anyone been to a sotheby's wine tasting?

1)Pours at these events are generally adequate, not lavish. 2) While I'm selective at store or trade tastings, if I pay for a premium tasting, I'll try as many as possible. Nice lineup. I've had abunch of those -'89 Troplong Mondot & '89 Groffier Gevrey (overachiever) are especially nice. 3) If you try more than 6, you're going to need to spit. If you're not used to it, lean right over spitoon, and watch for "blowback". A good option is to carry a small opaque cup, spit back to that and pour in. 4) Choose a strategy. Personally I'd go white then red (lots of French folks go other way at least in Burgundy). I'd probably do white Burg, Alsace, red Burg, red Bdx, US. 5)Mostly bidders, but there are others there just tasting.

a few tasting etiquette pointers: No perfume please. If you're a smoker, try to get clothing fresh from cleaners. Don't park yourself in front of spitoon. If there's a crowd, get your pour, step to side to appreciate.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

DaleW:

Would your recommendations apply to all tastings? I'm a recent beginner (been enjoying wine now for only a few short months) and see a lot of advertisements for tastings in the local paper.

I'm not sure I know enough to attend, or if it is worth the $25-35 price tag. I don't want to look silly to a group of experienced tasters. I've read up on the proper ways to taste wine, but not sure I know enough to "hold my own" at a tasting.

Are local tastings at wine shops of the same class and character as the a major tasting such as Sotheby's, in your opinion?

Thanks,

Mike

DaleW wrote:

MikeD - I've been snooping this group for a while but haven't posted yet. I'm fairly new to enjoying wine as well, and recently worked up the nerve to attend a local event (at Binny's in Chicago): a vertical tasting of Barolo from Poderi Colla. While a lot of the nuances were certainly over my head, I was able to appreciate a) wine that I couldn't normally afford, b) how dramatically wine can change from year to year. It was fascinating to hear the winemaker talk about the differences in microclimates and soil types among other things that contribute to the character of a wine.

I recommend going to a tasting even if you feel intimidated, because you'll know more coming out than you did going in, and I promise you there will be others just like you. Good luck.

Mike, I wouldn't worry about the "proper" way to taste wine. Find what works best for you. You're there to learn, enjoy (and make decisions re how you'll spend your wine budget!).

The only hard and fast "rules" in my mid is to not diminish the event for others: No cologne or perfume No smoking Don't be a boor.

At standup tastings: Don't stand in front of table preventing others from getting pours Don't stand in front of spittoon making others hold wine in their mouths

Most importantly, have fun!

DaleW:

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated!

DaleW wrote:

You've covered every one of my tasting room pet peeves. Excellent advice for tastings in generally, not just at Sotheby's.

Heavy perfume/cologne and stepping out side to have a smoke then coming back in... arghhhhh!

Absolutely.

Dana

MikeD,

Thanks for the tips. I've been to wine tastings before, but the Sotheby's factor is quite intimidating. It's nice to know that as long as i stick to general etiquette, I should be fine.

Jess

MikeD wrote:

I think there are some guidelines for tasting in this piece written for AFWs FAQ site. For those who've read it before, your free to move about your inbox.

The schlemiel scoring system for winetasting

Question I am new to winetasting. Can you help me with a way to score wines objectively?

Answer (well, sort of ;-D)

5 points for each wine spilled during a tasting, extra 10 points if spilled on something white ie tablecloth, shirt, Tom Wolfe suit or if you're at a Klan tasting a bed sheet. Also bonus points if wine spilled was from trying to pronounce unctuous, fruit bomb or one of Marvin Shankin's favorite cigars.

5 points for aberrant behavior at tasting; this includes vomiting, wine coming out your nose or other orifice, belching, some form of flatulence, rolfing, discussions of EST, Zen, Christian Science, zoroaterism, keynesian economics, Dan Qualye's hat size.

10 points for showing up

5 points for using any of the following at the tasting: Grecian formula, Midol, bidol, viagra, delaudid, kj jelly. bisquick, vegamite, fat free-sugar free mineral water.

5 points for reading this far.

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Jess:

You are quite welcome, but I must admit those tips weren't from me. They were posted by DaleW for my benefit, as well.

But, if you want to give me credit, go right ahead (Sorry, Dale).

Thanks,

Mike snipped-for-privacy@webwinerack.com

snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote:

Oops! Sorry I did mean DaleW! Thanks Dale!!!

Jess

MikeD wrote: