Expert: Paul Wagner - 5/15/2006

Question
A friend just passed away and his wife gave me his collection of wine and liquors. I have a bottle of Quintado do Noval 1978 vintage port bottled in 1980.Is there any value in this? I am aware that bottles of liquor do not appreciate much although I do have a bottle of Pinch and Pinch Scotch about 40 years old. Any value of the port or Pinch and Pinch.  Thanks, Art

Answer
Hi Art:

You are correct in saying that liquor does not improve with age--the alcohol level is so high that it really doesn't change much with time.

But the Quinta de Noval (is this right?  Quintado would not be the same wine) is quite a famous port, and should be lovely now if it has been stored properly---and probably worth well over $100.  1978 was not nearly so good as 1977, but the wine should still be very nice.  Decant it off the sediment, serve it at about 60 degrees F, and serve a bit of blue cheese, roasted nuts, or dark chocolate with it.  It won't keep once you open it, so save it for a special occasion sometime in the next year or two when you have a few guests for dinner.  If you need more guests, let me know!  

Paul wagner