Lot #1
Alexander Valley Sin Zin, 2007, 1 x 3.0 liters, Etched Bottle

Sponsored by Don and Marilyn Floberg and Prudential Floberg Realtors

Named after the founder of the winery, Don Melchor de Concha y Toro, this wine has become a symbol of the best Chilean wine. Ripe fleshy fruit and berries lead off this highly aromatic wine. Later, the tobacco and chocolate come through and marry with the vanilla. Agreeable, mature tannins elegantly convey the best expression of the Puente Alto vines. The pleasant, long finish displays great harmony and balance. The result is a rich, full-bodied wine with unmistakable character in the bouquet and on the finish.

Lot #2
Gundlach-Bundschu Mountain Terrace Cabernet, 2004, 12 x 750 ml

Sponsored by Shane Farnsworth, Owner, State Liquor Store #3

Mountain Terraces Vineyard is located on the southwestern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, 1,800 feet above the Sonoma Valley. This steep, warm, high-elevation site produces Cabernet Sauvignon of unparalleled depth and intensity. The result is a wine with concentrated black currant and dried tobacco aromas and smooth, dense flavors of dark fruits and black spice, with notes of dry sage. Full-bodied, with a lush texture and a long, rich finish. Ripe, round and juicy upon release, this wine will continue to develop complexity with additional cellaring, optimally for five to ten years.

Lot #4
Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel, 2006, 1 x 3.0 liters / Rated 92 by Stephen Tanzer

Sponsored by Marcasa Clothing and Meridian LTD

A blend of 80% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Syrah and 4% Carignane, this classic Lytton Springs was barrel-aged for a full 15 months. Approachable now, it has the structure to be cellared and enjoyed over the next ten years.

Lot #5
Etude Fortitude Luvisi Semillon, 2007, 12 x 750 ml

Sponsored by Thomas and Jeanne Vogel

Fortitude is a special project from Etude that celebrates the hard work of independent family grape growers. Against all odds, these families have maintained a fierce independence and an unwavering passion for growing grapes of superior quality. The wine is made from 100% Semillon grapes grown on 25-year-old vines in the Luvisi family vineyard near Calistoga in Napa Valley. Opening with aromas of honeysuckle, white fig and melon, this crisp and lively Semillon offers citrus and apple flavors along with a touch of minerality in a refreshing palate-awakening style.

Lot #7
Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir, 2006, 12 x 750 ml / Rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast

Sponsored by Mike Ross and Lisa Larr

Gary Farrell Winery is perched atop a hillside overlooking the serene and enigmatic Russian River Valley. The winery is a tribute to Gary Farrell's winemaking vision -- with a striking pristine character that aptly reflects a craftsman's ruthless attention to detail. The reputation of this winery is built on Pinot Noir, and the Selection Pinot Noir is the best they produce. The 2006 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir shows wonderful balanced acidity and generous fruit that will pair well with grilled salmon with a hoisin glaze. It opens with aromas of alluring ripe cherry, raspberry and strawberries. Red fruits of cherry, cranberry and alpine strawberry show on the palate, complimented by warm spices, vanilla and sweet pipe tobacco. Medium body and acidity with a slight tannic grip follow, making it a wonderfully balanced wine. It is deeply colored with layered complexity and a silky, sensual, long finish.

Lot #8
Rombauer Chardonnay, Etched Bottle, 2007, 1 x 3.0 liters

Sponsored by MSU Billings Foundation

Winemaker Gregory Graham of Rombauer is known for making Chardonnay in a rich style, displaying influences from the full malolactic fermentation and barrel-aging. Rombauer Vineyards' 2007 Carneros Chardonnay is smooth, rich, and elegant, true to the Rombauer style. Apple, peach, and tropical fruit flavors weave together in a nice range of flavors that linger on the palate, ending with a long, crisp, fruity aftertaste. In this lot, the elegance of the wine is matched by the elegance of the etched three-liter bottle.

Lot #9
Beronia III AC Rioja, 2004, 12 x 750 ml

Sponsored by Bill Royer and Tim Schruth - UBS Financial Services

Founded in 1973, Beronia is a major bodega producing the highest quality Rioja wines. Its name comes from the history of the land on which it is located. The origin of the region we now know as La Rioja goes back to the 3rd century BC, when it was inhabited by the "Berones," a population of Celtic warriors. Beronia's premier wine is a one-off high-expression wine, Beronia III AC. Consisting of 88% Tempranillo, 7% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, this wine is aged for 15 months in new barrels of American, French and Bulgarian oak. It has a deep, dark cherry-red color with violet shades on its delicate edge. It offers a complex aroma of ripened fruits: blackberries, red currants and dark plums, with spiced touches of pepper, tobacco, vanilla and leathery flavors, and a very fruity finish, with a balanced touch of wood.

