1988 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut--is it still ok?

[skylarque]

My husband's publisher gave him a 750ml bottle of 1988 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut in 1996, to celebrate his book opening on the bestseller list. We would like to know two things: (1) the value of the wine if we were to sell it, and (2) whether the wine would still be good, given the conditions under which it has been stored. Obviously, we would not want to either gift it or sell it if there is a chance it is not good. Since we received it, it has been stored on its side (although I just read here that doesn't matter), in our enclosed kitchen pantry. The pantry is a dark closet, and would be about the temperature of the house or cooler (never more than 78 degrees -- but I don't know if that's too high). What do the experts say? (The labels are mint, as it has been in a see-through gold wrap all these years.)

[winoweenie]

Hi Sky and welcome to the board. " Here's the answer to the question that you put to me. Hope it helps you and you're love to see." The wine while not impeccibly stored should still be sound. The retail is around 250. WW [img]http://wines.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]

[wdonovan]

"should still be sound"

Or not! Twenty years at temps that reach 78F is a lot to ask from a wine. I give it 50/50.

[skylarque]

Many thanks to winoweenie and wdonovan for taking the time to answer my question. It looks to me like the only way I could even consider selling it is with full disclosure, including the possibility that the buyer may be bidding on nothing more than a tall paperweight. We don't drink, or we would have enjoyed it ourselves long ago. I just wish I realized what I had a little sooner in life. But I'm a wine ignoramus. You guys are great. Thanks again.