Finest and rarest auction lots

12 bottles 1961 Haut-Brion – Sotheby’s

Just by way of complete contradiction, if one is after old Bordeaux then this classic vintage is one to chase.

Part of a collection that also includes three bottles of ‘61 Margaux, a case of ‘61 Gruaud Larose and two bottles of ’62 Mouton, the Haut-Brion is, according to Serena Sutcliffe MW, “simply sumptuous”.

All the wines have been stored in Octavian’s cellar since purchase and aside from the case there is also a magnum, and two incomplete cases of eight and nine bottles.

The full case is valued at £16,000 – £20,000.