(Decanter) - First-growths dating back more than 50 years and a large selection of vintage German wines are among a host of bottles to be auctioned from Hugh Johnson's cellar. Johnson said that it was 'agony' deciding which bottles to part with for the auction, which will take place on May 16 at Sworders Stansted Mountfitchet salerooms, in north Essex.

The sale, which could raise tens of thousands of pounds, comes as a result of Johnson and his family selling their home of the past 40 years, Saling Hall, also in Essex.

The Elizabethan manor house has five cellars, which Johnson has taken delight in filling with top wines from the 20th Century, including some 'real gems'.