Preparing for the Master of Wine Blind Tasting Exam, My Step by Step Guide

[@fabienwagnon5403]

Another great video ,, love the breakdown of the tasting, the explanation, please keep them coming.thank you for sharing your knowledge !

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Hi Fabien, I’m glad to read that you enjoyed the video. Your comment is much appreciated.

[@niftyorca]

Amazing content as always! I find it really helpful to watch you go through the blind tasting process with your analytical train of thought. It helps me improve my own blind tasting process. Please do more of these videos 😉

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Thank you for the good word. Several people have asked for more videos like this one. I’ll do more, but the next will maybe have a different twist to it. Cheers. 🍷

[@joaodealmeida26]

If previously I gave you a harsh comment, now I give you the full compliments on the genuine type of content you're providing here :) I also noticed, like you said, the older videos were different. Well done, congrats.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

KZbin has been an interesting experience. I appreciate your sincere feedback. Thanks for the good word.

[@juanmanuelmunozhernandez7032]

What a journey it must be... both a lifetime challenge and a chance to truly become a master of the trade; what a dream! One factor I've seen repeated in many MW's who talk about their exam is how important a disciplined approach is. Gotta take good note of that!

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

It’s been a fun ride, mostly! Discipline with consistent study habits was a key for me. Thanks for supporting my channel.

[@Matt_Bykowski]

Interesting. I'm glad you did all the work and share your knowledge because I wouldn't have a prayer. Looking forward to some more value wine reviews. Cheers.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Thanks Matthew, there will be more wine value videos before too long.

[@mbos4115]

Sounds like an amazing journey, and super challenging. If I am able to get pass this diploma program, will definitely consider this route! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Thanks for posting a comment. Good luck with the Diploma!

[@gogreenmsu03]

Great video. I’ve considered formal wine training (not MW level!), but ultimately haven’t been able to justify the time commitment for something that amounts to a hobby. I enjoy learning about other people’s experiences, though.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Thank you. Over the last several weeks, there were a surprising number of requests for a video about the tue MW blind tasting.

[@whiskyboi312]

This is an awesome breakdown of the process! Thank you so much for sharing Mr. Paulinski! I always enjoy how you present information in a very relaxed way without giving off an aura of prentiousness that some wine writers can accidentally fall into sometimes. Its a breath of fresh air! Keep up the good work and if you ever make it to Canada someday I should definitely get you some fun Canadian wines to try! Cheers!

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I appreciate the support. I detest the pretentious side of wine. I strive to be the antithesis of that. It’s good to hear that you can see that! I’m long overdue for a trip to Canada. Which part of Canada are you in? I’ve visited wineries in Ontario years ago. I’d like to visit Okanagan.

[@whiskyboi312]

​​@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine I'm in Ontario! Sadly don't have much experience in B.C. wine but i hear the landscapes and scenery are out of this world! Which wineries in Ontario did you have a chance to visit?

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

@@whiskyboi312 It’s been awhile, Reif, Peller and Jackson Triggs, as I recall.

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Niiiiiccee rundown Bob! I have several friends going through the process atm.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Much appreciated. Thanks for the good word!

[@baggrabb]

Gosh, awesome video. Loved getting some background on your way into wine. I can see why you took on the MW challenge and prevailed! Fun fact: more people have gone into space (+/-570) than have passed the MW exam! I actually like blind tasting, not because I pretend to be able to identify the wine as you did, but simply to take all the marketing stuff out of the picture and focus on what's in the glass. Question: I was amazed at how much you got right in the pinot blanc example you did live. To me it seems like the intra-region similarities could be easily overwhelmed by the inter-estate differences in how the grape is grown and handled, and how the wine is made. I'm curious how much getting everything right in a blind tasting is a combination of skill and a bit of luck. Keep up the great work!

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Bruce, I’ve heard the more people have gone into space bit. Nowadays, going into space is commonplace! As for blind tasting, there are good and bad days. I find if I second guess myself, its usually wrong. I try to avoid making the wine fit by justifying it. That’s a formula for failure. Through funneling, its possible to eliminate a lot of things a wine cannot be. Then it’s a matter of connecting the pieces to reach a final conclusion. I rarely hit a wine out of the park, except for the bankers. Blind tasting isn’t a parlor game. Can’t tell you how many times someone has approached me at a social event with a glass to ask me to identify it. As for luck, I’ll take it when I can! 😂

[@silasmoser301]

Thank you so much for all the content you make. I really appreciate it.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Silas, thanks for the good word. I appreciate your support.

