"Corked" experience destroys my joy for collecting

Jan 14, 2005 3 Replies

I mentioned a bad experience I had purchasing wine through Wine Commune in another post. But what I don't understand, is why anyone would take the chance purchasing an expensive wine knowing that it might be corked. And I'm not talking about the $74 I spent on my 1986 Ducru, but the hundreds or thousands of dollars some bottles go for. I always thought, one day, I'm going to go for something really fantastic. Like a 1947 Cheval Blanc, which I just received an email about today. If I hit it big in Vegas one year, or a rich uncle dies, that's what I was thinking to do. But are people here saying that if the wine is corked, it'd be my loss? This is way beyond my scope of understanding. Please explain. I imagine if somebody pays thousands for a bottle, they must be expecting it to be okay, am I right?



Thanks in advance.



\/


Personally, if buying a bottle more than 10 years old, my usual assumption is that there's a 5% chance it'll be corked, a 10% chance that it'll be otherwise severely compromised (cooked or otherwise damaged), 10% chance it'll be modestly overmature, and 75% chance it'll be in good shape. I base my bid/offer on that. These aren't rigid figures, just what my experience has been. Part of the game. If I KNEW that '61 Bordeaux was in great shape, I'd pay more. But one never knows. Sorry.

I guess this is one of the reasons I collect however. Bottles at release are much cheaper than years later when consumer.

It is VERY dissapointing when I have a corked bottle. That said, if I paid $30 but an 82 Margaux its better than paying $1000 for it today and finding out it is corked.

If the Stelvin really will eliminate cork taint and age well....it would be a good idea. M. Pronay is correct.

My realization was when I had my first good bottle w.cork taint with 25th Wedding Aniv dinner on 12.28.2004. I was PISSED.

Dick

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required