Here is another article by a different author from The Takeout that we are featured in: https://www.thetakeout.com/1945430/what-does-corked-wine-smell-like/

In the article, we explain how to identify corked wine, also known as cork taint, primarily through smell. They cover how we describe the telltale aromas of corked wine as resembling wet cardboard, a musty basement, or a soggy newspaper. While the taste may also be affected, the smell is usually the most reliable indicator. Corked wine results from either oxidation due to a faulty cork or contamination by the compound TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole), which forms when natural fungi in cork bark interact with certain chemical cleaners. The article also advises inspecting the cork for signs of leakage or damage and explains why restaurants offer a sample pour: to allow guests to detect flaws before committing to the bottle. For those looking to avoid cork taint altogether, we recommend screw-top bottles, which are more effective at preventing air exposure and TCA contamination.