Saturday Evening Raffle Item

Sterling, Pinot Noir, 1997, "Winery Lake" 5.0 Liter

Sponsored by Joel E. Guthals

Sterling Single Vineyard wines are made only from vineyards that consistently provide a unique flavor profile year after year. Sterling makes wine from three outstanding vineyards that fulfill this promise of great quality. The Sterling Single Vineyard wines come from three very special places: Diamond Mountain Ranch, Three Palms and Winery Lake. These vineyards make wines that are individual expressions of the best that a particular climate, grape, and site can offer.

The 1997 Winery Lake Pinot Noir is a clear, light ruby color. The wine offers pretty aromatics of strawberry jam and fresh cherries with hints of tobacco, dry rose petals and cedar. Flavors of strawberry and fresh black cherries intermingled with hints of cinnamon and cloves predominate, finishing with a smooth, pleasantly textured tannin structure. This wine was rated a 90 by Connoisseur's Guide to Wine.

Lot #1
Duckhorn, Merlot, 2003, 3.0 Liter

Sponsored by by Holiday Station Stores

Duckhorn Wine Company is a collection of small winery estates focused on site-specific wines of distinction from the Napa and Anderson valleys. The Duckhorn Wine Company family includes Duckhorn Vineyards, Paraduxx, and Goldeneye. With grapes selected from more than ten estate vineyards, as well as a variety of sought-after vineyard sites within the Napa and Anderson Valley appellations, each winery is presented with a canvas of lots from which to blend its premium wines. This is a complex wine with excellent oak integration, balanced acids, silky tannins and a long, fruity finish. The bouquet is brimming with aromas of raspberry and blackberry followed by distinctive elements of earth, spice and smoked meat. Filled with sweet black fruits and an underlying essence of ripe strawberry, the Estate -Grown Merlot also offers enticing accents of warm caramel, vanilla and cream. This wine was rated a 90 by Connoisseur's Guide to Wine.

Lot #2
Winemaster Lot

To be presented by Jan du Preez of Serengeti Wines and Leidersburg Wines

Lot #4
Silver Oak, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000, 3.0 Liter

Donated by Mike Ross & Lisa Larr and Liquor Store #196 (near Gart Sports)

In the early 1970s, Silver Oak Cellars emerged as a dream tied to an intrepid idea: to create a Cabernet Sauvignon of fully developed flavors and velvety soft textures on the day it was released for sale. The elegance and finesse of the wines have attracted as zealous a circle of customers as any winery can boast. The 2000 Silver Oak Napa Valley is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon with a dark, ruby-red color and an exquisite nose of cassis, violets, roasting coffee, chocolate, vanilla, and cloves. It has a rich, balanced mouth-feel dripping with ripe berries and chocolate. Medium tannins are well integrated into the long finish. It will continue to improve to 2020, given proper cellaring. This wine was rated a 91 by The Wine News.

Lot #5
Montana Joy…
For two people, air transportation, two nights accommodation, one evening dinner, rental car voucher

Donated by Big Sky Airlines, Marina Cay, Cafe Max, Travel Cafe

The time is now to enjoy this travel package to the Flathead Valley created by Travel Cafe'. This deluxe package for two includes round trip air fare from Billings to Kalispell on Big Sky Airlines in their larger Beechcraft 1900D and two nights' stay in a waterfront suite at the Marina Cay Resort at the Bigfork Bay on Flathead Lake. One night's dinner will be prepared by Chef Douglas Day (originally from Billings) at the 2006 Wine Spectator Award-winning restaurant Cafe' Max in downtown Kalispell, featuring a five course Chef Dinner paired with choice wines and a special 1.5 liter bottle Domaine Serene Pinot Noir to take home donated by Rocky Mountain Wine Company. Travel Cafe will provide a $100 travel voucher for a car rental…Feel the joy!

Lot #6
Rombauer, Merlot, 2002, 3.0 Liter

Sponsored by MSU–Billings Foundation

Rombauer Vineyards was founded in 1982 by Koerner and Joan Rombauer and sits on a tree-covered knoll overlooking the Napa Valley. The winery features caves that extend for over a mile into the hillside. The caves provide a constant temperature and humidity which result in optimum conditions for aging their wines. Rombauer Vineyards' 2002 Napa Valley Merlot is deliciously rich and concentrated. It has layers of black cherry, plum, clove, and cinnamon in both the aroma and flavor. The wine has a long finish of cherry and plum with a light vanilla note from oak aging. Supple tannins add to the wine's character. Drink now through 2009. The 2002 Rombauer Merlot was rated a 90 by Wine and Spirits Magazine.

