An Australian record price was paid for an Imperial (six-litre) of 1998 Penfolds Grange at The Penfolds Barossa Rare Wine Auction in Nuriootpa today.


A Victorian man, believed to be bidding on behalf of an overseas buyer, paid A$71,040.00 for the wine, which is due for its Australian and international release this Thursday 1 May.


Auctioneer Colin Gaetjens from Oddbins said the result broke the previous record paid for a single Australian bottle of wine. The previous record was A$54,480.00 paid in January 2003 for another Imperial of 1998 Penfolds Grange.


“This sensational result is a combination of the rarity of Imperials, the excellent 1998 vintage, anticipation of the release of 1998 Penfolds Grange later this week and the exciting atmosphere at the Penfolds Barossa Rare Wine Auction”, he said.


Anticipation of the Thursday 1 May release of 1998 Penfolds Grange has been high since it received a 99-point review from wine critic Robert Parker.

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