The Best Cork Puller

Way back in May, we went to a party where the host pulled out a 1964 Barolo. The label attested to the fact that the the wine was very aged. Our host began to pull out the cork and then realized that the cork was not in the best shape but never fear, he brought out this nifty device that combined the Ah-So with the waiter's screwpull.

My husband was put in charge of using this device for the first time in his life, entrusted with pulling out a cork that was 57 years old. My husband has very steady hands and the Durand is probably the best old cork puller in existence. Aside from the initial slight crumblage (made up word), the cork came out cleanly and the Barolo was enjoyed by all.
When we were driving home that day, my husband remarked on the possibility of purchasing a Durand. Since our host told him that the Durand may be about $50.00 my husband was right on it until he found out that it was really $145.00.
Recently, we had dinner with our friends where my husband brought out a 1996 Chateau Montelena. I did share this photo in a previous blog, but just to drive home the point here it is again:

Without the proper tool, you can see what can happen to an aged cork. You can also see in the above photo that my husband tried to mimic the Durand with an Ah-So and a screwpull.
Last night, my husband brought out this 1995 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain. He wasn't taking any chances this time and used the Durand, which he purchased after the Chateau Montelena incident, to pull the cork out.

The wine was excellent and still very youthful tasting with an upfront flavor of blackberries and smooth tannins. We had it with friends and marinated hangar steak a la Ina Garten.