Has the wine gone bad?

[Pamncharge]

I received a 1997 pouilley-fuisse as a gift. When I tasted it, it almost has an aftertaste more like a port or sherry. What should a pouilley fuisse white burgundy taste like? I hate to tell the giver that I loved the wine, when I hated it, and it may be bad because of previous storage or such. If it's suppose to taste like that, then I'll thank the giver graciously, and never buy a bottle for myself. thanks for your help.

[Innkeeper]

Hi Pam and welcome to the Wine Board. You wine is a Chardonnay from the Maconnais district of Southern Burgundy. It is the top of their line, but not comparable to the White Burgundys from further north, particularly in regard to longevity. Yours could very well be over the hill. Don't give up on that kind of wine. Buy one from a recent vintage and be sure to chill it down to 55 degrees F or so.

[Bucko]

A sherried taste is pretty classic for an oxidized wine. 97 was a poor vintage year for France. Sounds like your bottle was OTH.

[Pamncharge]

Thanks for all of your help. I hated to think that someone spent money for a gift for me, but bought a bottle that had gone past it's pride. I'll let her know, so that she can get her money back.