Deductive Tasting Journal

Deductive Tasting Journal

CMS Deductive Tasting Language Chart

FRUIT FLORAL HERBAL VEGETAL SPICE VINIFICATION EARTH / MINERAL

ORGANIC BLOSSOMS DRIED / FRESH GARDEN / GROVE SAVORY / COOKING BOTRYTIS ORGANIC

Green Apple Cherry Orange Basil Asparagus Cardamom Honey Compost

Green Pear Cranberry Apple Chervil Celery Celery Seed Saffron Dust

Quince Currant Lemon Chives Corn Coriander Apricot Earth/Dirt/Soil

Red Apple Pomegranate Lime Cilantro Bell Pepper Juniper Mushroom Forest Floor

Yellow Apple Raspberry WHITE / YELLOW Dill Green Bean Peppercorn MALOLACTIC Potting Soil

Yellow Pear Strawberry Baby’s Breath Fennel Jalapeño Salt Butter Truffle

Asian Pear Carnation Lemongrass Olive SWEET / BAKING Cream INORGANIC

CITRUS TROPICAL Hawthorn Mint Pumpkin Allspice Yogurt Chalk/Limestone

Gooseberry Banana Honeysuckle Oregano Snap Pea Aniseed YEAST / LEES Struck Flint

Grapefruit Kiwi Jasmine Parsley Squash Cinnamon Beer Mineral/Rock

Kumquat Mango Lily Rosemary Tomato Clove Bread Dough Oyster/Seashell

Lemon Papaya Rose Sage ROOT Ginger Cheese Rind Wet Rock

Lime Passion Fruit Chamomile Tarragon Beetroot Mace Lees Slate

Orange Pineapple RED / PURPLE Tea - Black Daikon Nutmeg Vanilla

Starfruit Geranium Tea - Green Radish Vanilla OAK

Tangerine Lavender Thyme Ginger Brown Spices

BLACK FRUIT BLUE FRUIT Lilac Tobacco LEAFY Cedar

Blackberry Blueberry Rose Verbena Watercress Coconut

Cherry Boysenberry Tulips Arugula Sawdust

Currant Elderberry Violet Mesclun Smoke

Plum Huckleberry GREEN / WEED Cabbage Toast

DRIED FRUIT Clover Tomato Leaf Vanilla

Date Dandelion

Fig Grass

Prune

Raisin

PITTED / STONE / MELON OTHER

Apricot Cantaloupe BEAN / NUT ANIMAL FOOD PRODUCTS OTHER FAULTS

Nectarine Honeydew Almond Barnyard Honey Rubber Acetic Acid

Peach Watermelon Cocoa/Mocha Blood Maple Graphite Brettanomyces

FRUIT CONDITION Coconut Cat Pee Soy Iodine Ethyl Acetate

Tart Baked/Dried Coffee Meat Petrol H2S

Ripe Bruised/Oxidized Cola Cured Meat Sea Spray/Saline Mercaptan

Overripe Cooked/Stewed Hazelnut Horse Tar Oxidation

Jammy Peels/Pith Lentil Leather SO2 /Matchstick

Candied Pit Walnut Musk TCA/Cork

Wool
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1 - Wine 1

Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

1
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1 — Wine 1

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

2
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1 - Wine 1

2
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

3
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1 — Wine 1
2

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

4
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1 - Wine 1

3
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

5
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1 — Wine 1
3

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

6
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1 - Wine 1

4
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

7
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1 — Wine 1
4

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

8
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
2 - Wine 1
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

9
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
2 — Wine 1

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

10
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
2 - Wine 1
2
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

11
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
2 — Wine 1
2

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

12
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
2 - Wine 1
3
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

13
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
2 — Wine 1
3

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

14
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
2 - Wine 1
4
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

15
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
2 — Wine 1
4

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

16
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
3 - Wine 1
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

17
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
3 — Wine 1

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

18
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
3 - Wine 1
2
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

19
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
3 — Wine 1
2

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

20
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
3 - Wine 1
3
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

21
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
3 — Wine 1
3

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

22
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
3 - Wine 1
4
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

23
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
3 — Wine 1
4

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

24
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
4 - Wine 1
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

25
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
4 — Wine 1

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

26
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
4 - Wine 1
2
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

27
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
4 — Wine 1
2

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

28
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
4 - Wine 1
3
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

29
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
4 — Wine 1
3

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

30
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
4 - Wine 1
4
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

