I have successfully bid on a case of Bordeaux with OWC. What do I do upon pick up? Do I pry it open to check all the bottles or what? If not, anything I should be aware of? Thanks.

aav28 You said---

quote:

I have successfully bid on a case of Bordeaux with OWC. What do I do upon pick up? Do I pry it open to check all the bottles or what? If not, anything I should be aware of? Thanks.

If you bid and won; I would open that case immediately to check the condition and accuracy of the contents! However, if you had bought "Futures" from a reputable source, I would leave it in the OWC, without opening.

What did you buy?

Probably send one or two to me... I'll check them out for you (no charge, of course). Don't worry... I have a VacuVin... I'll seal them up tight after a glass or two and send them right back.

If it was through auction and has not been opened, I'd pop them open and twist all of the capsules, check the fills, etc.

LJ

I will echo what the others said- if from and auction the case should definitely be opened.

I used to leave OWCs intact if bought on futures from a reputable merchant, but someone on this board made me paranoid at one point about the possibility of abused wine in there, so now I crack every case open to inspect.

If you intend to drink it and not re-sell it, open the case and inspect the bottles.

aav28

On further thought, I'll have to amend my original response!

It is always the safest bet to open all OWC's and inspect the contents for condition and accuracy of your order. I feel it is especially important to open OWC's purchased at auction.

When I've purchased Bordeaux Futures from reliable sources, such as Zachy's, Sam's, Winex, and other national retail wine stores, I've never had a problem or a surprise. But it is an increased risk.

I once bought two cases of 1985 Haut Brion, which did not display the vintage year on the outside of the case. (HB cases are larger than the standard Bordeaux cases, but without a date on the OWC, I wondered if it contained the 1984 vintage instead of the 1985 vintage) When I finally opened the 1st case, 9 years later, it did contain the 1985 HB! Still, I guess it was a risk! So, the safest bet is Caveat Emptor!

Thank you for all the reply and suggestion. Yes, it is from an auction over this past weekend. I was leaning towards the same direction anyway. But just wasn't too sure as we in Ontario, Canada rarely deal with OWC. Or I should say not many people that I know would buy a certain wine in case lot which comes in wood box. Even on futures campaign, we start with 3 bottles increment.

aav28

What Bordeaux wines are you ordering?
.

aav,

Does Mouton Cadet come in a wooden case?

One other thing... to confirm none of the bottles are leaking badly or broken, look at the bottom of the case. You will see stains if there is any leakage.

quote:

Originally posted by latour67: What Bordeaux wines are you ordering?
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2000 Mouton Rothschild

aav,

Remember that two reputable organizations -- Ritchies and Vintages -- examined all bottles for fill levels, label quality, etc. So opening the case to do that yourself may make you feel a bit more comfortable, but won't give you any rights to return your purchase. Also, remember that if the OWC is sealed then it has only been re-sealed, since it would have had to be opened to facilitate the Ritchies inspection.

aav,

Also, if you are really careful when you remove the lid, you should have no problem lining up the staples/nails with the holes and reclosing the case.

Have you seen a 2000 Mouton? The bottle alone will likely be worth a fortune one day. Very snazzy packaging.

quote:

Originally posted by Slan:
aav,

Remember that two reputable organizations -- Ritchies and Vintages -- examined all bottles for fill levels, label quality, etc. So opening the case to do that yourself may make you feel a bit more comfortable, but won't give you any rights to return your purchase. Also, remember that if the OWC is sealed then it has only been re-sealed, since it would have had to be opened to facilitate the Ritchies inspection.

Definitely no intention of returning it. Yes, you are right, Ritchies must have inspected all the bottles by opening up the case already.

quote:

Originally posted by Baird: Also, if you are really careful when you remove the lid, you should have no problem lining up the staples/nails with the holes and reclosing the case.

WILL TRY. JUST HOPE I DON'T NEED A CARPENTER LICENSE TO DO SO.

[/QUOTE] Have you seen a 2000 Mouton? The bottle alone will likely be worth a fortune one day. Very snazzy packaging.[/QUOTE]

YES, I HAVE A LONE BOTTLE SITTING IN MY CELLAR FOR QUITE SOMW TIME.