Boy does this open a topic that can get wine lovers spun up - “Travel Shock” real or not real? If you have wine shipped to your house many producers will say to leave the wine to sit for a week and some wineries say eight weeks before opening. The changes of temperature, pressurization, and being shaken is just not conducive to the health of the wine. It appears the travel shock phenomenon is definitely more apparent in more mature wines so a longer wait time is recommended. However, there are many the say travel shock is nothing but bunk.
You did not say how long you were headed to the BVI, but suffice to say if it is a week it may not be worth the effort. If this an anniversary trip or a special occasion and you have enjoyed a bottle of X for the last 20 years, then I would say travel shock be damn – carry and enjoy! Although honestly, as others have pointed out in the thread, there are many cheap to excellent wines available in the VI (both US and British). Maybe some you will not find in the US, which I always find fun.
Of course heat in the islands is a factor, and some of importers do not use refrigeration when they ship. The result being it is not uncommon to get a tainted bottle which has been effected by heat. There is nothing worse than to open a delicate Sancerre that is supposed to be a light vibrant color and see the liquid in your glass the color of hay bale or pour a lovely Oregon Pinot only to find it smells like port. Ahh… the problems of being in paradise.
If you decide not to carry and buy in the VI, a couple hints of that may reduce your chances of getting a tainted bottle. 1) By young or current vintages – less time for heat exposure. 2) Feel the top of the bottle; if you feel the cork has risen up even a fraction put it back. It usually means heat has caused chemicals in wine to start moving and pressurization occurs and up the cork.
Once again, not sure how long you are going or why you are carrying the wine, but the bottom line the risk is greater than the reward in my book. Safe travels and would be interested in what you decide and how it worked out.
Fine Print:
Of course, as with anything in regards to wine, it is just my humble opinion <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