Lot #7
An Evening of Wine with Stimson Lane
Northstar, Merlot, 2001, 2 x 750ml
Col Solare, Cabernet Blend, 2001, 2 x 750ml
Conn Creek, Anthology, 2001, 2 x 750ml
Dr. Loosen, "Eroica" 2001, 2 x 375ml

Sponsored by Montana Orthopedic & Sports Medicine and Stewart Title of Billings

Over the years Stimson Lane has built one of the most successful conglomerates of wines in the world. This is a collection of four of those wines.

To begin, the 2001 Northstar Merlot, rich and supple, has a deep core of black cherry and red plum flavors that give way to oaky nuances and smooth, well-integrated tannins. This wine is a substantial Merlot, combining both power and elegance.

Following the Merlot, try the Col Solare, which is a collaboration between Ste. Michelle and Antinori wineries. This Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah blend has intense black raspberry and plum aromatics, which are threaded with cedar, allspice and a touch of vanilla. Raspberry and blackberry are equally prominent on the palate, where they join with dark chocolate and roasted walnut flavors.

Once you have experienced the Merlot and Col Solare, the Anthology will be a crowning experience to the evening. The pinnacle wine of Conn Creek, Anthology is an expressive, complex blend of Napa Valley's finest Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The 2001 blend exudes explosive fruit aromas and flavors with vanilla oak nuances. This is a robust wine balanced with silky tannins.

To top off your evening, try the Eroica. What a great dessert wine to round out the palate! Eroica delivers a unique combination of tangerine aromas characteristic of Washington State Riesling, melded with the mineral and slate notes and lively, crisp acidity associated with German Riesling. The 2001 vintage continues toward the Germanic style with added complexity and refinement. This will be a tasting worth remembering.

Lot #8
End of September by Neil Jussila

Donated by MSU-Billings Professor of Art Neil Jussila

Shades of autumn's red hues are embodied in this striking piece. This outstanding painting truly illustrates Jussila's talent as an abstract artist. This beautiful framed oil painting stands 44 _" high by 56 _" wide.

Lot #9
Royal Tokaji, "Essensia," 1995, 6 x 500ml

Sponsored by Don & Marilyn Floberg and Prudential Floberg Realtors

The history of Tokaji spans eight centuries, from glory to obscurity through a second, and now a third, renaissance. In 1703 the Prince of Transylvania gave Louis XIV of France a gift of Tokaji. The wine was served at the Court of Versailles, where it was proclaimed the "Wine of Kings, King of Wines." Thick and dense yet never heavy, with aromas that flit from floral and vegetal to caramel and smoke and back again. There's noticeable sweetness matched by a brisk acidity followed by a fine, lingering finish. This wine is best from 2003 through 2015. With only 100 cases imported, the Royal Tokaji is a real collectors item. This wine was rated a 94 by Wine Spectator.

Lot #11
Ste. Michelle, Chardonnay, "Ethos," 2004, 12 x 750ml

Sponsored by Joel and Andrea Long

In anthropological terms, the Greek word ethos means the character or distinctive spirit of a culture or an era. In the world of wine, ethos represents the pinnacle tier of Chateau Ste. Michelle. The Ethos Chardonnay reflects the winemaker's vision of old world complexity and elegance with concentrated Washington fruit. This wine is the ultimate winemaker expression and is made from the finest fruit of the vintage. Produced in extremely limited quantities representing no more than 1% of a vintage, Ethos wines are crafted to represent the best of a variety from the best vineyards, including Cold Creek and Canoe Ridge Estate. The 2004 Ethos shows the delicacy of Canoe Ridge Estate fruit, but with complexity from the natural fermentation. This Chardonnay exhibits intriguing citrus, floral and mineral notes, which give way to an elegant, refined wine with an easy finish. This wine was rated a 90 by Wine and Spirits Magazine.

Lot #12
The Golden Gate City Awaits You…for Fun and Football
Tickets, dining and accommodations for four. Transportation not included.

