Janet D. Stemwedel (whose nom de blog is Dr. Free-Ride) is an associate professor of philosophy at San Jose State University. Before becoming a philosopher, she earned a Ph.D. in physical chemistry. Email her at dr.freeride@gmail.com.
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!
Humanities & Social Science
Comments
That's all very nice and analytical. But most importantly: Are you fucking plastered yet? If so, w00t!! If not, why not!?
Posted by: Comrade PhysioProf | January 16, 2009 9:25 PM
Ping! (11 weeks later).
I have a great picture of you writing on the laptop at the wine table.
Posted by: Abel Pharmboy | April 3, 2009 3:41 PM