The 1976 Blind Wine Tastings: On the Consistency of Tasters from Chardonnays to Cabernets

ABSTRACT Using data deriving from the Paris 1976 blind wine tastings of notable French and American Chardonnays, in the first tasting, and of notable French Bordeaux and American Cabernets in the second tasting, the author discovers the fact that the same 5 of 11 tasters were the most reliable or consistent ones in both wine competitions. He then discusses the very important implications that this fact has for the dual task of: first, uncovering the factors that produce the consistency; and second, in making it possible for the consistent tasters to impart this knowledge to their less consistent wine tasting brethren. The ultimate challenge is to accomplish this worthwhile goal while not doing serious damage to the delectable experience of savoring our next glass of wine.