive and moved their tasting room to the quaint Old School House.

Today, the Becketts brand has become nationally distributed in 49 states and select international destinations. This coming year production is set for 84, 000 cases, their largest production yet. In order to secure premium fruit, Peachy Canyon sources grapes from over twenty local growers in the Paso Robles AVA and 100 acres of their own vineyards.

Peachy Canyon fervently subscribes to the philosophy that great wine begins in the vineyards. The estate grapes grow in four separate and diverse vineyard locations. Snow vineyard in warm west Paso, Old School House vineyard in the coolest region of Templeton gap, Mustang Springs Ranch with 55 year old Zinfandel vines and Mustard Creek vineyard which wraps around the winery. The vineyards are all farmed using sustainable practices.

This success is thanks in large part to sons Josh and Jake, who work as head winemaker and national sales manager. Josh has been with the winery for nine years and has been the winemaker since 2003. Combining his varied experiences with different winemakers and regions, Josh keeps an open mind in order to create the most exciting wines possible.

Known primarily for its world famous Zinfandels, the Peachy Canyon portfolio includes a very diverse variety of handcrafted wines, produced in small batches: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Merlot, and Viognier.

The concept of Chronic Cellars came about in the midst of harvest in 2004. Jake and Josh Beckett had used the term “The Chronic” to describe likable objects before, but had never considered it a suitable descriptor for wine. They sat alongside the crush pad one evening in their wine-stained clothes and wet boots, laughing about the idea of a wine that targeted a casual lifestyle.

Jake and Josh were raised in the heart of Paso Robles wine country. Wine and the art of winemaking had been a part of their life since the early 80s. After graduating from college, they both returned to Paso Robles and joined the team at Peachy Canyon Winery. After a decade each of immersing themselves in all aspects of the wine industry, they decided to do their project. They wanted to try something new, and put the tools they had gathered to work on their dream. They had a vision and a desire to make their statement in the wine industry that they could not deny. After four years, Jake and Josh took their first step toward Chronic Cellars, and now they are first-rate producers of an array of wines including Zinfandel, Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Viognier, and Roussanne.

Donation of

THE INAUGURAL BIG SUR WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
Big Sur, California

LOT 82

A Deluxe, All-Inclusive Package for Two to the Inaugural Big Sur Food and Wine Festival to be Held on the Weekend of November 6th through November 8th Along the Remarkable Big Sur Coast.

Your package will include: Admittance to two panel tastings of your choice (Friday and Saturday).

Panels include:

Blind Faith – a blind tasting of Cabernets, featuring Paul Draper, Justin Baldwin, Carissa Chappellet and others

Rhone You Come Home To Me? – a Rhone varietal session, and Power Pinots, featuring Gary Franscioni, Josh Jensen and others.

Hiking With Stemware – a guided nature walk through stunning Rancho Rico – the private property of the Chappellet family, featuring a variety of the Chappellet wines. Three stations will be set up in the forest and overlooking the mighty Pacific from 1200' directly above the water, followed by lunch. A local noted natural historian will explain the flora and fauna of Big Sur as you sip your way through Paradise! (Saturday 11:30-1:30)

The Grand Public Tasting – to be held at the Big Sur Lodge in the Pfeiffer big Sur State Park, featuring over 30 wineries from the Central Coast, and local chefs. (Saturday 12-3)

Dinner With Friends – a Benefit For Big Sur, to be held at the newly renovated Restaurant at Ventana Inn and Spa, including a reception and Live Auction. Our featured chefs are Cal Stamenov of Bernardus Lodge and Mark Ayers of the Highlands Inn. We are greatly honored to have Paul Draper of Ridge Vineyards present to pour his personal choice with the entrée, and also wines of Talbott, River Ranch, Justin, Bernardus and Chappellet .

