Advice: Is seepage a concern on old madeira the way it would be with anything else?

[Matt K]

I basically avoid any bordeaux/burg at auction with seepage but since madeira 'thrives' on oxygen exposure....

I find myself chasing the auction market but usually I don't even have a photo of the bottle so this question is mostly general with the understanding that every bottle is a snowflake.

[Eric Ifune]

If I had my druthers, I'd get the non-seepage bottle. But as long as levels are good, wouldn't be too afraid.

[Matt K]

Oh sure, if I have a choice but when buying old Madeira at auction....

So, have you ever experienced a bottle with seepage that was kicked/dead?

[Barry Sunderland]

If I had my druthers, I'd get the non-seepage bottle. But as long as levels are good, wouldn't be too afraid.

Truth.

[Roy Hersh]

You are pretty safe with some slight seepage. Ullage level would be the deciding factor for me. But the contents likely will be absolutely fine, although I have seen a couple of examples where the aromatics were dumbed down.