A Sensuous Cabernet

I love a good Cabernet Sauvignon!  And, I have noticed that since I have returned from my Sommelier training that I am indeed more sensitive to quality -- oh I love good wines -- and less tolerant of mediocre wines.  I would rather wait for a quality wine than drink the average stuff.  Does that make me a wine snob or just someone with a more refined palate?

Since I am sure you rushed to agree that it is my refined taste, let me add that to me, developing a mature palate is like learning to appreciate Shakespeare's writings. You have to acquire a taste for it over time as you are exposed to a multitude of fine literature. The more good literature you read, the more you can identify excellence. The superior quality (cleverness) of Shakespeare's writing eludes the average reader because of their limited encounters with great writings. Training yourself to recognize fine wines is a long (albeit enjoyable) process as well. You must experience a great number of well-made wines and thereby learn to recognize quality wines.

 

All that said, this Cabernet is a "delightful, sensory experience." I sampled the Starmont 2008 from Napa Valley at a recent wine tasting. It was a delicate yet full bodied dry red with dark cherry and plum flavors.  This Cab is gently oaked with a smooth, lingering finish.  I prefer the softer cabs, and the Starmont 2008 is definitely supple and tantalizingly tasteful. You can find it for around $25.00 in the St. Louis area. If you are willing to spend more than $20, this is well worth the additional money. Thanks for picking this one, Jody!

Now Certified by the U. S. Sommelier Association

I have just returned from taking the level 1  Immersion Course for Sommelier Certification offered at Wente Vineyards in California by the U. S. Sommelier Association. What an experience! After weeks of study, previewing course materials, and reading a wonderful wine course by Kevin Zraly, I went to California for the course feeling pretty well prepared for the challenge. 

In 5 1/2 days, however, I learned an amazing amount of additional information and tasted an incredible array of wines from all over the world. It's often said, "I now know enough to know how much I have yet to learn."  It's true!  The rich history of wine has so many dimensions -- from viticulture to vinification to terroir to aging -- that it is wonderfully exhausting to begin to delve into the great wines of the world. I tasted wines from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Argentina, and, of course, the United States -- many varietals, various processing, difference ages. Fascinating! I have learned so much! And met others who are passionate about wine.  Life is too short to drink bad wine.

 I am proud to say I passed the exam -- both written and blind tasting -- and now begin a new era in my blogging career -- as a Certified Sommelier. I hope to write even more valuable entries going forward.