So my step grandmother passed away a while ago and we found in the back of the closet a wooden box set of wine from Robert Mondavi. It is a 3 bottle set - 1978 Fume Blanc, 1975 Cabernet Sauvignon, and a 1977 Napa Gamay. I am assuming it is not drinkable, but does it have any collector value? Thanks, Joe

quote:

Originally posted by jpcjguy:
So my step grandmother passed away a while ago and we found in the back of the closet a wooden box set of wine from Robert Mondavi. It is a 3 bottle set - 1978 Fume Blanc, 1975 Cabernet Sauvignon, and a 1977 Napa Gamay. I am assuming it is not drinkable, but does it have any collector value? Thanks, Joe

No.

The fume and the gamay were probably dead on release. The cab could not have survived 30 years of abuse. Nobody would pay for this other than as a bunch of paperweights.

The fume and gamay are gonzo. But, if the Cabernet was stored well (not just in the dark closet, but kept cool)), all this time, it may actually be tasty, especially if it is the Reserve.

But, as Mr. Mondavi passed this Spring, your finds actually may have collector value. Worth exploring, as you never know which fool person might part with his/her money for a piece of Mondavi lore.

Personally, I'd pop a Cabernet, just to see, and recycle the rest, or keep some as momentos.

Nice decoration in memory of your grandma.

quote:

Originally posted by jpcjguy:
So my step grandmother passed away a while ago and we found in the back of the closet a wooden box set of wine from Robert Mondavi. It is a 3 bottle set - 1978 Fume Blanc, 1975 Cabernet Sauvignon, and a 1977 Napa Gamay. I am assuming it is not drinkable, but does it have any collector value? Thanks, Joe

According to this, it could be very valuable

http://forums.winespectator.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/7986076161/m/502103445

I would open all three bottles for relatives. The fume blanc will no doubt be undrinkable, the cab has a shot at being drinkable, but the Napa gamay might be the best of the bunch.

People need to remember that "Napa gamay" is not gamay beaujolais, it is most likely mondeuse. The BV Burgundy from that era was in fact mondeuse.

When you're done, clean out the bottles, put them back into the wood box, and keep it as a memento of your step grandmother.

quote:

Originally posted by jgreen:
According to this, it could be very valuable

http://forums.winespectator.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/7986076161/m/502103445

I'd shoot an email to, or call, the Mondavi winery and see if they have any interest in it.