Expert: Paul Wagner - 8/26/2006

Question
Hi
I have a bottle of Courvoisier - Prestige De La France commemorative fine champagne cognac, which was bottled on the 9th may 1984. I received this at the Prestige de la France award ceremony made by Jacques Chirac in Paris. I am assuming it is very rare, as it was never made available for private purchase and was wondering if you had any ideas about its value, or where i can find this information out ?
Thanks for your help

Matthew Betts

Answer
HI Matthew:

Prestige de la France refers to an award that Couvoisier won from the French Government...the phrase appears on many different bottles of Courvoisier Cognac.  The more important phrase is Fine Champagne, which identifies this bottle as being part of their VSOP Fine Champagne product. A normal bottle of this sells for about $40-$50, and with the story behind yours, you might be able to get a bit more for it.  The really expensive bottles of Courvoisier come in a Lalique crystal decanter, and have cognac that is up to 200 years old.  Those current sell for over $5,000 a bottle!

Paul Wagner