Having been a wine tour guide, plus doing wine writing gigs
for over twenty years, I have observed literally thousands of people tasting
thousands of wines.
And I have noticed that they do fall into two general
categories. So, here is my own take on why people like certain wines. And why
people don’t like other wines. The Phil
Parker Theory of Wine Palate
goes something like this: Some (not
many) people have a Sensitive Palate. And conversely, most other people have a Robust
Palate. No shame about being in either group. It’s not a competition. It’s like
having brown eyes or green eyes. Get over it. Thus, my completely unproven
theory divides you into two groups.
Sensitive Palate
Does not like: Brussels sprouts, broad beans, very strong cheeses, salt & vinegar chips, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and very tannic (dry) red wines such as Barolo, Australian Cabernet or Shiraz. Also in general, hates very hoppy and bitter craft beers, and sweet wines – especially dessert wines.
Likes: Pinot Gris, buttery soft chardonnay, soft and silky Pinot Noir, ripe and soft Syrah, Merlot.
Sensitive Palate
Does not like: Brussels sprouts, broad beans, very strong cheeses, salt & vinegar chips, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and very tannic (dry) red wines such as Barolo, Australian Cabernet or Shiraz. Also in general, hates very hoppy and bitter craft beers, and sweet wines – especially dessert wines.
Likes: Pinot Gris, buttery soft chardonnay, soft and silky Pinot Noir, ripe and soft Syrah, Merlot.
Robust Palate
Does not like: soft, light Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir or Merlot.
Likes: Sauvignon Blanc, Highly oaked Chardonnay, Riesling, vinegary foods, Brussels sprouts, salt & vinegar
chips, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec, Zinfandel and other tannic dry reds.
Also loves bitter hoppy IPA beers. Also, may enjoy a cigarette or a good cigar.
Unfortunately for me, I am of the Sensitive Palate whanau. To me, sauvignon blanc tastes like battery acid and a hoppy IPA can wipe out my sense of taste for about 3 hours. But, as a wine writer I have to know a good sav when I see one, so I don’t skew my reviews toward my personal palate.
Anyway, here are some recent tastings.
Unfortunately for me, I am of the Sensitive Palate whanau. To me, sauvignon blanc tastes like battery acid and a hoppy IPA can wipe out my sense of taste for about 3 hours. But, as a wine writer I have to know a good sav when I see one, so I don’t skew my reviews toward my personal palate.
Anyway, here are some recent tastings.
Richmond Plains Blanc
de Noir Marlborough 2018 $23.40
I discovered this fab wine on a winter trip to the south this July. Certified organic and biodynamic, vegetarian and made from 100% Pinot Noir. Crisp, fresh and fruity. Flavours of baked pear, nectarine and apple. Availability: organicwines.co.nz
I discovered this fab wine on a winter trip to the south this July. Certified organic and biodynamic, vegetarian and made from 100% Pinot Noir. Crisp, fresh and fruity. Flavours of baked pear, nectarine and apple. Availability: organicwines.co.nz
Tohu Pinot Blanc
Whenua Awa Marlborough 2018 $29.00
Pinot Blanc, along with Pinot Gris is a cousin of Pinot Noir. This is a crisp refreshing wine, ideal slightly chilled. In the mouth,
it’s fresh and fruity with flavours of mandarin, nectarine and hint of Riesling-like bees’ wax. Great match for seafood.
Availability: Glengarry
Tohu AlbariƱo Whenua
Matua Nelson 2018 $29.00
This Spanish grape variety (pronounced Al-Ba-Reenyo). produces crisp white wines with stone fruit flavours not unlike Viognier. In Portugal it is known as Alvarinho. To me – ripe pear, mandarin and minerality with a crisp finish.
This Spanish grape variety (pronounced Al-Ba-Reenyo). produces crisp white wines with stone fruit flavours not unlike Viognier. In Portugal it is known as Alvarinho. To me – ripe pear, mandarin and minerality with a crisp finish.
Availability: Glengarry
Rockburn The Chosen
Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018 $65
Inviting aromas of ripe, juicy black cherries and Christmas plum cake. A rich, soft generous and silky palate of red and black berry compote with a hint of mixed spices, and a soft tannic lengthy finish. Another knockout Pinot Noir from Rockburn.
Availability: Glengarry
Inviting aromas of ripe, juicy black cherries and Christmas plum cake. A rich, soft generous and silky palate of red and black berry compote with a hint of mixed spices, and a soft tannic lengthy finish. Another knockout Pinot Noir from Rockburn.
Availability: Glengarry
Outback Jack Brenton
Vineyard Australin Cabernet Merlot 2017 $8.99
Not a typo. This is a very drinkable, fruit forward with plums and fruitcake, with not too much tannin. A total bargain Aus
Availability: vineonline.co.nz
Not a typo. This is a very drinkable, fruit forward with plums and fruitcake, with not too much tannin. A total bargain Aus
Availability: vineonline.co.nz
Little x Hawkes Bay
Syrah $14.99
Again. Total bargain. Honestly - one of the best Hawkes bay Syrahs that I have tasted from the memorable 2014 vintage. Soft spicy and seamless. With black pepper, stewed plum, black currant and plum pudding.
Availability: vinofino.co.nz
Again. Total bargain. Honestly - one of the best Hawkes bay Syrahs that I have tasted from the memorable 2014 vintage. Soft spicy and seamless. With black pepper, stewed plum, black currant and plum pudding.
Availability: vinofino.co.nz
Phil hosts wine tours in Auckland to Waiheke Island, Kumeu and Matakana.
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