Hello DAVE!
Monday July 15 1996 14:44, DAVE SACERDOTE wrote to IAN HOARE:
 DS> "pretentiousness". In fact, you had mentioned the communications
 DS> problem before, in another thread, and I absolutely agree.
Whew. A relief, I wouldn't want you to think I was a hopeless wine snob. I 
don't think I am (but I wouldn't, would I?) However, I do like the stuff, 
which is what it's all about. That said, I don't drink a lot, really.
 DS>  I can occasionally follow a "wine conversation" from bits I've
 DS> picked up here and there, but I don't pretend to any sophistication.
I found (and I guess that Michael will say the same), that the best way to 
learn about wine is to drink it in the company of an expert. I don't 
necessarily mean professional, but someone who can show you what he's looking 
for, and help you begin to look for yourself.
If there's one piece of advice I'd give, it is to get a little notebook, and 
every time you drink a wine, write in it the details (name, grower, year, 
price etc). Then try to put down, in two lines or so, your ideas of what it 
tastes like (there are books that help with vocabulary and some even manage 
to describe the meanings quite well) and whether you like it. I remember my 
most critical tasting note on a wine (the most expensive at a tasting at a 
local supermarket). "Red. Nose and taste of vomit". OK, that's not very 
technical, but I knew what I meant, and that's what mattered. Tasting notes - 
unless you're a professional, are designed simply to help the writer remember 
things about a wine.  I know a notbook sounds a lot of work, but it isn't 
really, and you'll be amazed at how much better you remember wines if you've 
once written three words about them.
All the Best
Ian
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