Penfolds/ Vintec Deal

[Luke W]

I notice that if u buy 6 (Penfolds 2012 Bin 9 at somewhere between $26-32) and pay $255 on top u will get a new Vintec (34-40 bottle) wine fridge (which is supposedly worth $650), anyone care to comment on whether this deal is worth it?

[DJ1980]

Good deal but my first fridge puts mould all over my labels. I gave it away as a result

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Good deal but my first fridge puts mould all over my labels. I gave it away as a result

Was it this particular model fridge or just fridges as a whole your not keen on?

[donX]

I had a fridge from the last promotion. It works ok, except bubbles on some labels. Also gets a bit noisy but otherwise seems to be fine.

Considering getting another one, I think for $255 it's a pretty good deal and beats storing wines on shelfs.

[Vintec Australia]

Hi folks,

I might be able to shed some light on this matter, which is an important one.

Please note that it is not the cabinet or cellar which would have created the mould: spores would have to have been introduced independently (e.g. via the bottles or corks). Unfortunately, mould thrives in environments that are dark, humid and relatively warm and this make climate-controlled cellars the perfect “breeding grounds” for mould to develop. That being said, mould doesn't generally affect your wine (but can potentially damage labels); you’ll actually find that some of the world’s greatest underground cellars are covered in mould – and this doesn't compromise the wine.

As soon as mould finds its way into a wine cellar, the spores spread quickly and contaminate the environment, so it’s important to monitor and maintain your cellar regularly (we recommend to clean your cellar thoroughly once a year). Here are a few things you can do to eliminate any trace of mould if it appears:

• Empty the cellar for proper cleaning
• Using a solution of 50% warm water and 50% white vinegar, wipe down every shelf, inside panel and door seal to disinfect the entire area
• Place shelves (not the bottles) in the sun to dry – an extra precaution
• Wipe down every bottle before stocking your cellar back up, particularly around the cork closures, and take the same precaution when introducing new bottles to the cellar/cabinet

For more info on cellar maintenance, see our article and video “6 Expert Tips for Cellar Care” on the Vintec Club blog (particularly point no 5): http://www.vintecclub.com.au/6-expert-t ... llar-care/

Hope this helps, and let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers,
Tony

[DJ1980]

Good deal but my first fridge puts mould all over my labels. I gave it away as a result

Was it this particular model fridge or just fridges as a whole your not keen on?

I have a big Vintec fridge that works a dream. It seems it was only the little one that was giving me problems. I know that mould won't affect the content of the bottle but they did get unsightly very quickly. Still, not my problem now.

But, having said that I would buy Vintec again. My main fridge is outstanding.

[GraemeG]

I've been very happy with the fridge from the last promotion, I must say.
The right humidity (for cork-sealed bottles) seems to lead inevitably to some mould on labels.
You've just got to live with that.
If it's a worry I suppose you could wrap the label (midsection of the bottle) with a bit of cling-wrap to minimise the effect. Never tried it myself but I reckon it'd work.

Might have to see whether I could justify another buy.
I think the fridge was only $100 last time (+p&h) but even $200 is a pretty good buy.
cheers,
GG

[The fish]

There's nothing wrong with the Vintec fridge - bought the same model a couple of months ago for a mate's 40th.

You can get a 6 pack of Penfolds Riesling Bin 51 for not that much. Add in the fridge and the delivery charge and it's not a bad deal. Still it's not as good as the original offering a couple of years ago . It's an interesting approach to building a 'prestige wine drinker' model...

I have to say though that I'd prefer to see lower prices on the Bin series wines though.

Cheers
Matt

[phillisc]

There's nothing wrong with the Vintec fridge - bought the same model a couple of months ago for a mate's 40th.

You can get a 6 pack of Penfolds Riesling Bin 51 for not that much. Add in the fridge and the delivery charge and it's not a bad deal. Still it's not as good as the original offering a couple of years ago . It's an interesting approach to building 'prestige wine drinker' model...

I have to say though that I'd prefer to see lower prices on the Bin series wines though.

Cheers
Matt

+1 for me

Craig.

[The fish]

have to see whether I could justify another buy.

Come on Graeme! The wall to wall fridge effect in the garage would look awesome!

