"Vincent" > wrote:

> A few notes on the last two problems I ran into.

At least part of your problem came from following the advice to
let stand the bottle up XXX hours/days/weeks/months before
opening. I seriously advise *against* this procedure, unless you
need to transport the bottle unopened.

Get a decanting basket/craddle, remove foil, clean the upside, an
draw the cork slowly. Even if it desintegrates, chances are good
that most particles won't fall into the wine, while the inevitably
will when the bottle stands upright.

Furthermore, the deposit will remain in place. Then decant
(without basket) over a light source. Just works fine.

M.