The organizers of the Big Sur Wine & Food festival are among the most dedicated, interesting and interactive people you will ever meet. They include Central Coast Wine Classic family, such as sommeliers Toby Roland-Jones, Aengus Wagner and Alicia Hahn, General Manager of Post Ranch Inn, Dan Priano and General Manger of Ventana Inn, Tina Harlow. The chefs include 2008 Wine Classic Cooking Demonstration chef, Craig Von Foerster of Sierra Mar at Post Ranch, as well as this year’s Cooking Demonstration and Hearst castle Dinner Chef, Cal Stamenov of Marinus restaurant at Bernardus Lodge. This is going to be a wondrous event! Your weekend accommodations are courtesy of Archie McLaren and Carissa Chappellet at the gorgeous Rancho Rico next to Post Ranch Inn. Bring your hiking shoes and binoculars!

Donation of

THE HIGH MUSEUM OF ART WINE AUCTION
Atlanta, Georgia
AND
PATRON SPONSORS OF THE CENTRAL COAST WINE CLASSIC

LOT 83

High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction, March, 2010, for One Couple, Including Three Nights’ Accommodations & Dinner for Two at the Host Hotel, the Dinner Courtesy of the Central Coast Wine Classic

We are most pleased to interact with several outstanding charitable wine auctions throughout the United States. In fact, the Wine Classic was the first charity wine auction in America to donate to another charity wine auction. One of the foremost is this very successful multi-day event which raises extremely beneficial funding for the wonderful for the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. This event recently topped Two Million Dollars in auction revenues and is one of the most comprehensive and exciting food and wine events in the United States.

Join hundreds of wine, food and art lovers at the 2009 High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction, the grand affair that has become Atlanta’s favorite rite of spring. It will be the Museum’s Seventeenth Annual wine auction, and as in every year past, it has grown in size, scope and popularity. The auction has grossed over fifteen million dollars in auction sales in just sixteen years, and ranks among the nation’s top five charity wine auctions. With sell-out crowds for the last twelve years, it is easily the top wine event in Atlanta and the largest fund-raiser for the High, the most important visual arts museum in the Southeast. Just to give you an idea of the prestige of the High, it has an exchange arrangement with the Louvre!

This auction lot offering is a Benefactor package plus embellishments. Included are reservations for two for:

Thursday evening Winemaker Dinner, held only in Atlanta’s most gracious homes Friday Gala Dinner/Dance & Lot Preview with Reception, an Elegant Dinner with Rhythmic Dance Music

Vintner’s Reception & Tasting and Live Auction on Saturday, with 100 World-Class Wineries and one of America’s most exciting and successful Charitable Auctions And, as guests of the High Museum Wine Auction, Three Nights’ Accommodations at the Host Hotel.

And as guests of the Wine Classic, Dinner for Two at the Four Seasons’ incredible Fine Dining Restaurant, or any other that suits your fancy.

You may expect to see many of your Central Coast vintner friends as well as those of our extended family of vintners from throughout California. Brian Talley, Brian Babcock, Bob Lindquist, Jim Clendenen and Tom and Marilyn Stolpman, among others, have been there. In fact, Bob and Jim have been honorees and featured speakers! You will gather under spectacular tents for the Friday evening Gala, a black-tie Dinner Dance that begins with a Sparkling Reception, when guests may preview Saturday’s auction lots and begin bidding on a special silent auction. During a lavish seated dinner, special guest vintners will continuously pour their most notable wines. The lively Gala includes festive dancing to rhythmic, high-spirited music into the night.

Saturday brings something for everyone. During the Vintners’ Reception, a wine and food extravaganza, guests may sip and sample to their tongue’s delight. On hand will be not only more than eighty world-class wineries, but twenty-five of Atlanta’s leading chefs (You should be advised that Atlanta is indeed a culinary Mecca in the South). Bidders can preview the upcoming live auction lots and bid continuously in the silent auction. Afterwards, nationally known auctioneers such as Michael Davis and Paul Hart of Hart, Davis & Hart will signal the bidding to begin for the live auction.

