Spotting Refills and Tampered Capsules
Common red flags and the specific photos that help confirm authenticity.
Quick Answer
Refilling empty authentic bottles with cheap liquid is the most common form of high-end fraud. We check specifically for this.
- Check if the capsule spins (on wine).
- Look for creases or glue marks on the foil.
- Verify the fill level isn't 'too high' for an old bottle.
- Check for laser codes on the glass that match the label.
The Capsule Test
The capsule (foil) is the primary seal. Once broken or removed, it can never be perfectly replaced.
- Spinning: On many top wines (DRC, Leroy), the capsule should spin freely. If it is stuck tight with glue, it might be tampered.
- Color: Is the capsule color correct for the vintage? Counterfeiters often use generic foils.
- Creases: Manual re-foiling leaves unnatural creases. Factory foiling is smooth.
Refill Signs
To refill a bottle, fraudsters must pull the cork or drill through it.
- Needle holes: Look closely at the top of the capsule for a tiny pinprick (used to inject liquid/gas).
- Sediment: Old red wine should have sediment. If a 1945 bottle has zero sediment and bright clear liquid, it's fake.
- Fill Level: A 50-year-old bottle 'Into Neck' is suspicious. It should have some evaporation.
Glass Codes and Laser Etching
Modern bottles (post-2000) often have laser-etched lot codes on the glass near the base.
- The code on the glass should generally match the vintage on the label.
- If the glass code says '08' but the label says '1982', it's a fake label on a modern bottle.
- We use UV light to check for invisible ink codes.
Common Mistakes
Buying empty bottles.
- Selling empty bottles on eBay enables fraudsters. Break your empties if they are high value.
- Assuming a receipt proves authenticity (the receipt might be real, but the bottle could have been swapped).
What to Do Next
Verify your collection.
- Examine your top 5 most expensive bottles.
- Take photos of the capsule top and the glass base.
- Send them to us for a preliminary authenticity check.
- If you bought from reputable merchants, you are likely safe.
What to Do Next
Ready to get an offer for your bottles? Submit photos and details through our form, or text photos directly if that is easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'Unix' code?
Some brands use unique alphanumeric codes to track bottles. We can verify these with the producer.
Can you authenticate my collection?
As part of a purchase, yes. We do not offer standalone authentication services for bottles we are not buying.
What is 'Prooftag'?
A bubble seal used by estates like Lafite and Margaux. Each bubble pattern is unique and trackable online. Do not remove it!
Are older bottles harder to fake?
Actually easier, because consistency was lower back then. But the 'patina' of age is hard to fake convincingly.
What if I find a fake?
It is worthless. We cannot buy it. You should contact the person who sold it to you.