The Auswine Forum

Hi,

I am looking at buying and selling some wine through Sterling Auctions in WA and would like to ask the forums opinions (if they have any) on this company. Any bad or good experiences ? Would it be any different selling through them rather than say Langtons ? What about buying from them any issues that you can think of ?

Sterling is at the top of my list of auction houses for wine. They always deliver faster, and the bargains are often better, than Langtons.

I have never sold through them though... they are based in WA.

zanlation wrote:... they are based in WA.

Are you concerned about the distance the wine travels through the heat of the Nullabor and the conditions that the wine must be stored in, I mean, the climate isn't exactly cool for storing wine.

Why don't you just call them and speak to Lynton Barber, he'll tell you anything you could want to know. I've bought from them many times, and all good apart from ONE VERY ANNOYING problem with COOKED wines going to Sydney. Grrrr! They did agree to let me send the wine back, so no real complaints?

A mate in Perth buys and sells through them and has found them very professional.

Personally I've been buying through Wickman's Fine Wine Auctions
(http://wineauction.wickman.net) which is run by Mark Wickman, a regular contributor on this and other forums. It's very much a one man (and wife) show providing excellent service and advice with real attention to detail. Being a wine enthusiast himself helps no doubt.

I have been buying through them almost since they started up and have only very minor probs over that time which have always been sorted.

Lynton is approachable and honest.

Just be wary when bidding that there is a buyers premium and some lots will have added GST. There is also a sellers premium but that will never trouble me. Also be aware that not all wines have been stored in stellar cellars, either from private sellers or from wholesalers getting rid of xs stock. It is one of the risks you take.

Go to their site and read the rule book.

Nobby wrote:

zanlation wrote:... they are based in WA.

Are you concerned about the distance the wine travels through the heat of the Nullabor and the conditions that the wine must be stored in, I mean, the climate isn't exactly cool for storing wine.

My main concern was the Indo-Pacific and the number of days it would take to arrive at its destination. At least it wouldn't be going by camel train.

Hi Nobby - Sterlings are a reputable outfit, operating to the same standards as Langtons & other capital city wine auction houses.
If you're on the east coast though, you'll have the additional cost of transport/insurance - works out around $2 - $3 per bottle, on top of commission. Now this is immaterial on, say, a Grange, but might mean that the $15 (bid) bargain you found doesn't look so cheap once $15+commission+$3=$20 is factored in. I generally buy from auctions where I can just drive around and pick up.
regards, Mark

Have purchased from Sterling on at least 10 occasions over the last couple of years and have no complaints at all. Very professional and my last case of wine arrived at my doorstep 3 days after payment. Perth to Hobart in that time is exceptional, especially considering it was from different lots and with 2 bottles from the previous auction also. Makes one wonder why the last delivery I got from Langtons took the best part of a month to get from Melbourne to Hobart