Step onto the auction floor with Michael Anderson, Head of Auctions at LANGTONS, and discover how rare bottles move from cellar to gavel. We unpack the do’s and don’ts of bidding, reveal the labels that keep climbing in value, and hear Michael’s personal journey from hospitality to helming Australia’s biggest fine-wine marketplace. Whether you buy to drink, invest, or simply daydream, this chat demystifies the world of wine auctions so you can bid (or sell) with confidence.

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LANGTONS

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Halliday Wine Companion

Wine Companion on Instagram

Halliday Wine Club

 

Key Takeaways

• The founding of LANGTONS and how Australia’s auction scene has matured
• Red flags that signal a corked, heat-affected or otherwise damaged bottle
• Proven investment staples: Penfolds Grange, Wendouree, Burgundy grands crus and more
• Market shifts after COVID-era cellaring booms
• Michael’s tips for first-time bidders: set your ceiling, read condition reports, phone a specialist
• Career lessons from pouring glasses to commanding the hammer
  
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to LANGTONS’ Auctions

02:04 Michael's Journey into the Wine World

03:30 A Day in the Life of a Head of Auctions

04:25 Understanding the Auction Process

09:17 Assessing Wine Condition and Quality

14:12 Market Pricing and Trends

16:31 Diverse Buyer Preferences

18:18 Finding Bargains in the Wine Market

24:57 Investment Wines and Speculation

27:00 The Secondary Market Dynamics

30:23 Surprising Sales and Unique Collections

38:09 Dealing with Fraudulent Wines

42:20 Quickfire Questions with Michael

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