Donated by Jardiniere Restaurant
Sponsored by the MSU-Billings Wine & Food Festival Live Auction Committee

Four lucky people will enjoy a wonderful weekend in the City by the Bay, San Francisco. You will have a day to explore the city, ending with an extraordinary dinner at Jardiniere Restaurant. The next day - "Are you ready for some football?" You will receive four tickets to a regular-season San Francisco 49ers football game (selected from the list below); parking pass in an executive parking lot; four on-field passes for pre-game practice and activities; and four invitations for a post-game reception hosted by the 49ers ownership.

You won't leave your heart in San Francisco, but you will have a super weekend!

Games available: September 17 vs. St. Louis Rams; September 24 vs. Philadelphia Eagles; October 8 vs. Oakland Raiders; October 15 vs. San Diego Chargers; November 5 vs. Minnesota Vikings; November 19 vs. Seattle Seahawks; December 10 vs. Green Bay Packers, December 24 vs. Arizona Cardinals.

Lot #13
Bet You Can't Resist!
14-karat white-gold ring with a 7.5 mm cultured pearl and .98 carat pave set diamonds

Donated by Chris & Paige Montague and Jay & Lynne Montague

From Montague's Jewelers, a Billings tradition since 1937, this beautiful hand-crafted and unique pearl ring from their exclusive Ze's Collection. This ring contains a 7.5 mm cultured pearl with .98 carat total weight of pave set diamonds set in 14-karat white gold. A wonderful ring for any special occasion!

Lot #14
Murphy-Goode, Zinfandel, "Snake Eyes," 2002, 3.0 Liter
Murphy-Goode, Zinfandel, "Liar's Dice," 2000, 3.0 Liter

Sponsored by The Perfect Place and Rene Mora Construction

Twenty years ago, Tim Murphy, Dale Goode and Dave Ready shared a vision: grow distinctive grapes, produce delicious wine, have fun and make friends in the process. They founded their three-family partnership in 1985 and launched the brand with two wines: estate grown Fume Blanc and Chardonnay. Tim, Dale and Dave, along with their families, never looked back. "A succulently styled, deep ruby-colored effort, Murphy-Goode's 2002 Zinfandel "Snake Eyes" offers up a big, briery, sweet perfume of cranberries, cherries and spice. Enjoy this pleasant 2002 over the next 1-2 years." This wine was rated a 90 by Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate Magazine. The 2000 Zinfandel "Liar's Dice" has dense black cherry, raspberry jam, and currant notes which are brought together in layers with sweet vanilla oak and a long, elegant finish. This wine was rated a 90 by The Connoisseur's Guide to Wine.

Lot #15
Go Broncos!
Accommodations and tickets for two. Transportation not included.

Donated by Wendy's of Montana and Rimrock Mall
Sponsored by the MSU–Billings Foundation

Bronco fans! This is your opportunity to cheer for your favorite football team when they play at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium, November 19, 2006 versus the San Diego Chargers. VIP parking and passes to the exclusive Stadium Club will also be provided to you. With accommodations for two persons for two nights, you may find other professional sports teams scheduled in Denver such as Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies, NHL Colorado Avalanche, NBA Denver Nuggets, Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids, along with horse racing and dog racing. Use your $100 Visa debit card to explore the many fine dining opportunities or visit the Denver Art Museum, Zoo, or Museum of Nature and Science. The Performing Arts Complex offer theatre, symphony, opera and ballet, all possibilities for your perfect Mile High weekend.

Lot #16
Winemaster Lot

To be presented by Barry Bergman of R.H.Phillips

Lot #17
Summer on the Clarks Fork by Russell Chatham
Framed, signed, original limited lithograph (128 of 375), 34 5/8" wide and 30 5/8" high

Donated by The Frame Hut and Gallery

This is an original limited lithograph signed by renowned artist Russell Chatham, perfectly framed by The Frame Hut and Gallery. This work of art would be the focus of attention in any room in your home.

Lot #18
Salon Le Mesnil, Blanc de Blancs, 1995, 1.5 Liter

Sponsored by Morrison Maierle Inc.

The House of Salon makes no other wine, only this rare vintage tete de cuvee blanc de blancs from a single Grand Cru vineyard in the Cotes des Blancs: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Since 1911, Salon vintages have been declared no more than four times a decade. Aged en tirage for eight to ten years, and hand-disgorged when a specific order is received, Salon is long and creamy in flavor, slowly revealing its wondrous and unique splendors. Salon Champagnes are created to improve with age and last for 15-20 years or longer, developing an increasing complexity. Salon's recent vintages are among the most highly praised consecutive releases from a single house. This wine was rated 96 by Wine Spectator, and 97 by Wine Enthusiast magazines.

