Fredric Koeppel, friend and unexcelled tasting-note writer, offers his interesting and valid critical perspective on big wine competitions on his site.
As his latest feature article, "Judging Wines, Reserving Judgment," makes plain, winemakers who tout their gold and silver medals are a lot like those parents whose bumper stickers proclaim: "My child is an honor student at Hillside Elementary School." Along with every other kid who actually showed up.
Of course, blind tastings can have their surprises and upsets. It's nice that FK and his panel did award the Gold to some wines that were far less expensive than their aureate peers.
Still, there must be a better way. Any idea as to what that might be?
Hey, Terry, thanks for the plug and the reefer. That piece, which I posted this weekend, has brought a lot of readers to the site and some controversy, especially about my assertion that it's impossible to evaluate white wines seriously when they're tasted at room temperature. Well, the term I used was "warm," which was perhaps a bit extreme and brought a response and protest from competition director Robert Whitley. Still, by the time you taste through 12 chardonnays served even slightly chilled they're going to all be at room temperature, a situation that shows white wines at their least attractive. Robert asked me not to append his comments to my story (which I offered to do), but I am going to add to the piece and perhaps provide more perspective on the issues.
Posted by: Fredric Koeppel | April 26, 2006 at 10:38 AM
I just want it on the record that I have never provided Fredric Koeppel with REEFERS.
cc: A. Gonzalez, Washington, DC
Posted by: Terry Hughes | April 26, 2006 at 10:54 AM
All kidding aside, I will be keenly interested in your followups. Thanks for the detailed comment.
Posted by: Terry Hughes | April 26, 2006 at 04:48 PM