For The Love Of Port

This week I saw these batches of Graham's 1977 (particulary 1199 and 1201) that seem reasonably priced. With the labels in this condition, I understand the price will drop, but what matters is what's inside. From what I can see, the bottles have been exposed to moisture, but I don't see any signs of leakage. The levels also seem normal for bottles of this age. Should I take a chance, or are there any obvious signs that I should let it go?

https://www.iegor.net/catalogue/170540- ... m&p=&sold=

LOUISSS J wrote: ↑Sun Oct 26, 2025 6:20 pm This week I saw these batches of Graham's 1977 (particulary 1199 and 1201) that seem reasonably priced. With the labels in this condition, I understand the price will drop, but what matters is what's inside. From what I can see, the bottles have been exposed to moisture, but I don't see any signs of leakage. The levels also seem normal for bottles of this age. Should I take a chance, or are there any obvious signs that I should let it go?

https://www.iegor.net/catalogue/170540- ... m&p=&sold=

To me, if you look at the selos I see brown areas, not from mold, but from leaked wine. The bottles look really rough and there is mold on the labels and some near the capsules of a couple of them. Maybe they'll be okay, but they're a bit of a gamble.

I'm also surprised the auction house doesn't speak about the fill level or condition of the bottles (unless I missed it). That's a bit of a red flag for me as well.

Personally, I probably wouldn't bid unless the bid price was really low. If you have to big 150 CAD then your price after bid fees and taxes I believe would be 69 CAD or about US $49 per bottle. If the bid price is lower than 150 then maybe it's a gamble bidding on 1, but I wouldn't bid on both lots...if I bid at all. But that's my opinion, the question is what you're comfortable with.

Those wouldn't bother me. Mold usually means a humid environment which is plus in storing wine.

I don’t see signs of seepage from the pic. Obviously from damp cellar which isn’t a bad thing per se. A reasonable bid would be practical.

Andy Velebil wrote: ↑Mon Oct 27, 2025 6:58 pm I don’t see signs of seepage from the pic. Obviously from damp cellar which isn’t a bad thing per se. A reasonable bid would be practical.

At the top of the selos they're brown and I would assume they're from seepage similar to the leakers I have.

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't even place a bet in the end.

The lot with the "less beautiful" bottles sold for a little over $200 (CAD$) per bottle. The lot with the bottles in better condition sold for almost $400 per bottle! I wanted to spend a maximum of $160.

On the other hand, the lots of Taylor Fladgate 1977 in magnum (in their wooden case) sold for around $560-600 each... not bad (around $280-300 for 750ml)! From what I usually see in Quebec, it's a good price.

Mike J. W. wrote:

Andy Velebil wrote: ↑Mon Oct 27, 2025 6:58 pm I don’t see signs of seepage from the pic. Obviously from damp cellar which isn’t a bad thing per se. A reasonable bid would be practical.

At the top of the selos they're brown and I would assume they're from seepage similar to the leakers I have.

They are slightly discolored. But that appears to be from the capsule and not seepage.

Late to the party, and obviously the auction passed some time ago. In looking over the bottles, I agree with Andy's assessment.