More than one hundred and twenty-five of the world’s leading vintners offer their finest wines for auction. Even prominent individual wine collectors have opened their personal cellars to contribute rare vintages. Included will be collectible bottles, large format and artist-enhanced bottles, futures, wines unavailable at retail, and vertical or horizontal collections. Also to be auctioned will be exclusive trips, dinners and winery tastings, as well as wine-related art.

This is a super event, and you need to go and enjoy it and the much-renowned Southern hospitality of Atlanta! Nuff said! And the Four Seasons, its accommodations and its dining room will truly impress you with its comprehensively edifying amenities.

The hotel stay does not include incidentals, and the dinner does not include alcoholic beverages and gratuity.

Donation of

SUB-ZERO
THROUGH
RIGGS DISTRIBUTING
Burlingame, California
AND
THE SAN LUIS OBISPO VINTNERS ASSOCIATION
San Luis Obispo, California

LOT 84

A Sub-Zero One Hundred Forty-Seven Bottle Wine Storage Unit Model 430 G/S

The Unit Will be Filled with the Fine Wines of the Member Wineries of the San Luis Obispo Vintners Association. Wine Classic Chairman, Archie McLaren, was so enamored of this model that one now graces Carissa and Archie’s home in Avila Beach.

The San Luis Obispo Vintners Association, which promotes the wines of South San Luis Obispo County, including Arroyo Grande and the Avila Valley, consists of 23 wineries, all of whom produce very good wines. In this collection from the Association, you will find Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, etc.

The terroir microclimates are suitable to an array of grape varieties. You need not worry about functional and efficient storage of this collection. Sub-Zero has entered the wine storage business, as you might expect, in a substantive way! Their wine storage units are, as all of their products, aesthetically wondrous and technically impeccable.

Model 430 is Sub-Zero’s largest Wine Storage unit with a capacity of one hundred forty-seven (750 ml) bottles. Two independent storage zones maintain the temperature and humidity that wine—and wine lovers—require, with two zones precisely controlled by microprocessors. Model 430 is available in the framed, overlay and stainless steel design applications and in three stainless steel finishes.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Overall Width 30"
Overall Height 84"
Overall Depth 24"
Wine Storage Capacity 147 bottles*
Finished Opening 291/2"Wx833/4"Hx24"
Glass Door Swing Clearance 301/8"

ACCESSORIES:
Louvered, panel and stainless steel
11" Heavy-duty classic stainless steel grille
Front and grille panels for framed design along with side panels for framed and stainless

Donation of

CANDICE NORCROSS
CANDICE NORCROSS DESIGN
Nipomo, California

LOT 85

“But Your Sun Rises Where My Sun Sets, ” A Plate Glass Art Piece Created by Candice Norcross

This absolutely gorgeous Art Piece has been Hand-Painted on the front and Airbrushed black on the back. It is Freestanding, supported by Polished Crystal Bases, and it is Etched on 1/2"glass with Polished Edges. The Dimensions are: 10. 5" High X 33" Long.

The Central Coast Wine Classic’s array of extraordinary artist bottles is a manifestation of Candice Norcross’s importance to our event! Candice Norcross of Northern Cross Design Studios in Nipomo has adorned a myriad of Wine Classic Commemorative bottles and the Classic Cuvées bottles, as well as the donations of a substantial number of Central Coast wineries, with her amazing etching and hand-painting. Now she is offering her own one-of-a-kind art work for our Auction. How very thoughtful and generous!

As a designer and artist Candice has combined over twenty-five years of graphic, commercial and textile art into a glass concept unlike any artist that you may have encountered. With a philosophy that anything can be reproduced on glass, she strives to recreate wine labels, or any art bottle concept, with meticulous attention to every detail. Candice’s specialty has become hand-painted reproductions of original and master artwork. Each one of her works is individually handmade, hand-painted, signed and numbered, further adding to the special nature of her creations.

