Hello, I have a bottle of Chateau Prieure- Lichine Grand Cru Classe 1976 Margaux bottle number 042752 is this bottle still drinkable or should I just leave in alone unopened
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
I am often asked by customers in our retail operation about lone bottles of older wine which were discovered in a closet or basement, or just kept around for many years. In most cases, the wines were kept for much longer than they should have been, and in poor conditions. My advice is almost always to open the wine. The Prieure Lichine 1976 was at its best a very long time ago; then again, there are always surprises with older wines! By all means, don't wait any longer: stand the bottle upright overnight to settle the sediment, pull the cork, and gently pour a glass. If the color is still reddish and not pale and brown, you just might have something decent.