Lot #11
Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005, 12 x 750 ml/ Rated 96 by Wine Spectator

Sponsored by Don and Marilyn Floberg and Prudential Floberg Realtors

Named after the founder of the winery, Don Melchor de Concha y Toro, this wine has become a symbol of the best Chilean wine. Ripe fleshy fruit and berries lead off this highly aromatic wine. Later, the tobacco and chocolate come through and marry with the vanilla. Agreeable, mature tannins elegantly convey the best expression of the Puente Alto vines. The pleasant, long finish displays great harmony and balance. The result is a rich, full-bodied wine with unmistakable character in the bouquet and on the finish.

Lot #12
Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs NV, 1 x 9.0 liters / Rated 90 by Wine Enthusiast

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

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs (white from white) is made from Chardonnay grapes in the classic brut style. Small lots of malolactic and barrel-fermented wines are added to the wine for complexity. The result is a golden ale hue with a very active stream of fine bubbles. Scents of lemon and vanilla, with a hint of pear nectar, lead to an entry with stone-fruit and citrus-tinged acidity and then a very tart and drying close with a sweet vanilla highlight. With its bright fruit and crisp characters, this sparkling wine will maintain its freshness, structure and smooth finish for many years.

Lot #15
Tolosa Estate Chardonnay, 2006, 1 x 5.0 liters

Sponsored by Gregory Miller Photography

Tolosa's style of winemaking reflects its commitment to quality. Their goal is to produce a perfectly balanced wine that stays true to the characteristic of the grape varietal. They use only the top 10% of the fruit from their Edna Ranch's 720 acres. This allows them to consistently produce distinctive wines such as the 2006 Chardonnay. The cool 2006 vintage resulted in a high-acid wine of enormous fruit, bursting with intense, classic Edna Valley flavors of limes, kiwis, Meyer lemons, honeysuckle and minerals.

Winemaster's Lot

Lot #17
Millbrandt Sentinel, 2006 Winemaster's Lot, 12 x 750 ml

An exquisite red blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon (41%), Merlot (29%), Petit Verdot (12%), Malbec (12%), and Petite Sirah (6%). This is the exclusive and very limited wine sourced from Millbrandt's top vineyard. The grapes were harvested from vines planted in the ancient Caliche soils above the glacial floodline at Millbrandt's Northridge vineyard. The wine is concentrated and powerful, delivering a potpourri of flavors - blackberry, plum, cassis, maple and vanilla. The palate is plump, lush and velvety. The finish is muscular, dense and serious. This is a very limited edition.

Lot #19
Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Ornellaia, 2000, 12 x 750 ml / Rated 94 by Wine Enthusiast

Donated by Don and Ellen Alweis and Jasons

Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia comprises two individual estates, the original Ornellaia and the later addition at Bellaria, northwest of Bolgheri. At Ornellaia, there are 30 hectares of vineyards dedicated to the production of Ornellaia and Le Serre Nuove, the grand vin and second wine, both Super Tuscan Bordeaux-type blends of the two Cabernets and Merlot. The color of Ornellaia is a full ruby-red. Super ripe, silky and lush, with a slightly roasted fruit character. Not a hugely complex or deep vintage for Ornellaia, and likely to evolve relatively quickly, but the wine's uncommonly lush, velvety texture is more than worth the price of admission. Strong cherry fruit emerges with aeration. This wine is almost California-like in its opulence and early appeal. Finishes with big but ripe tannins that are finer than those of earlier vintages.

Lot #20
Zaca Mesa Black Bear Block Syrah, 2006, 12 x 750 ml / Rated 94 by Wine Enthusiast

Sponsored by Morrison Maierle Systems Corp.

Zaca Mesa is a Santa Ynez Valley estate winery dedicated to Rhone varieties. Wines are crafted from grapes grown in their own vineyards to express their distinct character and genuine quality. The Black Bear Block is a single 3 1/2 - acre block planted in 1978 on its own roots from cuttings brought over from Chapoutier in the Hermitage region of the Northern Rhone. It is named for the many black bears that live in the area. The wine is intense and tightly focused on spicy, beefy, peppery Syrah flavors, presented in a full-bodied style, with richness, depth, concentration and complexity, ending with excellent structure. It will cellar through 2015.

