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Found 6 bottles of 1970 Château Lynch-Bages in my grandmother’s cold storage. Looking for advice.
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Found 6 bottles of 1970 Château Lynch-Bages in my grandmother’s cold storage. Looking for advice.


I recently found six bottles of 1970 Château Lynch-Bages (Pauillac) in my 94-year-old grandmother’s cold storage.

The bottles were stored on their side and, as far as we can tell, have likely been untouched for at least 30 years. I do not have much experience with wines of this age and am looking for some guidance.

I plan to drink them rather than sell. Wine is meant to be enjoyed. That said, I would appreciate any insight on approximate value, how to assess whether they are still sound, and best practices for opening and serving something this old.

Any advice is welcome, and thanks in advance.

by js18

17 Comments

  2. Diuleilomopukgaai

    Keep upright for a couple of days before opening.

    Use a Durand, or a knockoff Durand.

  3. Disastrous_Square_10

    Stand up right for 2 days in fridge or colder temp and be careful removing cork but they should be amazing.

  7. SurrealDali1985

    I have 4 from e 80s so let’s see those notes plan on opening one for Christmas!

  8. j_patrick_12

    Fill level looks pretty fine for a 55yo wine. Bet they’ll be great.

  9. Steamed-Hams

    If these have been stored well they should still be singing. I’m incredibly jealous. Buy a Durand or knockoff Durand. Stand them up for a day to let the sediment settle. Open slowly and gently. Then slowly pour into a decanter with a light under the neck. I use my phone some people use a candle. Once you start to see sediment at the neck stop pouring. Serve immediately. That guy Vegas-wine on TikTok has a bunch of videos doing this that may help.

  12. Cool-Cow9712

    Wow, what a find. You absolutely could sell that for an excellent price, but I have to say I respect your decision. What a great bottle to open for a special occasion in your family.
    Congrats

  15. easyontheeggs

    Assuming she wants you to have them and drink them? Yeah they will be maybe ok.

  16. ProfJape

    I had 2 bottles of LB 1970 last year and they were great. So the best advice I can give is to drink them!

  17. Mapkos13

    My birth year wine. Wish I was part of your family!