On 23 Dec 2003 11:09:40 GMT, Michael Pronay > wrote:

>Anthony Hoare > wrote:
>
>>>Now.... how DOES one open one of these giants?
>>
>> You put a corkscrew in and you twist!
>
>Exactly. A waiter's friend did the job without any problem on a
>double magnum of Barolo 1985 (Marchesi di Barolo, standard annata
>offering) I opened on my 50th birthday last July. Standard bottles
>mouth width is 18mm, this had 25mm; I don't think it gets very
>much wider.
>
>M.

Thanks Michael. My Q was a little tongue in cheek. I did open a 1979
Redman for a customer a few years ago. He had it put away for is
son's 21st. Patience, gritted teeth...... and a waiter's friend did
the job. I was rewarded when his wife returned with a decanter full
of the delightful cabernet for me to sip away during the evening
trade......... :>)

Regards Swooper