Lot #19
Domaine Dujac, Clos de la Roche, 2001, 3.0 Liter

Sponsored by Rocky Mountain Bank

Established in 1967 by 26-year-old Jacques Seysses with the acquisition of 4.5-hectares of vineyard owned by Domaine Marcel Graillet, the rise of Domaine Dujac was meteoric, thanks not only to the quality of the wine, but through the help of his father's connections and a glowing article in 1972 in the magazine Gault de Millau. The grapes are vinified without destemming, which does engender paler wine; but allows the stems to act as an antioxidant and prolong the fermentation to produce more complex wine (a practice used by his close friend Aubert de Villaine at Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. This wine was rated a 97 by Wine Enthusiast.

Lot #20
See You at The Rex
Dinner and wines for six with Limo service at the Rex Restaurant

Donated by Gene Burgad and The Rex and Limo Scene & Carriage Co.

Your carriage awaits you. Your evening begins when your limousine arrives to take you and five guests to The Rex for an evening of dining. Enjoy a specially prepared dinner for six at The Rex on Montana Avenue. Chef David Maplethorpe will personally oversee your dinner. Start with cocktails in the bar, then move to the dining room, where your first course will be giant shrimp wrapped with smoked salmon and drizzled with white truffle oil. Nicholas Feuillatte Brut Rose champagne will be served. Your next course will be a caesar salad with a shelled Alaskan king crab claw. Mer Soleil Chardonnay will be served with the salad. Your next course will be your choice off The Rex menu; we suggest beef, as the wine will be Caymus Napa Cabernet. Dessert will be a New York-style cheesecake with a 20-year-old tawny port. After dinner, drinks will follow. Finally, your limousine awaits you to drive you home in style. Relax and enjoy!

Lot #21
Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon, 1993, Limited Release, 6.0 Liter

Sponsored by Cladis Investment Group-UBS Financial Services

"Silverado has been a gem in the Napa Valley for nearly two decades. Setting the benchmark for Napa Valley quality, Silverado produces ultra-premium wines from seven family-owned vineyards in Napa Valley and Carneros. The Limited Release is a beautiful, intense red wine, which is a solid effort, with a tight band of herb, currant and cherry. Well balanced, with a pleasing dash of toasty oak, it holds together nicely on the finish." With its tannic strength, the wine will be best to try after 1999. This wine was rated a 90 by Wine Spectator.

Lot #22
Tignanello, Super Tuscan, 2001, 12 x 750ml

Sponsored by Thomas and Jeanne Vogel

The original Super-Tuscan, Tignanello is produced exclusively from the Tignanello vineyard, a 47-hectare (116 acre) southwest-facing, calcareous rocky-marl and limestone soil plot with tufaceous elements, planted between 1,150 and 1,312 feet above sea level at Antinori's Santa Cristina Estate. It was the first sangiovese to be aged in small oak barrels, the first red wine in modern times to use a non-traditional grape variety, cabernet, in the blend, and among the first red wines made in chianti with no white grapes. In all three instances, it set the example for a new breed of exceptional top-of-the-line Italian wine. Intensely fruity and complex on the nose with hints of wood, full-bodied, rich and complex in the mouth with exceptional structure and a lengthy finish. The 2001 Tignanello was rated a 94 by The Wine News.

Lot #24
Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, 2000, 6 x 750ml

Sponsored by Larry Petersen and Chuck Hingle, Holland & Hart, LLP; John Crist, Crist Law Firm, LLP

Chateau d'Yquem is one of the most famous wineries in the world and is known for producing lush, beautiful Sauterne wines. The 2000 Yquem is no exception. The 2000 Yquem reveals a hint of green in its light gold color. While somewhat reticent aromatically, with airing, it offers up honeyed tropical fruit, orange marmalade, pineapple, sweet creme brulee, and buttered nut-like scents. In the mouth, it is full-bodied with gorgeously refreshing acidity as well as massive concentration and unctuosity. Everything is uplifted and given laser-like focus by refreshing acidity. This large-scale, youthful Yquem appears set to take its place among the most legendary vintages of the past and will age effortlessly for 75+ years. This wine was rated a 97 by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

International Star of the Show
Lot #25
Chateau Cheval Blanc, 1995, 12 x 750ml

Sponsored by the Past Wine and Food Festival Chairs Dona Hagan, Dottie Hollatz, Pat Petersen, Donna Sweeney, Susan Schwidde-Sidd, Billie Ruff, Ben Ripley, Sharon Weatherwax-Ripley, Evelyn Noennig, Cara Schaer

Made famous by the movie "Sideways," Cheval Blanc is a beautiful Merlot based wine with one of the great reputations in Bordeaux. This is an older vintage that is tasting great and is at its peak right now and will outlive its purchaser.

