On Sep 14, 6:58 pm, Fred > wrote:
> I have had a lot of problems recently with extremely dry corks. I live in
> the desert (Las Vegas) and the humidity is extremely low. I have a
> hygrometer in my cellar and it recently read 45%. What should I do about
> this problem. Last night we had a 1996 Duhart Milon and the cork crumbled.
> The wine was quite good, just the cork was terrible.
>
> Fred.

Fred, you need 70% humidity and a constant temperature around 65F. You
can buy digital thermometers with humidity readings from IWA
(www.iwawine.com). Other problems with corks of older wines can be
the source of the wine. Be careful who you buy from.

Mark Slater