Expert: Paul Wagner - 7/29/2005

Question
Hello- I wonder if you can help me - I have a bottle of Spain's Golden Cream Sherry. It says "Vintage 1938". Apparently it was bottled in 1968. It is in a metallic silver bottle (unusual to my eye). Is this still drinkable? Is there any monetary value? I have never known much about sherry but the bottle is so beautiful, it got my atttention. Many thanks for your time and expertise!

Answer
Hi Linda:

Sadly, this is not a wine with a great deal of monetary value.  SHerries, in general, are not very collectible, and this one was made to drink some time ago.  Because all Sherries are oxidized during production, this wine won't have deteriorated much over the years--and it also has about 18% alcohol, which helps protect it.  

Over the years, the sugar in this wine will have caramelized, and that means it is probably less sweet than when it was first released.  It still could be quite tasty.  I would suggest that you choose a special occasion and serve it with roasted nuts or delicately flavored cheeses as an aperitif.  Be prepared for anything from a real disappointment to a wonderful wine that has lasted longer than many people do!

Paul Wagner