I had the most unusual wine experience at a very well known and respected Italian restaurant in NYC this past week, and I wondered if anyone has seen this before or knows why this happened.

We ordered a bottle of red wine, and the waiter brought it to us and showed us the label. He then removed it from our sight to open it, and returned with two wine goblets and the opened bottle. Each of the wine goblets had a tiny sip of red wine in the bottom of the glass and swirled a bit, just a couple of drops, almost as if the glasses had been used already. He then poured the tasting pour in one glass, and upon approval, poured the two glasses.

I guess I was so flabbergasted that I was rendered speechless. Plus, since this is a fine dining establishment, I thought perhaps this is "something new" in wine service that I have just not seen before.

Anyone seen this before?