aged champagne

[missy]

I have a bottle of champagne that was given to me for my 21st birthday. It is 11 years old waiting for a special occasion to be drank. I was thinking the celebration of a new century is good enough to drink this. First, is the champagne still good? it is not the best brand (cook) - it has been chilling for 5 years (collecting dust in my fridge) I am a normal Korbel drinker, I just want to make sure this bottle of Cook will not be skunky before I offer it to my friends.

[Jerry D Mead]

Sorry...I don't like your chances. Cook's is very inexpensive, very simple, fruity sparkling wine meant to be consumed shortly after it comes off the bottling line. With all that working against it, combined with less than desirable shortage, I'd say you'd better write this one off to sentiment.

Or have several bottles of your favorite Korbel on hand (I like their Chardonnay Champagne at the moment)and open the Cook's at the end of the evening with a smile and a warning that it may be awful...but how will I ever know unless we pop the cork.

[Thomas]

I wouldn't even bother to open the Cook's.

[penny]

I can think of several champagnes I would drink before opening a new bottle of Cooks -- let alone one that has to be bad. Drink your Korbel or why not move up to a domestic Roederer (about $20) or try Argyle -- Oregon (less than $20) as not too expensive alternatives.

[Jason]

Somehow, I knew that Foodie would respond to this question and exactly what his post would be. Drawn like a moth to the flame....

[Thomas]

I have been found out! OK, now that you know you can likely throw me a lot of bait, and I will likely gladly bite....scruffy street kids from Brooklyn never lose that combative nature.

And the Cooks still ain't worth the time it takes to open it....