I received a bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne (2000 vintage) almost 15 years ago and have left it corked in its original box since the day I received it.  It was a gift in celebration for a particularly good year at MegaCorp, and I brought it home and put it in our pantry.  It’s in its original box on its side, which is supposed to be a good storage strategy (although I don’t think age improves champagne).

For a number of years, my wife asked me what we should do with the bottle and I wasn’t sure.  About five years ago, when reaching financial independence and retiring early came fully into view, I decided that the date of my planned retirement (4/1/16) or my fiftieth birthday two weeks later would be perfect.

I’m not a wine aficionado, but I do like sparking wines for special occasions.  I looked up Dom Perignon recently and saw that bottles of this vintage sell for almost $200.  I would never spend that much for a bottle of anything, so it will be a real treat when we chill it & pop the cork.

The next question is what to serve with it?

Image Credit:  Pixabay