Great or Garbage?

[rosethorn]

My mother-in-law recently moved into a new house. Inside the house the previous owner had left several bottles of wine, which she declined to take with her when she moved. Since my mother-in-law is not fond of wine she passed it all on to us. My question for the forum is whether or not any of these are still good. I believe they were stored upright and at room temperature. The list of them follows:
Soave made by Bolla in 1990
Merlot made by Clos DuBois in 1999
Johannisberg Riesling made by The Houge Cellars in 1990
Reserve Chardonnay made by Ernest and Julio Gallo in 1990 and
White Zinfandel made by Berenger in 1991
I see that there are a lot of posts about the age of wine and appreciate any advice we get. Thank you and merry toasting!

[barnesy]

The merlot may still be drinkable. The others, I would would call a hazmat team in to deal with. Them babies is dead and gone a couple times around.

Barnesy

[Kcwhippet]

Welcome to the Wine Board, Rose. Considering the storage you mention, the Merlot may be gone as well. Only way to find out is to pop it.

[rosethorn]

Lol, thanks for the advice, I'll throw it out post haste. Out of curiousity and being a novice, I wonder why it is so important to store wine on its side? What real differance can it make? I appreciate the insight!

[wondersofwine]

If fastened with a natural cork, the cork has to stay moist to preserve the wine from oxidation. If the bottle is upright, the cork will dry out in time and shrink or shrivel a bit, letting air in around the cork and spoiling the wine. (My unscientific explanation--others on the panel may have a better explanation).

[robr]

You are exactly right Wonders. I once bought a 5 year old bottle of chardonnay that had been stored upright. That cork slipped out as easy as pie, and I knew I had a bad bottle before I even tasted it. And it was terrible.

[rosethorn]

Very interesting to know. Thank you guys!