Expert: Paul Wagner - 9/19/2011

Question
I have a large bottle (1qt +1 pt size) of Chateau-Lascombes Grand Cru Classe 1953 Margaux imported by Leone and Son Detroit MI

I am curious as to if it is drinkable and/or does it have any value in terms of selling it.

Answer
HI Dan

1953 was an odd year, with very small production at some chateaux.  And for wine like this, the answer really all depends on storage conditions. If this bottle came straight from the cellars of the chateaux, there's a chance that it might still have a bit of life.  But if it spent some of the last 58 years in someone's garage, kitchen, or closet, then it is almost certainly dead and gone.

And given that scenario, it's tough to get collectors to pay top dollar for this.  If you had a case, and could document the storage, you would have much better luck.  But I think it would be hard to get more than about $100 for a single bottle...and you'd have to pay a commission out of that.

If it were mine, I would drink it with someone who was born in 1953---and hope that the person has aged more successfully than this wine has.

SOrry I can't give you more optimistic news.

Paul Wagner