Researchers found the liquid, originally thought to be mineral water, was actually over-aged booze.
The link from the article about the 1650 year old roman wine was pretty interesting. Eventually, you have to crack that thing open, right? It would be cool to decipher what was in it and attempt to reconstruct it.
About 11 years ago I was in Tampa, Florida on a business trip. A colleague and myself managed to get into a restaurant called Bern's Steakhouse. It is one of those places featured on Food Network (when it mattered) multiple times. After the phenomenal meal they gave us a tour. One of the things they showed us was their wine cellar. Their collection was one of the largest in the country, with a separate warehouse holding what wouldn't fit down here. The Woman pointed to a small bottle, covered in dust sitting on a shelf. She says, "That is a tawny port. It is from 1825. It goes for $400 an ounce." Imagine our shock looking at that. Now imagine the price per ounce of this alcohol!
Back in the day, when I waited tables in fine dining restaurants I got to try $500+ wines etc. Not because I paid for them, but because we would decant them and leave a bit in the bottle for ourselves after pouring. I've always wanted to get a wine collection going, but I just drink too quickly. Someday I'd like to have a cellar though. Someday.."That is a tawny port. It is from 1825. It goes for $400 an ounce."
-If you had the cash to spare, it might have been cool to try something that was made in 1825. -That's pretty neat.
Even better. I'd want to taste what it was the 1825 folks thought was appealing. I'd rather it not have changed. That said, some wine does age in the bottle and change.
Without a doubt, there is a peak and it most certainly was well prior to 100 years. I remember 1994 was a heralded year for a bunch of California Cabs and in 2000 when I was working in the restaurant many in the "know" were saying they were finally "suitable" to be had. Also, 1997 for Cali cabs was awesome, and they produced record amounts that year. Be on the lookout as they are most certainly going to be kick as right about now.