Bad try? (auction)

[LOUISSS J]

This week I saw these batches of Graham's 1977 (particulary 1199 and 1201) that seem reasonably priced. With the labels in this condition, I understand the price will drop, but what matters is what's inside. From what I can see, the bottles have been exposed to moisture, but I don't see any signs of leakage. The levels also seem normal for bottles of this age. Should I take a chance, or are there any obvious signs that I should let it go?

https://www.iegor.net/catalogue/170540- ... m&p=&sold=

[Mike J. W.]

This week I saw these batches of Graham's 1977 (particulary 1199 and 1201) that seem reasonably priced. With the labels in this condition, I understand the price will drop, but what matters is what's inside. From what I can see, the bottles have been exposed to moisture, but I don't see any signs of leakage. The levels also seem normal for bottles of this age. Should I take a chance, or are there any obvious signs that I should let it go?

https://www.iegor.net/catalogue/170540- ... m&p=&sold=

To me, if you look at the selos I see brown areas, not from mold, but from leaked wine. The bottles look really rough and there is mold on the labels and some near the capsules of a couple of them. Maybe they'll be okay, but they're a bit of a gamble.

I'm also surprised the auction house doesn't speak about the fill level or condition of the bottles (unless I missed it). That's a bit of a red flag for me as well.

Personally, I probably wouldn't bid unless the bid price was really low. If you have to big 150 CAD then your price after bid fees and taxes I believe would be 69 CAD or about US $49 per bottle. If the bid price is lower than 150 then maybe it's a gamble bidding on 1, but I wouldn't bid on both lots...if I bid at all. But that's my opinion, the question is what you're comfortable with.

[Moses Botbol]

Those wouldn't bother me. Mold usually means a humid environment which is plus in storing wine.

[Andy Velebil]

I don’t see signs of seepage from the pic. Obviously from damp cellar which isn’t a bad thing per se. A reasonable bid would be practical.

[Mike J. W.]

I don’t see signs of seepage from the pic. Obviously from damp cellar which isn’t a bad thing per se. A reasonable bid would be practical.

At the top of the selos they're brown and I would assume they're from seepage similar to the leakers I have.

[LOUISSS J]

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't even place a bet in the end.

The lot with the "less beautiful" bottles sold for a little over $200 (CAD$) per bottle. The lot with the bottles in better condition sold for almost $400 per bottle! I wanted to spend a maximum of $160.

On the other hand, the lots of Taylor Fladgate 1977 in magnum (in their wooden case) sold for around $560-600 each... not bad (around $280-300 for 750ml)! From what I usually see in Quebec, it's a good price.

[Andy Velebil]

I don’t see signs of seepage from the pic. Obviously from damp cellar which isn’t a bad thing per se. A reasonable bid would be practical.

At the top of the selos they're brown and I would assume they're from seepage similar to the leakers I have.

They are slightly discolored. But that appears to be from the capsule and not seepage.

[Roy Hersh]

Late to the party, and obviously the auction passed some time ago. In looking over the bottles, I agree with Andy's assessment.