So, you know what you like. That's a good start, but when you can succinctly capture the essence of a good (or bad) wine in a well-turned phrase or two, you will be truly enjoying your wine experience to the ultimate. Even if you are just a beginner and don't really know what you are talking about (Who really does?), if you use the right words people will worship your refined sensibilities and bring you many fine wines to bask in the glow of your pompous wisdom.
The tables below contain some adjectives and phrases which may prove useful in your quest. We won't attempt to define them -- that, we think, is best left as an exercise for the student.
Essence (Fruit) | |||||
| Cassis | Red Currant | Raspberry | Loganberry | Boysenberry | Blackberry |
| Plum | Prune | Strawberry | Black Cherry | Candied | |
Essence (Non-Fruit) | |||||
| Cinnammon | Licorice | Tar | Loamy | Spicy | Smoky |
| Chocolate | Coffee | Pepper | Violet | Cedar | Asian spices |
| Dried herbs | Vanilla | Oak | Eucalyptus | Vegetal | Charcoal |
| Talcum powder | Candle wax | Lead pencil | |||
Texture | |||||
| Flabby | Soft | Firm | Structures | Compressed | Tight |
| Closed | |||||
Power Level | |||||
| Intense | Penetrating | Vibrant | Forceful | Insipid | Vapid |
| Eviscerated | Nuclear | ||||
Body | |||||
| Plump | Opulent | Brawny | Diluted | Watery | Dense |
Nuances | |||||
| Expressive | Sultry | Sexy | Oily | Hedonistic | |
Harmony, mouth-feel | |||||
| Disjointed | Seamless | Briery | Tannic | Acidic | Soft |
| Silky | Velvety | Supple | Smooth | ||
Phrases | |||||
| Nectar of the gods | |||||
| Monolith of fruitless tannin | |||||
| Tower of vanillin fruit | |||||
| Hint of moldy pine needles | |||||
| Essence of life | |||||