Lot #22
Taz Fiddlestix Pinot Noir, 2006, 12 x 750 ml / Rated 87 by Wine Enthusiast

Sponsored by Doug Kirby, Owner, State Liquor Store #196

Taz Vineyards is a new, super premium winery. Bob "Taz" Steinhauer is the winegrower for Taz Vineyards. He is also a senior vice-president at Berringer. This Pinot Noir is from the Santa Rita Hills Fiddlestix Vineyard. The Fiddlestix Vineyard is a 96-acre patchwork of 33 blocks of Pinot Noir, featuring a selection of six clones, five rootstocks, and soils ranging from rocky clay loams on the slopes to more sandy and silt loams in the flats. The 2006 Fiddlestix Pinot Noir is powerful and lush, with notable complexity and structure. This wine has layered aromatics that reveal themselves slowly in the glass, opening to aromas of dark plum and black cherry with a hint of earthiness and cedar. It features notes of juicy, jammy berries, blackberry, and cola spice, all supported by a balancing act of tannins and structure. Truly a delicious Pinot.

Domestic Star of the Show

Lot #23
Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005, 12 x 750 ml / Rated 99 by Robert Parker for Wine Advocate

Sponsored by Larry Petersen and Chuck Hingle, Holland and Hart LLP; John Crist, Crist, Krogh & Nord LLC

Robert Parker, writing in the Wine Advocate, says, "The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Kayli Morgan looks to be the finest Cabernet Sauvignon Jayson Woodbridge has yet produced, and has put on weight and complexity since I tasted it last year. Like all of his Cabernet Sauvignons, this wine is fermented in wood puncheons or demi-muids, and is a breathtaking example of plush, layered, complex Cabernet Sauvignon. A total thrill, this wine has absolutely awesome aromatics of creme de cassis, cedar, sweet cherries, spice box, as well as licorice and graphite. A caramelized sweetness to the fruit, loads of glycerin, unbelievable unctuosity and opulence a la Pomerol's Le Pin or some of the legendary vintages of right bank Bordeaux leads into a full-bodied, concentrated, exceptionally pure wine that is a total delight to smell, contemplate, sip, and in my case, spit out. This is a wine that can be drunk young or cellared for 20+ years."

Winemaster's Lot

Lot #24
B.V. Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 1998, 1 x 5.0 liters / Rated 95 by Wine Enthusiast

Sponsored by Larry Petersen and Chuck Hingle, Holland and Hart LLP; John Crist, Crist, Krogh & Nard LLC

Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon showcases Beaulieu Vineyard's best fruit, primarily derived from the original BV vineyards in Rutherford, now enhanced by a high percentage of unique clones with stronger flavors, like Clone 6, Clone 4 and Clone 337. The 1998 exhibits deep black-cherry, black-olive and complex, mineral-licorice aromas which reflect classic Rutherford. One of the most powerful Georges de Latour Cabernets in recent years, the dark berry flavors are framed by powerful, rich tannins. Well balanced and full bodied, the finish features the dense minerality and structure typical of Clones 6 and 4.

Lot #27
Joseph Drouhin Chassagne-Montrachet, 2003, 12 x 750 ml/ Rated 89 by Stephen Tanzer

Sponsored by Laughlin Construction and Yellowstone Woodshop

The Drouhin estate on the hillside of Montrachet, produces Burgundy's most prestigious white wine (and some say the world's most complex). It is in the poor, hard, infertile soil, which comprises Drouhin's Montrachet vineyard, that the Chardonnay grape develops its unique terroir character. The 2003 Drouhin Montrachet is full-bodied and luscious, yet elegant. It is only after a few years in bottle that it will develop its famous complexity and richness.

Lot #30
2005 Schloss Vollrads Eiswein Rheingau Riesling, 2005, 12 x 375 ml / Rated 94 by Wine Spectator

Sponsored by the past Wine & Food Festival Chairs, Dona Hagen, Pat Petersen, Donna Sweeney, Susan Schwidde, Billie Ruff, Ben Ripley, Sharon Weatherwax-Ripley, Evelyn Noennig, Cara Schaer, Jane Howell, and Joe Howell

Schloss Vollrads has been a vineyard site in the Rheingau since the Middle Ages. The estate claims to be the oldest winery in Germany. Schloss Vollrads is in fact a vineyard designation in its own right (as is Schloss Johannisberg), and thus it is one of a handful of historic German vineyards that, according to the wine law, do not have to display a village name. The wines are simply labeled as "Schloss Vollrads Riesling," which signifies the vineyard site, the producer, and the grape variety. The Riesling grape is the only grape variety used in the winery. The 2005 Schloss Vollrads Eiswein is a vibrant, spicy wine that is ready to drink now. It is acidic, with notes of caramel, citrus, lime, and honey. A perfect complement to any dessert.

