I have one case of Lafite Rothschild '78 and one case of Chateau Lascombes '78. Is there a market for these wines and if so what price should I ask? They have been properly cellared. I live in Las Vegas,NV
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
I have not tasted either wine in some time, so I cannot give you my own comments on the status or quality of these two wines.
Lafite 1978 is somewhat controversial and was not rated highly in the earlier years of its life. According to some who have tasted the wine recently, however, it may have shed its tannic frame and revealed its class. The retail price covers a wide range from $175 to $700 per bottle. You should be able to get a good price for this wine at auction, assuming that it is still in the original wood case and the fill of the bottles is high.
Lascombes 1978 falls in a moribund period for the property. In recent vintages, Lascombes has been transformed and is now making ripe, sleek wines with generous new oak. It is doubtful that the '78 will offer very much...but wines can always offer surprises, particularly if well stored. The resale value is probably low.
