need help w/ valuation/rating of Cabs, Fume, Merlot

[elizabeth]

First time user here - I'd appreciate any help/info you can share... Years ago I worked in a very nice restaurant and collected some nice wines from our purveyors and from trips to CA. These days my palate has lost its ability to tell a $15 bottle from a $40 bottle! I have the wines listed below and wondered whether anyone could tell me whether these are still ok, or past their prime. These have been stored in a basement on their sides in a wine shipping box. If there is any hope for them, I'd almost hate to waste them on me and my husband. Any ideas on how to trade or sell?
1985 - Far Niente Cabernet
1982, 86, 87 - Tudal Cabernet (Napa)- the vintner signed these bottles for me and I remember him saying that someone had bought one of these cabs for their Y2K celebration (that was in '91, so mayber there's hope for these)
1986 Mondavi- Cab
1991 Hess Collection - Cab
1993 Cuvaison - Merlot
1994 Murphy Goode - Reserve Fume Blanc

thank you (anyone) for help with this!

[winoweenie]

Hi Liz and welcome to the board.All of the reds should be sound with the possible exception of the 82 Tudal. Haven`t a clue on the Fume but seriously doubt it. As far as selling or trading the bottles, if you search thru the back posts on the Colletible thread you`ll find a pretty grim picture when trying to sell single bottles. We always suggest opening them babies up and partying down.You should have some fun drinking moments. winoweenie

[cpurvis]

"waste them"? How could it possibly be a "waste" for you & your hubs to drink them?! That's the intended purpose...unless of course you would like a shipping address, which I could gladly supply.

Cheers!