How long it will last is anybody's guess - even the earliest vintages are said to be in near-perfect condition.
But that system was of an early vintage and probably provided little warning, if any, experts say.
The earliest vintage of the signature wine is 2003 and has been produced every year since then.
Outside the Harris and Selwyn - both abandoned in the 1950's - is a much earlier vintage of urban hope.
"If not, you may be better off buying wines from earlier vintages that will be ready to drink sooner."
Before 1989, the two earliest vintages in this century had been 1976 and 1945, both of which began officially on Sept 13.
An exceptionally early vintage by no means guarantees an exceptional wine.
Or a Rigelian ore transport of a perhaps even earlier vintage?
The second is that it is far too expensive, as were the four earlier vintages.
The house was tall and narrow, of early Victorian vintage.