french burgundy with concerns

[pergamum]

Since burgundy is one hundred percent Pinot Noir (in almost every case), it can be a bit finicky. Viticulture in California and the Burgundy region of France has been plagued by this terrible grape for years (its my favorite wine to drink, but the most difficult to maintain and harvest). Unless your storage methods are impeccable, it is likely that the bottle has oxidized a bit, nevertheless, there is absolutedly no better way to find out then to open the bottle; or, if you truly have fear in your heart and refuse to do the inevitable, shine a pen flashlite into the base of the bottle--oxidized Burgundy looks pretty darn brown (much like vinegar). And, if worse comes to worse--you've got a great ingredient for cooking (I know that was cruel : ) )