How I Write Tasting Notes — & Why You Should Too
If you’ve ever read a wine tasting note and felt more confused than curious—welcome.
You’re not alone.
The best tasting notes aren’t about showing off.
They’re about paying attention—to the wine and to your own reactions.
As someone studying for the WSET Diploma, I use the Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT). It’s structured, technical, and incredibly detailed—perfect for blind tasting exams and professional calibration.
But let’s be honest: for most wine drinkers, that level of detail is overkill.
If you’re new to wine—or just looking to write better notes for yourself—I recommend starting with the WSET Level 2 SAT (attached below). It’s simple, approachable, and built to help you notice what matters.
What Your Tasting Notes Are Actually For
This might sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating:
Your notes are supposed to help you remember what you’ve tasted.
Not just whether you liked it or not, but:
What did the wine smell and taste like?
How did it make you feel?
When might you want to drink it again?
Or that you never want to drink it again?
It’s easy to end up with a dozen tasting sheets that all say:
“Ripe black fruit, medium tannin, medium+ acidity.”
That could describe a thousand wines.
To avoid that, ask better questions:
What made these “ripe black fruits” stand out? Were they dried? Jammy?
Did it make you think of summer barbecues or quiet dinners in?
Was it a Tuesday wine or special-occasion wine?
Is this something you’d serve to friends—or save for yourself?
The more personal your notes become, the more useful they’ll be.
How I Taste (Diploma Level, WSET)
When I’m doing a formal tasting, I follow this structure:
Appearance
Clarity, intensity, color
Example: Clear, medium ruby
Ask: Is there sediment? Haze? Does it look youthful or aged?
Nose
Condition, intensity, aroma characteristics
Example: Clean, pronounced aromas of black cherry, clove, rose petal, and forest floor
Ask: Can I smell the wine as soon as I pick up the glass, or do I have to search for it?
Tip: Try the Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli if you want to know what pronounced really means.
Palate
Sweetness, acidity, tannin, alcohol, body, flavor intensity, flavor characteristics, finish
Example: Dry, high acidity, medium tannins, medium alcohol, medium+ body, long finish, flavors mirror the nose
Some extra notes:
Sweetness is not the same as fruitiness. We often taste apple and think “sweet,” but a dry wine can be full of ripe fruit.
Acidity shows up in your mouth. Tip your head forward—if you feel like you’re going to drool, it’s high acid (think Riesling). If it feels flabby or thick, it’s likely low acid (think Gewürztraminer).
Tannin feels like black tea. Is your mouth dry? Is your tongue sticking?
Body can be compared to milk: skim, 2%, whole, half & half. Does it feel light or weighty?
Conclusion
Quality level and aging potential
Example: Very good quality, suitable for aging
Most wines under $50 aren’t built to age—though there are exceptions, especially in high-quality whites. Look for acid, tannin, and dense fruit to carry a wine forward.
And finally, I always ask myself one last question:
Where does this wine belong?
That part isn’t on the SAT, but for me, it’s the most important.
Start Simpler: Use the Level 2 SAT
If you’re just getting started, the WSET Level 2 SAT is the perfect tool.
It focuses on:
Color and clarity
Aromas and flavor intensity
Structure (acidity, tannin, alcohol)
Overall impression
[Download the WSET Level 2 SAT]
Use it as a guide, not a script. Write what feels natural. Don’t worry about perfect language, just start noticing.
How to Make Your Notes Actually Useful
Here are a few things that help me:
Write fast, revise later. Notes should reflect your first impressions.
Be honest. If it smells like Band-Aids or movie theater butter—write that down.
Taste two at once. Comparison sharpens your palate.
Add context. Where were you? What were you eating? Who were you with?
Write the “when.” Is it pizza night wine? First firepit of fall wine? End-of-August-and-still-hot wine?
Final Thought
Your notes don’t have to impress anyone.
They just have to make sense to you.
They’re your breadcrumbs—your memory bank.
They help you remember the bottles you want to revisit, and the ones you're happy to leave behind.
And sometimes, if you’re lucky, they help you remember more than just the wine.
