What is "dumb phase"?

[Thomas]

I don't like to try online diagnostics, but let me ask a question: do you know if you are able to pick up TCA (cork taint)?

Your description of the wine's taste falls into that category, but your comment about its smell does not.

Incidentally, "dumb phase" is largely ascribed to wines that go through changes either after shipping or just through their bottle life cycle. I don't believe anyone has a handle on when or if a wine will go through such a phase, and only through experience can a taster tell if a wine is going through the phase.

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 02-20-2006).]