Is A Glance At The Label Worth A Few Extra Points?

[Mahmoud Ali]

I do believe there is such a thing as label bias. It doesn't affect everyone the same way but it does put a person in a particular frame of mind. Some have a high regard for important labels (and perhaps known point scores) while others might be more critical if the wine doesn't "perform" to expectations. At the opposite end of the spectrum so-called lesser wines may do well but often have to really surprise in order to gain respect.

In one of my wine circles we serve all wines, even Ports, blind. However, recognizing the pleasure factor in knowing and anticipating a special older wine we usually don't serve it blind. Recently, the anticipation of drinking a 1963 Grahams heightened everyone's pleasure. And the Graham's didn't disappoint.

Cheers.................Mahmoud.

[Richard Henderson]

I suggested to Roy that we try some NV ports with some of the finer VP's . He declined and perhaps for good reason. The idea is NOT to make anyone look foolish .

I remember Rumpole and the Blind Tasting as one of my favorite episodes. There, a wine snob was properly put in his place.

The idea behind blind tastings is to put away the influence of the label and go by your senses. I attend blind tastings regularly and members are always humbled.

If you don't take yourself too seriously , it is a good way to learn and overcome some prejudices.

Remember the blind tasting in France where the Caliornia Cabs blew away the Bourdeaux? That put California on the map.

If the purpose of tasting blind is to educate instead of tricking someone, it is worth doing.