Penfolds Re-corking Clinics

[BVT]

My big appointment awaits in a little under an hour. A little nervous about whether they open any and any are gone.

My biggest concern was getting them from fridge to my wooden wine crates, then being at work (by car) - this was done without a hitch. Now to get them out of the Wintergarden car park and carry up to the Hilton.




BVT, I was hoping to stay around to meet you, but have a client calling me at 4.30pm; so I'll just miss you.

By the way, if you are coming to the Hilton by car and parking in the Wintergarden car park, use the link in their email - you even get Acquire or QFF points

Secure Parking -Wintergarden - Brisbane

Alternative is $46 for between 1 and 2 hours - I got mine for $10

Thanks for the parking tip.

Catch up next time!

I was better organised; I have my work meeting before The Penfolds thing. Better get on the road now!

 

[QF WP]

If driving and parking in the Wintergarden, then park on level 3 (IIRC) - the same as the walkway entry to Hilton. Take that door and you're on Level 5 - and the meeting room is the first one through the glass door (Queens Room).



Register at the table and then there is a [waiting] room opposite (Samford) set up with tasting table, 3 screens with Penfolds stories/ads running and table with books about Penfolds. Sit and wait for your name to be called by hostess.

 

[QF WP]

Penfolds 2014 Re-corking Clinics



Met Peter Gago on the way in - unfortunately had my hands full.



Was taken to table handled by Adam Clay and Adrian. Adam took out my 11 bottles and set them up in year order. He commented mine were the best collection he'd seen today (based on presentation of bottle, lack of ullage) and said he didn't believe he needed to open any of them.

He showed me their new ullage detector (first time they've had them):



Some great stories and they even throw in a very important book:

 

[QF WP]

I had even forgotten that I'd taken the 88 & 89 St Henris' to the 2008 Clinic so Adam commented that they were still okay.



Hope these notes help others on their appointments

 

[Daver6]

So was it just the two St Henri's that were opened and checked?

That ullage detector seems like a total gimmick and pointless to be honest. It doesn't take age into consideration at all.

 

[QF WP]

No, none were opened this time - those two were checked in 2008

 

[serfty]

...
Was taken to table handled by Adam Clay and Adrian. Adam took out my 11 bottles and set them up in year order. He commented mine were the best collection he'd seen today (based on presentation of bottle, lack of ullage) and said he didn't believe he needed to open any of them.

He showed me their new ullage detector (first time they've had them):

View attachment 33623...

...

That ullage detector seems like a total gimmick and pointless to be honest. It doesn't take age into consideration at all.

Interesting - going by that ullage detector mine would be just below the 8cm line - at worst ~8½cm.

Still - it's been in the bottle for 43 years ...

 

[QF WP]

Which might mean it's time to open (with your permission) taste and if okay, re-fill and re-cork.

I told Adam about your bottle, serfty.

That Langton book shows value range. I'm going to be looking for a 1967 Grange in their Penfolds Xmas auction.

 

[QF WP]

BVT, how did your session go - haven't heard??

 

[serfty]

... early September ...

 

[serfty]

Sadly, in 2014 work intervened and I was not able to get to my appointment.

However, two years down the track and it's back on ...

https://www.penfolds.com/en-au/wine-advice/recorking-clinic-registration

 

[penegal]

Thanks serfty, I did see the email come in this afternoon.

Hopefully I am in the right place on the right day.

 

[QF WP]

I got the email today and went to use the "register here" link but it re-diverts to https://www.penfolds.com/page-not-found.

Poor testing before they sent out the emails.

Search of the Penfolds site easily found this page: https://www.penfolds.com/en-au/wine-advice/recorking-clinics

I'll be at Brisbane - will try for 11 to 12pm both days, or 2-3pm Thursday as my 3 options. This year, being at new venue Gambaro's, parking will be cheaper (but harder to find as their underground parking isn't massive and the top of Caxton Street isn't parking friendly)

 

[serfty]

My confirmation email came through this morning - on Wed 21st in two weeks time.

It's at the Carousel Rest. at Albert Park.

 

[serfty]

While I had to wait 45 minutes after the appointment, watching various people come go in and out, some departing with long faces, with trepidation I had the 45 YO wine tested.

On removing the foil the cork was in good nick with no dark traces on top and it opened fairly easily with no crumbling.

The tasting came up Ok! Yay!

So the bottle has been topped up, certified and resealed (... and no longer am I wondering what the wine tastes like ).

 

[penegal]

Ready to drink yet serfty?

 

[Daver6]

While I had to wait 45 minutes after the appointment, watching various people come go in and out, some departing with long faces, with trepidation I had the 45 YO wine tested.

On removing the foil the cork was in good nick with no dark traces on top and it opened fairly easily with no crumbling.

The tasteing cam up Ok! Yay!

So the bottle has been topped up, certified and resealed (... and no longer am I wondering what the wine tastes like ).

Go on...what is the wine?

 

[serfty]

Go on...what is the wine?

See post #19.

 

[serfty]

Ready to drink yet serfty?

I was advised it was very drinkable when bottled, at its 'best' 10-15 years ago, still drinkable now ... and maybe I should find a "special occasion" within the next decade.

 

[Denali]

Totally off topic but Im reminded that I got an email from Penfolds about re-corking clinics for certain wines.

No idea why I got the email but fyi for those interested, Re-corking Wine Clinics | Penfolds | Penfolds Wines