Invest or imbibe?

[Elissa]

My brother gave me a bottle of wine as a gift, telling me it was so special that I may want to save it. He didn't know about the wine but it was recommended by a friend who apparently knows alot. Unfortunately this wisdom did not get passed on to me in the handing of the gift. I would like to know if anyone can offer advice about the value of this bottle of wine so I can choose to (a) save it or (b) drink it and savor it with the added benefit of knowing how much it is "worth". It is a 1997 Cabernet from one of Napa Valley's "oldest wineries", Far Niente. I appreciate any advice or comments.
Elissa

[hotwine]

Welcome to the board, Elissa. The '97 Far Niente is retailing for about $140, per wine-searcher.com. As to whether to drink or hold: will defer to our resident Cal Cab expert Winoweenie. But in general, would not suggest you hold a wine unless you have proper storage, in terms of optimum controlled temperature and humidity.

[winoweenie]

Hi Elissa and welcome to the board. Hotwine is rite on. The worst mistake people make is soring good wine improperly and letting it spoil by holding it too long. This is a very nice bottle of wine. ( But not from "One of Napas' oldest ". WW