Expert: Paul Wagner - 12/23/2008

Question
I recently inherited a bottle of Jourde Cordial-Medoc and am trying to determine it's value.  Can you help?

It appears to very old although I can find no date on the bottle.  4/5 Quart.  Made by G.A. Jourde in Bordeaux, France.  There are two labels on the back.  One says: Imported by Meyer & Lange, 432 Greenwich St., New York; Licence number LL 47, Permit I, No. 47.  The second label reads: To re-order, call Julius Fisher Co., 26 East 58th St, New York, NY  Phone: PLAZA 3-5160.

Answer
Hi Michael

Because this stuff is so high in alcohol, it doesn't really change once they take it out of the barrel and put it in the bottle.  The good news is that it should still be in perfect condition.  The bad news is that it hasn't change, either in character or value, since it was bottled.

Value?  I'd guess something like $35-50--which is what it might cost if you tried to buy a similar bottle today at full retail.

IF the bottle is an unusual shape, you might try checking with the guys at antiquebottles.com--they often have interesting notes about older bottles.

please note that it is illegal for a private individual to sell alcoholic beverages in the USA.  You'll have to work through a retailer or auction house to sell this--and pay a commission to them.  

Sorry I can't give you more exciting news.

Paul Wagner