I know we’re only eleven months into 2006, but I think I’ve seen the more ridiculous wine accessory released this year, the Clef du Vin. I’ve resisted talking about other farfetched wine “enhancers” in the past because I think every new invention should be given the benefit of the doubt. Or at the very least a test before judgement is passed.

Not with is one, however. The seller is promising an easy way to determine if a wine will age well or not by simply dipping the Clef du Vin into a wine sample. I can’t believe that any instrument, no matter what it’s made of, can replace the human palate and experience in determining how a wine will age. I’m no chemist but this thing seems way too good to be true. In my experience, they usually are too good.

I’ll believe it, when (if) I see it. Until then, I remain unconvinced.