Bonhams is limbering up for its first auction of 2012 with a wide range of great vintages being offered in February.

The company is reportedly pleased with its strategy of appealing across the market with a range of fine wines of all different kinds, allowing it to ride the various trends in the market.

This has paid off over the past two years with increases of a highly impressive 50% for 2010 and 2011.

First growth Bordeaux has been the strongest performer over this time, but its startling increase in value has plateaued somewhat, and Bonhams is expecting the greatest moves are to be seen from its Burgundy and Italian sections.

There are also great wines from the Rhone and a fantastic range of vintage Champagnes, not to mention some excellent Australian wines from Penfolds, Kay Brothers and others. There is even vintage port and Cognac dating all the way back to 1811.

Of the sections to watch, however, it is the large format Tuscans that are likely to bring joy from Italy, whilst Burgundy is led by a good range of mature wines from the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti as well as a single bottle of Henri Jayer's 1976 Echezeaux. 

Naturally there is some great Bordeaux on offer too, and collectors will no doubt be keen to view it. There are some highlights from 1938, 1945, 1961 and 1982 vintages, not to mention several mature vintages of Chateau d'Yquem, undoubtedly the greatest sweet wine in the world.

Bonhams' first Fine and Rare Wine sale of 2012 will be on February 9th in London.