The place for all things wine, focused on serious wine discussions.

Can't Quite Identify It

Moderators: Jenise, Robin Garr, David M. Bueker

no avatar
User

Brian Barry

Rank

Just got here

Posts

3

Joined

Fri Feb 01, 2008 6:36 pm

Can't Quite Identify It

by Brian Barry » Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:58 pm

Hi All -

Do you ever encounter a taste or smell in a wine that you recognize, but can't identify?

I was drinking an Angeline Pinot Noir, RRV, 2006 last night. It had some nice spice notes and ripe fruit, but somewhere in there was a taste I recognized, but couldn't pinpoint what it was. Burnt butter? Liquid smoke? Not quite. It was creamy and smoky and it triggered a memory that I couldn't quite reach, as if the hemispheres in my brain weren't communicating. I've tasted it before, but God knows when or where.

Whatever it was, it was a slight flaw. We talk about wines that are balanced, integrated. This flavor was somehow segregated, separated from the fruit and spice of the rest of the wine.

My question is this: how often does this happen to you? I'm amazed at the flavors that people can identify in a wine. How often is there a flavor you recognize but can't identify ?
no avatar
User

Ian Sutton

Rank

Spanna in the works

Posts

2558

Joined

Sun Apr 09, 2006 2:10 pm

Location

Norwich, UK

Re: Can't Quite Identify It

by Ian Sutton » Fri Feb 08, 2008 5:10 pm

Brian
Loads of times.
Often the best response is to put the glass down, let your mind drift to something else and come back to the wine with a fresh outlook. I guess also not to worry if you can't place it - the enjoyment is more important than recognising a teasing aroma. Many's the time someone in the middle of another conversation will say 'liquorice!' or 'Melon!' as their subconscious thoughts dig the aroma out.

One thing not to do though, is to keep sniffing hard at the wine, trying to grasp the aroma. AFAIK/IIRC the taste receptors get dulled to a constant smell and the harder you try, the more distant the aroma becomes.

regards

Ian
Drink coffee, do stupid things faster
no avatar
User

Jon Peterson

Rank

The Court Winer

Posts

2981

Joined

Sat Apr 08, 2006 5:53 pm

Location

The Blue Crab State

Re: Can't Quite Identify It

by Jon Peterson » Fri Feb 08, 2008 5:13 pm

This does happen to me as well. I'm always impressed by others who post here who have such clear images of a particular fruit or other olfactory associations like leather or tobacco, even cat pee, etc. I envy these people. I'm sure that my inability to provide classic and detailed descriptions is one reason I don't post many TNs. As a matter of fact, I have often thought of posting a request for information on how these folks developed this sense, especially if it came about through something more than simply tasting. I know, for instance, that there are kits one can buy to familiar oneself with these sensations but I have yet to looking making a purchase.
no avatar
User

Bob Hower

Rank

Ultra geek

Posts

288

Joined

Tue Jan 22, 2008 9:58 pm

Location

Louisville, KY

Re: Can't Quite Identify It

by Bob Hower » Fri Feb 08, 2008 5:58 pm

Jon Peterson wrote: I know, for instance, that there are kits one can buy to familiar oneself with these sensations but I have yet to looking making a purchase.

Yes, I'd love to hear more about just how effective and worthwhile these are as well.
no avatar
User

Steve Slatcher

Rank

Wine guru

Posts

1047

Joined

Sat Aug 19, 2006 11:51 am

Location

Manchester, England

Re: Can't Quite Identify It

by Steve Slatcher » Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:05 pm

The last time I remember it happening, it was a distinctive aroma on Beaucastel 1990, a wine I particularly enjoyed. I was scratching around with terms like caramel and toffee, but they weren't right. Someone said honey - and that was precisely what I was getting. I think the problem was that honey was not something I was expecting on a red wine. It's a lot easier with aromas that are "supposed" to be there - blackcurrant on cab sauv etc.

Ian's advice sounds good to me. Certainly the receptors in your nose accommodate after a while and it's good to give them a rest. And when it comes to putting names to things - or finding the right word - a good strategy is to set aside the problem and come back to it.

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: AhrefsBot, ClaudeBot, DotBot, Google AgentMatch and 0 guests

Powered by phpBB ® | phpBB3 Style by KomiDesign