Penfolds Recorking Clinics 2010

[sparky]

Yes, we're back on the road this year with the Big Red Re-corking Machine, and a full flotilla of winemakers ( is that the correct collective for multiple winemakers?).

For those of you that have older bottles (1995 or older) of anything Penfolds that need a bit of attention, bring them on down. They're a great opportunity to meet some of the winemakers one-on-one and one of the few times you can walk into a room, sniff the air, and say 'Yep, that's Grange'.

Here are the confirmed dates for the 2010 Re-corking clinics:

Adelaide - August 3rd
Brisbane - August 10th & 11th
Sydney - August 17th, 18th and 19th
Melbourne - September 8th & 9th
Perth - September 15th

Locations are yet to be confirmed, apart from Adelaide which will be at Magill, but will be multiple star hotels in the CBDs.

Registrations will open on the Penfolds website approximately six weeks prior to each clinic, and as always, if you've got any queries or particularly special requests, give me a call (1300 651 650).

I'll update as the registrations open. Cheers, Moira

[crusty2]

thanks for the advice. will definitely participate after last time
http://www.langtons.com.au/Magazine/Fea ... zineId=279

cheers
phill

[Mike Hawkins]

Sparky,

Will Peter et al be coming to the USA again ? I have a few older special bins that probably need some attention (or drinking).

Cheers

Mike

[sparky]

Mike, just between you and me there will be three clinics in the states this year in September/October.

Would you like my people to talk to your people to confirm a few details?

[Mike Hawkins]

Thanks Sparky. I'll shoot Matt or Kristen an email.

[Peter Schlesinger]

Hi Sparky. Is there any chance of the team making a quick stop over in Canberra on one of these tours.

[Chuck]

Hi Sparky. What is Penfold's policy on corked wines opened at the clinic? As it is a manufacturing fault is it replaced? This seems to be the current trend from responsible wineries.

Chuck

[sparky]

Hope you don't mind me doing a bit of bundling here..

Peter, 'quick stop over' isn't really a phrase that springs to mind easily with the Big Red Re-corking Machine and unfortunately we won't be coming to Canberra this year. I know we have have a significant wine drinking population there with some great stuff in the cellar that would be worthy of the attention. I'm not sure if it's in protest at the GG's miserly atttitude towards entertaining or budgetary & winemaker commitment constraints, but the nation's capital is not on the 2010 roadshow list. Hopefully next year..

Chuck, corked is corked is corked and there's no better place to get a TCA affected bottle opened than the clinics. Tends to expedite the process a little if one of the winemaker can assess it on the spot. Depending on how much stock we've got available on the day we'll either replace it on the spot, or the winemaker will let me know so we can get a replacement organised through my Consumer Relations team.

[Chuck]

Thanks Sparky. There's 2 bottles of 1990 Bin 90A that have been resting in a good place since first release in 1995. One opened 10 years ago to test was one of the best if not the best wine I've had. It's reassuring to know they can be checked and if OK put away for another decade or so.

Chuck

[crusty2]

Penfolds website currently lists

Our next Clinic will be on October 8th 2009 in Stockholm, Sweden. If you are interested in Clinics outside of Sweden, please contact our Consumer Relations team on 1300 651 650 (Australia only) or through our email form in the Contact us section of this website.

nothing mentioned about upcoming clinics in Aus.
should have event dates, and times when submissions are open

[beachbum1971]

Hi Guys,

What is the process for taking a bottle along. I have a mid 80s Grange and a couple of Henri's I would like have checked?

Thanks

[Waiters Friend]

Thanks Moira

I suppose I should put September 15 in my diary (Perth), I have a few to look at. No disappointments with recent Grange, however.

Cheers

Allan

[Peter Schlesinger]

Hi Sparky. Sorry for the late reply - I seem to have been doing other things. I have family in Melbourne so we might drive down next year with bottles and check out the show. Please also thank Betty for her courteous service on the replacement Bin 707. You have a good team.

Cheers, Peter

[sparky]

Penfolds website currently lists

Our next Clinic will be on October 8th 2009 in Stockholm, Sweden. If you are interested in Clinics outside of Sweden, please contact our Consumer Relations team on 1300 651 650 (Australia only) or through our email form in the Contact us section of this website.

nothing mentioned about upcoming clinics in Aus.
should have event dates, and times when submissions are open

Crusty2, we're just in the process of getting the website updated now and yes, it is a bit overdue. Not that I'm playing favourites, but I'll play favourites and post here as well when registrations open so you don't have to remember.

Peter, PLEASE don't come next year or you'll be bitterly disappointed as the clinics are bi-annual - come this year And I'll definitely pass on your thanks to Betty, but if you do come to the clinic, you'll be able to thank her in person - we'll have all hands on deck.

