I know this was the suspicion of many when it comes to how wines are counterfeited, but empties being sold on eBay for $150 seems to be a smoking gun.
Interesting reading. The problem of fake bottles is far more common than I think most people either realize or are willing to admit.
Its a shame the wine industry hasn’t come up with a system to ensure authenticity of bottles/corks, etc.
I am in the camp that think most $$$ bottles should be destroyed after drinking. Kind of paying it forward for the wine community.
A number of us have been doing that for a while.
Cru restaurant does it as well.
Sabering champagne has that effect as well.
Unfortunately, criminals always seem to stay ahead of the curve. I recycle all of my btls, but maybe someone is digging through my trash.
I think there is 1999 Monte Bello from last night.
If you smash it in tiny bits I think they’ll need a lot of patience (and glue) to make it worth their time.
I don’t know why you would want to recycle that . . . it is one of the worst Monte Bellos in a long time!
Maybe that Rousseau you drank though . . .
Just look at the comments section . . . [rolleyes.gif]
The 99 Monte Bello was showing well last night. The 2004 Rousseau Charmes Chambertin was not up to snuff for me. Definitely astringent. Not necessarily green but clearly rough around the edges. I will post some notes by Monday on yesterday’s BBQ.
Bump so more people will see this and consider destroying empties. I am tired of seeing them for sale.
$150 for an empty bottle? I guess it’s just a matter of time before the conterfeit empty bottles hit the empty bottle market. 
TYou mean I should not have thrown out the 1964 and 1975 Lafite bottles last week?