Last night’s Wine Scholars gathering felt like the perfect way to close out the year—equal parts competitive blind tasting, relaxed conversation, and shared discovery.
A Hillside Setting to Remember
Randy hosted us high on the hillside at his beautiful home, and even though we just missed the sunset, the atmosphere made up for it. The weather was absolutely flawless—cool, calm, and perfect for tasting—and Randy elevated the evening with a delicious cheese and charcuterie board that set the tone for what became one of our most enjoyable sessions of the year.
Six White Wines, Three Teams, One Blind Challenge
This time, we presented six white wines in a blind format. Here’s what the teams were up against:
Rieslingfreak No. 3 Riesling (Australia)
Dönnhoff Riesling (Germany)
Guigal Condrieu (France – Viognier)
Rieussec Bordeaux Blanc (France – Sauvignon/Sémillon blend)
Alban Vineyards Viognier (California)
Brokenwood ILR Reserve Semillon (Australia)
The wines represented a mix of regions, styles, and structure — which made them fun, but also deceptively tricky.
Three teams competed, and although everyone struggled at moments, two teams ultimately performed impressively well. It was exactly the kind of friendly competition Wine Scholars is built for.
The 100-Point Wine of the Night
The star of the evening was the German Riesling (Dönnhoff).
Sweet, lifted, beautifully aromatic, and impeccably balanced — it earned the unofficial but much-celebrated 100-point score of the night. Even guests who usually don’t lean toward sweeter profiles loved it. It was the kind of wine that pulls everyone into the same moment.
A Fun Twist to End the Tasting
To wrap things up, we revealed a final surprise:
An Old World Pinot Noir poured side-by-side with a New World Pinot from Argentina — made by an Old World winemaker.
It was a playful way to test assumptions and spark conversation, and the group really enjoyed the contrast. After six whites, the red flight felt like a well-timed curveball.
Closing Out the Year on a High Note
As the evening slowed, conversations stretched out and the group settled into that relaxed, content rhythm that only good wine and good company can create.
It truly felt like a celebration — not just of the wines, but of the community that has formed around Wine Scholars this year.
A big thank-you to Randy for hosting, and to everyone who joined us.
Here’s to more discovery, more learning, and many more unforgettable tastings in the year ahead.
Cheers to next year!
