ScienceOnline'09: Liveblogging a Friday Fermentable wine-tasting.

Abel Pharmboy set up a wine-tasting for this evening with a selection of wines from Wine Authorities for us to taste.

Abel professes to be an "amateur" at wine-tasting, but I'm coming here from Northern California, so I have to represent! Also, after this morning's coffee tasting, I'm kind of sold on the idea that looking, smelling, and tasting carefully can give me something like a better appreciation of the complexities of fermented grape juice. So, I'm going to attempt something more detailed.

I'm taking my guidance from this article, and will be describing:

Color: (what color the wine is)

Clarity: (how opaque, translucent, sediment-laden, etc.)

Smell - first impression: (quick whiff after a swirl)

Smell - second impression: (deep inhale with nose in the glass)

Taste - attack phase: (initial impression, driven by alcohol content, tannins, acidity, and residual sugar)

Taste - evolution phase: (flavor profile as it develops on the palate)

Taste - finish: (how long the flavor lasts after swallowing, what persists)

On to the empirical data ...

Number one:

• Color: Pale straw
• Clarity: crystal
• Smell - first impression: peach, flowers
• Smell - second impression: citrus, melon
• Taste - attack phase: buttery, balanced
• Taste - evolution phase: golden raspberry, rootbeer
• Taste - finish: light

Rully Premier Cru 2005 Eric De Suremain

Number two:

• Color: golden
• Clarity: viscous
• Smell - first impression: sweet melons
• Smell - second impression: lavender, jam
• Taste - attack phase: citrus, a little sweet
• Taste - evolution phase: vanilla, pears
• Taste - finish: oak, grapefruit

Lynmar 2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Number three:

• Color: Purplish-red
• Clarity: Somewhat opaque
• Smell - first impression: Blackberry, cherry
• Smell - second impression: Creme brulee
• Taste - attack phase: Light tannin
• Taste - evolution phase: Black pepper
• Taste - finish: Persimmon.

Lemelson Vineyards Thea's Selelction Pinot Noir 2006 Wilamette Valley

Number four:

• Color: Deep maroon
• Clarity: Jewel-like
• Smell - first impression: Super-ripe strawberries
• Smell - second impression: hint of pomegranate
• Taste - attack phase: round, mineral
• Taste - evolution phase: grilled figs with balsamic vinegar
• Taste - finish: Nutmeg

Alma Rosa Pinot Noir 2007 Santa Rita Hills

They're all very nice wines in their own way. Thanks to Abel and to the Wine Authorities!