The wine retailer Premier Cru in Emeryville, CA, doesn't think so.
Premier Cru stopped accepting returns of open bottles two years ago according to Daniel Sogg in his story titled "The right to return?" in the May 15, 2007 issue of the Wine Spectator. The rationale offered by co-owner John Fox in the article is "It's the lack of knowledge by the consumer...most people who say a wine is corked are confusing it with something else, like [the leathery, earthy character of brettanomyces], or they just don't like it."
While some consumers may get it wrong, it's not likely 100% of them do which is what Premier Cru's policy assumes. On the other hand, perceived "unfair" treatment is one issue which riles consumers and drives them elsewhere. So even if the consumer is wrong occasionally, the value of retaining the customer outweighs any cost of a return.
For more behind the Vinfolio philosophy, see my prior post, Returning faulty wine to retailers. In addition, read our current wine guarantee and returns policy.
