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The Board of Directors of Pride Mountain Vineyards today announced their intention to donate proceeds from the sale of an exceeding rare and desirable 9-liter bottle of the maker’s 2001 Reserve Cabernet to The Baton Rouge Area Foundation and the American Red Cross, the funds to be equally split between the organizations, supporting ongoing aid to the devastated region. According to the auctioneers Bonhams & Butterfields, a 9-liter bottle of this vintage has never-before been offered for sale.

In a statement released today, Pride family and staff stated:

"People donate to charity to help others, but also to feel that they are part of a solution. It is so easy to be overwhelmed by the images we see and the stories we read of the suffering of the people whose lives have been torn apart by this catastrophe. Obviously, we hope to raise as much money as we can for the relief effort by putting this rare bottle up for auction, but it is also enlivening to all of us at Pride to be able to do something that will help."

Bonhams & Butterfields, the West Coast’s leading fine arts auctioneers, offer fine wines to collectors and enthusiasts four to six times each year. The prized consignment of the very rare and first-ever Salamanzar (9-liter) will be a part of the Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005 Fine and Rare Wines auction to be simulcast between the auctioneer’s salesrooms in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Proceeds from the sale of this bottle will be donated to the relief efforts, as well, the auctioneers will donate their portion of related fees to the efforts.

The 2001 Reserve Cabernet was scored 99 points by Robert Parker. “This wine is one of the greatest in California and indeed the world,” says Bonhams & Butterfields’ Fine Wine Dept. Director Frank Martell. “The offering is remarkable to say the least, and a wonderful gesture in support of an on-going tragedy in the Southern US. We’re pleased to be able to assist and expect the wine community to be wholly supportive of this sale.

For more details visit the Bonhams web site.