Now he could make sure that the wine was completely under his control. Just as he wanted. The photographers were all taking pictures and television cameras were pointing at him. Good. He was enjoying himself.
Colbert lifted up his glass, smelled the liquid first, tasted it, then spit it from his mouth into a small metal bucket kept on the table at such occasions. He looked at Daniel and gave a little nod, barely noticeable to anybody else. That was the signal he had arranged with Colbert. Now he could start showing off.
'My friends, Monsieur Colbert has been good enough to allow me to be the first to taste the latest wine from the Colbert vineyard.' Daniel paused to pour out a measure into his own glass from the newly opened bottle. If you would allow me....