It's a good thing I don't have children and live in Maine. Otherwise, beginning Sept 12., I would be a scofflaw.

Testing wines is a big part of my job. I get so many samples -- and buy a lot of other wines just to try, all for you, dear reader -- that I'm forever behind on my tasting, as my kitchen and basement stairway steps attest. But I couldn't sample them in the presence of children in Maine after this law takes effect. (And here I thought Alabama had a near-lock on this kind of craziness. Plus, I never had regarded Maine as being this bass-ackwards.)

On Monday after work, I met with a pair of local wholesaalers, first at Red Stag Supper Club and later at Vic's (where the wine list itself is now priced at cost; amazing values). As I tried sundry wines at both places, I jotted down tasting notes in my little black notebook.

Glad I didn't have to check to see if any young 'uns might be glancing our way.