Since I am currently taking WSET courses at the International Wine Center, my tasting analytics have changed slightly to include more minutia. I hope that you do not mind (and if you do, let me know) since I am going to start using the format to report my Quick Taste posts. The format is very simple, you first analyze appearance (clarity, intensity, color, other), nose (condition, intensity, development, aroma characteristics), palate (sweetness, acidity, tannin, alcohol, body, mousse, intensity, flavors, length), and conclusions (quality, price, readiness to drink). Remember these are all things as they present to me. You might have a higher tolerance for acid or a lower tolerance for alcohol so they may be slightly off from your own palate. There is only one way to find out... taste it yourself and let me know what you think!
These analytical steps have definitely made an impact on how I perceive wine quality. It has also given me more to think about when I taste, so each tasting note is more involved.
So, without futher ado:
2008 Brancott Sauvignon Blanc "B" - Marlborough, New Zealand
Appearance - Clear, medium intense, lemon color, pale rim
Nose - Clean, medium + intense, youthful, aromas: grassy, lemon citrus, grapefruit citrus, wet stone
Palate - Dry, medium + acidity, no tannin, medium alcohol, medium body, medium + intensity, flavors: grapefruit, grassy, fresh herbs, stony minerality
Conclusions - Good, high-priced ($20 - $30), ready to drink now but can keep
