[dropcap size=small]H[/dropcap]ow many times have you held off on opening a delightful Cabernet because there aren’t enough aficionados over for dinner? Well, bid goodbye to that plight – a new wine gadget means you no longer have to finish bottles of wine within days of uncorking.

Coravin, a US-based company, has gone beyond the ineffectual rubber stopper with a version two of their award-winning product: the Coravin Model Two Elite. With this gizmo in hand, one can head to the cellar, select a favourite and pour out a single glass (or two for good measure), then stow the bottle again as though it has never been uncorked.

Sound too good to be true? We at The Peak thought so, too. So we decided to put it to the test and see if it’s as hassle-free as it sounds.

That was simple enough. How it works in a nutshell: compressed, inert argon gas is pumped into the bottle via a long needle that pierces the cork, then the wine is pushed out through that same needle into a spout.

The argon gas does not react at all with wine, so its integrity is preserved. The tiny hole made in the cork self-seals upon removal of the needle – so it’s as if you never disturbed its contents.

The catch? We only found small ones. The argon gas needs to be topped up from time to time, and the Model Two Elite can’t quite serve up sparkling wines, as these already have bubbles in them. Then again, it’s probably reds and whites you most want to preserve.

Our verdict? It’s a worthy investment that will change the way you consume wine, whether at home or at restaurants that have one. You could even add the unopened (but empty) bottles to a display shelf. Available at The Oaks, Enoteca Singapore and The Vintage Club.

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