Final answer:
The auditors for Chesterfield Fine Wines should issue a disclaimer of opinion due to the pervasively material scope limitation imposed by management's refusal to provide access to inventory counts, impeding the verification of a significant asset.
Step-by-step explanation:
When auditors face a pervasively material scope limitation during an audit, and management does not permit the necessary access to confirm an inventory count, it constrains the auditors’ ability to form an opinion. In such cases, where the limitation affects multiple audit areas or is of such significance that the auditors are unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, the appropriate response is to issue a disclaimer of opinion. This is due to the fact that without verifying inventory, which is often a significant asset for a company, auditors cannot conclude whether the financial statements are fairly presented.
A qualified opinion might be given for material, but not pervasive, limitations if the rest of the financial statements are presented fairly. An adverse opinion is given when financial statements are materially misstated, and an unmodified opinion is given when financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects. So, in the case of Chesterfield Fine Wines, with the inability to observe inventory constituting a pervasive limitation, the auditors would issue a disclaimer opinion.
The correct type of audit opinion for Chesterfield Fine Wines, given the denial of access to inventory counts, is a disclaimer of opinion. Auditors cannot opine on the financial statements' fairness without such critical evidence.