CAVEAT EMPTOR

Wine fraud is endemic for very good reasons. The ill-gotten gains are potentially vast, and the downside is relatively small compared to other forms of forgery. Counterfeiter Rudy Kurniawan, sentenced in 2013 and the subject Sour Grapes, is time for wine fraud; in France, the maximum sentence for the crime is two years. Not surprisingly, multiple sources estimate that fully 20 per

“It’s a massive problem, and it’s getting worse, not better,” says Maureen Downey, authenticator extraordinaire and founder of trade, she believes, is “in peril” from the twin scourges of counterfeit wine and theft. Not only are counterfeiters getting better, but they’re also turning their attention to younger vintages, says Downey, “and the problem extends to less famous producers and even their more modest bottlings.”

Wine merchants, auction prudent consumers should also vet their purchases thoroughly. “People says Greg Castells, president of Martine’s Wines. “Often people photos, but they don’t pay the same attention they would if they were buying a Monet or Renoir.” The