I guarantee you would be able to tell the difference. Wine appreciation is not such an esoteric gift. I've had lots of friends who thought they wouldn't be able to taste the difference between fine wine and swill and every one of them, to their surprise, has been able to appreciate fine wine. So, you don't have to be a wine snoot. "Cigar box" and "lead pencil" nuances in the aromatics and palate are actually classic markers and descriptors of aged Bordeaux, as well as other Cabernet based wines, but especially typical of Lafite.
I guess it could be funny, but on the other hand, think of how many fine cheeses smell like sweaty gym socks or mildewed shower curtain.
Other descriptors used to describe red wines are; Forest floor, rusty nail, underbrush, barnyard, animal fur, lavender, leather, road tar, shoe polish, roasted herbs, coffee, baking chocolate....
None of these would be likely to taste good on their own, but as nuances in a tapestry of flavors that include layers of tart red and black fruits, these can be just as enticing as sweaty gym socks.
Ever smelled a truffle?
I guess it could be funny, but on the other hand, think of how many fine cheeses smell like sweaty gym socks or mildewed shower curtain.
Other descriptors used to describe red wines are; Forest floor, rusty nail, underbrush, barnyard, animal fur, lavender, leather, road tar, shoe polish, roasted herbs, coffee, baking chocolate....
None of these would be likely to taste good on their own, but as nuances in a tapestry of flavors that include layers of tart red and black fruits, these can be just as enticing as sweaty gym socks.
Ever smelled a truffle?