Wine Spectator School: ABCs of Wine Tasting
Clarkston, MI
Tasted May 31, 2013 by GoBlue2002 with 344 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.
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.
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.
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.
Medium bodied with moderate tannins & acidity, this wine had a short finish.
Overall this was an Eh? shiraz - just didn't taste like much at all. This won't improve with age - drink now.
Light/medium bodied, with moderate acidity and tannins and a moderate length finish.
Very enjoyable and a great QPR for Cali cab, this bottle was quickly drunk.
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.