Premiere Napa Valley, an invitation-only Napa Valley event for members of the wine trade, had one of its highest-yielding auctions ever last weekend at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. Of the 226 lots on offer, the top three — from Nine Suns, Memento Mori and Italics — each fetched $130,000. That’s $130,000 for just 5 cases of wine, or $2,166 a bottle.

Needless to say, bidders weren’t there for bargains; they were there to support the Napa Valley Vintners Association and acquire some exceptionally fine and rare wines for their clients. It is believed that the results from Premiere can determine consumer demand for “cult” Cabernet in the years to come.

So why am I reporting this? Because I just so happen to have a connection to one of the winners. Italics, a brand new winery located Coombsville, in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains just southeast of Napa. Last summer, Booker & Butler was retained by the winery as a private concierge for its top customers. So I’ll be putting together custom itineraries when the big dogs come to town.

The winery won’t be open to the public until July, at which point tastings will be by appointment only. Given how well it did at Premiere Napa Valley, Italics will definitely top collectors’ list of must-visit places. Contact me to arrange a private tour and tasting at this hot new winery.

TOP 10 LOTS FROM PREMIER 2016