These terms apply 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 312-471-9463 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 upon invoice receipt, 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. We are NOT getting the float on your money. With all pre-arrivals, things happen beyond our control that move arrival 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 occasions, tastings, etc. There are too many variables beyond our control to promise exact dates.
   
4. Delivery
   

   Any indication as to the date wines will be available for delivery or collection is an estimate only and is not binding.  We will notify you once wines are available and please give us at least 48 hours' notice before collection. National or international transport may be arranged by us as your agent at the rates of charge indicated. All duties and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.  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). 

   Title to and ownership of alcoholic beverages passes from seller to buyer from our Chicago cellar in Illinois and and buyer takes all responsibility for the product being transported from the state of sale to the buyer’s selected destination. Buyer may pick up the product at seller’s location, or make independent delivery arrangements. Sales tax will be applied based on the seller’s location. Seller makes no representation as to the legal rights of anyone to deliver or import any alcoholic beverages or other goods into any state. Buyer warrants he or she is solely responsible for the transport of the purchased products and for determining the legality and the tax/duty consequences of bringing the products to the buyer’s chosen destination.  We cannot be held responsible for confiscation by any government or law enforcement agency as a result of alleged violations of applicable laws.  An adult must be present to sign for delivery. By placing an order, you authorize Flickinger to act on your behalf to engage a common carrier to deliver your wine to you. When your order is delivered, the person to whom the delivery is made will need to show identification to the shipper to verify identity and age. The purchaser represents that he/she is acting in a fashion compliant with his or her local and state law regarding the purchase, transportation, and delivery of wine. The purchaser acknowledges that the laws governing the sale and transportation of alcohol beverages vary from state to state. Flickinger makes no representation as to the legal rights of any individual or entity to ship or transport wines into any state outside of Illinois. As expressly noted above, you the consumer are solely responsible for taking possession of all wines that you purchase from Flickinger. Flickinger reserves the right to delay the release of shipments to ensure product quality.

Non-Collection 

We shall be entitled to claim a storage and administration charge for goods which have not been collected/delivered within 30 days for local pickup or up to five months for shipments out of state.   Any pickup wines not collected within 30 days will be stored in our private client storage area at a cost of $48.00 per 9L case (or partial thereof) per year, with a minimum rental charge of two months. 

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. We reserve the right to correct errors on pricing and to limit quantities.

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.

Non-Collection