What is "dumb phase"?

[Thomas]

As you all must be able to see by now--the words "dumb phase" used in this context are not much help.

My problem is that not having tasted the wine, I am not sure I fully grasp donovan's description, so I wouldn't know if this is a dumb phase or a technical flaw, which is not the same thing at all. But if it is either or both, it could and maybe could not affect every bottle. How's that for certitude!