grafstrb
Posts: 8834
Joined: 11/6/2007
From: LAla land
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Before I get into my answers, it likely bears mentioning that I've been "into" fine wine for only about 8 years now. So, please consider that context while reading the following responses.
quote:
How did your wine palate develope (your age, style of wines, varietals)?
In the beginning: preferred big wines, and a strong oak presence didn't bother me (I actually liked it). Drank lots of Aussie Shiraz because it was "good" and was "high scoring." I also found Cotes du Rhones to my liking rather early on. Drank mostly reds. Not too terribly concerned about wine-food pairings.
Now: Still like big wines, but do not necessarily prefer them --- I've come to realize that my favorite wines are "big" wines that have a lot of age on them (thereby sculpting much of their "bigness" into something somewhat more beautiful and elegant than they were in their youth; so, I still like my CdP, but I want it with age. I love CA Cab., but only if it has at least 10 years on it. Oak that's more than "somewhat noticeable" usually bothers me. I try to avoid "big, gloppy, structure-less" wines, and instead try to focus on wines with structure and greater acidity. About half the wines I drink now are whites, and I wouldn't be surprised to find myself drinking maybe 60% whites a few years down the road. Wine-food pairings now very important to me --- food usually dictates which wine I will choose for the evening (hence the significant increase in white wine consumption -- although, my discovery of German Riesling a few years ago has a lot to do with that, as well.  )
quote:
Do you think that development has an influence on which wines you prefer now?
To the extent that "palate development" is the same as "changing preferences", then I think this question is merely a restatement of the question above. (see above)
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If so, how and how much?
I don't see how it couldn't. So, "yes", and "a lot."
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How has your palate changed over time and why (if you know or care to guess)?
(see above re: "How?"). As for "why?": I don't know. It just has. I think it's natural for one's preferences to change over time. I suppose it mostly has to do with being exposed to things I was previously not exposed to. For example, I only recently discovered sherry. Surely, I would have enjoyed it had I been introduced to it in the same way many years ago, but that introduction simply happened when it happened. I didn't *not* like sherry 3 or 4 years ago; rather, 3 or 4 years ago, I merely *did not know* that I like sherry.
I will say, however, that my preferences seem to have shifted away from the "international" style over the years --- you know, the style where, if you were tasting blind, you would have no idea what it is because it could be any one of numerous different wines because it's made in the uber-ripe, soft, round, oaky style --- that style irritates/bores me, and I try to avoid those wines in favor of wines that bring something unique and/or interesting to the glass.
quote:
Somewhat related, do you see yourself as a constant explorer for the next best/favorite wine grape/region/producer? Or are you satisfied with what you like/have/buy and not interested in looking elsewhere?
Constant explorer. It's in my DNA, and there's nothing I can do about it. Sure, I have a few pet producers whose wines I have (relatively) a lot of, but I enjoy the journey -- often more than the destination -- so I don't see myself ever losing interest in "looking elsewhere." That said, ya never know, do ya?!?
< Message edited by grafstrb -- 2/21/2012 4:53:28 AM >
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Terroir is not a flavor.
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