The Uncorking Ritual

[Kcwhippet]

It's fairly simple. Look at the bottle to make sure it's actually the wine, and the year, you ordered. Forget the cork, it won't tell you anything, unless it's totally soaked or crumbling. The restaurant employee should pour about an ounce, and then you swirl the glass to release some of the volatile esters. Sniff it to make sure it smells like wine, not a mass of wet cardboard. Sip a little bit and swirl it around your mouth. If it tastes like wine and not like licking a sweaty horse, then let the person go ahead and pour for the rest of your party.