Color, Bouquet, Palate

What is the value in a Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals? That is a question quite often asked of me.

First, it takes a panel of judges from various parts of the wine industry that understand the characteristics and nuances of the wine varietals crafted from all of the Oregon AVA’s.

Each judge must be able to taste and judge the wine individually based on the following requirements:

• Ability to value the color
• Decipher the scents or bouquet
• Distinguish what they are tasting in the palate
• The ability to taste 75-80 wines in one day
• Skill to be able to award a Gold, Silver and Bronze medal

Prior to the beginning of tasting the panel discusses the meaning of a
Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal using the instructions below:

Gold – Exceptional Example of its type and style
Silver – Outstanding Example of its type and style
Bronze - Very Good Example of it type and style, with out any flaws

Recently a member of our panel for 2009, Dixie Huey of Trellis Wine Consulting wrote on her blog her favorite wines. In reviewing the list it reminded me how each person's palate is unique.

Please visit www.trelliswineconsulting.com for the complete list.

I would be interested to hear how you taste and evaluate the wines that you are enjoying!