Lot #31
Sterling Three Palms Merlot, 1996, 1 x 6.0 liters

Sponsored by the MSU Billings Foundation

Three Palms Vineyard lies one-half mile southeast of the winery, on the outwash of Selby Creek where it spills out of Dutch Henry Canyon and across the Silverado Trail. The rocky soil there stresses the vines, creating intense and concentrated fruit more typical of a mountain vineyard. From this fruit, Sterling has crafted a world-class expression of Merlot that offers dark fruit, clove, vanilla and toasted coconut scents. Layers of blueberry, plum, caramel and cocoa framed in a structural core open like a flower. Oak, acid, fruit, tannins and alcohol are in perfect balance. The finish lasts for nearly a minute.

Lot #33
Winemaster Lot
Millbrandt Vineyards Tasting Room Only Wines / Malbec, 2006, 12 x 750 ml / Tasting Room Red, 2007, 12 x 750 ml / Petite Sirah, 2006, 12 x 750 ml

This is a three-case lot of rare and limited-edition wines that normally are available only at the Millbrandt tasting room in Prosser, Washington. These wines are produced in limited quantities to capture the quality of the Millbrandt grapes and the character of the soils and climate. The wines are intensely flavored and highly aromatic.

International Star of the Show
Lot #35
Chateau Latour Premier Grand Cru Paulliac, 2001, 12 x 750 ml

Sponsored by by Lamplighter Square LLC

Chateau Latour is a French wine estate, rated as a First Growth under the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. For many, Chateau Latour is the epitome of claret. Many would regard it as the leading first growth, and in the eternal quest to find "the wine of the vintage," it is frequently Latour that comes out on top. The 2001 Latour is no exception. This is a dark, almost inky, Bordeaux with a great aroma and a luscious, full-bodied texture. Parker gave it 95 points and said, "…[this is] a brilliant offering… The beautiful integration of tannin, acidity, and wood is stunning… The wine flows across the palate with fabulous texture, purity, and presence… the wine of the vintage." Wine Spectator said, "… Full-bodied… [with a] long, long finish… powerful and fast. Serious stuff…"

Lot #37
Villa Antonori Tignanello, 2005, 12 x 750 ml / Rated 96 by Robert Parker and Wine Spectator

Sponsored by Rick and Nicki Larson and EBMS

Tignanello by Antonori is a Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Piero Antonori changed the face of Chianti 30 years ago when he introduced this blend. The 2005 edition of Tignanello is highly acclaimed. It has a very intense ruby red color and nicely expressed varietal aromas with hints of black berry fruit. The palate is weighty, dense and vibrant, with complex structure, thanks to the support of the acidity. Long and lingering, with hints of chocolate, coffee and marmalade in the aftertaste. The beautifully handled tannins from the wine and wood blend, making Tignanello a very complex, stylish and sophisticated wine. This wine is listed in the top 10 wines in the world by Wine Spectator.

Lot #38
Sbragia Family Vineyards Gamble Ranch Chardonnay, 2006, 12 x 750 ml / Rated 92 by Wine Spectator

Sponsored by MSU Billings Foundation

Ed Sbragia, the long-time and highly esteemed winemaker at Beringer, also has his own family operation, where he produces 5,000+ cases of wine, primarily top-notch Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes in the Gamble Ranch Chardonnay come from several blocks in this Yountville vineyard where there are lots of different clones planted. Sbragia's stated goal is "to make a Chardonnay in the biggest, most intensely rich style while keeping the wine in balance and maintaining the vineyard's terroir and fruit expression." Parker rates the 2006 highly, saying, "... even better than the 2005 is the 2006 Chardonnay Gamble Ranch, which reveals more honeyed tropical fruit, a brioche/roasted hazelnut character, and a notion of citrus oil. This beauty should drink well for 2-3 years."

Lot #39
"Call of the Wild" by Parks Reece / Framed Original Lithograph with Hand-Coloring, Number 56 from an Edition of 275 / Finished Piece Measures 55"x45"

Donated by Parks Reece

A massive elk bugling in the wild is often seen and heard in Montana… but maybe not… Can you hear me now?

"Using imagery straight from nature, he has pulled, twisted and otherwise juggled it into shapes of thoughtful commentary, irony, droll humor, and sometimes outright belly laugh. And while doing so, he employs good drawing and beautiful color. Right after Parks Reece was made, they broke the mold."
- Russell Chatham, artist, author, publisher and Fly Fishing Hall of Famer.

Here is your opportunity to have a piece by Livingston artist, Parks Reece, in your home or cabin - definitely something you will continue to enjoy for years!