[@mcwine18]

“No, she’s not my ex because of the MW program.” 💀💀💀 how did you know some of us were thinking that LOL Another solid vid, thank you

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Hahaha! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mms4382]

Why are you ruling out other regions that grow Pinot Blanc and narrow it down to Italy and France? Is it the taste and wine making style or the availability on the market? There are Weissburgunder Premier Cru and Grand Cru (or 1L / GG) from Germany near Alsace where producers try similar styles of PB.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

It’s a bit of both. PB from Alsace often has a lusher component, often with a bit of sweetness. Alto Adige would typically be fermented completely dry with higher acidity. In terms of availability, there are very few German options available where I’m located. Truth be told, it’s not top of mind due to the limited options. If it were an actual exam, you’re correct, it would be fair game and therefore should at least be considered.

[@grantbronconnier4682]

Very helpful and interesting video thank you!

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Glad to hear it! 🍷

[@danielescalante304]

Wow, very, very good video, thanks

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@lauracanna2201]

Hi Bob, I always thought it was weird too the way some sommeliers or MW swirl the wine around loudly in their mouths and now you confirmed it too however I'm not sure I understood how you enter the air in when you taste your way? Do you just take a sip of wine and at the same time try to suck air in, or do you take a sip first, then try to suck some air in? Sorry for being so OCD pedantic, but I would like to improve my technique as I'm not a fun of big noises that I see around internet 😁 thank you for this video❤

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Hi Laura, I thought about editing that bit out of the video, but then decided to leave it in as this crazy swooshing thing is over the top. For me, I’ll take a sip of wine, hold it in my mouth and draw a bit of air through it. The drawn in air will fill the nasal cavity. Funny thing, I had to think about this because it’s second nature. I hope that helps.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Try it, let me know how it goes. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@lauracanna2201]

Yes, it does, thanks 😊 and thank you for not editing that part out of the video as I loved it 😀

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

@@lauracanna2201 I could make a good blooper video from all of the bits edited out. 😂

[@ronjohnson6406]

My guess, at 15:01 before you reveal. Sancerre.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Hi Ron, it lacked acidity and the herb/citrus thing for Sancerre. Sounds like I need to do a better job with the descriptors! 😂

[@ronjohnson6406]

@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine I need to drink more Pinot Blanc, so I have a better memory for what they taste like. I should have noted that lack of "Crisp" that Sauvignon blanc has. You videos do help. Thanks Bob.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

@@ronjohnson6406 Follow your advice, drink more PB! 😂

[@JohnAmidon-c6r]

👍👍

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Good! 🍷

[@angthanhat5109]

Do you have to learn about WSET before learning MW? If yes then can you make a video about the process of learning WSET 4 Diploma, because I think MW is too far away for me. sorry if it's not true.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

For many people, they complete the WSET diploma, then enter the MW program. Over the years, I’ve had several WSET diploma persons as students. I suggest going to the MW website. It details the program entrance specifics. As for being too far away, the MW program holds courses in many countries. Where are you located?

[@angthanhat5109]

@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine I live in Vietnam, in Southeast Asia. I just learned and researched about WSET for a few weeks. So this is still a long way to go. I find your KZbin channel very attractive and provide a lot of useful knowledge for me. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

[@carlcadregari7768]

Another great video. So interesting, the whole funnel process. I thank you for sharing. I enjoy blind tasting as long as I can see the labels….🤣🤣🤣. Enjoyed a sparkling Nebbiolo tonight.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

@@angthanhat5109 The major wine courses nearest you would be in Hong Kong. Occasionally there events in Singapore. Fortunately, remote there are many learning options. I’m glad you’re enjoying my channel.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

@@carlcadregari7768 Sparkling Nebbiolo! That’s off the beaten path!

[@garganega]

Sorry but that French MW lost all my work to eject me from the program. In front of some young women I had the temerity to ask if he had climbed any Sierra Nevada mountains. I asked London for a new mentor. They told me to sit on a cork. I was working in California winery at the time. My boss thought it was funny.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

Oh no! Maybe I should’ve been your mentor!

[@garganega]

@@bobpaulinskimasterofwine The winery years taught me to taste for flaws and production style/resources so it isn't quite germane to your work. Lots of blending sessions and tasting pre-malolactic, in barrel, etc. Cold lonely mornings stirring lees. Battling yellow jackets cleaning water traps. Cleaning everything. My mentor didn't know what sodium percarbonate was. There was a lady MW leading a lecture who had never heard of yeast nutrients. So my boss (Enology degree from Fresno State) told me to let it go. Thanks.

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

@@garganega I don’t know what to say, but oh my. Yes, best to let it go.

[@_d0ser]

So how'd you meet your current squeeze? Why did you and your ex split up? Now we need the full background video! Who are you really!

[@bobpaulinskimasterofwine]

😂🤣😂 Good one, I burst out laughing. Who knows. I might be in a witness protection program!