Answer by: Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
I have not tasted either wine in some time, so I cannot give you my own comments on the status or quality of these two wines.
Lafite 1978 is somewhat controversial and was not rated highly in the earlier years of its life. According to some who have tasted the wine recently, however, it may have shed its tannic frame and revealed its class. The retail price covers a wide range from $175 to $700 per bottle. You should be able to get a good price for this wine at auction, assuming that it is still in the original wood case and the fill of the bottles is high.
Lascombes 1978 falls in a moribund period for the property. In recent vintages, Lascombes has been transformed and is now making ripe, sleek wines with generous new oak. It is doubtful that the '78 will offer very much...but wines can always offer surprises, particularly if well stored. The resale value is probably low.
About the Expert:Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade, and he last served as a senior executive with a major national importer. In 2006, he launched Millesima USA, a retail entity affiliated with Europe's leading fine wine mail order company. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993, and he has been very active as an educator and speaker at wine festivals and conferences. He hosts a community television program entitled "Wine's Simple Pleasures," and is currently working on a book of original recipes and wine pairing solutions. Visit Roger C. Bohmrich, MW's website: MILLESIMA USA LLC
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