31
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
4 — Wine 1
4

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

32
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
5 - Wine 1
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

33
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
5 — Wine 1

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

34
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
5 - Wine 1
2
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

35
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
5 — Wine 1
2

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

36
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
5 - Wine 1
3
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

37
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
5 — Wine 1
3

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

38
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
5 - Wine 1
4
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

39
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
5 — Wine 1
4

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

40
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
6 - Wine 1
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

41
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
6 — Wine 1

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

42
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
6 - Wine 1
2
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

43
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
6 — Wine 1
2

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

44
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
6 - Wine 1
3
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

45
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
6 — Wine 1
3

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

46
 Court of Master Sommeliers
master
court of

Deductive Tasting Format

sommeliers
Americas

Wine Flight 1
6 - Wine 1
4
Sight
Sight

Clarity/Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid

Clarity / Visible Sediment Clear, Hazy, Turbid
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Concentration Pale, Medium, Deep
Color White: Water White, Straw, Yellow, Gold
Color Red: Water
White: Purple, Ruby,
White, Red, Garnet
Straw, Yellow, Gold
Secondary Colors Red: Purple, Ruby, Red, Garnet
White: Silver, Green, Copper
Red: Ruby, Garnet, Orange, Brown, Blue
Secondary Colors White: Silver, Green, Copper
Rim Variation Yes or
Red: No Blue, Ruby, Garnet, Brown
Orange,

Extract/Staining
Rim Variation (Red Wines) None,
Yes / NoLight, Medium, Heavy
Tearing
Extract / Staining (Red Wines) Light,Light,
None, Medium, HeavyHeavy
Medium,
Gas Evidence
Tearing Yes or No
Light, Medium, Heavy
Nose
Gas Evidence Yes / No
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Nose
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Clean / Faulty TCA, H2S, Volatile Acidity, Ethyl Acetate, Brettanomyces, Oxidation, Other
Age Assessment Youthful, Developing, Vinous
Intensity Delicate, Moderate, Powerful
Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pit, Tropical, Melon
Age Assessment Red: Red,
Youthful, Black, Blue
Developing, Vinous
Fruit
Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh,
White: Citrus,Tart, Baked, Stewed,
Apple/Pear, Dried,
Stone/Pit, Desiccated,
Tropical, MelonBruised, Jammy
Non-Fruit Red: Red,
Floral, Black,Herbal,
Vegetal, Blue Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Fruit Character
Earth Forest
Ripe, Floor,Tart,
Fresh, Compost,
Baked,Mushrooms, Potting
Stewed, Dried, Soil
Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Mineral
Non-Fruit Wet Stone,
Floral, Limestone,
Vegetal, Chalk,Animal,
Herbal, Spice, Slate, Flint
Barn, Petrol, Fermentation
Wood
Organic Earth None,Floor,
Forest Old vs. New, Large
Compost, vs. Small, Potting
Mushrooms, French vs.
SoilAmerican

Inorganic Earth Mineral, Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs New, Large vs Small, French vs American

47
 Deductive Tasting Journal Wine Flight 1
6 — Wine 1
4

Palate
Sweetness Bone Dry, Dry, Off Dry, Medium-Sweet, Sweet, Lusciously Sweet

Fruit White: Citrus, Apple/Pear, Stone/Pitted, Tropical, Melon

Red: Red, Black, Blue

Fruit Character Ripe, Fresh, Tart, Baked, Stewed, Dried, Desiccated, Bruised, Jammy

Non-Fruit Floral, Vegetal, Herbal, Spice, Animal, Barn, Petrol, Fermentation

Earth Forest Floor, Compost, Mushrooms, Potting Soil

Mineral Wet Stone, Limestone, Chalk, Slate, Flint

Wood None, Old vs. New, Large vs. Small, French vs. American

Phenolic/Bitter (White Wine) Yes or No

Tannin (Red Wine) Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Acid Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Alcohol Low, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Body Light, Medium, Full

Texture Creamy, Round, Lean, Other Textures

Balance Does any element dominate?

Length/Finish Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, Long

Complexity Short, Med-, Medium, Med+, High

Initial Conclusion
Possible Grape Varieties

Old World/New World

Climate Cool, Moderate, Warm

Possible Countries

Age Range 1–3 years, 3–5 years, 5–10 years, 10 years+

Final Conclusion
Grape Variety/Blend

Country of Origin

Region/Appellation

Quality/Regional Hierarchy Grand Cru / Premier Cru, Reserva / Gran Reserva, etc.

Vintage

48