A beautiful Cheval-Blanc, one of the best ever, this wine is compacted and extremely fruity with gorgeous ripe fruit character. Highly perfumed with berry and floral aromas, the 1995 Cheval Blanc is full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a lovely, fruity aftertaste. Best after 2002, this wine was rated a "95" by The Wine Spectator.

Lot #26
Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, 2000, 9.0 Liter

Sponsored by Laughlin Construction and Yellowstone Woodshop

As the first sparkling wine to gain distinction in California and to rival the prestige and quality of French Champagne, Schramsberg needs no introduction. It is a world-class winery and recognized leader in the California wine industry. For the past 40 years, the Davies family has produced America's finest sparkling wines with great individuality, elegant style and grace.The 2000 Blanc de Blancs has a pale gold hue with vigorous activity and a full mousse. Doughy, buttery aromas of lemon curd, apple, malt, sherry and an oxidized nuance complement the champagne-like flavors of lemon, green apple, pecan and honey. The soft, lingering finish has great depth of fruit. The Blanc de Blancs was rated a 90 by The Wine News.

Lot #27
Premier Wine with a Gourmet Touch
An evening of extravagance. Tasting for eight with wine and service at your home.

Donated by City Vineyard and Thomas Nelson Caterers

City Vineyards and Thomas Nelson Caterers will treat eight people to a wonderful evening of multiple-course small-plate delicacies, complemented by hand-selected premium wines. A perfect evening featuring one of Billings' premier caterers and City Vineyard's extensive wine collection.

Lot #28
Freemark Abbey, Cabernet Sauvignon, 1995, Bosché, 12 x 750ml

Sponsored by Alpine Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

The history of Freemark Abbey began in 1886, when Josephine Marlin Tychson became the first woman to build and operate a winery in California. The historic site where Josephine's winery, Tychson Cellars, once stood is now known as Freemark Abbey. Today Freemark Abbey is proud to continue the legacy of winemaking that Josephine began so many years ago. The 1995 Cabernet Bosche' is a grand and sophisticated wine; rich, elegant and polished, with a pretty range of plum, cherry and currant, hints of sage, cedar and spice and a long, complex aftertaste. The Bosche was rated a 92 by Wine Spectator.

Domestic Wine Star of the Show
Lot #30
Chateau St. Jean, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinq Cepages, 2000, 2001, 2002, 12 x 750ml

Sponsored by Lamplighter Square, LLC

Winemaker Margo van Staaveren has played a pivotal role in every facet of the winemaking process at Chateau St. Jean dating back to 1979. A superb winemaker, she draws on the benefit of this vast experience to insure that all wines meet the highest standards of quality and consistency. The three vintages offered in this vertical are some of the best ever offered by St. Jean. They are rich, full, intense and elegant wines with a truly world-class bearing. The 2000 Cinq Cepages was rated a 90 by Wine Spectator. The 2001 Cinq Cepages was rated a 92 by Wine Spectator. The 2002 Cinq Cepages is not yet rated.

Lot #31
Henri Boillot, Puligny Montrachet, 2004, 12 x 750ml

Sponsored by Rick & Nicki Larson and EBMS

Those who keep track of who's hot in Burgundy know that Boillot has only recently attained superstar status. Under their own negociant label as well as the family's domaine, Jean Boillot & Fils, the entire portfolio of 2004 white Burgundies received rave reviews and big scores from the wine press. Medium saturated color with a greenish tint, the wine expresses an attractive nose which shows apple notes with lots of minerality. The wine is impressive on the palate as one is immediately hit with an acid attack and an excellent citrus backbone. More than the Meursaults, this wine's a baby! It's an intense wine with wonderful mouth feel. The Puligny Montrachet was rated a 92 by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Lot #32
Pheasants in a Field, by Edith Freeman
Framed woodcut (#17 of 24). 20" high and 23" wide

Donated by Dr. Bruce & Mrs. Kathryn Carpenter

This woodcut print by one of Montana's favorite artists will add beauty and charm to the home of the lucky bidder.

