Finest and rarest auction lots

12 bottles 1963 Fonseca – Sotheby’s, London, 18 September

Note: this is not a photograph of an actual bottle from the lot as none was available. Catalogue notes u. 3bn, no labels, 6 corks slightly raised

Another classic fortified to be had at Sotheby’s sale and ask yourself, “would it be possible to buy a case of 1960s Bordeaux or Burgundy for just £1,300 – £1,600? And how likely would it be to still be drinkable?”

Well, ask away and then laugh at all those chasing the dried meat and leather charms of non-fortified wines of a similar age and delight instead in the “deep impact” of plums that these wines still offer.