LAST YEAR THE singer/ songwriter Chris de Burgh sold a collection of vintage wines at a Christie’s auction in London. The set of 320 bottles and 84 magnums made a total of £345,000 (€394,000).

Now Sotheby’s is sending its specialist in fine and rare wines to Dublin to offer valuations later this month. Damian Tillson said he has “a long-shared history with Ireland and its drinking cognescenti, having advised many collectors over the years and sourced some magnificent collections”. Owners of “sizable” wine collections can meet him, by appointment, and he “will be happy to advise on what should be drunk, what should be kept and what should be sold”.

Tillson said “Irish collectors have always had a taste for the most sought-after and collectable Bordeaux and Burgundy, and were prevalent in the sale room during the boom years”.

The timing looks right for Sotheby’s who are “hoping to bring some of these collections back on to the market” to meet what the auctioneer claimed was “seemingly insatiable demand for the most prized Châteaux and Domaines, from the Far East in particular.”

Sotheby’s raised over €65 million from wine auctions last year in London, New York and Hong Kong. Contact Sotheby’s, Molesworth Street, Dublin for an appointment on September 24th or 25th.