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An unexpected break

Posted by: Joel Goldberg in wine glasses, Michigan Wine Competition on Aug 07, 2007

It's 2 PM, and we're taking an unexpected break for glass-washing. A number of tasters at various tables have complained of fish-like aromas infesting the glasses, which are being rinsed, but not washed, betweeen flights. Tablemate Brian Cain observed that the smell is simply reminiscent of Grand Rapids tap water to him -- but this view didn't prevail, so we're on a half-hour hiatus while all the glasses get re-rinsed.

Before the break, we voted room-wide for the best-of-class dry red. The decisive winner was a 2005 Cab Franc double-gold medalist that came from our table; my guess is that it's the Brys, which I think I recognized from two previous tastings. This is a wine that I've always rated extremely highly but with my fingers lightly crossed -- it's so monstrously tannic and closed right now that one can only hope it eventually comes around to pleasurability after five or so years of cellaring.

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