CMS Deductive Wine Tasting Grid

1. Skipping the condition check — failing to note a fault (reduction, VA) that dramatically changes the interpretation. 2. Confusing Pinot Noir with Nebbiolo on nose — both can show red cherry and floral notes; tannin quality (Pinot: silky; Nebbiolo: grippy/chalky) and acidity level distinguish them on palate. 3. Calling New World wines 'Old World' due to restraint — cool-climate New Zealand Pinot Noir, Willamette Pinot, and Central Otago regularly fool candidates. Look for fruit purity and ripeness level. 4. Over-weighting colour — deep colour does not mean Syrah; pale colour does not mean Pinot Noir. Always confirm with tannin quality and aromatic markers. 5. Using hedged language at Master level — 'This might be Burgundy' is a failing answer. Commit: 'This is Pinot Noir from Burgundy, likely Côte de Nuits, 7–12 years old.' 6. Ignoring negative evidence — the absence of green bell pepper rules out Sauvignon Blanc; the absence of petroleum rules out aged Riesling. Use what's NOT there. 7. Confusing Grenache with Pinot Noir — both can be pale, high-acid, red-fruited; Grenache has glycerol richness, lower tannin, and often a spiced/herbal character (garrigue). 8. Mistaking Viognier for Chardonnay — Viognier has an aromatic intensity, peach/apricot character, and lower acidity that should distinguish it clearly from even a rich Chardonnay.