1. Screaming Eagle Cabernet 1992 – $500,000. The world's most expensive wine is aged in 60% new oak and has an aroma of blackcurrants, and an opaque purple appearance.
Since the end of the 17th century, Château Lafite has been producing some of the finest wines in the world. The 1787 vintage, said to have a connection to Thomas Jefferson, sold at auction for a record $160,000, making it the most expensive red wine in the world by price per standard bottle.
In 2010, a Christie's auction in Geneva saw a six-liter bottle of the 1947 Cheval Blanc sell for an astounding $304,375.
Caberlot. The rarest grape variety in the world, there are only 2 hectares of this variety grown today, a genetic cross between Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is truly unique as you can only find this grape in one estate in Tuscany; so far, they have not been willing to share their prize with anyone.
The best wines can be stored for more than 100 years, but most great wines will reach their peak before they turn 50 years old.
Most wines will improve with age but too much age will ultimately spell the end of what was once a great wine. 200 year old shipwreck wines are lucky if they taste like wine at all.
The South-West German city is home to the world's oldest wine bottle and, if experts are to be believed, it's actually drinkable. The Historical Museum of Palatinate, Speyer, is home to the 'Speyer Wine Bottle', a 1,700-year-old bottle of wine that was discovered in 1867.
Cask tastings revealed a vintage of almost Port-like richness and weight. Perhaps spurred on by the enthusiasm of the proprietors, the press and trade mostly reacted very positively, and 1982 was soon regarded as a blue-chip vintage, confirmed by steadily rising prices for the top wines.
What Is a Classy Red Wine? A Syrah, a Malbec, and Merlot, or a Pinot Noir are often proclaimed as some of the classy red wines you can drink.
Henri IV Dudognon Heritage Cognac Grande Champagne is the most expensive drink on our list. It's a cognac that's made by the Henri IV Dudognon distillery in France, and is presented in a 24-carat gold and sterling silver bottle that's adorned with over 6,000 diamonds.
The Speyer wine bottle (or Römerwein) is a sealed vessel, presumed to contain liquid wine, and so named because it was unearthed from a Roman tomb found near Speyer, Germany. It is considered the world's oldest known bottle of wine.
Wines often go bad as a result of old age or being open for too long. However, unopened wines can also go bad if they have a wine fault. A fault is a defect that occurs from natural issues, incorrect winemaking practices, or errors in the storage process.
Wine tastes better with age because of a complex chemical reaction occurring among sugars, acids and substances known as phenolic compounds. In time, this chemical reaction can affect the taste of wine in a way that gives it a pleasing flavor.
Tasting notes
Chateau Lafite Rothschild is generally believed to be the most aromatic and elegant of the 3 Pauillac First Growths. It's a joyful, complex tasting experience, rich with cassis, red berries, tobacco, truffle, lead pencil, and spicy and earthy notes. It's best enjoyed at a cool 15.5°c.
Baron James de Rothschild purchased Château Lafite in 1868 and has remained under Rothschild family ownership since.
It is undoubtedly one of the very best wines to come out of Bordeaux. For power there are other châteaux, but for elegance and finesse, then Lafite should be your wine.
Typically, unopened bottles of red wine will last 2-3 years past the recommended drinking window. Their high tannin content ensures this long natural preservation. To maximise shelf life, store in a cool dark area away from sunlight.
While it may not taste amazing, drinking wine that's past its heyday will not hurt you. Remember, you're better off not trying to age your wine. So few bottles benefit from aging and you could end up ruining a perfectly good bottle.
So, could you drink what's left? On a microbiological level, yes: Researchers say it's likely safe and won't kill you, although the wine won't taste good.
It was rather a surprise for me to know that there is a barrel of wine that has been preserved for more than 500 years! An old wine. The wine in question is a white wine made from Alsace grapes cultivated in the Alsace region of France, which shares its borders with Germany.
Can You Get Sick from Drinking Old Whiskey? If you found an old bottle of whiskey in the back of a liquor cabinet and want to give it a try, have no fear: In general, old liquor will not make you sick like other expired items. The only risk it poses is delivering a dull taste and underwhelming drinking experience.