Introductory message

[Ratcatcher.]

Hi to everyone. I've just registered and am looking forward to joining in.

I've been reading posts for a couple of days now and am keen to get involved.

I love drinking wine but I am a hopeless taster. I know what I enjoy but I am totally incapable of describing it. If someone tells me there is spice and red berry flavours or plum or leather then I can see what they mean but there is no way I could identify it myself. I probably need to attend a course.

I love the history and romance of wine. I've been to Reims and Epernay and visited Beaune and the Rhine Valley and enjoyed trying wines there (only the relative cheapies).

Here are some of my favourite reds.

Langi Shiraz, St Henri, Chalambar Shiraz, Knappstein Cab Merlot, Wynns Black Label Cabernet, Tollana Cabernet and Tollana Shiraz (these have been favourites for 10 years) Mitchell Peppertree Shiraz, Maglieri Shiraz (before it was taken over) and Bannockburn Shiraz.

Any thoughts on what this says about the wine styles I am attracted to?

[GrahamB]

Hi to everyone. I've just registered and am looking forward to joining in.

I've been reading posts for a couple of days now and am keen to get involved.

I love drinking wine but I am a hopeless taster. I know what I enjoy but I am totally incapable of describing it. If someone tells me there is spice and red berry flavours or plum or leather then I can see what they mean but there is no way I could identify it myself. I probably need to attend a course.

I love the history and romance of wine. I've been to Reims and Epernay and visited Beaune and the Rhine Valley and enjoyed trying wines there (only the relative cheapies).

Here are some of my favourite reds.

Langi Shiraz, St Henri, Chalambar Shiraz, Knappstein Cab Merlot, Wynns Black Label Cabernet, Tollana Cabernet and Tollana Shiraz (these have been favourites for 10 years) Mitchell Peppertree Shiraz, Maglieri Shiraz (before it was taken over) and Bannockburn Shiraz.

Any thoughts on what this says about the wine styles I am attracted to?

Not a c-thru in sight. You'll fit in here.

Graham

[707]

Welcome "Ratty", don't worry about not being able to describe wine, it's what you like that's important.

An eclectic palate of wines in your list, seems you might like them dark and powerful so yo've won my vote straight away.

Enjoy your experiences with us.

[Ian S]

Ratcatcher
Welcome.
Indeed the appreciation of wine is the most important thing. However if you wish to get into writing tasting notes, I'd recommend a couple of sites which are a very useful starting point:

TORB has a multiple choice tasting sheet here
http://www.torbwine.com/images/Torb%20T ... 0Sheet.pdf

Also Glen has a commercial, but impressive (and cheap - but don't tell him ) crib sheet
http://www.essentialwinetastingguide.com/

Hope you enjoy the forum - and the wines.

Ian

[Adair]

Not a c-thru in sight. You'll fit in here.

Hello Ratcatcher,

I too welcome you but wish to point out that this place is not just a red wine bigots hideout. In fact, many of us find that white wines are even more enjoyable on certain occasions.

With regard to your preferred wine styles, it seems to are drawn to Australian reds (Shiraz & Cabernet) that are not full of porty and pruny (i.e. overripe) characters and that are not full of oak. You want to be allowed to experience the true complex favours of the marvellous grape with some nuances of class and elegance. I, for one, think you are on the right track.

Also, stop boasting about Reims, Epernay, Beaune and the Rhine. I wish I were there now!

Welcome again,
Adair