There was no pomp or circumstance to evaluating it: The winemaker would uncork the bottle, tilt the contents into his mouth, spit the wine onto the ground and give the verdict: Good enough to go into his blend, or not good enough.

FORBES: It's My Blanc in a Box

Wine critics swirl, sniff, sip, slurp and spit scores of wines in a single sitting.

FORBES: 2009 Bordeaux Is Great? Pass.

Here and there about the cavernous space were other small groups and other docents, huddled around trays of wine glasses or peeling off to look for an approved place to spit.

FORBES: For Bordeaux, The Futures Are Now