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The Spectrum Method

Learn how Spectrum approaches selling and collecting wine.

The Spectrum Wine Method

Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2009 from Spectrum Wine’s auction photography

A transparent, professional process from intake to sale.

Our 6 Point Process

1

Application & Verification

Collections reviewed for auction eligibility.

2

Transportation & Storage

Secure, temperature-controlled handling.

3

Inspection & Cataloguing

Each bottle individually examined and logged.

4

Photography

High-resolution images captured for catalog listings and condition records.

5

Reporting

Detailed consignment documentation provided.

6

Location & Tracking

Inventory stored and tracked in-house.

Inspection & Cataloguing

Every bottle consigned to Spectrum Wine is individually inspected, authenticated, and catalogued by in-house specialists. This process ensures accuracy, transparency, and confidence for both consignors and buyers.

Condition Reporting

All condition notes are listed from the top of the bottle to the bottom of the bottle, separated by commas – where applicable, they are ordered as I) OWC/OC case notes; II) fill/ullage notes; III) capsule notes; IV) cork notes; V) vintage neck tag notes, where applicable; V) label notes; VI) seepage notes, where applicable; VII) serial number notes, where applicable; VIII) other notes. The absence of any notes indicates the bottle is in release condition.

Packaging Notation

Original cases are documented as “OWC” for original wood cases or “OC” for all other original packaging types such as cardboard cartons.

Acceptance Standards

Only wines that have aged appropriately for their type, region, and vintage are accepted. Bottles must also show strong, vibrant, and clear color consistent with their age. Those with poor color or clarity are rejected.

Inventory & Storage Tracking

Every bottle is barcoded and reboxed upon inspection. Each bottle’s unique Inventory ID is applied to its individual box and scanned to a warehouse location for precise tracking.

Condition Notes

Condition notes provide a standardized framework used by Spectrum Wine to describe the physical state of each bottle at the time of inspection.

  • Notes reflect condition at time of inspection
  • Older wines are evaluated differently from modern releases
  • Cosmetic wear does not imply inauthenticity
  • Some conditions affect eligibility; others do not

Condition notes are provided to support informed bidding and reflect the condition at the time of inspection. They do not represent a warranty of future condition.