No, that may be their protocol, but no one worth their salt would do that.

1) Cut and remove the foil cap.
2) Remove cork and present to customer for condition check and to verify correctness for that bottle.
3) Pour a small amount in customers glass for approval.
4) After approval pour glass for all drinking from bottle.
5) Refill glasses as needed when needed.

Spey, what you stated is what I have been accustom to, even at the referenced establishment prior to this weekend.

Will probably mention it to the on duty manager when we return to see if I get the same reaction that I did over the phone on Monday.

And thanks for your response.

2000, Marques de Caseres, Rioja Gran Reserva.

2017 Alpataco Malbec
Patagonia

took a look in the Argentina section, randomly chose this cuz I recalled you recently posting about the value of their wines...don't think you spoke of malbecs, but figured it was a safe pluck...it was.
$14

edit: Patagonia, that is.

Sandeman Founders Reserve

Taylor Fladgate 10 yr Tawny

Not sure which I liked better. The Founders Reserve hit my sweet tooth, while the tawny was a little sweet but more complex.

2015, Dennis Mortet Gevrey-Chambertin Mes Cinq Terriors. Fabulous Red Burgundy. Great now, but could age for 20 years.

2016, Delas Cote du Ventoux. Nice cheap Rhone red. $6.99 a bottle. Might be 2017 now, I buy it by the case.

2016 Viu Manent Single Vineyard
San Carlos Estate Malbec...Chile

diggin' it

Freakshow

I've seen it...red?
But you are still a freak.

Cab. Good for the money.

so first I gotta get me some money.

Nah. Just find a store without cameras. That’s what I do.

Les Baux de Provence mas de gourgonnier 2016

Have no idea if that is even the right name but I have found out that France makes some good reds and am going through the locals stash of them.

2014 Famiglia Castellani Sangiovese

Toscana

12 bucks at a Russian grocery store. A steal.

edit: apparently can be bought at that price every day, every where.
But Suckling gave it a 90, for whatever that's worth.

2017, Bellefontaine cabernet Sauvignon, vin de pays de oc, France. Absolutly wonderful. $6.99. If you can find it but it. I think it drinks like a $25 bottle. Frank, Suckling tends to overscore, I always knock 3 points off his score.

1995 Caymus Cab to celebrate our 28th anniversary. Still a wonderful wine after 24 years.

NICE!

Very nice, regular or special selection?

Regular. We have a few SS from the 1990s but need to drink up some of this regular old stuff first. Never thought it would last this long.