A friend who recently lost her husband passed along to us a bottle of wine they had been saving. The wine is a 1970 Chateau Trimoulet Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, Red Bordeaux. We are uncertain how it has been stored, however no visable signs of leakage or cork damage. Can you tell us the current value? Should we drink it now - or save it, and any food pairings you could recommend?
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
Chateau Trimoulet is a mid-level St. Emilion in stature relying on Merlot principally, with Cabernet Franc, and would tend to develop over a decade of bottle aging, or longer in more concentrated, structured vintages. You are right to question the current condition of the 1970, whose value is modest at best. If it has been stored perfectly, you might have a pleasant surprise; if not, then it may well be over the hill. Holding the bottle upright, check the fill level of wine in the bottle: if it's not too far down from the cork, that's a good sign. Also, holding the bottle to a bright light, check the amount of sediment. You will probably need to decant the wine after the sediment has settled to the bottom - but just before serving as too much airing will not be a good idea.
Assuming the bottle is sound, it will be fairly delicate and of medium weight, with notes of tea, dried leaves and leather. Pair it with sauteed chicken breasts in a light natural reduction with white mushrooms, accompanied by purees of carrot and potato.
