A Magical Night with Master Sommeliers
This week, something amazing happened that I didn’t see coming. At Southern Smoke’s Decanted fundraiser last year, we auctioned off a night at our house where I would make snacks and all the master sommeliers in Houston would bring a bottle that meant something special to them. I didn’t think all seven of Houston’s master sommeliers would be able to find one night that they would all be available, given how busy they are.
The Rarity of Master Sommeliers
To become a Master Sommelier, one must pass the Advanced exam, be invited or recommended to sit the exam, and have typically worked in the industry for at least 10 years. The exam covers all aspects of the world and industry of wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, and hospitality from a business, service, and philosophical approach. The typical pass rate at the Master Sommelier exam is around 3–8 percent of applicants. Currently, there are 279 Master Sommeliers in the world, and seven work and live in Houston.
A Night to Remember
The night finally came, and it was magical. Each of the master sommeliers brought a bottle that meant something emotional to them. It’s not often that you get to see seven people at the top of their chosen careers open up their thoughts, hearts, and cellars to find one bottle that means something special to them. They came together not just for a fun night, but also to support the Southern Smoke Foundation, which is working to change the food and beverage industry.
The Wines of the Night
Each master sommelier brought a unique wine to the dinner. Guy Stout brought his own wine, Stout Cabernet 2014, and Kyla, a pet-nat made from Syrah and Tempranillo. Julie Dalton brought a Donnhoff Dellchen 2016 GG, a dry Riesling that she believes is perfect for cutting through rich and salty foods. Keith Goldston brought a 2013 Olivier Bernstein Les Cazetiers, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru, France, a little red Burgundy that he loves. Brandon Kerne brought three wines, including a St Aubin Derriere Chez Edouard Haute Densite Hubert Lamy 2021, a 1989 Chateau Pape Clement, and a 2022 Joannes Violot-Guillemard Aux Clous, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru, France. Steven McDonald brought a 2012 Ca’ Brusa Bricco San Pietro Vigna d’Vai, a great example of a Barolo Riserva. Jack Mason brought a Guilio Ferrari 2002, a 100 percent Chardonnay aged over 10 years on the lees. June Rodil brought two wines, a 2007 Albert Morot Beaune Les Marconnets and a Champagne Diebolt-Vallois ‘Fleur de Passion’ 2013.
Conclusion
The night was a testament to the passion and dedication of the master sommeliers in Houston. It was a unique opportunity to see these experts share their knowledge and love of wine with each other and with me. I hope that this experience will inspire others to explore the world of wine and to support the Southern Smoke Foundation, which is doing important work in the food and beverage industry. Whether you’re a wine expert or just starting to learn, there’s always something new to discover, and with the guidance of a master sommelier, your next wine tasting experience could be truly magical.
