So we meet again, MW Exam

It has been just over a month since I sat the MW exam, so I've had some time to process, take a break, and think about next steps. As always, I thought the exam was tough but fair. When I compare to last year, I think I maybe did slightly worse on the tasting, and slightly better on the theory (but alas, most likely not better enough to achieve a passing mark). Last year there were a few theory questions that caused me to panic, and a few instances where I had to choose a question that I didn't feel great about because there weren't any options I felt particularly confident in. Thankfully, that was not the case this year. My theory knowledge has definitely gotten stronger through this process. I think moving forward I need to focus on having more global examples, and some more specific data figures. Tasting was a bit more hit or miss. I struggled with timing during P1 -- usually not a weakness for me, but somehow I ran over time on a few wines at the beginning and couldn't catch up, causing me to leave a few blanks...a big no-no for this exam. P2 and P3 went better.

Last year, I didn't really know anyone else sitting the exam, so while I debriefed with a friend after, we didn't compare notes. This time around, I had a fellow study group member sitting the exam with me, so there was more post-exam discussion. We were tasting pretty similarly that week -- so in the end, a lot of the same mistakes (and correct answers, too, it is worth mentioning). The wines were revealed a week later -- you can view the exam wines and questions here. Last year I did better overall on correctly identifying the wines, but I was preeeeeetty close across the board -- I think fewer total left field answers. One advantage of this year was that of experience -- I've done this before, I know I can make it through four rigorous days of exams, and I had an idea of how I'd feel throughout -- comfort in the known!

In the end, I can dwell on it all I want, but it's done. Results will be out early September and we'll go from there. As I kind of mentioned earlier, I don't think I picked up any passes this go around, which puts me in a tight spot for next time -- you have to pass at least one section within your first three attempts, or you're asked to leave the program. Right now, my plan is to defer this academic year. As a MW candidate, you have one opportunity to defer (basically, sit out the year) without losing your spot in the program. I want the time to recover financially, have some extra PTO to spend time with friends and family, and try to recapture my passion for the pursuit. I am also enrolled in a couple of online enology classes this fall, which is partly for my job but will also continue to shore up my theory knowledge. I hope to continue studying and tasting -- I don't want to set myself back -- but without the pressure of an upcoming exam. We'll see once results are out...

My annual, nonnegotiable pre-exam Sonoma coast trip, plus some Napa glamour shots.

I also wanted to make a brief, non-MW related aside. This year I entered the 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator Awards. This was the first time I'd entered a wine writing competition, and I was surprised and honored to find out last month that I'd made the longlist. Finalists were announced this week, and while I am not among them, I want to say a big congrats to those that are -- some familiar names and faces, including fellow MW students -- all well deserved!

Currently listening to: lots of summer beach vibes

Currently drinking: Hampton Water