These are the terms applying to all sales and are the basis upon which orders are accepted. They will apply, unless varied in writing, to all future transactions. When you order from us, it is assumed you have read and understand the terms and conditions below. If you have questions or concerns, please email us.

PLEASE NOTE: On older vintages, we make every effort to secure and offer wines that have benefited from consistently proper cellar conditions. All wines are carefully inspected by our team who describe the wines as accurately as possible at the time of inspection. It is the industry standard for shops such as ours, and the policy of Flickinger Wines, that wines are purchased at the buyer's risk in case of a problem. We do not accept any returns on bottles that have been opened. We do not issue refunds on wines. With that said, if you have ANY questions please call 847-920-5046 or email us through the Contact Us page.

1. Prices
   Unless the contrary is shown, prices on this site are:
   • Per bottle as indicated
   • Exclusive of Taxes when applicable
   • Exclusive of delivery charges
   • Provisional and subject to our confirmation, upon acceptance of order
   
   
2. Payment
   Payment is due when the order is taken, and may be by major credit card, bank transfer, or check (allow 5 working days for checks to clear). Orders shipped outside the United States must be paid by wire transfer. Until all sums due to us have been paid we shall be entitled to retain possession of any goods to which you would otherwise be entitled. We charge a 15% restocking fee for all cancelled orders.
   
   
3. Pre-Arrival Orders
   On pre-arrival orders, we will collect the cost of the wine and of the shipping method chosen at the time the order is placed. [Please note that we pay for this wine in advance as well. We are NOT getting the float on your money. With all pre-arrivals, things happen beyond our control that move ship dates. We apologize in advance for this.] Should the method change when the order is shipped, either a refund or an additional charge will be applied. Should no indication be made on the order, ground shipping will be assumed, charged and reconfirmed before shipment. By their nature, dates quoted for pre-arrivals are subject to change. We do not recommend counting on pre-arrival dates for wines for special ocassions, tastings, etc. There are too many variables beyond our control to promise exact dates.
   
   
4. Delivery
   

   Flickinger can assist you in making arrangements to have your wine shipped through the appropriate channels. It is important to note that when insured, the wine is only covered for breakage or loss. Flickinger and its forwarding agents cannot be held responsible for any other changes to the wines during shipment. To insure the safety of the wines, it may be required in some shipments for the wines to be repacked in protective shipping containers and the wooden cases shipped separately (wood only shipped when requested and at an additional charge). We can not be held responsible for confiscation by any government or law enforcement agency as a result of alleged violations of applicable laws by purchasers.

   An adult must be present to sign for delivery. We transfer title to customers in Illinois and in turn facilitate the shipment of your wine.

   Customers who require a redirect of their shipment will be billed for the FedEx/UPS fee of $11 per package.

   Any indication as to when wines will be available for delivery or collection is an estimate only and is not intended to be binding. We will notify you once wines are available and please give us at least 48 hours notice before collection. International transport may be arranged by us as your agent at the rates of charge indicated. We shall be entitled to claim a storage and administration charge for goods which have not been collected/delivered (unrelated to weather) within three months of purchase.

   We do not accept returns of wine that is distressed due to shipping. We can not be responsible nor can we replace bottles damaged by the weather. Again, the ultimate shipping method and timing is yours.

   NOTE ON SELLING OUT OF WINES: Occasionally, we will sell out of an item due to the vast inventory and high volume of our business. Our database is updated every 30 minutes. We reserve the right to correct errors on pricing and to limit quantities.

5. Bottle Conditions
   The following are the standard industry level and ullage definitions:

   Bordeaux Style Bottles

   Into Neck: Normal fill level for younger wines. In wines over 10 years of age, this level suggests excellent provenance. Fill levels that are into the neck are rarely noted, except to emphasize a particularly good fill level when other fill levels in the same lot are less than perfect.

   Base Neck: A common fill level at which many producers release their wine. For wines of any age, this level suggests excellent provenance.

   Very Top Shoulder: Acceptable fill level for wines 8 or more years of age. Suggests proper storage conditions throughout its life. Natural occurrence for wines of this age.

   Top Shoulder: Acceptable fill level for wines 15 or more years of age. Suggests proper storage conditions throughout its life.

   High Shoulder: Usually not a problem for wines in excess of 20 years of age This level may be caused by easing of the cork combined with natural evaporation. Check the clarity and color of the wine while in the bottle as a secondary indication of provenance.

   Mid Shoulder: May suggest ullage during the life of the wine due to either easing of the cork or inconstant storage conditions - not abnormal for wines 30 years or more of age. Definitely inspect clarity and color of the wine while in the bottle, as well as condition of the cork as additional indicators of risk.

   Low Shoulder and Below: Suggests poor provenance. Definitely a risk and generally not sellable, with exceptions given to rare bottlings and/or labels. Not recommended for drinking.

   Burgundian Style Bottles Because the shape of Burgundian style bottles does not allow for a level rating system based on the shoulder of the bottle, levels are described by means of centimeters below the cork. Generally, wines with a 3 centimeter fill level or above are considered normal for wines younger than 10 years of age. Wines of 15 or more years of age with fill levels between 3 and 5 centimeters are generally considered to be sound provenance, though consideration should be given to clarity and color of the wine in the bottle, as well as condition of the cork. Burgundy bottles with fill levels below 7 centimeters are at high risk of being damaged or undrinkable, and therefore most likely unsaleable.

   Additional Notes It should be noted that some producers tend to over-fill their bottles during the bottling process, which may cause a few drops of wine to become trapped between the cork and the capsule. this is not a sign of a faulty cork, nor of ullage. Please be aware however that ullage is a natural occurrence in older wines, which may be accelerated due to poor provenance. Though every effort is made to accurately describe older vintage wines, corks over 20 years old begin to lose their elasticity and levels can change between sale and shipment . Old corks have also been known to fail during or after shipment.