Question: "A friend of mine performed a "trick" at a recent party where we were tasting French wines. He was able to tell whether a bottle was from Bordeaux or Burgundy without looking at the label. How did he do it?"

     Your friend is no David Copperfield. He may be a bit sneaky, but a magician he's not.

     Traditionally, Bordeaux bottles are tall and "high-shouldered," while Burgundy bottles are squatter with sloping shoulders.

     Your friend simply noted the shape of the bottle and was able to identify its place of origin.