Lot #33
Clos Pegase, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001, Hommage, 12 x 750ml

Sponsored by Augusta Ranch & Buscher Development, Inc.

When you try to describe Clos Pegase, you are almost always talking about Jan Shrem. A connoisseur of fine wine and modern art, Shrem's Clos Pegase winery is a temple to both. His premium, estate-grown wines are comfortably at home among the recognized masters of fine art. With its Kerel Appel artwork, the 2001 Hommage projects a sophistication, on first impression, that is augmented by a tasting of the wine in the bottle. It has handsomely integrated and wonderfully inviting notes of cassis, oak and mint which start this lovely bottling out on the right foot, and the deep, well-proportioned fruit at its heart keeps things going in the wine's flavors. It is balanced and supple in palate feel with a polished quality. . .It will be a perfect mate to rich roasts and chops over the next couple of years, yet its admirable depth will let it age for up to a decade. The Hommage was rated a 91 by The Connoisseur's Guide to Wine.

Lot #35
Scholarship Lot

Donated by YOU!

Each year we ask our Saturday evening guests to join in spirited, generous bidding to provide scholarships for MSU-Billings students. The scholarships you fund allow us to assist deserving students and reward students who demonstrate outstanding leadership and academic excellence. Scholarships also allow the University to attract and retain talented students. Please raise your bid cards and help us to set a new record in 2006!

Lot #37
Joseph Drouhin, Grands Echezeaux, Grand Cru, 2001, 12 x 750ml

Sponsored by Dr. Ronald Sexton, Chancellor, Montana State University-Billings

This Grand Cru is admirably situated right above Clos Vougeot, another Grand Cru, on a gentle slope facing due East. Le Musigny is just to the north. The Drouhin family owns a vineyard there. The average age of the vines is 25. Replanting is done very selectively to avoid having too many young vines at one time, which would lower the quality of the wine. No fertilizers are used, and a very severe pruning (the "Guyot" style) reduces the yield even further. Echezeaux has a beautiful, vivid red color and elegant aromas reminiscent of cocoa and exotic wood such as cedar. On the palate, the tannins are dense but refined. They leave a soft impression, similar to velvet. An old Burgundy saying, "This wine has save (sap)," would be a very apt description here. The long, persistent aftertaste recalls the dark chocolate flavor. A carefully prepared cuisine would enhance Echezeaux superbly: slowly cooked stews, duck or pheasant, ripe cheeses, etc. This is a wine which can age very well (20 years and up). It can also be drunk sooner and still be enjoyable. This wine was rated a 91 by Wine Advocate Magazine.

Lot #38
Winemaster Lot

To be presented by Barry Bergman of R.H. Phillips

Lot #40
Merryvale, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000, Beckstoffer, Clone 6, 12 x 750ml

Sponsored by Jones Construction

A historic and picturesque setting in the first winery built in the Napa Valley following Prohibition, Merryvale is one of Napa Valley's most successful and legendary wineries. Merryvale's estate vineyard drapes a ridgetop high above St. Helena in the heart of the Napa Valley. Sumptuous Bordeaux varietal grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) contribute to the legend of Merryvale wines. Rich and plush, with sweet oak and ripe plum, black cherry, blackcurrant, earth, cedar and spice flavors. . . The tannins are fine tuned, and the finish is long. This wine was rated a 92 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Lot #41
Sure To Be Noticed!
18-karat white-gold tanzanite and diamond ring

Donated by Scott & Kelly Wickam, and Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers

This exquisite 18 karat white-gold tanzanite and diamond ring was custom designed by Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers. Two carat approximate cushion-shaped tanzanite showcased with pave diamonds will create elegance, style and flair each time it is worn.

Lot #42
Sassicaia, Super Tuscan, 2001, 6 x 750ml

Donated by Don & Ellen Alweis and Jasons

Sassicaia is today considered to be the ne plus ultra of Italy's great red wines not only for its exceptional and consistent excellence but also for the creative, intuitive spirit of a revolutionary generation of new Italian wines it represents. Universally acclaimed by the wine world's most respected voices, Sassicaia remains the legacy of its creator, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, and his son, Marchese Nicolo Incisa della Rocchetta, who carries its inimitable distinctiveness and reputation toward future vintages. After a dry summer, harvest at Sassicaia began the first week of September, 2001, ending on the 15th. This cabernet reflects the sunny warmth of that Tuscan season in blackcurrant depths. It's refined and supple, a black beauty held at arm's length. The discreet distance allows each taste to show all the wine's elements in perfect balance: a tide of dark chocolate and black plum rolls in: an undertow of red berry and granite tannin pulls out. The flavors last, deepening even as they lift in the end, a widening chord that should only grow more resonant with age. This wine was rated a 95 by Wine and Spirits Magazine.

