Up comes the wineskin, again, and Legolas opens it swiftly, pouring a full draught into the glass, before closing it again.

"It is potent," Legolas says, cheerfully, "but there is good reason why the king goes to great lengths to purchase it. There is no wine better in Middle-Earth."

If Legolas doesn't know from personal experience, he trusts Thranduil's. The king is pretty discerning about wine. He takes a sip from the drinking bowl, and seems to approve of the Bar's choice of vintage.