Which wine would you rather drink?
Wine A: 81 points. Shows muted black cherry and spice aromas, with tightly wound plum, medicinal and herbal flavors and dry, papery tannins. Drink now.
Wine B: 90 points. This is a vigorous young Cab that will reward aging. It’s bright and savory in cherry-berry, herb, new oak and spice flavors, with rich, sweet tannins. Better after 2008 and through 2012.
You could see the punch line coming -- this is the same wine, a 2004 Salvestrin Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine A is the Wine Spectator review, Wine B is the Wine Enthusiast review.
Tasting notes vary but this is a pretty good example of complete disconnect. Feel free to post more.
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4 comments:
That is exactly why you have to trust your own palette. Wine reviewers are just like movie reviewers you find one that has similar taste and likes and go with him. But even then they can be different.
I did a follow-up post to your comment and it sparked a great dialogue. Thanks!
Great example. I agree with TLR that you need to know the taster's palate. Without that, the ratings and desciptions (as we see here) are not worth much. So in the end this wine could be a great wine for testing with which of the two raters you agree more. Unless of course our Wine Spectator rater just had a bad day, some amazing wines right before this one, an off bottle...
2004 Hanna Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
Wine Enthusiast:
90 points
Balance and complexity are the hallmarks of this Cab from veteran producer Hanna. It’s deep and long in spicy, oaky blackberry and cherry fruit, while the structure is defined by soft tannins and good acids. Delicious now, and should hold for a decade. — S.H.
Wine Spectator:
79 points
Plum, black cherry and spice notes have a tart green herbal edge on the finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. — M.W.
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