It is true that in the course of drinking over a matter of hours alcohol numbs nerves and degrades one's sense of taste. What is delightful early in the evening can become indetectable by the end of the evening.

AND, drinking in moderation, for taste rather than for effect, will minimize that. It is entirely possible to drink and enjoy a variety of sensations throughout an evening.

My post above was tongue in cheek, and the comments about it appropriate. On those occasions when I've hosted a party I've asked people to bring their own, and take what they don't drink home with them. Everyone knows I don't drink myself.

They take very good care of themselves, far better than I could as I'm not aware of their preferences.

And when I've gone out I generally take something other than wine. It depends upon the hostess. If I know she likes flowers, that's it. And I make a mean fruit salad. And I know with the current hostess she will have the flowers she wants, and will have a place on her table for everything she wants on her table. Anything else would be a nuisance to her.

It's only been with my best friends that I've taken something like "Thunder Road", 20% alcohol, and pointed out the virtues in terms of cost and alcohol content.

DanS is right. Friends deserve a good experience. And guests owe it to the hosts and other attendees to be assets and not require much care.