You Be the Judge

By Kathy Ward with Andria Bovey

Yes, you can be a wine judge!

Haven't you always wanted to know how a wine critic critiques? And what's inside a wine judging?

The October program is your chance to walk through the same steps that professional wine judges take to determine award winners. If you're new to Enological Society tastings, come build your skills. Seasoned members can expand their foundation and challenge their expertise. Whatever your level of wine enjoyment, this unique program is a superb opportunity for everyone to get a peek at what goes on behind the scenes of a wine competition.

Moderator Peter Marschalk, a longtime member of the Society who has organized Northwest wine judgings, will lead us through an evening of detailed tasting. First we'll call on all our senses to explore the color, nose, flavor and taste sensations of wine - the basics. Then he also will guide us through the standard procedures wine experts use to choose standouts within a varietal selection. A packet of reference material and note sheets to use and take home will make this easy and enjoyable.

Midway in our exploration, we'll pause for something to eat. A Mediterranean medley it will be, catered by Central Market Shoreline. This will also be chat time to share your notes with others at the table. The social aspect of wine tasting blends a collection of opinions, an essential mix in wine appreciation.

Onward to employing these new wine tasting talents, we'll apply the aptitude to a blind sampling of whites and reds. Wine bottles will be covered, with labels not revealed until later in the evening, after forming opinions. Tasting three white wines, you will simply decide either "retain" or "eliminate" on each. In a red flight, we'll go a step further determining which "keepers" might get a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal. At least one selection in each flight did receive an award at this year's Northwest Food & Wine Festival. See if your selection matches.

During dessert we'll poll the audience for conclusions and comments. Remember, though, your pick will always be the right one. Justin Meyer, founder of Silver Oak Cellars in Napa Valley and author of "Plain Talk About Fine Wine" sums it up best: The key to wine enjoyment is having confidence in your own choices.

Join us for this fun You Be the Judge program on October 11 at the St. Demetrios Cultural Center in Seattle. Doors open at 7 p.m. Be prompt if you want to sit with friends. Empty seats can be held only until 7:20, then ushers must fill in all empty spaces at tables.

Bring an open mind and interest in learning to taste and score wine. Also bring three wine glasses so that you can comparison taste all three wines in each flight. Plastic cups will be provided, or you can purchase logo wine glasses at the event. Also have a pen or pencil to make notes.

Cost for the program is $10 for members and $15 for guests. New members who join the night of the program receive a complimentary wine glass.