I’m very new to this board, but this is exceptional to read so many folks like me.
If it’s possible to avoid opening it, I will - then regift or open for others not that into wine. I really appreciate all the sensitivities to guests feelings - it is so circumstantial and it matters how the wine was presented and spoken about.
When the shoe is on the other foot - I’m usually traveling with a few bottles. One as a gift for the hosts, which I don’t typically want them to open unless they are excited to. Then likely 1 or 2 other bottles depending on the size of the gathering that I’m bringing with the intent to drink/share.
I’m a known commodity amongst friends and family and my wine proclivities are accepted and appreciated (mostly).
I am sorry you guys are way too gentle. How dare somebody would try to sully your palate with a mediocre, middle shelf bottle. We are too civilized to hang, draw and quarter these low lifes, but a good drubbing is a minimum, preferably with the broken remains of the offending bottle.
Pop that sh*t and let the chips fall where they may. Your guest that brought it might realize later that their wine did not match up to whatever you popped, and then learn something from it. But as a host, I will always open whatever someone brings. I would never want to have that person feel like whatever they brought was not satisfactory to me.
I’ve been wondering who bought the other bottles of 2006 Meiomi from WineBid. (Why yes, I bought a bottle of it for the lolz)
But I think many people overthink it. When I am hosting a party with normal people, I will start off a bottle or two of something I like open and judge the crowd as people arrive. Quite often the bottles that guests bring over will get opened after we finish the ones I’ve opened up. Most of the time they are moderate priced grocery store wines - which means they are ready to go from the PnP and takes the pressure off me playing host.
Honestly the average consumer will love Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells as much as anything around $50. The other fan favorite which I like is the 2020 Tensley Santa Barbara Syrah.
I think you’re overthinking this. First, it’s unlikely to be “undrinkable”, just boring as hell. Ask the guest if he wants you to serve it. If he say yes, do so and grin & bear it. Find something to compliment him on his astute selection. Even with 2$Chuck, you can find something good to say (“this shows to talented hand of FredFranzia using primo Lodi grapes”). If he says no… you’re off the hook. Serve your wine & explain to him whey you like it… use it has an educational opportunity.
It’s really nothing to lose any sleep over.
Toy
interesting that Meiomi would be nearly a subthread here. It’s one of two wines that I would say I’ve been “treated to” and found undrinkable. My aunt shared a version with a black label she purchased from costco. I found it completely repulsive and sweet. Tried to be as nice as I could and just say I couldn’t drink it. She was very happy to drink the rest and we had a fun conversation piece for about 10 minutes. In general, I think you should always at least try what someone brings over. Most people that know you at least try to bring something pleasant or interesting.
Every year, without fail, my mom brings a magnum of Yellowtail Shiraz to holiday dinner at my house. And she stands there and insists that I open it in front of her, and then immediately proceeds to pour a heavy glass of the good stuff I’ve already opened for the festivities.
Then, after everyone has departed, I take the opened YT (still 100% full at this point) and use it as drain cleaner/final rinse in the kitchen sink.
My Yellowtail Shiraz story is slightly different, slightly off topic, but not far. Just before the pandemic, we went on a cruise of the Mexican Pacific coast. We met a nice couple while waiting to board, similar age, and struck up a friendship. On the ship we played cards, casino, etc… We also shared a few dinners together. At the first shared dinner, I brought a nicer bottle we had packed for the trip. The next evening the other gentleman pulled out his bottle to share, a 750 of YT Shiraz. Sadly we were both charged corkage, $10 I think, but obviously to us (maybe to him too) his bottle cost far less than the fee. We smiled and shared the bottle. I ordered a beer later after the wine was gone. We kept playing cards and left the ship as friends.
My general sentiment is a friendship or a family relationship is far more important than any bottle of wine.
I know this is a wine board - but come on folks. It’s only wine. And who defines what is ‘good’ or not?
It’s amazing how folks in the wine biz say that people should feel comfortable drinking whatever tastes good to them, but there always seems to be an ‘asterisk’ of some kind. Drink whatever you want except (fill in the blank).
Mt attitide is that I won’t judge you on what you drink because i don’t want to affect what you drink - and don’t judge me on how I dance
Larry you would be surprised how many do want help with wine but don’t have the skills or time to learn it. When I buy a computer I don’t just buy one I talked to my friend who is in the business. When I offer to get something for someone at the price point they want almost 90% take me up on the offer because they know they didn’t overpay and it will be a solid wine and probably something new that have not tried.
I doubt Larry was responding to you directly.
I also don’t understand your offering to select wine on behalf of guests. Are you talking about selecting wine for someone’s wedding, event, etc.? Or when they come to your house like a byo wine?
When I have people over, I supply the wines. If someone brings me a bottle, I treat it as a host gift and don’t open it. I thank them for their gift and then open the wines I had planned to open.