Cheers
Matt

[donX]

I know people in this forum are not exactly the biggest Penfords fans, but what would you think are the best value for money buys to get the deal? BTW, I tried to look for clues from the AusWine website (would be happy to buy from here since Penfolds accepts online purchases), but I can't find any Penfolds. Does Gavin not sell Penfolds at all?

[LGW]

I know people in this forum are not exactly the biggest Penfords fans, but what would you think are the best value for money buys to get the deal? BTW, I tried to look for clues from the AusWine website (would be happy to buy from here since Penfolds accepts online purchases), but I can't find any Penfolds. Does Gavin not sell Penfolds at all?

I don't know about value for money but I would get a mixed 6 pack...
Bin 9, bin 2 and bin 138 would be my choices with a bottle or two of the bin 51 riesling.
If I had the money I'd swap a couple of them for a bin 12a and a st henri.

[donX]

I know people in this forum are not exactly the biggest Penfords fans, but what would you think are the best value for money buys to get the deal? BTW, I tried to look for clues from the AusWine website (would be happy to buy from here since Penfolds accepts online purchases), but I can't find any Penfolds. Does Gavin not sell Penfolds at all?

I don't know about value for money but I would get a mixed 6 pack...
Bin 9, bin 2 and bin 138 would be my choices with a bottle or two of the bin 51 riesling.
If I had the money I'd swap a couple of them for a bin 12a and a st henri.

Thanks for the suggestions, Lawrie. I have only had the bin 138 on the list so that sounds like a good time to try the others.

Cheers,
Don

[Michael McNally]

I bought the Bin 138 and the Bin 9 from this year's releases.

Not sure I would go back for more to get a cheap fridge deal, but I have a cellar....

Cheers

Michael

[daver6]

I know people in this forum are not exactly the biggest Penfords fans, but what would you think are the best value for money buys to get the deal? BTW, I tried to look for clues from the AusWine website (would be happy to buy from here since Penfolds accepts online purchases), but I can't find any Penfolds. Does Gavin not sell Penfolds at all?

Not best value for money, but certainly the cheapest would just be Club Tawny surely? Seems to meet the criteria as I read it.

[alexc92]

I know people in this forum are not exactly the biggest Penfords fans, but what would you think are the best value for money buys to get the deal? BTW, I tried to look for clues from the AusWine website (would be happy to buy from here since Penfolds accepts online purchases), but I can't find any Penfolds. Does Gavin not sell Penfolds at all?

Not best value for money, but certainly the cheapest would just be Club Tawny surely? Seems to meet the criteria as I read it.

Think the deal is only on 'Bin' and 'Luxury' Wines

[LGW]

I know people in this forum are not exactly the biggest Penfords fans, but what would you think are the best value for money buys to get the deal? BTW, I tried to look for clues from the AusWine website (would be happy to buy from here since Penfolds accepts online purchases), but I can't find any Penfolds. Does Gavin not sell Penfolds at all?

Not best value for money, but certainly the cheapest would just be Club Tawny surely? Seems to meet the criteria as I read it.

Think the deal is only on 'Bin' and 'Luxury' Wines

So did I but after reading the t&c's I think daver6 could be right!

[ticklenow1]

I bought the Bin 138 and the Bin 9 from this year's releases.

Not sure I would go back for more to get a cheap fridge deal, but I have a cellar....

Cheers

Michael

Is the Bin 9 with buying Michael?

Cheers
Ian

[maybs]

Been thinking about getting a wine fridge for my office but was put off at the prices of smaller ones and can't fit a bigger one. So this seemed like a good idea. Went and picked up a Bin 311, 2 each of the 9 and 128 and a lone 2010 RWT that was hanging around looking like it needed a home.

Can't go wrong really, even if I only drink them as pizza wines (apart from the RWT) it means a reasonable quality, cheap fridge for work.

Oh and the Bin 9 and 128 were 2012 and the 311 2013.

[Michael McNally]

Is the Bin 9 with buying Michael?

Cheers
Ian

I bought 2 at $28. I thought it was a young Cabernet with a bit of promise and pretty good VFM, but I didn't go long on it.

Nothing special (and you know how full your cellar is......)

