Hi everyone - I just joined Wine Spectator Online, and it occurred to me that someone here might be able to help me. When I was younger I lived in France, and picked up two bottles while I was there. I can't find out anything about them online. They have been treated reasonably well since. Can anyone tell me anything about them (e.g. are they likely to be drinkable, what they might be worth, etc?)

The first is a Chateau Mercier Cotes de Bourg, 1990 (indicates Grand Vin de Bordeaux)

The second is a Marquis de Chasse 1997 Reserve Bordeaux.

I'd greatly appreciate it if anyone with any info about these could respond to this. Thanks!

Both are fairly inexpensive wines - around $10 or less - and are probably way past their prime. They have no value other than sentimental.

Open them and try them, or keep them as ornaments.

Thanks, Dave. I appreciate it. The other bottle I bought was a 1.5L bottle of Rubicon from the Coppola Vineyard when I was there (1994). From the Wine Search, I see that it should remain drinkable until 2010.

quote:

Originally posted by W0wbagger:
Thanks, Dave. I appreciate it. The other bottle I bought was a 1.5L bottle of Rubicon from the Coppola Vineyard when I was there (1994). From the Wine Search, I see that it should remain drinkable until 2010.

That's assuming good storage conditions. Wine isn't like milk; it doesn't suddenly turn after a given time period.

You say you've kept it "reasonably" well - what does that mean exactly?

Even though it's a magnum I'd drink it sooner rather than later.

I think both Bordeaux would have the same drinking window since 1990 was a much better and longer lived vintage. I agree that they should both be consumed soon(if it is not already too late).

RE: The Rubicon has a long life ahead of it(as Dave said, "assuming good storage"-under 70 degrees EVERY SINGLE DAY of its existence).

If so, because it is a magnum, the drinking window should be 2010-20. If storage has been a problem, then it will continue to get more of a stewed prunes flavor as time goes on, so drink up.