Domestic Wine Star of the Show
Lot #19
Chalk Hill Clone Block Chardonnay, 6 x 750 ml, 2003

Sponsored by by Don & Marilyn Floberg and Prudential Floberg Realtors

In 1996, a high-quality Chardonnay vineyard block was planted to 17 different clones of Chardonnay for evaluation. The goal was to select the clones best suited to each particular site at Chalk Hill Estate in order to produce the best possible wine. This is an ongoing research project for viticulturist Mark Lingenfelder and his team.

From the 2003 vintage, winemaker Steven Leveque selected five of these clones to be vinified by identical methods, and then bottled as a demonstration of the varied nature of flavors and bouquet each clone possesses. He also put together a unique blend of four clones to demonstrate how the personalities of individual clones can complement each other in an estate blend. The clones selected for this were U.C. Davis numbers 15, 17, 22, 76 and 95. The set of six wines was specially bottled and is sold only as a set, so wine enthusiasts can compare and contrast the results. Only 224 six-bottle wood cases were produced - with only one six-bottle case coming to Montana. This wine is highly sought after due to its limited production.

International Star of the Show
Lot #34
Chateau Haut-Brion Graves Rouge, 12 x 750 ml, 2003

Sponsored by Lamplighter Square, LLC

Chateau Haut-Brion is one of five great vineyards whose wines are classified as "Premier grands crus classes" (first great growths), and the only one not located in the Medoc. The 2003 Graves Rouge exemplifies the great tradition of Haut-Brion. It is a blockbuster which possesses extremely high tannin, but that component is well concealed by a cascade of mulberry, blackberry, cherry, and plum-like fruit. There is even a hint of figs under the blue and red fruit spectrum. While broad and ripe with a sweet, glyceral mouth feel as well as a long, powerful, persistent finish, it retains its elegance and nobility. Robert Parker writes, "[it is] a wine of both power and finesse, it will benefit from 3-4 years of cellaring, and keep for 25-30. Rated 95." Wine Spectator says it is "A beauty in all senses of the word," and rates it 96.

Travel Star of the Show
Lot #32
Caribbean Dreaming
Seven nights in a courtyard suite for four at the Banana Beach Resort, San Pedro, Belize, and a $100 VISA gift card. Transportation not included.

Donated by by Banana Beach Resort and Avanta Federal Credit Union

Watch the sun rise on the Caribbean…walk along the warm sands of Ambergris Caye…Belize — YOU ARE THERE…a journey of a lifetime.

Belize is the democratic English-speaking nation once known as British Honduras. The weather is mild, the beaches beautiful and the history rich. Four people will enjoy seven nights in a Courtyard Suite for four on the island of Ambergris Caye Banana Beach.

Ground transportation to and from the San Pedro airstrip is included. Unlimited activities include fishing, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, biking. Explore all that Belize has to offer…spectacular limestone caves, winding waterfalls, Mayan ruins and temples, tropical rainforests and the second largest barrier reef in the world. Your Caribbean dream will come true!