ThePortForum.com

I am going to a port and wine auction next Thursday here in Ireland and I hope to bid on some ports for myself and two other port nuts. Unusually the port and wine will not be present (the auctioneer says they are still cellared by the vendors). I have never come across this before. The auctioneer claims their wine expert is happy with the fill levels. Is this unusual? I would welcome any advice. Ports to include several lots of Taylor's 1970 and one case of Dow's 1994.

for such non rare bottles,

i'd ask to see pictures of the top and the fill.

It's not unusual for wines in a professional cellar to be sold unseen. However, you should make it clear (in writing) to the auctioneer that you are relying wholly on the opinion of their wine expert and his catalogue description and will expect a refund if, in your opinion, there is relevant information which has been ommitted which materially affects your opinion of a fair value.

The auction house will likely tell you to take a hike but in England & Wales this simple letter plus the Unfair Contract Terms Act might give you a chance of actually getting your money back if you're sold a pup.

But you can also rely on the reputation of the auction house. They are unlikely to (but could) do anything which will affect their reputation and therefore future earnings. I often buy port / wine from a long established and reputable auction house without having the chance to inspect first.

ahb makes a fair point

state side, acker's and zachy's both have great refund policy if any thing abou thte bottle description doesn't line up with the bottles received that I never bother asking to see the bottles.