Stored bottle has sticky top

John,

I hate to say this, but it could be bad, or it might not. Over a period of 35 years, corks can leak some. However, it could also indicate that the wine has warmed, at some time, above where it should have, and as the Port expanded, it has pushed the cork out, allowing leakage. If the "capsule" is wax, check it out for cracks. If not, can you see, or feel if the cork has been pushed out a bit?

Vintage Port, if stored properly, and if the cork has no mechanical faults, it will last a century, or more. That doesn't mean that it will be at its best 100 years after bottling, but that it will still be good, and drinkable.

However, if it has been stored for long periods, upright, then placed on its side later, you can encounter some leakage.

Recently, I was offered a Taylor 1955 Vintage Port in London. It had leaked pretty badly over its life. As I had never sampled this particular vintage, and always wanted to, I jumped at the chance. The cork was crumbly (is that a proper word?), but finally came out. To my surprise, the Vintage had essentially become a Tawny (or more closely a Madiera), due to oxidation. It was still very drinkable, but was not the wine that I wanted to taste - I still have not had the Taylor '55 Vintage.

It's a bit of a "crap-shoot" as to whether this bottle is still good. I'd bet that it is, but would make sure that I had a backup bottle, before inviting a dozen friends over to sample it.

Good luck with this 35 year old, and let's hope that it's in fine shape, ready to consume now.

Hunt