I saw on one of the behind the scenes clips or read it in the Watchers guide that either Davis or Panzer or maybe even both, felt that this was one of their worst episodes. That the comedy just didn't fly.
I tend to disagree. It was the perfect route to go after having done Comes A Horseman and Revelation. And it was nice to see Mac doing what he could to prop Richie up. The whole hamminess just worked.
Although, there was something I wondered about... aren't you supposed to turn wine as it ages?... something to do with the sedimentary aspect and it going to vinegar. I know absolutely nothing about wine, but it seems like I heard that somewhere. Anybody know if that's close to the truth?