Suggestions, please

[Auburnwine]

We have a very satisfactory technique among the four couples with whom we taste every two months.

We have two different thematic flights of four wines. They are brown-bagged and then numbered for blind tasting.

We have done varietals (Cabs, Shiraz/Syrah, Zin, etc.) and we have done reds by region (Spain, Washington State, etc.) and "blends."

Our best tastings have been "Rated 90 and Above" (by WS, WA, WE, etc.), "Wine that Some Knowledgeable Person Has Recommended," and "Personal Favorites."

Sometimes we start with a white flight, but more often we drink all reds -- because of the nature of what our group enjoys. We have developed a good evaluation sheet and always keep a list of aromatic references close by.

And, of course, it's great fun to practice matching food with wine. We have finger foods (bread and fruit) during the flights and take an eating break between flights. We generally cap off the evening with dessert and a sticky wine.

We take our notes, rate the wines, and then discuss each wine in turn. It's especially fun when a $10 wine stands up well beside $30 wine.

Once we all went to the beach for a long weekend and did two flights of upper-end (for us) wines. THAT was a learning experience.

[This message has been edited by Auburnwine (edited 11-12-2003).]