Corked!

[David M. Bueker]

Tonight, for the 4th time in the last 3 weeks I had a corked bottle. All were recent (last few years) releases. Cork is not getting better. It's just not.

My unscientific anecdotal experience is that it is getting better, but by how much? I've had several corked bottles from 80s/90s in last few months, but only 1 recent bottle that I recall ('11 Niellon).

[Robin Garr]

My unscientific anecdotal experience is that it is getting better, but by how much? I've had several corked bottles from 80s/90s in last few months, but only 1 recent bottle that I recall ('11 Niellon).

My experience is similar, and I do think the percentage of corked bottles has dropped over the past decade. Nut I'd certainly agree that the problem is not "solved."

[David M. Bueker]

My four recent corked bottles were from vintages 2012, 2010 (2) and 2008.

[Robin Garr]

My four recent corked bottles were from vintages 2012, 2010 (2) and 2008.

No debate. It's still a problem. I won't deny that when I worry a little every time I pull out a tree-bark cork. (And if it turns out to be a Diam, I'm happy. I've never had a tainted wine under Diam ... has anyone?) I do feel that the percentage has dropped significantly from the years when probably one wine in 10 was spoiled. But it hasn't dropped to zero!

As big a problem is bottle variability. With a wine from the 90s one can almost guarantee that two apparently identical bottles will be different even without TCA.