On 11 May 2016 in London, Sotheby’s will bring to auction A Private Jayer Collection. This remarkable and lovingly cared for Continental collection was assembled by the current owner’s mother and late father, who sought out the finest wines available through their very good connections in the wine world. The undoubted stars of the sale are rare vintages by the legendary Henri Jayer, whose name is synonymous with some of the greatest wines from Burgundy. Some of these Jayer wines have remained in their sealed cardboard cartons, and are now ready to be discovered by those who were too young to buy them when they first appeared on the market. Domaine de la Romanée Conti and First Growth Bordeaux, as well as mouth-watering Yquem, Grande Marque Champagne, and illustrious Cognac add to the allure of this single owner cellar. The 247 lots are estimated to bring a combined total in the region of £700,000.

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.”