Help me get wine out of my house

August 9, 2008 9:46 AM

How do I get a case of wine valued and sold? I have a case of 1978 Chateau Meyney Prieure Des Couleys Saint Estephe, which has been kept in a dark cellar. I've gently lifted one bottle and there's no sign of it looking grody. However, I'm not a drinker and have no idea what quality the wine is, what the value might be, or how I might sell it. I'm based in London, England. Any advice gratefully accepted.
posted by skylar to Food & Drink (5 answers total)

According to Wine-Searcher.com the 1978 Meyney Prieuré des Couleys is valued at $48.00 - $75.00/bottle (here in the States). I can't find, however, a British listing on the website. BTW -- the 1978 vintage is the first one overseen by respected oenologist Georges Pauli. I suggest contacting Sothebys London (Wine Department) to see if they can give you an estimate (and/or resource to which you can turn). Also, consider contacting Virgin Wines -- Auctions.
posted by ericb at 10:25 AM on August 9, 2008

Response by poster: Thanks for this research and these suggestions. Does anyone know if there is a wine seller in London that I could sell the wine to?
posted by skylar at 10:57 AM on August 9, 2008

You should be able to find a decent independent wine shop. In the US most any shop will sell such an item for you on a consignment basis, or buy it from you out-right to resell.
posted by jeffamaphone at 11:36 AM on August 9, 2008

Contact some high-end restaurants in London. Name your price and they'll probably meet it. That way you won't have to worry about packing and shipping. They're sure to make a profit, since they'll at least double the price. I did this with a case of '85 Lynch-Bages years ago. As I recall, they paid me $70 a bottle plus a couple of killer dinners for two. I made a small profit. It went on the menu for $175 a bottle. Everybody was happy. Be sure to ask for the dinners.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 1:09 PM on August 9, 2008 [1 favorite]

Going to ericb's link got me to this list of UK fine wine merchants, I'm sure you can find some that are near you. Good luck!
posted by pants at 8:19 PM on August 9, 2008