Who Decides If A Wine Is Acceptable? Courts Or People?

The recent filing of a lawsuit by Chateau Potelle Holdings, LLC against Denis Malbec, Medlock Ames Vintners and others shows us that, often, a court will have to determine if a wine is acceptable and what parties actually agreed on in its production.   Several months ago, Chateau Potelle filed a Complaint alleging that it hired Denis Malbec to make a high quality new wine, named after the owner, Jean-Noel Fourmeaux.  Chateau Potelle stated that, in 2008, it wanted a high level cult wine to sell in the $150 to $200 range, and that Mr. Malbec promised to hit that mark.

Instead, according to papers filed by Chateau Potelle, Mr. Malbec allegedly took a sabbatical to Burma and left the wine developing on its own, leading to high levels of volatile acidity – levels that Chateau Potelle states were unacceptable.  For his part, Mr. Malbec claims he was not paid the agreed price.