Bottles on sale were selected from 450,000 stocked in the cellars of the restaurant variously known as the "world's oldest" or "most famous", and undeniably blessed with one of the best locations in the universe, straddling the Seine overlooking Notre Dame cathedral.

The establishment dating back to 1582 is best known for pressed duck and served up its millionth in 2003.

Bought directly from vintners, none of the bottles have ever been on the market. Bordeaux wines include Chateau Latour (1975, 1982, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1994), Chateau Lafite Rothschild (1970, 1982, 1997), Chateau Cheval Blanc (1928, 1949, 1966) and Chateau Margaux (1970, 1990).

Among Loire valley wines is a Vouvray Haut Lieu Huet (1919) while the Burgundy region includes a Puligny Montrachet Referts Sauzet (1992) and Vosne Romanée Jayer (1988).

Profits from the oldest bottle, a Fine Champagne Clos du Griffier from 1788, will go to charity.