Help for Heroes silent auction enters final week

There is still time to place your bids in the Help For Heroes silent auction held in conjunction with the Fine Wine Fair.

Some outstanding wines remain on offer, with 100% of the proceeds going towards the charity, which offers physical, emotional and financial support for wounded serviceman and women and their families.

Some star names have lent the auction their support and lots include some stellar offerings from the wine world’s top names.

Lionel Nierop, managing director of auction host Bid for Wine, said: “We’ve seen significant interest in ‘big ticket’ items so far – notably French classics such as the 2001 Gilles Barge Côte Rôtie ‘Cuvée du Plessy’ and 1995 Château Grand Puy Lacoste Pauillac.

“There are some real bargains too though – for example magnums of 2004 Cuvée Frederic Emile Riesling from Trimbach and 2003 Echezeaux from Jayer-Gilles.

“From a personal standpoint I’d love to win the case of 2003 Vouvray, Le Haut Lieu, demi-sec non greffé from Domaine Huët. It’s as rare as hen’s teeth and despite the abnormally high temperatures, Huët made amazing wines in 2003.

“I also rather fancy the Jeroboam of 2007 Château Tour du Pas St. Georges, St Emilion – tasting this from bottle recently it would out-class many bigger names and who can resist the appeal of such a big bottle?

“If you’re a Champagne and sports lover you really must bid on the Methuselahs of Moët & Chandon NV. These giant bottles have been signed by Andrew Strauss and the Harlequins rugby squad.

“As I’ve said to lots of people recently, this is a unique chance to pick up some superb bottles safe in the knowledge that what you’ve paid for them is going directly to help a charity.”

Bidding closes on Friday, 29 October. For a full run-down of what’s on offer in the silent auction, and to register your own bid, click here.

Alan Lodge, 25.10.2010