Expert: Paul Wagner - 11/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have inherited a number of bottles of wine and liqueurs and am most curious about one in particular.  It is a bottle of LICOR BEIRAO, SEM RIVAL vintage 1957.

I have researched the brand and now know that current pricing on the bottle I have is about $20.00.

Would this liquer have improved with age in the bottle over the last 60 years?  Has the value of this bottle of Licor Beirao increased over this time.  If it has, do you have any idea as to what it may be worth today?

ANSWER: Hi Ken

The sad news is that because liqueurs have such high alcohol levels, they don't change much in the bottle for better or for worse.  Because of that, you bottle isn't worth much more than a current bottle of the same stuff.  At the same time, this should be perfectly good to drink.  

But bottle collectors might feel differently about the value.  You can check out what they think at antiquebottles.com.

Sorry I don't have more exciting news for you.

Paul Wagner

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Paul,
Thanks VERY much for the information about the Licor Beirao.  We opened the bottle and had a cordial after our Thanksgiving dinner.  It was very good.

One of the other bottles I inherited is a CHATEAU LAFITE-ROTHSCHILD, 1967.  The top of the label says "MIS EN BOUTEILLES AU CHATEAU".

Any thoughts on this one?

Answer
Hi Ken

You are right--this is a very different story.  This is one of the great wines of the world, and 1967 was a pretty good year.  But 1967 was a long time ago, and this wine, even if it were stored perfectly, might be a bit past its prime.  

So if the storage was really perfect, this wine could be worth up to $500 or more. And it would also be quite wonderful to drink--a little lighter and more elegant than most wines of today.

Paul Wagner