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Collecting Q&A: Fill Levels in Bottles

Peter D. Meltzer

Posted: Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Q: I have a bottle of 1928 Château Pontet-Canet. While there is no sign of cork leakage, the bottle appears to be down about a third. Is there any value to this bottle, and if so, where?—Ted Task, Rockville, Md.

A: A bottle of 1928 Pontet-Canet in good condition would be worth about $538, according to the Wine Spectator Auction Index. I'm afraid that given the extremely low fill level of your Château Pontet-Canet, it has become a historical curiosity rather than an auction-worthy item. Rather than tossing it, however, I would certainly open it and taste it, Sometimes a well-stored bottle with low levels can prove a pleasant surprise, even if it has no commercial value.

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