For a while I scalded my corks. It was a disaster. Almost all leaked or
were close to leaking around the sides due to the cork going mushy -- but I
have never had one lead out the middle. This has been brought up before so
it must happen and whether the corks were cheap or expensive -- they were
bad.

I agree completely with Joe. If there is a path out there is now and
excellent path in. The wine that has reached the outside can be infected
and then the infection can follow the wine back into the bottle.

I would drink them quickly or recork with good corks.

Ray

"Joe Sallustio" > wrote in message
om...
> 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
> > >
> > >