Red Wine Taste Off

Totally non-scientific small sample size test. Had a taste off with a handful of friends. In one corner, the $21 Burgundy wine recommended by the guy at the import wine shop. In the other corner, the $7 Turning Leaf California Pinot Noir I picked at the Ralphs because the price was right and the label looked nice. Wrapped them up in brown paper and did the blind taste off.

Guess who won?

Yup, the California!

Almost all felt the French wine had a bit more bite with hints of black pepper while the California was milder and smooth to the taste.

I wrote to law professor and wine blogger, Bainbridge and he was kind enough to offer these encouraging observations: Ultimately, taste is personal. Yet, taste also evolves with experience. Children love sweets, while adults often develop a preference for savory flavors. Folks new to wine often prefer wines with a single dominant flavor characteristic, while more experienced tasters often develop a preference for more complex wines.