Serena Sutcliffe MW, Honorary Chairman, Sotheby’s Wine, said: “This is a veritable time capsule of starry wines from six decades, a true ‘Sleeping Beauty’ of a collection, lying untouched for many years. Led by the rarities that are Henri Jayer’s landmark vintages, as well as splendid DRC and First Growths from fabled years, this is a hidden, vinous treasure-trove. Above all, it is a glorious collection that is full of wines that one can experience with no waiting.”

James Reed, Director, Sotheby’s Wine Department, said: “When we visited a half-forgotten cellar on the Continent, with nothing but a few magical names to entice us, it was a shock to discover not single bottles but full dozens of Pétrus, Yquem, Domaine de la Romanée Conti and, in particular, the stunning wines of Henri Jayer. Aside from full cases of his Richebourg 1976 and 1978, we were confronted with no less than four cases of Pétrus 1978 plus further great Claret, Burgundy and Cognac from the 1970s and beyond.”