An extraordinary collection of every vintage of Chateau d'Yquem since 1860 has been put together and will be offered for sale later this year, reports Adam Lechmere of Decanter.com.

The collection of the Sauternes first growth, from 1860 to 2002, is believed to be the deepest in existence - and rivals the library of bottles kept by the Sauternes first growth itself. Yquem is the most venerable and lauded of all Sauternes properties, its wines famed for their longevity.

Stephen Williams of the London-based Antique Wine Company, who has put together the collection, has not decided yet how it will be sold, whether privately or by auction. Many of the vintages consist of just one bottle, but cases can be supplied around 50 of them.

As to price, Williams said it is difficult to value, although "a Las Vegas casino owner" bought a similar, though less comprehensive, collection from him in 1996 for US$1 million. Some of the most sought-after Yquem vintages - the '67 for example - fetch prices at auction in excess of £6,000 per case.

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