Information about bottle condition

It is normal for the condition of bottles stored in a cellar to change over time. A 10-year-old bottle will generally not have the same appearance as a 60-year-old one.

Since a cork is not completely airtight, the wine level slowly decreases in the bottle. However, 2 parameters can accelerate this phenomenon: storage in a cellar that is too warm and/or a weak cork that is more porous than average.

Understand everything

If there is no additional information given on a wine's description, it means that its condition is normal considering its age, namely:

  • Wines from 10 to 15 years old:

    • Bordeaux: Level at the base of the neck or better
    • Burgundy: Level at 2cm below the cork or better
    • Label: In good condition

  • Wines from 16 to 30 years old:

    • Bordeaux: Level slightly below the base of the neck or better
    • Burgundy: Level at 3cm below the cork or better
    • Label: In good condition or slightly marked by time

  • Wines from 31 to 50 years old:

    • Bordeaux: Level high shoulder or better
    • Burgundy: Level at 4cm below the cork or better
    • Label: In good condition or marked by time but perfectly readable

  • Wines over 50 years old:

    • Bordeaux: Level between the top and middle of the shoulder or better
    • Burgundy: Level at 5/6cm below the cork or better
    • Label: In good condition or very marked by time but readable

Labels on old bottles are generally marked by years spent in the cellar. Good humidity, essential for proper wine preservation, is often detrimental to the label.

 

Should we be concerned? On the contrary. A label in perfect condition might suggest that the bottle has been stored in a cellar that is too dry, which could be detrimental to the wine.

 

However, there are two exceptions: bottles whose labels have been protected by their owner and those that have been relabeled at the château. Labels with slight defects (small tears and traces of humidity) are considered good. Others are defined as follows:

 

Slightly damaged: stains, tears, minor missing parts, traces of humidity but which do not hinder readability.

Damaged: stained and/or torn and/or traces of humidity. Reading sometimes more difficult.

Very damaged: heavily stained and/or torn and/or strong traces of humidity. Difficult to read.

Bottle Condition

Details on label condition

The labels of old bottles are generally marked by years spent in the cellar. Good hygrometry, essential for proper wine preservation, is often fatal to the label.

Should this be a concern? Quite the contrary. A label in perfect condition might suggest that the bottle was stored in a cellar that was too dry, which would be detrimental to the wine.

There are two exceptions however: bottles whose labels have been protected by their owner and those that have been relabeled at the château. Labels with slight defects (small tears and traces of moisture) are considered good. Others are defined as follows:

  • Slightly damaged: stains, tears, slight missing parts, traces of moisture but which do not impede readability.
  • Damaged: stained and/or torn and/or traces of moisture. Reading sometimes more difficult.
  • Very damaged: very stained and/or torn and/or strong traces of moisture. Difficult to read.

Details on capsule condition

Capsules may have been accidentally damaged to varying degrees during handling. This generally has no impact on wine quality. However, a capsule with a pierced top (the part covering the cork) increases the risk of evaporation or leakage.

Bottles with worn or damaged capsules are defined as follows:

  • Slightly damaged capsule: the top of the capsule shows signs of wear and/or a tear that does not affect the bottle's seal
  • Damaged capsule: the top of the capsule is pierced