Cheers

Michael

[donX]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I went and picked up 2 each of 9, 138, and St Henri. That's a bit above my original budget but it looks the St Henri 2010 could be good seeding bottles for the new fridge .

Cheers,
Don

[chocdog]

I got one on the last promotion (Sparky was great with keeping me, and others, informed with the delivery as it seemed they were very over-subscribed on the promotion!).

Was ok but stopped working (compressor tries to fire up but fails) 2 months ago. Was planning on buying a much larger fridge this year, but not sure if I would go Vintec this time if this is a fair indication as to their reliability. Does remind me that I was going to start a thread and see if anyone knows of a fridge mechanic/Vintec service tech in Melbourne (prefer inner north) they would recommend to check it out - so if you know anyone, would love to hear. I would like to have it running again if its cost efficient...

[George Krashos]

Yeah my Vintec from the first deal hasn't been brilliant for about a year now. Compressor making an awful racket. Switched it off in the end and reckoned that fixing it probably wouldn't be cost effective. I'll just go ahead and get another one now. Hopefully I don't get the melon this time.

-- George Krashos

[chocdog]

reckoned that fixing it probably wouldn't be cost effective.
-- George Krashos

You're not wrong there George! This thread reminded me that I should finely get my act together and look into getting it fixed. So besides asking if anyone here knew of any service techs, I also rang Vintec to get a recommendation. Vintec essentially said sorry its stopped working but you'd just be better off to get a new one than get it fixed. Hmmm... I rang the fridge tech firm in Melbs they recommended though and their prices to repair and replace with new parts are (prepare for the shock!):
Compressor: $790
Evaporator: $595

Ouch - you can buy a new one for $570! I know I got this fridge cheap so I haven't personally lost much money on it but if you look at the maths of now spending (now) $250 and get a similar 4 years of service, you'd probably be better spending more and getting something more reliable. I feel sorry for people that paid RRP for it and would have to throw it away. I have a older (8 year old or more?) Siemens 100 bottle fridge and it hasn't missed a beat.

So based on that Luke, I'd suggest this deal is probably not worth it.

[Alan Foo]

Yeah my Vintec from the first deal hasn't been brilliant for about a year now. Compressor making an awful racket. Switched it off in the end and reckoned that fixing it probably wouldn't be cost effective. I'll just go ahead and get another one now. Hopefully I don't get the melon this time.

-- George Krashos

Mine was also from the first deal and during the last 6 months the compressor is also making an awful racket. It is still running but the sound is just too awful to bear. It is now transfer to the garage where it will spend the rest of its life there.

Alan

[donX]

Yeah my Vintec from the first deal hasn't been brilliant for about a year now. Compressor making an awful racket. Switched it off in the end and reckoned that fixing it probably wouldn't be cost effective. I'll just go ahead and get another one now. Hopefully I don't get the melon this time.

-- George Krashos

Mine was also from the first deal and during the last 6 months the compressor is also making an awful racket. It is still running but the sound is just too awful to bear. It is now transfer to the garage where it will spend the rest of its life there.

Alan

Looks like that's the typical lifespan of the freebie from the first promotion - I thought it was just me . Like George, I'm also hoping this time is different.

Cheers,
Don

[rab]

I have found a FAQ which lists the wines valid for this promotion, along with some other information: http://penfoldsvintec.com.au/static/help.html

Appears you can also purchase 12 wines at once, and use the same receipt for two claims.

[LGW]

I have found a FAQ which lists the wines valid for this promotion, along with some other information: http://penfoldsvintec.com.au/static/help.html

Appears you can also purchase 12 wines at once, and use the same receipt for two claims.

Thanks rab, looks like the club tawny is the cheapest option! My gf might be making a lot of trifles in the near future!

[Redav]

So, ours turned up today but now for a noob question. The spacer instructions leave a lot to be desired. Do I simply use the large screw in the bag of spares where what appears to be two white dots on the back are marked?

[gggaz]

Mine came today. That's what I did with the spacer. Seems weird, I was slightly uncomfortable screwing a big hole into the back of it. It's to make sure there's enough ventilation space at the back I guess. Mine's well away from the wall anyhow.
Happy it finally came and I can have some peace of mind this summer with my wines under cork something tells me it's going to be a stinking hot couple of months.