The Auswine Forum

Had a couple of glasses of the 2005 Wither Hills Sauv Blanc last night and it is a wine I have enjoyed a few times in the classic Malborough SB style, great fruity nose good crisp and long finish. Last night the nose was the same, but the palate had a slightly odd more melony flavour and the finish was short with an unpleasant aspect to it I couldn't pick. Now this is under Screw cap and there was no obvious sulphur qualities and I have my suspicions that the variation could have been my palate rather than the bottle.

Have other people found this? I had the flu last week and maybe this has had something to do with it.

Generally I would rate the wine in the 90's but last night it would have been mid 80's which would not be a fair evaluation.

Certainly the 'flu can can alter your ability to perceive different smells and tastes, but I think this usually wears off within a week or two. Certain medications including antibiotics can profoundly alter taste sensation in some people. This effect can sometimes last weeks to months. Any other medical opinions?

i dunno. sometimes my palate will just be off for no apparent reason and everything i try will be tasteless or too sweet or something. those days suck.

oh, and according to a doctor friend, antibiotics, while they don't necessarily "dim" your palate, can leave a kind of vegetal taste in your mouth that you usually wouldn't notice, but might well effect the taste of a wine. not that you should be drinking when you're on antibiotics.

Of course,
Not only is palate variation physiological it's psychological.
You have to be in the right frame of mind to have one of those "one of the best wines I have ever had" moments. I bet you have never had a really good wine when you are angry or stressed. One cannot seriously evaluate and appraciate good wine under those conditions.
Having a really great wine moment is about good atmosphere, good food, good company, and a decent wine helps.
Cheers,
Stuart