THE spirit of Christmas flowed through bidders at an auction in Cirencester as a collection of fine wines poured over their estimates.

At Moore Allen & Innocent’s pre-Christmas sale this week a case of Bordeaux Chateau Chasse-Spleen 1989, Cru Exceptionel sold for £440 which was estimated at £300.

Two cases of Chateau Cantanac Brown Margaux 1982 Grand Cru Classe, meanwhile, achieved £440 each against a £200 estimate and a case of Warre's VintagePort 1977 made £440 against a £300 estimate.

A single bottle of Chateau D'Yquem Sauternes 1957 fetched £120 Auctioneer Philip Allwood said: "Once again wine and port have sold exceptionally well at our pre-Christmas sale.

"Connoisseurs who want to create some space in their cellars, or oenophiles who want to add to their collection, would do well to make a date in their 2010 diaries," he added.

Also at the sale a long case clock, made in Cirencester by Joseph Tanner between 1840-56, sold for £360.