Aristotle as sommelier

"Aristotle the philosopher, being 62 years of age, became sick and weak in body, and there remained little hope of his life. The whole band of his followers then waited upon him, requesting and entreating that he would himself appoint a successor to his office and school to whom, after his decease, they might apply themselves as to himself, in perfecting those studies in which they had hitherto been instructed by him. There were at that time many in his school who were very accomplished, but two of particular merit, Theophrastus and Eudemus. In talents and learning these exceeded the rest. Theophrastus was from the island of Lesbos, Eudemus from Rhodes. Aristotle replied that he would comply their request, as soon as an opportunity presented itself. A short time after, when all those were present who had consulted him about their future master, he said that the wine he was drinking did not suit his health; it was disagreeable and harsh; he must therefore look out for some foreign wine, from Rhodes or from Lesbos. He begged they would provide him with some of each sort and said that he would use that which agreed with him best. They hasten to find, procure and bring him these wines. When Aristotle, calling for the Rhodian, tastes it, "This", says he, "is a strong wine, and palatable". He next asks for some Lesbian and tasting that too, "Each", says he, "is certainly a good wine, but the Lesbian has the sweeter flavour". When he said this, it was evident to all that, with ingenuity and modesty, he had fixed not upon his wine, but his successor; namely, Theophrastus the Lesbian, a man equally remarkable for the charms of his eloquence and his good conduct. Not long after, Aristotle dying, they all became the followers of Theophrastus".

Aulus Gellius
(13.5 = Eud. fr. 5W)
Translated by W. Beloe (1795)