Well done and great job Ben!
How's France treating you?
Jase
Love the concept! I have logged into one tasting, so far and was impressd with the ease of connecting, the dialogue among participants and the knowledge and expertise of the panelists.It's a safe and enjoyable way to taste wine, meet people and learn. I recommend learning before tasting, you'll remember more.Not to ...
Doug Cohn of Riedel
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Finally the first year is over and I can say with no lack of relief that i have passed the first year of the MW!
This was jaded only very slightly by the fact that the second year is 20 times more difficult and testing. I am really going to have to put in the hard yard if i am to get those highly prized initials after my name, not to say taste even more than i do already (can this be possible?).
The exam was very tough, not because of the questions or wines on tasting but more because the last time i sat an exam that mattered to me I was 11 and that was because I wanted to get a high mark to ensure the continued relationship with my girlfriend who was very brainy and would surely have dumped me for the brighter Watson had I failed in my task. So the process was tough and when all the pressure is riding on you like that mistakes are made, and I made them. There is simply no way I would mistake a Crozes Hermitage for a cheap Bordeaux in real life (I promise!) but I did, and it goes to show that when the labels off and the pressure is on you really can see things that simply aren't there. Anyway, I blame the new glasses and the fact i was under an air conditioner.
The new year starts in earnest in September so for now its of to compare Crozes with Bordeaux....
That was a buzz! It was the first time I have had to host a show on my own and I must say that it was great fun, although it is funny to think now, but a few times I thought I might be lost for words. Luckily for me Hannes D... (more...)