minty; mint
An appealing mintlike characteristic found in some California cabernets and zinfandels. As long as it isn’t predominant, a minty smell (similar to that of eucalyptus) is considered desirable.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.