The Great Wine Scammer

[Roy Hersh]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/nyreg ... ntemail1=y

[Ray Barnes]

I have heard stories about the fraudulent copying of wine, among other commodities, coming out of the Orient, but nothing like this before. Very dissapointing.

[Eric Ifune]

Not a new thing. Hardy Rodenstock (real name Meinhard Görke) is thought to have done the same thing in Europe. Read "The Billionaire's Vinegar." He got out of jail on appeal and is still in the wine business in Germany.

[Andy Velebil]

I may merge these, but SEE THIS THREAD for more commentary on Rudy K. and his scamming and other related issues with the last Spectrum Wine auction house.

[Moses Botbol]

The hurt Mr. Wasserman must be feeling after this. To be lied to like that and in the end not knowing what is real and what is not. Was that ’55 “Ch. Whatever” really that young?

[Andy Velebil]

The hurt Mr. Wasserman must be feeling after this. To be lied to like that and in the end not knowing what is real and what is not. Was that ’55 “Ch. Whatever” really that young?

What will be interesting is to see who else get named in the FBI's investigation. As right now they've been very tight lipped about others. While I may be wrong, my experience tells me this wasn't a one man operation. I suspect there will be more people arrested behind this and unless RK pleads guilty right away. Then I'm sure the trial will bring out some amazing details about how the auction market works behind the scenes...and I don't think it will be positive for any of them.

[Eric Menchen]

While I may be wrong, my experience tells me this wasn't a one man operation.

I suspect so as well. Just making those labels is not a trivial thing. You don't just print those off on a laser printer. At least I hope anything printed off on a laser printer would be quickly identified as fake by the auction houses and others.

[Andy Velebil]

This has made me think about how I get rid of old bottles. Typically I use a large black majic marker to write over the label so it's not usable again. Looks like smashing the bottle may be my new method of disposal. Or maybe I'll save them and use them for target practice at the shooting range

[Moses Botbol]

This has made me think about how I get rid of old bottles. Typically I use a large black majic marker to write over the label so it's not usable again. Looks like smashing the bottle may be my new method of disposal. Or maybe I'll save them and use them for target practice at the shooting range

I save the old bottles & refill for ditzy chicks who don't know the difference and facebook about what a big time host I am.

In all serious, I would like to serve something else in fancy bottles and see who says something about it at in a party. The person who calls it out I would be impressed and then open something for just the two of us.

Have any of you done this type of experiment?

[Derek T.]

I would like to serve something else in fancy bottles and see who says something about it at in a party … Have any of you done this type of experiment?

No. And I wouldn't dream of doing it. What is the objective? To find another Port geek or to piss off (or make a fool of) everyone else in the company?

[Andy Velebil]

I would like to serve something else in fancy bottles and see who says something about it at in a party … Have any of you done this type of experiment?

No. And I wouldn't dream of doing it. What is the objective? To find another Port geek or to piss off (or make a fool of) everyone else in the company?

Given the right, very narrow, context this would be feasible. Such as a contest. I would let everyone know at the party one of the many bottles on the table isn't what is on the label and whoever guesses which it is would be the winner.

[Roy Hersh]

Pointless, as Derek succinctly summed it up. Want to put a ringer into a lineup? Then do so, the right way.

[Ray Barnes]

Should this most ignominious of transgressions involve a madeira in the future, I believe the transgressor(s) should be Duke of Clarenced. (ducks)

[Eric Ifune]

Yes, but the Duke of Clarence got what he wanted!