That's why the UC Master Gardener program launched its tomato variety trial last year. Observing the way the plants stood up to unusual climatic conditions and pests was no problem, nor was measuring how much fruit they produced. But when it came to the taste test, it boiled down to a popularity contest.
Taste is in the mouth of the beholder.
And that made for some lively discussions at our many tastings. But it was noted that the flavor of the different tomatoes varied over the course of the summer. And keeping the plants evenly watered was a challenge in the record-setting heat of July and August. Simply put, cutting back on water and fertilizer intensifies taste. Too much water lessens it.