Spotlight: State’s Wines Appeal to Palate and Auction Goers

California wines proved more valuable than expected at an auction that raised $6.47 million--the highest total ever for a wine sale in the United States. Last week’s auction by Christie’s and New York wine retailer Zachys was second only to an $11.2-million Grand Cru sale by Christie’s in September. California wines sold for twice their estimated values, including 25 cases of 1994 Napa Valley Dominus that went for $77,300. “The message here is that California wines have finally arrived,” Christie’s Fritz Hatton said.