Cork discoloration

[Georgie]

Today I bought a bottle of 2000 KWV Steen from South Africa. I notice that the cork is discolored around the bottom. I haven't opened the wine but I can see the cork through the bottle. Do you think it's OK?

[winoweenie]

Only one way to find out Teach. Un-Cork that hummer. WW [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]

[Georgie]

i tried the wine tonight. I think it was "corked" as the saying goes. I'm not really sure, being as inexperienced as I am. The cork came apart where the discoloration ended and I had a hard time getting the rest of it out. When I smelled it, it smelled sort of like my basement and the wine tasted sort of like that too. I dumped it.

[winoweenie]

Sorry to hear that. Always take the wine back and see if there's any resolution.WW [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/frown.gif[/img]

[Thomas]

Yes, always take the wine back. A good retailer will replace it.

Also, a crumbled cork and a so-called "corked" wine are not necessarily the same problem, the latter can take place when the cork looks and is unblemished. So, there could have been two problems, if the wine truly was "corked" and the cork was in such bad shape.

[Georgie]

Thanks. I'll remember your advice.