Well done, McWilliams Wines!
Well done, McWilliams Wines!
Yet another corked/dud bottle story - on this occasion, a much-loved Lovedale 1986, carefully cellared, opened for a special night, big disappointment. Had some variable experience of this vintage before, one or two brilliant ones, some not quite up to the mark, some just down-the-sink material; wasn't 100% sure whether this one was just past it, or TCA-affected. The McWilliams rep personally came to take the remains of the bottle, got a letter from them confirming that there was (slight) TCA taint - great to have one's own judgements verified!. Even better, was the package of 2 1998 Lovedales that arrived shortly after. Efficient, professional, generous - Bravo McWilliams!
It is good that winemakers acknowledge the problem, and at least attempt to make some kind of amends - it seems the 2 bottles of 'current release' is the industry standard compensation. Mostly it's OK - I've only had cause to make claims for fairly modest wines - nothing more costly than Wynns black label or Blue Pyrenees reserve red. I can imagine some people baulking at 2 x 98 Lovedales being compensation for a corked 86. I can imagine a very large number of people being unhappy accepting, say, 2 x 97 Grange for a corked '71 or '62...
I suppose we should be thankful that at least in this country you can get something as recompense. Does it work as well in the Old World? If I live in Dijon, I wonder, and my Rousseau Chambertin is corked, can I get a replacement as easily?
cheers,
Graeme
I suppose we should be thankful that at least in this country you can get something as recompense. Does it work as well in the Old World? If I live in Dijon, I wonder, and my Rousseau Chambertin is corked, can I get a replacement as easily?
cheers,
Graeme
A few comments. GG, You would be lucky to get 2 bottles of Grange for an older one, Penfolds policy is a one for one. I have had 92 Balmoral replaced with a 99 for instance. And a 91 St Henri replaced with one bottle of the current vintage.
Tatachilla recently replaced a 98 Foundation with one 99.
Orlando has promised to replace a corked 94 St Hugo with 2 bottles of 2000 and "its in the system" but it has taken many weeks and I am still to receive the bottles.
Clearly some are better than others.
Tatachilla recently replaced a 98 Foundation with one 99.
Orlando has promised to replace a corked 94 St Hugo with 2 bottles of 2000 and "its in the system" but it has taken many weeks and I am still to receive the bottles.
Clearly some are better than others.
