Charlie Palmer Sommelier Drew Hendricks Earns Master Status
You remember Drew Hendricks. He’s the sommelier who, with the help of Four Seasons Sommelier James Tidwell, started the Texas SommelierConference. He also recently left Pappas Bros. to join Charlie Palmer at the new downtown Dallas location. Anyway, the big news–he passed the Court of Master Sommeliers‘ grueling blind tasting on Sunday at the Hotel Healdsburg in California. He is the third master in Texas. The other two are Guy Stout in Houston and Barbara Werley in Dallas, who took Drew’s spot at Pappas in 2007. Congratulations, Drew. What an accomplishment. He now joins less than 90 masters in the United States and about 125 worldwide. Sunday’s test was strictly the blind tasting. In 25 minutes, candidates must name and identify six wines including, the aromas, sight, flavors, origin, and varietal–then pass by at least 75 percent. He passed the service and theory sections two years ago. Guy Stout and James Tidwell were also in California for the master exams, the trio dined at Dry Creek Kitchen on Sunday night and drank Seghesio Arneis and Zinfandel. Stop by Charlie Palmer to congratulate him. He is now officially a worldwide wine celebrity.
2 Comments to “Charlie Palmer Sommelier Drew Hendricks Earns Master Status”
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The Seghesio Arneis is rather tasty. I’d say it is one of the better productions of Arneis that I have tasted. Now which of their Zins did they drink? There are so many that they produce, including their Old Vine, Home Ranch, etc. The Omaggio and Venom are quite good too. If you ever get your hands on Marian’s Reserve, that is really smooth, easy drinking blend of Zin, Carignan and Petit Syrah.
Here is the real question: did Rachel Ann Seghesio let Guy and James try their Aglianico? That is an incredible wine, which I wish they would sell to their Centennial Club members. I’d buy a few cases of it.
For those who haven’t been to Healdsburg, go…just go. Hotel Healdsburg is right in the middle of the town. Dry Creek Kitchen is a Charlie Palmer restaurant that has some of the best food in the area, which says a lot. The bar manager there, (I forget her name), is an East Texas girl…she also works at a nearby winery, where she aims to be a winemaker someday.
Healdsburg is what Napa and Sonoma were years ago. It is a great location to hit the Green Valley, then Alexander and Anderson valleys. If that still doesn’t trigger a thought, then you should know that the Russian River Valley is there too…ummm, Pinot Noir anybody????
I’m in awe of those who earn this status! I’m curious about the number of people who get to the blind tasting, but don’t pass it…anyone know? If you fail, can you try again…how soon?