How to Store Aged Wine: 1990 Bordeaux Magnums

Quick answer

Store aged wine like a 1990 Bordeaux magnum in a dark, vibration-free space at 55°F with 70% humidity, keeping bottles on their side to keep the cork moist.

Steps to store aged wine magnums

1. Choose a dark, vibration-free location: Light breaks down the tannins and pigments in aged wine, while vibrations disturb the sediment that has settled over 36 years. A basement or dedicated wine cabinet works best. Avoid spots near washing machines, speakers, or direct sunlight. Even brief exposure to sunlight can permanently damage a 1990 Bordeaux's flavor.
2. Maintain steady temperature and humidity: Set your storage area to 55°F (13°C) with 70% relative humidity. Use a hygrometer and thermometer to monitor. Humidity below 50% dries out the cork, letting air in; above 80% encourages mold on labels. For a magnum, the larger cork surface makes humidity control even more critical. Check your hygrometer monthly; corks in magnums dry out faster than in standard bottles.
3. Store bottles on their side: Lay the magnum horizontally so the wine contacts the cork, keeping it swollen and airtight. This is non-negotiable for any wine with a natural cork. For a 1990 Bordeaux, the cork has already aged and may be more brittle, so side storage prevents it from crumbling. If the cork is already dry or leaking, drink the bottle soon rather than risk further storage.
4. Handle with care and limit movement: Aged wine sediment is fragile. When moving a magnum, keep it upright for 24 hours before opening to let sediment settle. Never shake or rotate a bottle unnecessarily. For long-term storage, leave it undisturbed for months or years. Write the purchase date on the label with a soft pencil so you know when it was last moved.
5. Monitor for cork degradation: Inspect the capsule and cork for leaks, mold, or seepage every 6–12 months. A small amount of seepage is normal in old wines, but a steady wet spot means the seal is failing. If you see a wet cork, drink the wine within a few months or recork with a fresh synthetic cork. A leaking magnum loses value quickly; drink it while it's still enjoyable.

Products mentioned

• CHATEAU PICHON LALANDE 1990 , Bordeaux: Prior to our vertical tasting, it had been a while since I last crossed paths with a bottle of the Pichon-Lalande, so I was extremely curious to see how this wine had evolved with a few more years of bottle age. This 1990 Bordeaux from Pichon Lalande has already been cellared for decades; proper storage now preserves its remaining evolution and prevents further deterioration.

  

• CHATEAU D'YQUEM 1990, Sauternes MAGNUM: 99pts from Wine Advocate and 95pts from Wine Spectator. Château d'Yquem has a colorful history. A 99-point Sauternes magnum is both a valuable collector's item and a wine that benefits from the magnum format's slower aging, making correct storage essential to retain its complexity.