Lot #43
Groth, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003, Oakville, 6.0 Liter

Sponsored by Dorn Wilson Development Company, Dorn/Lowe LLC

Groth Vineyards & Winery was established in 1982 and produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from Napa Valley and Oakville appellations. In special years they will make a "Reserve" bottling of Cabernet Sauvignon from a small block in their 121-acre Oakcross Estate. They also own and operate 44-acre Hillview Vineyard south of the winery, a prime source for the winery's Chardonnay and Merlot. From its inception, the winery has been family owned and operated. The 2003 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon continues the pursuit of excellence from the Oakville AVA. This outstanding vintage shows the ultimate character that is expected from the estate vineyards. With full, rich aromas and flavors redolent of ripe stone fruit and dark berries, the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is a lush wine with a subtle tannin backbone that will allow the wine to become more complex with proper bottle age. This wine was rated a 90 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Lot # 44
Partners, by Carol Spielman
Acrylic painting, 24" wide and 24" high

Donated by Carol Spielman

Carol Spielman, a 2005 graduate of MSU-Billings' Department of Art, has provided this dramatic acrylic entitled "Partners," which demonstrates her unique and incredible talent. This piece would add to any art lover's collection.

Lot #45
Winemaster Lot

To be presented by Jan du Preez of Serengeti Wines and Leidersburg Wines

Lot # 46
Henry Estate, Pinot Noir, 1997, Umpqua Cuvee, 5.0 Liter

Sponsored by Montana State University-Billings Foundation

As one of our past Guest Winemakers, Scott Henry has a particular fondness for the MSU-Billings Wine & Food Festival. With that in mind, he has released this particular wine to us out of the library at Henry Estates. This may be the last of a particularly great vintage and is a real find. This wine is fermented at a cooler than normal temperature to preserve the fruity character of the grapes. It then spends just a few months (usually about five) in neutral oak barrels and is released a few months after bottling. This has resulted in a wine that is more forward in fruit and is more moderately priced. This wine is a good match with soft foods, cheeses, pesto sauces, pizza and pasta. Because the wine has no oak character, it can be served with a slight chill or up to room temperature.

Lot #48
Burgess, Cabernet Sauvignon, 1993, Library Release, 6 x 750ml

Sponsored by Marcasa Clothing & Meridian LTD

Burgess Cellars is a stone and redwood mountainside winery which was originally started in the 1880s. Its adjacent vineyards support the belief that it is vital to grow only those varieties of grapes which are best suited to the particular aspects of that land, such as soil, exposure, and climate. That is why the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Zinfandel are planted in the winery's mountain vineyards. The Burgess Library program is now in its second decade, having started with the vintage of 1980. They hold a small percent of the bottled Cabernet Sauvignon back until it is at least 10 years old. This concept demonstrates that the mountain vineyards have the ability to age under proper cellar conditions. The aged wine then displays the characteristics of Cabernet with bottle bouquet. The vintage of 1993 was excellent for Cabernet harvest. The summer was warm and harvest began about two weeks earlier than normal. This assured full maturity and outstanding complexity. There are layers of aromas balanced with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, along with complementary French Oak. This wine was rated a 91 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Lot #51
Chateau Beycheville, 2001, 12 x 750 ml

Sponsored by Jim and Lin Roscoe

The vineyard is located at the southern extremity of the Saint Julien commune. As you drive northwards up the D2, the chateau stands prominent atop the edge of the Saint Julien croupe before the road meanders towards the village of "Beychevelle". Opposite lies Chateau Branaire-Ducru and further north lies Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou. This is a bold, full red wine that has a robust berry flavor and has brilliant flavors of cedar and tobacco on the finish. This wine was rated a 91 by the Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Lot #52
Standing Through Time, by Mike Capser
Framed, signed, limited edition print

Donated by Mike Capser
Sponsored by the MSU-Billings Foundation

Well-known Billings artist Mike Capser takes us back to simpler times in this beautiful winter scene of a stone farm house and barn. This piece will look beautiful in your office, home or cabin.