Last of the Good Wine

At first, it was sweet with upfront
flavors still filled with sugar.
We soon found the different tastes
of different grapes, later, even
the qualities of those grown on
hillsides or valleys, some tailored
for sales of volume.

We learned to match wine and food,
usually taking too much of both.
Those who knew from years told us
secrets about aromas that lingered
on the back of the tongue, embuing
a satisfaction of getting our money's
worth and bragging rights.

We found those special bottles
and told our imbibing friends.
Soon, we would not consider
a good meal without a good wine.
There was pride in the opening
and decanting and serving.

Later, the less expensive bottles
caught our attention, giving as much
pleasure for half the price, adding
to our egos for astuteness
in knowing how to find such bargains.
We began to stock our cellars.

Eventually, the opinion of others
mattered not, and we drank according
to personal wants and needs, always
admiring the years and talents that
created these liquid arts and smugly
sipped their masterpieces.

Tinker, tailor, soldier, gardener.