Auction Question

[Matt P]

Hi All - apologies for the long-winded post....

I don't post here very often, but am a regular visitor to the forum and enjoy reading the (often humourous) postings & comments.

The question I have is:

If you purchase wine at auction that has been poorly cellared, and the auctioners have made no mention of this (ie. high-medium shoulder), then is there any grounds for recourse?

The background to this question is due to my recent purchase of 8 bottles of 91 Tahbilk Cab Sav from the Langton's Melbourne Online Auction.

Much to my dismay, all but 1 bottle had leaked & was badly oxidised. Previous to purchasing anything from Langtons, I rang them and asked them about their procedures, specifically WRT to comments about leakage etc. They assured me that if there were no comments attached to the Lot, then I am able to assume that the wine is in good condition.

Now obviously they cannot guarantee this (corked etc), but if the bottles are Medium-High shoulder (which they were), then isn't this comment required? I have seen other lots listed with "High Shoudler" comments, however the lot I purchased had no comments at all.

I am assuming I cannot recover this loss, but I am left feeling very naiive & deluded about wine auctions.

Your comments are appreciated.

Matt P

[Irregular]

Matt, given the lack of a full and accurate description of the lot, you would be well within your rights not to accept the wine. Langton's are one of the most respected and reputable auction houses in the country and I’m certain that if you contact them explaining your view they will sort it out to your satisfaction.

cheers
Ian

[Lincoln]

Yep, Ian is right. I once received some wine with obvious water damage that wasn't in the Lot description, and sent it back. Langton's happily refunded the money and freight/insurance.

[Regan]

Agree with the others on this one. If there are no comments about the condition of the bottle you assume it is in good condition relative to the age of the wine. If the fill is lower than expected for the age or there is obvious heat / label damage then return it. You will be well within your rights asking for a refund under these cirumstances.

[Vertullo]

I recently sent back some 91 Tahbilk Cab Sav that was oxidized from Langton's - I hope that they did not just on sell it!

[Mark S]

[quote= Much to my dismay, all but 1 bottle had leaked & was badly oxidised. ]

Matt, I hope that doesn't mean you've opened/tried ALL of the bottles - if so, it's going to be much harder to get Langtons to accept your case - obviously you can't tell where the level was on an opened bottle, & once a wine's been open for (?) days, who knows how/where/when it's got oxidised.
But in general I'm in full agreement with your other reply posts - Langtons is the standard setter for Oz wine auctions, and though the back-room boys do their best to inspect the 10,000+ bottles in an average auction, some will inevitably slip thru. In general, any auction house (or any seller) is obliged to accurately describe the condition of the bottles on sale, & not mentioning levels that are below neck is patently inaccurate.
I have no doubt Langtons will fix you up if you return the bottles to them.

[Matt P]

No - only opened a couple of bottles Mark.

Had a chat to Langtons last night & they were very good about it. I will be returning the unopened bottles for a refund.

Thanks for all the input from everyone.

Matt