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.
