Big Bottle Party and Competition Launches Series of Events Supporting the American Heart Association

DALLAS, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 100 rare and unusual wines, several from some of Dallas' most renowned private wine cellars, were donated by area wine connoisseurs attending the launch party Jan. 26 for the 20th Anniversary Cotes du Coeur Season benefitting the American Heart Association.

Among the donated wines that received awards from judges Simon Roberts, owner of Grailey's Fine Wines and Cotes du Coeur Wine Chair Steve Ellis, was a 2002 M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape donated by Dr. Pedro and Ani Nosnik; a 2007 Joseph Phelps Insignia Red Meritage donated by Kevin and Andrea Cowan; a 1994 Dominus Cabernet Sauvignon donated by Hank and Marge Krawczyk; a 2003 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon donated by Larry and Collette Young; a 1990 Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill donated by Daniel and Amanda Lawson; and a 12-bottle Norma Jean vertical set donated by Hunter & Emily Bywaters.

"The quality and variety of wines donated this year has been excellent," said Roberts.  "Most wine regions from around the world were well represented with superb large format offerings."

The wines will be auctioned at the 20th annual Cotes du Coeur International Fine Wine Auction & Celebrity Chef Dinner, the final event in the 2011 Cotes du Coeur season to be held April 9 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. The black-tie event is the biggest food and wine auction and gala in Dallas and the second most successful annual gala in the nation for the American Heart Association. This year's gala will feature 16 of Dallas's most celebrated chefs, 34 internationally acclaimed wineries and several of the top Master Sommeliers in the nation.

Cotes du Coeur was founded by members of the medical community 20 years ago as a unique way to support the American Heart Association's fight against heart disease and stroke.  During the past two decades, Cotes du Coeur has attracted more than 16,000 people and raised more than $14 million for cardiovascular research and heart-health education.  The five events that comprise the Cotes du Coeur season are renowned for their focus on fine wine, fine food and outstanding networking opportunities. For more information, please visit http://www.dallaswineauction.com.

About the American Heart Association:

Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association today is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart diseases and stroke.  These diseases, America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers, and all other cardiovascular diseases, claim nearly 870,000 lives a year.  Each year, the American Heart Association invests millions in research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs to help all Americans live longer, healthier lives. To learn more, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit http://www.americanheart.org.  

SOURCE American Heart Association