A large gap in posts and posts to be provided less frequently only means one thing.  I am totally in the midst of studying for another turn at passing the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination, which I’ll sit for in early July, back in Texas. My life in Portland is working six nights a week: three at Noisette [French, fine dining] and three at Biwa [Izakaya, high volume, casual].  I enjoy the dichotomy between these two jobs, and I’m thankful for working only nights as my days are free to study.  My head’s down, tackling the material, spending more hours each day than I have in years past. This might all sound frenetic, but it’s oddly comforting [if not all too familiar]. I did have a great autumn break from the rigors, so I feel really good and lucid.

I’m also part of a weekly tasting group with some gifted somms. The last wine I blinded was this 1992 Jos. Christoffel, Jr. Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese from the Mosel.  Although I concluded properly on region, country and varietal, I TOTALLY missed the mark on vintage and sweetness level. The wine was super spritzy like a fresh wine, but deep in color like a white of age. I went down the wrong path and called it young Kabinett! Embarrassing, for sure, but a fine learning experience all the same. Thank you, Ole Thompson for presenting such a great wine!

Anthony Garcia
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