My great Aunt passed away and left a house full of surprises for us to uncover. In the midst of all the china I found a bottle of vintage 1990 Dom Perignon still in it's original packaging. I know nothing about champagne. Is it like wine and gets better with age or is it trash? It was packaged for Dec. 31, 1999 to bring in the new year with a special cork (or says the papers). any guidance on what to do with this bottle is greatly needed--thank you.
Thank you so much ladies. I'm not sure what we will do with it yet. We did find it in the bottom of a free standing bar laying on it's side. Assuming it was kept like that it's entire life the bottle should be good. We may just have to pop it open and bring in the new year with a toast to my Aunt.
I think it depends on how it was stored. If it was kept "cool" it will stay good. You may want to do a search online and ask a professional because if it is still good it could be worth a lot :)
Actually, it's probably wonderful!
When I graduated from college (1997), my boyfriend's (at the time) father sent my parents a bottle of 1980 Dom as a "Congratulations" to them for paying for 4 yrs of private college! It was absolutely beautiful and delicious... and VERY pricey.
If you have any concerns, you can certainly reach out to the company itself or a local specialty wine shop. They can look-up the batch and let you know. Most likely, though, you have a very valuable bottle of champagne in your hands, so uncork and toast the New Year... and use the good crystal!
Raise a glass to Auntie! You'll know if it's bad. If it was stored properly, it should be fine.
Sounds like a gamble that only your pallet will be able to untangle.
Just saw a Pawn stars episode about this.....a guy brought in apparently one of the first bottles of Dom Perignon. It ended up being quite worthless and not drinkable.
A specialist came in and said the only way it would be good is if it was stored correctly (on its side so the cork stays moist and does not dry up) and iif it was stored at the right temperature (can't remember what that was, sorry).
It should be wonderful, but you'll know by how it tastes and if the cork is rotten or not. Enjoy!
drink up and enjoy! Salud!
Dear V.: check out this wine link below. Apparently this year is perfect for drinking right now! As long as it has been laying FLAT and NOT standing up so that the cork dries out, it is what they call "in the sweet spot." So go ahead and enjoy it this New Year's! C.
Champagne gets better with age - you found a rare treat! Enjoy it :)
As long as it wasn't in the fridge the whole time should be good. I the frideg too long and it is "burnt" and horrible. If you are looking to sell it, I would contact either the company or a notable sommalier (sp) and ask them. Hopefully the bottle was on it;s side not standing up, so the cork stays moist. Either way Cheers!!!
Only one way to find out - and I would share!
