Nomacorc? Still?

[Robin Garr]

I just opened a cheap 2012 Spanish Monastrell and, somewhat to my surprise, found it stoppered with a slick-side, foam-center Nomacorc. I didn't even realize those were still being made. What do you guys think is the over-under on this wine still being drinkable after five years?

[David M. Bueker]

0%

Yeah I think I would agree with David.

[Robin Garr]

It turned out to be okay. Who knew?

That's a pleasant surprise indeed!

It turned out to be okay. Who knew?

Some of those Spanish Monastrells are probably pretty tough wines, given the high levels of alcohol and tannins.

In 2008 I drank a Horst Sauer Frank & Fresh Pinot Noir Rosé 2001, which had a plastic cork (I think of the type you describe, Robin). The price was reduced to practically nothing (little more than duty + VAT) by the wine merchant, and the "cork" had lost all elasticity. The wine was pale tawny. It did not taste what I would call oxidised, but was a little high toned and had strawberry fruit.

I was pleasantly surprised, and concluded that at least some of the reputation plastic corks have is undeserved. I do wonder a bit though about possible plasticisers that leached out of the plastic to cause it to stiffen.

Nomacorc is now making some very good alternative closures that have low and consistent oxygen transmission, very different from the old ones. Apparently it's comparable to Diam or perhaps even better.

They have come a long way since "Project Broomstick"

Salute