[Peter Schlesinger]

Peter, PLEASE don't come next year or you'll be bitterly disappointed as the clinics are bi-annual - come this year And I'll definitely pass on your thanks to Betty, but if you do come to the clinic, you'll be able to thank her in person - we'll have all hands on deck.[/quote]

Bugger. 2012 will probably have to be it. I'm off to Scotland next week for a one week distillary crawl around Islay followed by a trip around the Outer Hebrides coming back via Edinburgh and Paris. Can't see me getting leave in September or any sympathy either. As for disappointment, I'm a member of the Richmond Football Club. I can consult on the subject.

[griff]

Peter, PLEASE don't come next year or you'll be bitterly disappointed as the clinics are bi-annual - come this year And I'll definitely pass on your thanks to Betty, but if you do come to the clinic, you'll be able to thank her in person - we'll have all hands on deck.

Bugger. 2012 will probably have to be it. I'm off to Scotland next week for a one week distillary crawl around Islay followed by a trip around the Outer Hebrides coming back via Edinburgh and Paris. Can't see me getting leave in September or any sympathy either. As for disappointment, I'm a member of the Richmond Football Club. I can consult on the subject.[/quote]

Islay is great. We had less than a week so only did the Southern and Central distilleries. If you are there on a Friday I recommend checking out the fish monger in the caravan at Bowmore. Stunning oysters! There is a mobile fish and chip caravan as well. That is nice as well but but what I mean. And the Ardview Inn in Port Ellen is just wonderful. Cheap rare whiskies served with a generous hand and also serves the local brew when you, believe it or not, get tired of the malt

cheers

Carl

[Peter Schlesinger]

Thanks for the heads up Carl. The program sees us participating (immersing ourselves) in successive open days starting at Lagavulin followed by Bruichladdich, Laphroiag, Bowmore, Jura, Bunnahabhain and Ardbeg. Australia has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK but I'm not sure whether it extends to liver transplants. We are staying with friends with whom we are travelling at a self catering cottage at Keills. Now if only that pesky volcano will shup up for a while.

Cheers, Peter

[GraemeG]

Thanks Sparky. There's 2 bottles of 1990 Bin 90A that have been resting in a good place since first release in 1995. One opened 10 years ago to test was one of the best if not the best wine I've had. It's reassuring to know they can be checked and if OK put away for another decade or so.

Chuck

For some reason I had it in my head that they'd only open wines where the level is a little low: a 1990 special bin with the level still well into the neck for instance, would not be opened.
Seems odd that they'd open something that young if there was no reason to be suspicious about its condition...
cheers,
Graeme

[n4sir]

Thanks Sparky. There's 2 bottles of 1990 Bin 90A that have been resting in a good place since first release in 1995. One opened 10 years ago to test was one of the best if not the best wine I've had. It's reassuring to know they can be checked and if OK put away for another decade or so.

Chuck

For some reason I had it in my head that they'd only open wines where the level is a little low: a 1990 special bin with the level still well into the neck for instance, would not be opened.
Seems odd that they'd open something that young if there was no reason to be suspicious about its condition...
cheers,
Graeme

That always used to be the case - they wouldn't open a bottle unless the fill level was below the base of the neck and/or there was obvious signs of cork leakage. I was told if a wine is in good condition not to bother making an appointment to have it checked because it's a bit of a waste of time.

I'd say Moira (and the website when it's finally updated) will be able to fill us in with the details on what will and won't be looked at, how to register, etc...

Cheers,
Ian

[sparky]

That always used to be the case - they wouldn't open a bottle unless the fill level was below the base of the neck and/or there was obvious signs of cork leakage. I was told if a wine is in good condition not to bother making an appointment to have it checked because it's a bit of a waste of time.

I'd say Moira (and the website when it's finally updated) will be able to fill us in with the details on what will and won't be looked at, how to register, etc...

Cheers,
Ian

Bugger me, now you want me to tell you how a winemaker's thought process works?? That's still beyond me..

There are general guidelines in terms of ullage level, signs of leakage etc, but each bottle is an individual consultation between the winemaker and owner as to what should or shouldn't get opened. Rest assured though, that nothing gets opened if you don't want it to.

Registrations will open online in a few weeks and also rest assured that my mis-spent youth as a nightclub 'door bitch' will be put to good use with the registration process to try and ensure that youthful bottles that probably don't need to come for another few years are encouraged to stay home so we've got plenty of room and time for the more mature types that need some attention. (Must make sure we've got plenty of chairs)

We're working on some updated clinic Q&A's at the moment - I'll let you know when they're up.

Peter, you're welcome to send a delegate if you've got anyone you trust with your wines..

cheers, Moira

[Peter Schlesinger]

Hey Moira. We all know clairvoyance is one of your core skills. I'll pass on this year's clinics but will definitely follow up in 2012. I have a number of pre 1995 Bin 389s and Bin 707s plus a six pack of Grange that might warrant a look while the 1996s of these lines will qualify by then. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and sacrifice some of the neighbourhood wildlife to appease dyspectic Islandic volcano gods before we leave for Scotland on Wednesday.

Cheers, Peter

[Michael McNally]

I have to go and sacrifice some of the neighbourhood wildlife to appease dyspectic Islandic volcano gods before we leave for Scotland on Wednesday.

