Expensive wines may taste better, as long as you know they are expensive.

[John49]

Originally Posted by GaryProtein

VERY very true! Also note that used BLIND tests for tasting. Blind tests rule!

In the words of, I think, Groucho Marx, "What a party! We were blind for three days!"

[GaryProtein]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Except in dating.

[Antonmb]

Ok, somebody needs to be the naysayer: blind tests have their value when conducted professionally by people who have done their research and are experts in the field, and are set up properly to allow the products to perform at their best. In the wine tasting shown, did anyone notice the glasses that were too small and not shaped properly to allow the tasters to get their noses in the glass and for the wine's aroma to develop? Since the "nose" of a wine is a critical part of the taste experience, the test is inherently flawed, and skewed to favor the cheaper wine. And were those people wine connoisseurs or just taken at random? Also were the wines allowed to breathe? Were they at the right temperature? Would any of them have benefited from decanting?
I certainly agree that knowing what you're drinking (or listening to) can impact how much you like it, but this pseudo-scientific test sure doesn't confirm that. If you use three people who know nothing about audio and blind test a McIntosh amp against a Bose amp but test them both using cheap computer speakers poorly set up, they might well prefer the Bose amp. Would that make it the better amp?

[djwhog]

Well I have 6 wine clubs that I take 1/4ly delivery from and there is no question that a good wine properly handled, served at it's correct temp, (Winery room temp not house room temp) a proper drinking glass, breath time etc and properly aired taste much better.

But then it comes down also to what yo like. Many folks that are not a aka wine expert go after residual sugar, so it a wine has more sugar and taste sweet after the fact most folks will prefer it 1st.

This goes for whites and reds wet to dry.

It is not to say that there are not some good wines to even a few great wines and good prices. There are, and many factors influence the price.

Go to Rutherford and visit BV go a blind taste for yourself and start in the $30 range tasting just the cabs and work your way through.

When you get to the Tapestry and Georges De LaTour.

If you tell no diff then I guess a Radio Shack speaker is as good as a Sasha then

Then again maybe to some a $5 bottle of Cooks is as good as Krug

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by djwhog

Well I have 6 wine clubs that I take 1/4ly delivery from and there is no question that a good wine properly handled, served at it's correct temp, (Winery room temp not house room temp) a proper drinking glass, breath time etc and properly aired taste much better. But then it comes down also to what yo like. Many folks that are not a aka wine expert go after residual sugar, so it a wine has more sugar and taste sweet after the fact most folks will prefer it 1st. This goes for whites and reds wet to dry. It is not to say that there are not some good wines to even a few great wines and good prices. There are, and many factors influence the price. Go to Rutherford and visit BV go a blind taste for yourself and start in the $30 range tasting just the cabs and work your way through. When you get to the Tapestry and Georges De LaTour. If you tell no diff then I guess a Radio Shack speaker is as good as a Sasha then Then again maybe to some a $5 bottle of Cooks is as good as Krug

+1

[-E-]

Yawn.

Thank you to the berators and dismissors of this "test" - y'all are spot on (and beat me to it).

[metaphacts]

Originally Posted by -E-

Yawn.

Thank you to the berators and dismissors of this "test" - y'all are spot on (and beat me to it).

[David S.]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

Ok, somebody needs to be the naysayer: blind tests have their value when conducted professionally by people who have done their research and are experts in the field, and are set up properly to allow the products to perform at their best. In the wine tasting shown, did anyone notice the glasses that were too small and not shaped properly to allow the tasters to get their noses in the glass and for the wine's aroma to develop? Since the "nose" of a wine is a critical part of the taste experience, the test is inherently flawed, and skewed to favor the cheaper wine. And were those people wine connoisseurs or just taken at random? Also were the wines allowed to breathe? Were they at the right temperature? Would any of them have benefited from decanting?
I certainly agree that knowing what you're drinking (or listening to) can impact how much you like it, but this pseudo-scientific test sure doesn't confirm that. If you use three people who know nothing about audio and blind test a McIntosh amp against a Bose amp but test them both using cheap computer speakers poorly set up, they might well prefer the Bose amp. Would that make it the better amp?

Those are all excellent points. As someone who has previously had many hundreds (if not thousands) of pages of tasting notes - I'd simply say (and the EXACT same goes to stereo components): everyone has certain aspects (of taste or sound) that matter most to them. Sample a LOT, and you may just well find that you can be greatly satisfied at a very low cost. As an example? There is a certain creamy mouth feel that I like with my Cabernets. Most times, I have to spend $40 to $80/bottle to achieve it. I can get exactly that mouth feel for under $15 with McManis Cabs - and they still manage to do all the other bits right to a reasonable level. No, not PERFECT, but quite satisfying - and after the first glass or two, I'm sure I couldn't even properly calibrate my palate with a nez du vin.

[Masterlu]

This same premise could also be applied to cigars.

[djwhog]

Ivan what about a stylus, the list can go and go, but most times you do get more in terms of service too right. I mean I have had wine shipped that I know UPS parked in the very cold or hot and the wine was damaged, no issues, call they replace it.

Issues with JL, Wireworld, VPI, great customer service....

But yep in some cases I guess cheaper wines and whiskey are OK for guest with no experienced taste/ skills, etc..