Wine -- Premier grand cru Bordeaux -- Take 2

[Mike Buckley]

This photo is of the same wine cork displayed in this other photo. Just to show you how cheap I am with my photography props , the cost of the wine in the decanter is literally 98% less than the wine it is pretending to be. It was needed because I already drank the wine associated with the cork.

The information displayed on the cork indicates to those who know details about historic wineries and vineyards that the cork is from one of the only five premier grand cru wineries in France, and thus, the world. Those who get really caught up in this stuff as part of the hobby will know that it is also one of the original four premier grand cru wineries classified in 1855, as the fifth one was added in the early 1970s.

Setup
The tabletop is wood with a matte finish. The door to my makeshift studio was open, allowing the sun to back light the scene and to create a direct reflection on the surface of the wine and the right side of the tabletop. (This is the first time I have ever allowed sunlight to be included in a scene captured in my makeshift studio. It's also the first time I have intentionally created a direct reflection other than to help define the shape of an item. I did it this time to add style to the scene.) A small continuous-light lamp fitted with a difusion sock was positioned at the right front area. A gradient added during post-processing leaves the top of the cork a bit darker than the middle area of it to help define its shape.

[Shadowman]

Nicely composed.

[NorthernFocus]

I really like this one, Mike. Really nicely done. Great composition, nice detail, nice processing, etc. Well done.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you to John and Dan! My wife also likes the photo. Not to mean any disrespect, of course, but I'm sure both of you understand why her opinion matters the most now that we know she agrees with all of us.

[ShaneS]

That's a beauty Mike! I love that it is all about a fine wine but in such a subtle way.

[Rob Ekins]

Can't argue with Mrs B on this one!

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you to Shane and Robbie!

[Donald]

I think the image is perfect in the sense of fitting the subject. Nothing flashy or jazzy, but sober, refined, classical, beautifully made and able to stand the test of time.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, Donald! Predicting that the image will stand the test of time might be the best compliment I have ever received about photography.

[Rita]

This is such a beautiful, simple, and eloquent image. Love it.

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you, Rita!

[Rebel]

Love this!

[Mike Buckley]

Glad you like it, Matt!