He proffers me samples to praise or to blame,

And I strongly suspect they're exactly the same.

But we gaze at each other with critical eye,

And I wish he would hint if it's fruity or dry.

I want, say, a dozen of average stuff

(Though a couple of bottles were really enough),

And I enter his portals, reluctant and slow,

Resolved just to give him the order and go.

But he takes me in hand in his soothering style,

Suggests in a whisper, and "books" with a smile;