wine cork started leaking

[zinlover]

A friend of mine (really!) bought a bottle of wine up in wine country yesterday and it started leaking, evidently. I'm guessing this means she may as well just open it/drink it. Is this right?

[Innkeeper]

Hi Zinlover, and welcome to the Wine Board. If it is not too far, or if your friend is taking another trip soon, take it back to get it recorked. Chances are the winery will simply relace it. It is also possible to get it recorked locally or do it yourself with materials from a winemaking supply house.

If, all recorking efforts fail, drink it. When I get a case in from afar, the first thing I do if there is no room in the rack, is to turn all the bottles upsidedown. Always check the next day for leakers. It is not uncommon to find them.

[winoweenie]

Hi ZL and welcome to the board. Did your friend leave this bottle in the car or trunck for an extended period of time? Heat not only makes for leaky corks but also ruins the wine. You can cook a bottle here in Phoenix in as little as 30 minutes. WW