I need to know the approximate value of a bottle of Taittinger Blanc de Blanc champagne vintage 1981. And, the probability that it may have gone bad. Any help appreciated. Thank you in advance. Regards, Bill
Bill Hartwick wrote in news:449C63A5.50005 @ix.netcom.com:
Since you obviously do not know the conditions of storage (provenance) of the wine it is worth pretty much nothing; however, chill it down and pop the cork, it will be old but may still have some life. If the cork is in good shape and the bottle filled well to the neck it is most likely OK but perhaps dead as opposed to bad.
"Bill Hartwick" wrote ...............
Bill, 1981 was one of the better vintages (very good without being great) - and well stored champagnes from that particular vintage are drinking well at this time.
However, I repeat, this depends very much on how the wine has been stored in the intervening years.
As to the value, well, I am guessing that you are on the east coast of the US - and I am in New Zealand - but I would hazard a guess something like $US120-150 - retail for a bottle with guaranteed provenance.
You may realise half this amount, if you could find a ready buyer; provided of course you are not breaking any State laws in selling it.
Lord H: We've tightened up some of our laws due to 9-11. The crime of selling a wine contrary to state law begins with the thought as expressed in this post or a monitored phone call. Once the intelligence agency realizes a crime is to be committed, local authorities are advised. As a compromise, the Attorney General has agreed to have someone from Congress alerted when this happens and former Senators Helms and Quayle have been asked to do this. If they believe something is amiss Senator Frist & Speaker Hastert are given a "heads up".
Bill Hartwick wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@ix.netcom.com:
At best it will be sublime, nothing ventured, nothing gained, good luck
Bill Hartwick wrote in news:449F0CB8.1040305 @ix.netcom.com:
Well, you now have a quantifiable answer to the value question! It is unfortunate that there is ultimately only one way to tell. But then that makes it all the more exciting.
That's sad, but Champagne is one of the wines most prone to heat damage. If the bottle wasn't stored at a cool temperature, it probably suffered from premature oxidation. Also, keep in mind that aged Champagne is not to everyone's taste.
Mark Lipton
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