Wine Spectator School: ABCs of Wine Tasting
Clarkston, MI
Tasted Friday, May 31, 2013 by GoBlue2002 with 348 views
Introduction
From grapes to glass; what goes into wine and how to get the most out of each sip.
This course was run for the benefit of my wife's parents and brother & wife. After an educational learning module we drank the whites, then dinner, then the reds.
All scores are my personal scores, with tiebreaking input from my wife.
Flight 1 - White Wines (3 Notes)
Taste like a pro—and evaluate a trio of white wines. These varietals were chosen to illustrate the influence of oak. All wines kept in refrigerator and poured ~20 min prior to tasting.
The group was split on these wines, with all wines being picked as favorites by at least 1 member of the group, and almost everyone also had a wine they disliked.
Flight 2 - Red Wines (3 Notes)
Learn the differences between reds and whites—and evaluate three red wines. Wines poured ~10 min prior to tasting. These varietals were selected to illustrate the influence of varying levels of tannins, although the particular wines selected did not make the point. By this point of the evening the group was tired so this tasting went quickly.
Despite the uncharacteristic light color, the cabernet sauvignon was the clear winner.
Closing
A good time was had by all, and a few things learned. Overall the wines were close to representative of their varietal at the specified price point (~$15), but were not outstanding by any means.
2007 Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett 88 Points
Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer
Yellow in color with pale/moderate intensity.
Aromas of lemon, green apple, and mineral. Flavors of lemon, lime, apple, pear, and some herbal notes.
Off-dry with a light body, crisp acidity, and a moderate length finish.
Overall a nicely balanced riesling, especially for a kabinett. Drinking well now, and should hold for a bit.
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2011 V. Sattui Winery Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 85 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Pale green-yellow in color, with aromas of hay, grass, and pear. The flavors were of hay, grass, pineapple, and a hint of grapefruit. Dry, very light in body with overly crisp acidity, this wine seemed bitter at first taste, although that sense dissipated the more one drank the wine. Good length on the finish. If you can get past the bitterness then you may enjoy the wine, but I was not a fan.
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2010 Flora Springs Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 87 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Straw/gold in color with medium intensity. This chard showed mild fruit on the nose and palate, with aromas of mushroom, oak, and vanilla.
Medium body with balanced acidity and a moderate length finish.
This is an oak bomb lacking fruit - good for those who like the style. I don't see this improving with age.
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