How long can I keep champagne for?

[Pinkypie]

My parents brought home a B.Bremont Cuvee Prestige from France about 8 years ago and I haven't opened it. There is no 'use by' on there obviously, but I have no idea if it's gone bad now. It's been kept on an angle (neck down) in a drink cabinet.

I don't want to open it any time soon, but I don't know if I keep it for a special event that it'll be any good anyway? I've researched the House that it comes from and it's quite a good one and is used by Clarages, so I know it's not a cheap one!

Any help would be great.

[armaman]

It is important to store any wine with the bottlelying down, so that the cork remains in contact with the wine and does not dry out and shrink. Store in a cool place not subject to fluctuations in temperature

[Sqad]

My advice ....drink it.

Would would you if this "special event" arrived...the family were all assembled and the champagne was "off." It happens to even the best vintage champagne.

[beso]

Champagne does not keep. It will have lost its bubbles long ago. It will probably be a quite OK flat white.

[Sqad]

beso is correct.

[jno]

http://www.champagnemagic.com/faqs.htm

[Pinkypie]

Thank you all, I've had a good think and me and the other half might open it! I think for a special event, I will go out and buy a good bottle of champers that I know will go down well!

Also I'm off to France soon and I might pick me up a lovely bottle again!