Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/6221
10 / the tasting panel / january–february 2010 T he fi rst major auction held by Spectrum Wine Auctions took place November 20 and 21, 2009, at the St. Regis Monarch Bay in Dana Point, California and, simultane- ously, at Crown Wine Cellars in Hong Kong. The 689 lots brought in a total of $3,454,944 with 100% of lots sold. "We are very pleased with our fi rst live auction," said Spectrum Wine Auctions CEO Greg Roberts. "Buyers and consignors alike responded very well to our pre-auction techniques of a single estimate for each lot and as well as our unique 360-degree photos of a number of the lots." Top lots included a case of 1962 Romanée-Conti, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, which sold for $109,940 and a case of 2000 Château Lafl eur which went for $22,705. Spectrum is gearing up for the second major auction to be held at the same locations March 19 and 20, 2010. This auction will have as a major component wines from the collection of Aubrey McClendon, as did the November auc- tion. The second auction is expected to be at least as large as the fi rst, if not bigger. In addition, Spectrum Wine Auctions has inaugurated a series of on-line auctions that can be accessed through their website, www.spectrumwine.com. Visit the website for more information, to bid or to enquire about making a wine consignment. You can also contact Amanda Keston, Director of Client Services, at akeston@spectrumwine.com. Industry Spotlight Spectrum Wine Auctions' Debut Auction brings in Nearly $3.5 million Dos Equis "Game within the Game" winter Campaign just in Time for St. Patrick's Day: Paddy Irish Whiskey P ernod Ricard USA is bringing Paddy Irish Whiskey into the U.S. The limited-release extra smooth and mellow blend will hit the market in time for St. Patrick's Day. "It's a great time to intro- duce this storied Irish whiskey brand," said Wayne Hartunian, Brand Director Irish Whiskey for Pernod Ricard USA. "St. Patrick's Day—when sales of all things Irish hit their peak— is fast approaching, and Irish whiskey continues to defy all odds in this country by remain- ing the fastest growing spirits category, with growth of 22% in 2008, more than four times the rate of the next fastest category. This phenomenal growth in the U.S. is led by Jameson, which tops the charts as the fastest growing su- per-premium spirits brand overall. Paddy Irish Whis- key will be avail- able for a limited two-month period ending in March. Paddy's will be available in the 1.0 L size only, and will retail for a suggested price of $28.99. D os Equis is revealing the band's intriguing "Game within the Game" January through March. This consumer program is designed to capture the sports enthusiast's attention at grocery, liquor and c-store retailers. "We have created this program to drive display activation, purchase and trial of Dos Equis Lager and Ambar beer by appealing to sports-view- ing enthusiasts who want to make their social gatherings the most interesting and fun they can be," said Brett Steen, Channel Marketing Manager, Heineken USA. "The program includes all of the elements consumers will need to energize their parties during the winter sports season and provides our retail partners with the tools to provide added value to their customers and improve their own bottom line."