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Drew Hendricks of Charlie Palmer Dallas passes test to become master sommelier

by Teresa Gubbins

He had to identify wines' region, varietal, vintage, and quality level in a blind tasting.

Drew Hendricks, sommelier of Charlie Palmer Dallas, passed his exam on Saturday at Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg, Calif. to become Master Sommelier.

According to the Web site, "as of 2007 there are fewer than 80 people in the United States and 125 in the world who have attained the designation of Master Sommelier".

Hendricks called his employer from California where he took the test on Saturday to jubilantly confirm that he'd passed. The test requires the applicant to identify six wines in a blind tasting within a 24-minute period based on region, varietal, vintage, and quality level.

Acquiring one's certification has become an increasingly popular pursuit; the number of Master Sommeliers in the U.S. has doubled since 2000. Hendricks joins Barbara Werley, the new sommelier at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse (she replaced Hendricks after he left for Charlie Palmer); and Guy Stout, the Houston-based corporate director of beverage education for Glazer's.

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Worzel_Gummidge, says:

Hard to believe it, but I managed to get an advance copy of the 2008 written exam! Here are the questions:

1) We frequently hear that winemakers are vinifying for soft tannins. Which statement more accurately describes Cabernet Sauvignon consumption patterns in Texas: a) Buy it, drive home, drink it; b) Buy it, drink it, drive home;

2) What percentage new French oak is used in Thunderbird?

3) First date with a hottie who says she used to be a sommelier at Hooters. What will relax her quickest?

a) Dom Perignon; b) 1977 Taylor Fladgate Port; c) Jose Cuervo Gold;

4) If Rachel Ray were a wine she'd be Two Buck Chuck at a case discount. Discuss.

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2 years, 1 month ago
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bobdon000, says:

Congrats to Drew in obtaining this prestigious and well-deserved designation.

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2 years, 1 month ago
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amy robinson, says:

Congrats to Drew! This is an incredible honor; one not many in the U.S. hold.

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2 years, 1 month ago
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FoodCzar, says:

Worzel_Gummidge, I'm sorry I've been floating out there for the last few days, but I'm ready to take your version of the 2008 Master Sommelier exam. Here Goes Nothing:

1.Cab comsumption patterns in Texas: Answer: C: Buy it, drink it, drink it, drink it, drink it, smash!!! (sound of bottle thrown into fireplace). BTW, here in Texas, Cab is most usually bought in the magnum or box units:

% of French Oak used in T-Bird: Answer: Why don't you ask Kim Wilson, lead singer and harpist extraordinaire of the Fabulous Thunderbirds? (A great band, especially live!),
What will relax the Hooters sommelier the quickest? Answer: D. A Dallas Cowboy's Super Bowl Ring!
Essay Question: Personification of Rachel Ray as Two Buck Chuck at a Case Discount. Briefly I thought of taking the Semiotic Phenomonological Perspective in the strictly Pluralist sense, mind you, but decided all attempts at partial sanity were beyond the pale, as I spotted once again the cover of the most recent D Magazine, and instead decided to respond thus: If Rachel Ray is Discounted Two-Buck Chuck, then Casey Thompson is First Growth Bordeaux!!! Yes, No??????