Wine & Spirits
At Abbeys Auctions we regularly hold special Wine & Spirits auctions in addition to wine sometimes appearing in our weekly general furniture and household goods auctions every Friday, and Unclaimed Goods auctions every fortnight.
Often wine comes to us from private collectors wanting to sell some or part of their collection and sometimes we receive wine from suppliers such as Australia Post as part of Unclaimed Goods.
Next Auction : Premium Wine & Spirits: Thursday, 19 December 2025 at 7pm
Here’s how we describe ullage levels in our premium wine & spirits auctions:
| Base of Neck | This is the ideal fill level. Perfect for any bottle, especially if it’s 10 years or older (i.e., 2014 or earlier). |
| Very Very High Shoulder | Normal for bottles older than 15 years (i.e., 2009+). Excellent for bottles 35 years or more (i.e., 1989+). |
| Very High Shoulder | A good level for bottles 15 years or older (2009+). |
| High Shoulder | Normal for wines 20 years or older (i.e., 2004+). |
| Mid Shoulder | This indicates that some natural reduction has occurred, typically seen in bottles 50+ years old (i.e., 1974+). While natural, it’s a higher-risk category, especially if you plan on drinking the wine, so value accordingly |
| Low Shoulder | A risky fill level for any age. Expect lower values to reflect the increased risk of compromised wine quality. |
WARNING : Under the Liquor Reform Act 1998 it is an offence:
– To supply alcohol to a person under the age of 18 Years (Penalty Exceeds $17,000)
– For a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor (Penalty exceeds $700)
Gallery
Wines featured in our current Premium Wine auction include Penfolds Grange Hermitage , ETKO Grand Commandaria, Henschke, Tyrrells, Seppelt, Moet et Chandon, Vin Winkle Family Reserve, Veuve J Goudoulin, and Chivas Brothers.
Explaining Label Condition
The condition of the front label can influence the price of a bottle and offer insights into the environment it was stored in. In most cases, if you’re focused on the wine inside and not the label’s appearance, it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker when buying. However, if there are signs like weeping, low fill levels, or other red flags, these could suggest that the bottle has been poorly stored, which might affect your decision. Here is a list of the terms we use when describing premium wine:
- Soiled Label
Refers to a label that has become dirty over time, usually from being stored in an underground cellar. Dust, mould or general dirt can accumulate, making the label look weathered and aged. - Stained Label
This is a label that’s been stained by liquid, often due to a spill or exposure to damp conditions. In passive cellars, humidity can cause moisture marks, or wine stains may appear if there’s been a spillage. These stains are usually cosmetic and don’t indicate any real issue, especially if there’s no sign of wine weeping from the bottle. - Worn Label
Bottles showing this kind of wear have likely been handled repeatedly while being removed from racks in a cellar or wine fridge. The label may show some scuffing or slight damage from the handling. - Capsule / Seal Condition
The capsule is the protective covering over the neck of the bottle. It can be made from foil, plastic, tin, aluminium, or in older bottles, lead. Checking the condition of the capsule and seal can give insight into the storage and handling of the bottle. - Cracked Wax
Sealing wax, often used to cover the capsule, can sometimes crack, especially in larger format bottles. The size and movement of the bottle can cause cracking. It’s not a sign of poor storage but a natural result of bottle handling and does not affect the wine inside. - Ullage Level
Ullage refers to the space between the bottom of the cork and the wine inside the bottle when it’s standing upright. Some natural loss of liquid over time is expected, but it can also signal potential issues like cork deterioration or exposure to poor storage conditions. Ullage levels can vary and should only be used as a general guideline when assessing risk for older wines.
There’s something for everyone in our Wine & Spirits auctions!
Our general sales often have lots starting at $20, making it affordable and fun to participate in. Our Premium Wine auctions feature more highly sought after wines – keep an eye out on our auction page! Most wine varieties are covered – from Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Rose, Grenache, Tempranillo, Semillon Sauvignon, Riesling, Blank De Blanc, Prosecco… and from a number of the great wine regions of Australia and around the world. If you’re not a wine drinker, lots include Gin, Rum, Port, Southern Comfort, Vodka, Scotch Whisky, Irish Whisky, plus sometimes a selection of beer is included.
Some examples of Wine & Spirits sold at recent auctions are:
- Ruinart Blanc De Blancs Brut NV 750ml RRP $165
- Big Emperor Moonshine 700ml
- 2 bottles of Penfolds Father 10 Year Old Grand Tawny in presentation boxes
- Ardberg Uigeadail Scotch Whisky 700ml RRP $155
- 1998 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux RRP $525
- Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2018 750ml RRP $85
- 2 x Champagne “Veuve Cliquot” in presentation boxes (RRP $69.00 per bottle)
