Originally Posted by shbailey

On Sep 23, 4:27*pm, "Tom Kunich" wrote:
What are the taste differences between the various red wines? I really can't
tell the difference between a Merlot, say, and a Cabernet or Gamay etc.

Do people other than very critical specialist know the difference?

Most people other than "super tasters" (apparently a genetic thing)
can't discern all the common descriptors (plum, cherry, "red fruits",
leather, etc.). Most also couldn't tell the difference between
varietals or between vinifera and well made hybrid wines (even the
"experts" probably couldn't in a true blind tasting that included a
good Chambourcin or Norton). The only thing obvious to me is that
some Cabernets are very tannic, so that would provide a distinction
with something like Pinot Noir or Chambourcin, especially if the Cab.
was over oaked.

Stephen