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The systems you are referring to are light/temperature controlled and use nitrogen as a line propellant which, by chemical nature, prevents oxidation. By tasting experience, I find that they work quite well at preserving the wine's freshness. A friend/wine bar owner invested in a 50 bottle system about a decade ago for what, at the time, was $30,000. He claims that it has paid for itself at least twice and allows him to actually keep his by-the-glass prices lower because the wines keep much longer and there is, of course, less waste he has to make up for in his overhead costs. He claims that the average bottle of red will last about 30 days with no noticeable decrease in quality. Whites will keep for up to 60 days due to the fact that they are usually served chilled and are less prone to oxidation. I think, all around, they have proven to be worthwhile for both the proprietor and the consumer.
The systems you are referring to are light/temperature controlled and use nitrogen as a line propellant which, by chemical nature, prevents oxidation. By tasting experience, I find that they work quite well at preserving the wine's freshness. A friend/wine bar owner invested in a 50 bottle system about a decade ago for what, at the time, was $30,000. He claims that it has paid for itself at least twice and allows him to actually keep his by-the-glass prices lower because the wines keep much longer and there is, of course, less waste he has to make up for in his overhead costs. He claims that the average bottle of red will last about 30 days with no noticeable decrease in quality. Whites will keep for up to 60 days due to the fact that they are usually served chilled and are less prone to oxidation. I think, all around, they have proven to be worthwhile for both the proprietor and the consumer.
Thanks for the answer. I have had extensive training in wine and was very well versed many years ago. Of course, I learned much at the CIA and my years of working. However, that was before the invention of these systems.
One time when I worked for a rather eccentric but wealthy man who traveled the world, he brought me back a bottle of red French wine. I saved it for a special occasion and when I drank it, it tasted like velvet, delicious. I wish I could remember what it was, but of course wines differ from year to year anyway. Ever since then, any other red wine tastes somewhat watery to me and just doesn't have that extraordinary mind boggling magic whatever it was that this wine had.
Years ago a date brought over a 100$+ bottle of wine. I was mortified he spent so much. To be honest I wasn't impressed-- but the stuff I love would be considered cheap swill by the connoisseurs .
The most costly bottle of wine I've had was presented to me by vile people who were making a point to show off their wealth. And, no, it wasn't worth it.
I don't drink wine (beer only, lol), but me & my dad went out to dinner with one his friends and his new wife the other night at a steakhouse. I think my dad ordered a bottle of wine that was about $150 or $200 Needless to say I was happy I wasn't paying the bill for dinner that night, lol
There's a point of diminishing returns with respect to wine prices.
IME it's a lot lower than most people think. That doesn't mean that there aren't good and bad wines at most prices (above $8 a bottle or so)... quite the contrary. It just means you don't really get your money's worth (not in quality anyway) spending megabucks on wine. Or most things.
For me, the typical price point is about $11/bottle, correct upward for places like NY/SF etc.
Hubby and I were at a wine tasting in Germany many years ago. We sampled a very expensive white wine and was probably the most delicious wine I've tasted. Too far out of our price range at the time.
I'm more of a cheap wine person these days. Love the Trader Joe wines!
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Needless to say I was happy I wasn't paying the bill for dinner that night, lol 
