M O ND IAL E 7 wines and crafted beverages through a written exam, a service test, and a blind tasting. Vying for the national title were david Castleberry (hawaii/Pacific islands); ian Cauble (Pacific northwest); allyson gorsuch (midwest); Jacob gragg (south Central); alexander laPratt (northeast); Barrett ludy (mid-atlantic); reno Professionnel du Vin Brian lee szatkowski (Far West); and Professionnel du Vin Brandon tebbe (southwest). master sommelier dimitri mesnard—chairman of the international Court of master sommeliers—flew in from london to serve as lead judge. the other eight judges were last year’s national winner Boston Professionnel du Vin michael meagher, domaine serene general manager allan Carter, Foundation Chair/grand echanson honoraire shelly margolis, grand echanson Pozzi, Vice echanson national Wortman, Charlotte Vice echanson Brad Johnston, south Central echanson Provincial Jack sorcic, and southwest echanson Provincial Charlie Bennett. While the young sommeliers took the grueling all-day exam, we were off exploring the countryside. to better appreciate the experience and skill of local vintners, we visited the area’s finest wineries for tastings, where we learned more about the viticulture and terroir of the valley. Of course, many great restaurants were nearby, and we enjoyed some of the wines with lunch. anticipation mounted as we awaited the announcement of the competition winner later that day. at the reception before the gala dinner that evening, grand echanson Pozzi announced the results. earning the bronze medal was southwest candidate Professionnel du Vin Brandon tebbe, who hails from Colorado springs. the silver medal went to northeast representative alexander laPratt from new york City. Winning the gold medal and title of “2011 Best young sommelier” was ian Cauble of the Pacific northwest region. mr. Cauble is the wine director at the ritz-Carlton in half moon Bay, California—his home state. his culinary and oenological interests were sparked while he was a student at sonoma state University, where he studied international business with an emphasis on wine. he also VOLUME 2 2011 7 National Young Sommelier contestants: Brandon Tebbe, Brian Lee Szatkowski, Allyson Gorsuch, Jacob Gragg , David Castleberry, Ian Cauble and Barrett Ludy. 8 Gold-medal winner/PNW regional contestant Ian Cauble. 9 MW regional contestant Allyson Gorsuch. 10 H/PI regional contestant David Castleberry and Judge/ Domaine Serene General Manager Allan Carter. 11 Owner John Peacock of Lachini Vineyards. 8 9 10 11 PHOTOS BY CINDY EISENMENGER GASTRONOME 37 previous page next page