Winemaster's Lot

Lot #40
BV Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000, 12 x 750 ml

Clone 4 is BV's highly acclaimed, limited-release cabernet created from an isolated variety grown in tiny amounts in Napa. Born from the 14-year experiments between BV and UC Davis, the result is the emergence of one of the two most distinguished clones, which are widely recognized as the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in Rutherford. Clone 4 is a vine originally brought from Argentina and is also known as the Mendoza clone. This wine is lush, full-bodied and muscular... not for the faint of heart! Its flavor represents the intensity of top-level cabernet - deep, violet-ruby color, aromas of dark cherry, earth, and anise. A giant in the glass, with a lengthy finish and opulent berry flavors. For those who prefer big, lush, mouth-filling wines, this bottling has no peers. This wine will cellar well for five years or more. Only 300 cases made!

Lot #45
Groth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003, 1 x 6.0 liters

Sponsored by Valet Today Cleaners

The 2003 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon continues Groth's pursuit of excellence from the Oakville AVA. This outstanding vintage shows the ultimate character that they expect from their 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.

Lot #48
Chateau Lynch Bages Pauillac, 2000, 12 x 750 ml / Rated 92 by Robert Parker for the Wine Advocate

Sponsored by MSU Billings Foundation

Robert Parker reviewed the 2000 Lynch Bages in the April, 2003 edition of the Wine Advocate. He wrote, "An utterly profound Lynch Bages, this wine continues to remind me of a hypothetical blend of the 1990 and 1989… It exhibits a dense purple color, loads of glycerin and extract, big muscular sweet creme de cassis notes, with hints of new saddle leather, earth and tobacco leaf. The 2000 is forceful yet plush, with a thick, juicy, succulent mid-palate, ripe tannin and a long, layered finish. I know it will be tempting to pull corks on this wine in its youth, but it really will not hit its stride for 7-10 years and will last for about 25. Anticipated Maturity: 2008-2025. 92 points." Now is the time to acquire this spectacular wine!

Lot #50
Silver Oak, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004, 1 x 3.0 liters / Rated 90 by Wine & Spirits

Sponsored by MSU Billings Foundation

The 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a refined and complex wine that combines subtlety and depth. It has a dark ruby color with a deep red edge and displays aromas of fresh blackberries, violets, cola, nutmeg and licorice. In the mouth, the wine has a juicy attack and offers great expression of fruit and spice on the mid-palate. Its fruit-driven finish is long and elegant. Properly cellared, this wine should give drinking pleasure through 2023. Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Lot #52
Twomey Pinot Noir, 2006, 12 x 750 ml

Sponsored by Bob and Joan Carr

Silver Oak's rarest bottling! The Twomey Pinot Noir is a completely "under the radar" project they have been working on for the past six years. The 2006 Twomey Russian River Pinot Noir is a beautifully balanced wine that expresses great elegance and depth but with the power you normally associate with the Russian River. It displays a red sapphire color and aromas of rose petal, strawberry jam, potpourri, cinnamon and a touch of caramel on the finish. Billowy tannins followed by a generous fullness complete this fantastic Pinot experience. Enjoy now through 2014.

Lot #54
Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005, 12 x 750 ml / Rated 90 by Wine Spectator

Sponsored by Holiday Station Stores

This wine is made from grapes grown in three blocks of the Rockaway Vineyard in Alexander Valley which is located between Napa and Dry Creek Valleys. These small areas of the vineyard are where the viticulture and winemaking teams have found the fruit that best expresses the terroir. The resulting wine is a tremendous single-vineyard Cabernet of incredible depth and complexity. If you like Silver Oak, you will be blown away by Rockaway! The Wine Spectator review says that the 2005 Rockaway is "vibrant and concentrated, with aromas of loamy earth, dried currant, graphite, mineral and fresh earth, ending with a return to red cherry and plum themes and a clean, focused finish. A step up in quality... 90 points."

Lot #56
Stags' Leap Winery Ne Cede Malis Syrah, 2006, 12 x 750 ml

Sponsored by the MSU Billings Foundation

This complex, multi-faceted Rhône-style blend is a special tribute to the oldest vineyard on the Stags' Leap property. What makes this estate wine unique is the convergence of the terroir, the vine age, and the traditional winemaking process itself, requiring the harvesting and co-fermenting of all varieties at the same time. Fermenting these varieties together rather than blending them together later result in a completely different quality in the structure, aromas, and finish of the wine. It remains a delicious and compelling source of information about the history of the estate itself, fruit wrapped in velvet to the finish.