Wine has many naturally occurring aromas and flavors. Often these remind us of other foods, spices and plants with which we are familiar. Individual wines vary in aroma. For example, some Zinfandels also have a cherry aroma; aged Cabernet Sauvignons may have a cedar aroma. Oak aging enhances vanilla aromas in wines. The most distinctive aromas of premium red wines and Grape Varieties are described belows.

Cabernet Sauvignon Small, tough-skinned grape that gives tannin, body and aroma to the red wine of Bordeaux, although always blended with Merlot and/or Cabernet Franc. The best Medoc vineyards have up to 80% of this Cabernet, but in St-Emillion and Pomerol the Cabernet Franc is used. Now almost universal, with great success in California. All Cabernet wines gain by age in bottle as well as wood.

Aromas,flavors: Blackberry Cherry Herbs Mint Vanilla Cedar Chocolate(after aging)

Pinot Noir Sometimes described as "pepperminty," sometimes as "ripe-grapey," this delicately flavored variety's foremost characteristic is its soft, smooth feel in the mouth. Its naturally pale color is a symptom of the comparatively low level of tannins that allows this softness. Pinot Noir is much prized as an accompaniment to beef and game birds. Although soft early, this wine more than many will benefit from several years of age.

Aromas,flavors:Strawberry Cherry Violets Vanilla SpicesSoy/Earth

Zinfandel Probably a descendant of an Italian grape variety (it has close cousins there), Zinfandel is now California's own, a wine made nowhere else on any regular basis. Its flavor associations are "raspberry" or just "berry." Both of its flavors and its textures are lively, even vigorous. Made in a variety of styles, in its youth it traditionally accompanies stews, tomato sauces, and other hearty fare. With age, it can be easy to confuse with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Aromas,flavors: Blackberry Raspberry Berry JamBlack Pepper Vanilla

Merlot Often a blending grape for Cabernet Sauvignon, but increasingly appreciated in its own right, it has the same herbaceous flavors as its cousin, but differs in being markedly less tannic (often called "softer"). The latter quality makes it easy to drink when it is young.

Aromas,flavors:Berry Plum Cherry Vanilla Spices

Gamay "Spicy" is one of its commonest flavor descripions. The wine is usually light, tart, and easy to drink while it is still young. A very fine wine whose size already suggests the full measure of future delights.

Aromas,flavors:Roses Strawberry Jam Berry Fruit candy Peppery Spice

Carignan Carignan The varietal flavors faintly echo Cabernet Sauvignon. Less flavorful, and loss firm, it can be drunk while it is still young.

Aromas,flavors:Blackberry Raspberry BerryJam BlackPepper Spice