"picky" - what is your concern?

Seems to me you want to know only if wine is "put out" and you don't want it how to get a discount?

PS

One would think, given your extensive travel experience, you'd be advising others...

Unlikely that things have changed much, if at all, in France in about 5 years.

Protocol? If you order a prix-fixe 3-course menu, and don't care for dessert, do you expect that to be deducted? And, if you don't touch the olives, you'd expect a deduction?

Hey Scareltt, I would pay people to say I am younger then they are, LOL! Cin,cin.

LOL , Love :D