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Don’t pip Pop to plonk

Wine - Pick of the Week from Esme Johnstone

You can pick up great bargains buying wine at auction but there are lots of pitfalls - as I once found out.

When I was somewhat younger I went to a Christie's auction and sat nervously in the back row. The last lot was two cases of vintage Veuve Clicquot, a very fine champagne. The bidding started at about 25 per cent of its market value, so I put my hand up. Bidding against a pre-placed bid, I took the price up to just below market value and stopped. Whereupon the lot was knocked down to the other

bidder - who turned out to be my father. I didn't dare tell him for about 10 years. When I owned up he was apoplectic with rage and as a punishment I had no champagne for a year at the family home. I learnt my lesson.

Paternal rivalry aside, buying very fine wine at auction should not be a problem providing you do not pay too much and the 'provenance' is good. Top wines should be in their original wooden cases and have been stored somewhere reputable in the UK - Octavian Cellars are the creme de la creme. It is very 

My father was apoplectic – I had no champagne for a year as punishment