Expert judgments
Experienced wine tasters and casual wine drinkers can both have their perceptions swayed by sound, with music even able to make professionals change their wine ratings
One moment the Sauvignon Blanc in my glass smelled sweetly of herb and elderflower, with vibrant and juicy passionfruit on the palate. In the next, the aromas had faded, the acid tasted hard, and the fruit had almost disappeared. My tasting judgment was being swayed. For a professional wine critic where consistent judgments are key to the job, the experience was disconcerting. But it was also intriguing, given the factor instigating this powerful sensory shift was music.