Feedback and Presenting...

One of the many great things I get to do each week is taste new products and then pick which ones to add to the website and which ones to promote in our daily features. Each time I taste something new, I am like a kid on their birthday -- giddy with anticipation.  Fortunately, most of the wines are very good to excellent, but sometimes there is a wine which makes you go, “Ugh”.

A couple of weeks ago, Maggie and I were tasting wines, and I could not help but watch her experience her first “professional” tasting.  The questions she asked of the distributor and what feedback she was giving were great.  It made me think a little differently about how I approach tasting wines and what I could do to give back better feedback to Maggie and in turn to you, our consumers.

As you have noticed throughout the relaunch of OWS, we have made some changes in how we present wines to you each day.  Hopefully many of you like the shorter quick emails which are concise with brief descriptions of the wines/beers/products.  After the tasting with Maggie, it made me think the information I am giving about the wines might need to be different.  

So, I thought it best to ask you what type/level of information you would like about the winery? The flavor profile? Food pairings? How long do you hold or drink? Other information?  Here are two examples:

Choice #1

Architect, Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, California 2021

Michael Broadbent trained as an architect before he became a winemaker in England in the 1960s. He knew the importance of structure, balance and beauty well before becoming a Master of Wine. His large legacy of art, whether it be architectural, portraiture, landscapes or technical drawings, gives a clear insight into his attention to detail. This wine is a tribute to the legacy of our favorite Renaissance man - Michael Broadbent, artist, author, musician, auctioneer and architect.

This medium bodied Cabernet–driven blend has lush dark berry fruits with smooth, beautifully integrated tannins. Heady aromas of black cherry, cassis, ripe plums, with faint notes of vanilla and cocoa are nicely balanced with hints of spice and a long silky finish. This wine is ready to enjoy now or until 2031.

Choice #2

Architect, Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, California 2021

Background: A wine which pays tribute to Michael Broadbent and his contribution to the wine industry

Flavor Profile: Dark fruits, smooth and integrated tannins, silky smooth finish.

Pairs with: Steak, sharp cheeses, lamb chops

Drink: 2024 through 2031

I look forward to your comments and idea on ways we can better serve you.

Bryan