Tom Reimer, a master tailor known for dressing the late tenor Luciano Pavarotti, is pursuing legal action over allegations that faults in wine chillers installed at his London apartment have damaged a £1 million collection of rare French wines. The dispute centers on three specialist fridges installed in 2021 at his £8 million flat in the Marylebone area, which Reimer claims have led to mould and potential spoilage of the vintage bottles.

Reimer, whose clientele has included some of Europe’s most prominent figures, had these chillers fitted as part of a refurbishment to store approximately 1,500 bottles in his London residence. The wine collection includes prized Bordeaux and Rhône Valley reds, with individual bottles valued at more than £1,000. Among the notable wines are 1982 Chateau Mouton Rothschild vintages, some featuring rare, signed labels, and 2012 Chateau Petrus from Pomerol, considered highly collectible due to limited production.

According to Reimer’s legal team, the chillers suffered from a design flaw that left a gap approximately 1cm wide along the full height of the fridge doors. This gap allegedly allowed warm air to enter and cool air to escape, causing fluctuations in temperature and humidity that are unsuitable for preserving fine wine. The conditions reportedly resulted in condensation and mould growth on the wine labels and may have caused some vintages to become corked, thereby reducing their value significantly. Reimer’s barrister described the effect as “loss of environmental control” leading to excessive fridge operation, vibration, overheating, and ultimately damage to the collection.

International Food Services Equipment Ltd, the company responsible for installing the chillers, contests these claims. The firm states that the door gap cited is a standard feature of the sliding door design and does not exceed a “hairline” width. They argue that Reimer himself contributed to the damage by repeatedly turning off the units when complaints were made by neighbours about noise. The company also noted that it would not have accepted the installation had it been made aware of the claimed value of the wine collection. Their legal representation maintains that any damage to the bottles’ labels or wines arose from improper use rather than manufacturing or installation defects.

The case, heard at Central London County Court, involves Reimer seeking more than £550,000 in damages for the diminished value of the wine and related costs. The firm, which services kitchens and chillers in high-end restaurants and residences across the UK, denies liability and maintains its installations conform to industry standards. Proceedings are ongoing as both parties present their evidence.