Wine Taster's Glossary

<-- Better...but I still like it. Thanks, CEM!

Before I set out on my journey to visit Sonoma and Napa, it would have been prudent of me to have taken a look at this Wine Taster's Glossary. It has all of the verbiage that I was trying to find during my tastings, but couldn't. And take it from me, it pays to know the language of the vine.

For red wines, and from what I learned, Wine Taster's Glossary says: 

Oak, oaky 

Aroma and flavor that derive from aging in oak casks or barrels. 

Characterized by smokiness, vanilla, clove or other spices. Should not be overly pronounced.

Full-bodied 

Full proportion of flavor and alcohol; big, fat.

Big 

Powerful in aroma and flavor; full-bodied.

Smoky 

Aroma and flavor sometimes associated with oak aging.

Hence my journey continues...