How much is my bottle of champagne worth?

Question

i have a 13 oz bottle of 1945 Bollinger BRUT extra quality champagne and was wondering how much it is worth? i found it in the basement of someone i knew that died.

Answer

If perfectly stored, somewhere in the $200 range. But I like Veggo's answer better.

Champagne is probably the wine most susceptible to ill treatment, especially in half-bottles, so unless it had been kept optimally (<57 degrees) for its entire life, there's a good chance it's compromised. The level, color, and appearance of bubbles (most 40s Champagnes I've had still had some, although I've never had one from half-bottle) will tell you a lot even before you open it.

Answer

If you do open it, drink it quickly, i.e. within 30 minutes. It will die very quickly once opened. This has been my experience drinking many old, exceptionally well-stored vintages in France.

Answer

It is worth as much as you can find someone to pay for it. With that bottle, much will depend on how it has been stored and the paperwork to prove it.

I agree with ML, that it will not last more than a brief moment of glory, if that, so be at the ready, and have a backup handy.

Good luck,

Hunt

Answer

I don't know what the practice was in 1945, but today very rarely does Champagne undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle when the bottle size is 375 ml (approx 13 oz). Rather the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in a larger bottle, and is then poured into smaller bottles. If today's practice was also done in 1945, the wine might be in worse shape than a larger bottle of 1945.

Answer

Unlikely to have retained the fizz. BUT could have retained some character - the colour will be the best guide (if it's discernible through the glass). 

I have a 'trick' that has worked well on older bottles. Buy a bottle of a 'current' vintage of the same 'brand'. Pour some of the older wine into a champagne flute and then top up with the younger version.

But I wouldn't buy a bottle of that age without a 'decent provenance'. So worth memories only.

Answer

I have a bottle of champagne 1957 how much is it worth

Answer

I have a 1971 charbaut certificate blanc de blanc cuvée de reserve bottle of champagne. I paid about $70 for it in 1980s. Is it more valuable today?

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How much is my bottle of champagne worth?

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