Cheers, Peter

Enjoy Singapore/Bangkok/KL/Narita Airport (pack a sleeping bag in your hand luggage).........

Good luck

Michael

[n4sir]

Just a reminder that bookings open today.

I've already registered for Adelaide with my preferred times.

http://www.penfolds.com/clinics/register.asp

Cheers,
Ian

[Chuck]

After thinking my application a few months ago had been thrown in the bin today received my allocated time slot. Next Tuesday around 4.30pm for a couple of bottles of Penfolds 1990 Bin 90A and a 1990 Grange. The 90A is still the best wine in 30 years and I hope they are in good nick. Most importantly want to know if any are corked. After 15 years in the passive underground cellar levels they are still well into the neck. Hope I can get a taste before they are sealed up for another decade or so.

Last time at a clinic with a Penfolds 1962 Bin 60A there was slight delay so I asked the then young buck John Duval if I could sample the top up wines. After a positive response I enjoyed a quiet little tasting of the current vintages. A very pleasing experience and the 60A didn't need to be opened. Apparently it was in perfect condition. Was forced to sell it later to feed the habit. Probably the worst decision of my life. A few months later a panel of well respected wine writers from around the globe came up with the top 100 wines ever in the world. The 60A was numero 7 and judging by tasting notes since it's one one those few wines that keeps scoring 99-100. Curently selling at auction for around $3,000. Hope the 90A, based on the same concept, reaches these heights. Based on previous tastings it has the potential to go close.

Chuck

[sparky]

After thinking my application a few months ago had been thrown in the bin today received my allocated time slot. Next Tuesday around 4.30pm for a couple of bottles of Penfolds 1990 Bin 90A and a 1990 Grange. Chuck

Chuck, you've done well to get your application from a few months ago on the list seeing we only opened registrations in late June!

Scheduling bookings for re-corking clinics is something close to herding cats, so it has to be done after the registrations have closed and the confirmations follow closely after. We like to make sure we look after the bottles that really need it, people who are travelling distances, Kalimna club members, minor celebrities and the like - after that it's pretty much first in best dressed based on when you've registered, unless I've been offered a bribe.

Chuck, I suspect I've only got your Bin 90A registered - would you mind sending me a PM or calling me on 1300 651 650 so I can confirm I've got the right details?

Cheers, Moira

[Waiters Friend]

G'day Moira

After getting all fired up about assessing my 15+ y.o. wines, I read the Terms and Conditions for registering at the clinic. Apparently, you will only open wines 'below the neck', as that is acceptable ullage for this age of wines. Fair enough.

None of my Granges (1984 to 1990) or indeed the 90A fall into that category, so I won't be wasting your time. On the flip side, it means my storage conditions are paying off

Can I assume, however, that when I open these between clinics (and let's face it, special occasion dinner parties are ALWAYS between clinics) - if a wine is obviously corked, I can get in touch?

Cheers

Allan

[sparky]

Can I assume, however, that when I open these between clinics (and let's face it, special occasion dinner parties are ALWAYS between clinics) - if a wine is obviously corked, I can get in touch?

Absolutely.

If you're able to save the original cork & the contents it helps us greatly. Preferable in the original bottle

According to The Rewards of Patience, some of those Granges between '84 to '90 would be worth getting the tops off in coming years, so you might to start thinking about which special occasions are on the radar.

Cheers, Moira

[Chuck]

Fronted up at the clinic at the appointed time with 2 x 90A's and a 90 and 92 Grange. All were into the neck and looked in good nick. I asked if they could check them for TCA and sure enough one of the 90A's was corked badly. A piece of bark strikes again. Not Penfolds' fault. Moira and the team were most helpful with her call yesterday advising Penfolds had agreed to replace it wth one from the museum stock rather than a current vintage Grange.

All back in the cellar for another 10-15 years+. Many thanks Penfolds and Moira for your excellent service. A very pleasant experience tasting these wine and knowing they will be in good nick tucked in bed for the long haul.

Stelvin rocks!

Chuck

[Michael McNally]

All back in the cellar for another 10-15 years+. Many thanks Penfolds and Moira for your excellent service. A very pleasant experience tasting these wine and knowing they will be in good nick tucked in bed for the long haul.

Stelvin rocks!

Chuck

Sorry Chuck, are you saying they are re-corking Grange etc in screwcaps????? It is one way you could interpret your statement.

Cheers

Michael

[sparky]

All back in the cellar for another 10-15 years+. Many thanks Penfolds and Moira for your excellent service. A very pleasant experience tasting these wine and knowing they will be in good nick tucked in bed for the long haul.

Stelvin rocks!

Chuck

Sorry Chuck, are you saying they are re-corking Grange etc in screwcaps????? It is one way you could interpret your statement.

Cheers

Michael

No, of course we don't re-cork Grange in screwcaps. It wouldn't be a re-corking clinic then, it would be a decanting clinic.