What is the best way to store wine that will not be opened until at least 20 yrs from now?

Question

My grandmother gave me a collector's edition of Marilyn Merlot Velvet Collection wine
I plan on holding on to the wine for quite a while as it is very valuable
What is the best way to store the wine?
It comes in a box, should I remove it from the box?
I've also heard of storing it at an angle to keep the cork moist?
Thanks in advance

It's not inside the box, you can pull it out
Here's a picture of one exactly like mine:
http://www.marilynwines.com/03vc/03-vc-mag-box.jpg

Answer 1

Many wines including many Merlots are made to me consumed without aging these days. You might call the winery and as them.
Here is some professional information of aging and storing wines. It might be a little better than all the 'experts' answering here ::

http://www.cellarnotes.net/howlongtohold.htm

Answer 2

I agree with the above poster. In general, Merlot's are not known for long term aging although there are some exceptions. You are probably better off consuming the wine in the next couple of years or it will loose its properties with time even if you store it in ideal conditions. To be certain, call the winery or local distributor to be sure.

In any case, you should ideally store the wine on its side to keep the cork moist, in a low light, cool temperature environment with about 75-80% relative humidity.

Cheers!!!

Answer 3

Ideally, it should be stored on it's side (you might need to know the orientation of the bottles inside the box to determine this). It should then be stored in a temperature and humidity controlled environment (55-65 degrees F, 70-80% humidity) in the dark, free from a lot of vibration.
You can buy wine storage cabinets, or rent temperature and humidity controlled lockers. Or perhaps you have a cellar that would suffice.
I don't know about the box. It may not last 20 years in this humid, cool environment, so be sure to check the condition of the bos periodically. If the box deteriorates, the bottles may come tumbling out.

Answer 4

Yes, you're on the right track. I'd leave it in the box, that will trap humidity if you don't have a wine cellar. And yes, you are totally right about keeping it at an angle to keep the cork moist. Also, every month or two, rotate the bottle so all the cork stays moist and the sediment doesn't settle too badly.

Answer 5

Yeah - I've got a vertical flight of Marilyn Merlot that dates back to the early 1990's.

This wine isn't really made to lay down for a number of years but rather to be enjoyed within a couple of years of production.

In short, its more collectible for the novelty of the label rather than the vintage.

Still, try to keep it in a cool, dark and moderate-humid (50% or more) room.

And yes, lay it on its side.
The cork can dry out, causing air to get inside and spoil the wine.

Answer 6

if you have one, store in a wine fridge set to 54 degress.

if not there, store in a cool dark place that remains at a constant cool temp, preferably as close to 54 as you can get. Heat and light are what will ruin the wine.

Also, be sure to store it on its side so that the cork comes in contact with the wine. It doesn't need to be at an angle, just horizontal. You can leave it in the box or not.

Answer 7

Out of the sunlight
Vertically, so the cork does not contaminate it
slightly refrigerated.

keep the box, as it will keep light from damaging the wine.
yes, it can happen.

Answer 8

so far so good. do all of the above.
also have it in a cool humid(basement) area. keep it out of sun or light.

Answer 9

Maybe you should contact the company that makes it, so that you don't mess it up. Good Luck..

Answer 10

out of the sunlight is the most important