Her winery clients have included: Adelaida, Arcadian, Artiste, Atlas Peak, Au Bon Climat, Baileyana, Beckmen, Brophy-Clark, Byron, Calzada Ridge, Cambria, Clos Mimi, Cold Heaven, Costa de Oro, Curtis, Domaine Alfred, Eberle, Edna Valley Vineyard, Ella, Daniel Roland Gehrs, Dark Star, Champagne Deutz, Diamond Creek, Dover Canyon, Duckhorn, Eberle, Fiddlehead, Firestone, Grey wolf, Hartley-Ostini, IO, Kynsi, Laetitia, Lane Tanner, Laverne, Lindemann’s, Martin-Weyrich, Meridian, Midnight Cellars, Mumm Napa Valley, Pacific Ridge, Peachy Canyon, Presidio, Qupé, Ross di Paso, Rusack, Saucelito Canyon, Schramsberg, Seven Peaks, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stephen Ross, Sunstone, Tablas Creek, Talley, The Vineyards at Royal Oaks, Tobin James, Tolosa, Villicana, Wedell, White Hawk, Wild Horse, Windemere, Windward, Wolff Vineyards, Zaca Mesa and many others.

Her commissioned works are created from an equally impressive list of clients, including the American Institute of Wine & Food, the San Luis Obispo Vintners & Growers Association, The San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival, The High Museum of Atlanta, the Napa Valley Wine Auction, the Morro Bay Harbor Festival and the Central Coast Wine Classic, to name but a few, as well as countless private collectors and individuals seeking art work for special occasions. Celebrity patrons of her work include Lance Armstrong, Madonna, Billy Joel, Joe Cocker, Pope John Paul II and Steve Wynn.

Some of those special occasions have come forth from the movie industry, where Candice has created bottle art work representing Sideways, the Gangs of New York, The Aviator, Finding Nemo and The Incredibles.

Candice’s etched design work on art glass has been exhibited in the Boston Museum of Fine Art and on the Christmas tree in the Blue Room of the White House. This unique, one-of-a-kind glass art work is most certainly a collectible as well.

Donation of

JIM CLENDENEN
AU BON CLIMAT
Santa Maria, California
FRANK OSTINI & GRAY HARTLEY
HITCHING POST HARTLEY-OSTINI
Buellton, California
BRIAN TALLEY
TALLEY VINEYARDS
Arroyo Grande, California
CHRISTIAN ROGUENANT
BAILEYANA WINERY
San Luis Obispo, California
AND
MARC GOLDBERG
WINDWARD VINEYARD
Paso Robles, California

LOT 86

The 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Magnums, Containing a One- of-a-Kind Blend of 2008 Vintage Central Coast Pinot Noir from and by Renowned Vintners & Winemakers, Jim Clendenen, Frank Ostini &Gray Hartley, Brian Talley, Christian Roguenant & Marc Goldberg, Each Magnum from a Total of Fifty Etched & Hand-Painted with the Twenty-Fifth Annual Central Coast Wine Classic Commemorative Art of Candice Norcross These Rare & Beautiful Magnum Bottles are Available at $200 per Bottle. Please Raise Your Paddle to Secure Your Commemorative Magnum!

This art work is truly a special painting from the creative energy of a most special artist, and the wine is from five of the Central Coast’s most heralded wine properties, all of whom over the years have been among the staunchest, most faithful, gracious and generous supporters of the Central Coast Wine Classic. This special Pinot Noir blend has been created especially as the Commemorative Wine for the 2009 Central Coast Wine Classic. It will be found only in these Fifty 2009 Commemorative Magnums.

Thank you for your gracious and generous bidding! To express our gratitude to the 2009 Auction’s Top Bidder, we are offering for that Individual Attendance for Two People (One Couple) at the Wondrous Yosemite Vintners’ Holidays Sessions, at the Extraordinary Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite, California. Lodging, Reception, Seminars and Gala Dinner Seats are included. Details May be Found in the Auction Addendum. Enjoy your Yosemite vacation. You have more than earned it!