If it was moisture pooling out that is one thing, that's normal if you
soaked them. ( I never soak, I rinse, spray with sulfite, drain well
and use if the bag of corks was open; just use dry if not.) Wine
should never seep out of a good cork. I would not use anymore of
those if that is the case. Take them back or throw them out.
Composites should never leak, they are supposed to fit well and be
tight inside too. Number 9 corks ay 1.5 to 1.75" are standard corks
for standard bottles, so they are not overcompressed either.

Leakers are not uncommon on inexpensive corks, but if there is a path
out of the cork, there was a path in too. It really depends on how
long you want to keep the wines. If under a year, you may be ok; if
over that I might replace them with better ones.

If the cork felt woody, you may want to cut one open and see what it
looks and feels like inside. A good cork has some give to it. A bad
one can be hard as a two by for and about as resilient. There are
good corks out there at around $0.20 to $0.25 (US) in small
quantities, there are also good synthetics if that is something you
are willing to consider.

Regards,
Joe


"Orlando Villella, Ed.D." > wrote in message news:<dSdqc.69360$536.11282470@attbi_s03>...
> I used #9 1-3/4" composite corks, chamfered on both ends with a Portuguese
> corker. The wine seeped from the center of the corks for only a day or so
> when it stopped. Hasn't seeped since.
>
> "jim book" > wrote in message
> ...
> > guy and orlando,
> > just an off thought... could you please repost and tell us what corks
> > you used? just curious to see if they are the same. also, what type corker
> > do you use? jim
> > "Guy Therrien" > wrote in message
> > om...
> > > I too have wine seeping from the middle of the corks. I did not soak
> > > the cork and I kept the bottles up for 5-7 days!!!
> > >
> > > Guy
> >
> >