Was given a cache of old cheap wines that had been stored undisturbed in a lounge room cupboard for decades. Most of them were undrinkable. Except for a screwcapped bottle of 1983 Hardys Old Castle Riesling (11% alcohol) - which had lain there since probably 1984.
There was no ullage. The wine was a bright golden yellow similar enough to the hue of many botrytised whites. The nose showed no oxidative edge at all - just typical aged Australian riesling character, faint lemon and lime, a hint of hydrocarbon, and spiced baked apples. The palate was soft and smooth, with more of the spicy apples, fading lemon zest and mild acid at the off-dry finish. Quite a delicious drink given its age.
In Australia back then screwcaps appeared only on el cheapo bottles. The brand - which I believe is now extinct - was a cheap commercial white designed for the drink-now market and certainly not for long term cellaring.
One can only imagine what the wine would have been like with a cork closure.
Cheers! Martin