Is this bottle of wine valuable??

[angeleyes0717]

I have a unopened bottle of Brolio Chianti Classico Casa Vinicola Barone Ricasoli 1985. It has not been opened and it still has the seal which reads AAF 01879890 CHIANTI.It also has what appears to be a bamboo wrap around the bottom. Is it worth anything??If so does anyone know how much?? My best friend is getting married and I thought a nice bottle of wine would be a great gift, but I don;t want to give her something if it isn't worth more than 10 or 12 dollars..

[Innkeeper]

Hi Angel Eyes and welcome to the Wine Board. The wine probably is not worth more than $10 or $12, but I'm more concerned about its drinkability after 21 years. Not all wine ages well, and even those don't age forever. You might find some life in it, but I wouldn't give it as a wedding present for anyone, much less my best friend. Why not buy her a new one?

[angeleyes0717]

Thanks so much for the info. I am going to buy them a new bottle of wine. I would never give them something that only cost 10 to 12 dollars and not taste very well (I do want them to remain my friends lol) Can you suggest a nice bottle of wine. I'm looking to spend around $100.00.

[Innkeeper]

A nice sparkler always makes a nice wedding gift. Pol Roger Brut Rose will run around $65.

[ionia06]

I'm new to the site as well, but I was browsing and noticed that you were going to offer an Italian wine for their wedding. I agree that your wine is almost surely past its prime. However, if you want to offer an Italian wine, and are willing to spend towards $100, you can find some excellent super Tuscans well within range. You can also find some of the best Chianti Classicos well under $100. Might I suggest the 2001 Canonica a Cerreto or 2000 Santa Brigida? Both super Tuscans with cabernet, sangiovese, and in the case of the Canonica, merlot. They're both priced well under $50 if you can find them. They're rated 91 and 90 respectively (and they actually deserve the ratings) in WS. A great bubbly is a perfect wedding gift, but I'd be much happier with a nice Italian red. It all depends who the newly weds are. Good luck.