AboutElaine Marshall Expertise I am a specialist in wines from California, the Pacific Northwest, Australia and the Rhone. My specialties are the business and marketing of wine, professional wine evaluation, and wine writing. I have experience in winemaking for the home enthusiast but a broader knowledge in viticulture and the wine regions of the world. PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME VALUATION QUESTIONS.
Experience Currently the Wine Director for Sunset Magazine's Wine Club, I founded the First Street Wine Company in Livermore, California. As former restaurant sommelier, I have over 10 years of experience in the wine industry and am an Advanced Certified Wine Professional of the Culinary Institute of America. As a specialist in New World wines, especially Syrah/Shiraz, I have studied extensively the wines of California, Australia, the Rhone Valley, and the Pacific Northwest. Accepted to the Institute of Masters of Wine program in 2006, I taste hundreds of wines annually. I have served as a wine judge for many California wine competitions. A graduate of the University of California at Davis, I have produced and bottled my own private-label wine for four vintages. My wine reviews have been published in Diablo Magazine and in various on-line newsletters, including Sunset Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Intowine.com and others.
Publications Sunset Magazine, Diablo Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Intowine.com
Education/Credentials Certified Wine Professional Advanced, Culinary Institute of America
Master of Wine Candidate
Question Dear Elaine, when I was married my father in-law (a Greek priest) gave me a bottle of Seven Star Metaxa. The label says Grandprix, San Francisco 1915. In addition the label wrapped around the neck of the bottle has Greek words I don't understand, "S.&E.&A METAXA Piraeus-Greece established 1888". Last year while browsing eBay I came across what appeared to be the exact same bottle being auctioned for $100,000 reduced to $80,000. I examined and could not find any difference between the two bottles. It's difficult to believe I would be in possession of such a prize. I have searched and searched the Internet for an answer and haven't had any luck. I came across this website and found you listed as an expert. Oh and the bottle has never been opened, I was waiting for my first grandchild to be born but my boys and my daughter haven't gotten off their butts to give me a grand baby LOL. Elaine I hope you can shed a little light on issue. If you can't thank you anyway for taking the time to read. Take care and good luck with all your endeavors.
Sincerely,
Joseph.
PS By the way that is a great picture of you.
Answer Hi Joseph-
Metaxa Seven Star is the longest aged version of this brandy-like liquer from Greece. It is a blend of three varieties (Savatiana, Sultanina, and Black Corinth) that is distilled then blended with a Muscat based blend, enhanced with botanicals then aged in barrel.
As far as I can tell your bottle is a form of commemorative of the SF Grand Prix that moved to San Francisco in that era. I am not sure if that has anything to do with vintage because my understanding of the bottling is that it is a minimum of seven years aging only as indicated by its name. The necker is likely an import label or tax paid indication.
I found an equivalent bottling (seemingly) right now on Ebay for $100. I could not find any other stated value at auction. Whether or not that is a market value is undetermined, but it seems like your original value is way off, sorry!
