ANNUAL REVIEW 2014 – 2015

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Contents04

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Message from the Chairman (Sarah Jane Evans MW)

Review of the Year (Penny Richards, Executive Director)

New Masters of Wine

IMW North America President’s Review (Doug Frost MW)

Events and Trips

Outreach

Institute Awards

Education Report (Cathy Van Zyl MW)

Chief Examiner’s Report (John Hoskins MW)

Seminar Reports

Awards and Bursaries

Supporters

Honorary Treasurer’s Report (Laura Evans MW)

Institute officers and staff

Obituaries

© August 2015 The Institute of Masters of Wine

Cover illustration by Auguste Vuillamot (1883-1970) reproduced by kind permission of Neil Tully MW

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It’s the nature of Annual Reports to shout out the headlines, and highlight only the award winners. I’d like to recognise here the achievements of so many Masters of Wine who have made this year such a success and are not named in person or pictured on these pages. As the Institute grows, we have to take care not to lose sight of individual members. Without your contribution - their contribution - across the world we would not be in such a good place today.

This coming year brings a decision on the city that will host Symposium 2018; the celebration of a new cohort of MWs in November; the launch and initial implementation of our five year strategic plan; a probable move to new offices; and plenty more to excite and engage. Enjoy the journey with us! And now turn over to the Introduction from Penny Richards, our Executive Director.

Sarah Jane Evans MW Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine

Message From the ChairmanDear Members and friends of the Institute, Welcome to our 2015 Annual Report, which covers the activities of the Institute of Masters of Wine from September 2014 to August 2015.

This is a document that looks back over the astonishing range of a single year of IMW activities internationally. It’s an impressive portfolio of activities from San Francisco (US) to Wellington (NZ) and from Valdeorras (Spain) to Alto Adige (Italy). I urge you to pour a glass of good wine and settle down to savour the energy, creativity and inspiration of the Masters of Wine shown in these pages.

As these pages show this has been an exceptional year for building our networks and demonstrating our relevance to the wider world. With the assistance of our valued Supporters worldwide and the hard work of the Executive Office we have been able to reach out to more prospective students, talk to more members of the wine industry, attend more wine trade events and explain our mission of excellence, interaction and learning.

At the same time this has been an important year internally. As the Chief Examiner notes on page 36, there has been a special focus on the Study Programme and the first examination of the Research Paper. As I write, it’s too early to comment on the results of the RP. But what I can say at this stage is that candidates have – as we hoped they would – taken the opportunity to submit papers of varied and interesting kinds, asking questions and exploring issues across the world of wine. The Institute of Masters of Wine is about celebrating our diversity, not uniformity.

This year there were also changes to the Study Programme ensuring that students sat the First Year Assessment in person, and that they spent no more than two years before sitting the closed book examination. At the same time the pass mark for entrance was raised. These may seem like details, but collectively they and other changes will ensure that students join us only when they are ready, and that they progress through the Study Programme as efficiently and successfully as possible.

Sarah Jane Evans

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Review of the YearDear Members and friends, It’s been another year of record numbers; the highest number of applicants in the Institute’s history, the largest student body ever, and the most candidates sitting the MW Examination.

These successful numbers have come despite the introduction of increased rigour during the original application process and a stronger filter at the end of the First year of the study programme. These new measures have been introduced to make sure we have the best students possible, and they all have a strong chance of becoming Masters of Wine.

We remain determined to make as many of our processes as clear and transparent as possible, and this year there has been much work on improving the information available for everyone involved in the Study Programme. We have also stepped up outreach activities, to reach as many great prospective MWs as possible. A lot of this has been led by Olivier Chapman, our new Programme and Development Manager, and his team. Their past experience in educational institutes and membership organisations has been invaluable.

There have been new events this year too, which reflect the vibrancy of the Institute. Australasian MWs held their first annual industry dinner, with 100 attendees, the first 21 Club celebrations took place in New Zealand, and we hosted a highly praised ‘Masters of Winemaking’ tasting at Prowein in Düsseldorf, where Master of Wine winemakers served their own wines.

On a less positive note we have seen large number of legal challenges to the Master of Wine title. As our reputation is enhanced yet further globally, we assume these threats will continue, but we are resolved to fight where possible, and build stronger legal protection worldwide.

As always a wonderful number of engaged and inspiring Members have driven or helped with every aspect of the Institute’s activities this year. Our Supporters, new and old, have also continued to show their commitment to the aims and values of the Institute. The IMW team is reminded daily of the passion and dedication of all MWs and Supporters and we are continually inspired and grateful.

Thank you.

Penny Richards Executive Director

Penny Richards

New Masters of WineThe Institute was delighted to welcome 11 new Masters of Wine into membership during the academic year 2014-15.

SEPTEMBER 2014

Natasha Hughes MW (UK)

Natasha is a freelance wine and food writer, consultant and educator. Her diverse career has included writing for some of the world’s most respected magazines and websites, consulting for the on-trade, businesses and private clients and hosting seminars and tastings for members of the trade and the public. Natasha also judges at wine competitions around the world.

Robin Kick MW (US)

Originally from Chicago, Robin works for fine wine trader, ARVI SA, in Lugano, Switzerland. Following studies at the Université du Vin in Suze-la-Rousse, France, she entered the wine trade in 1999. She is grateful to count Christie’s auction house and Burgundy-specialist, Goedhuis & Co. as previous employers who generously contributed to her education, knowledge and experience.

Anne Krebiehl MW (Germany)

Anne is a freelance wine writer and lecturer, based in London. Her work is published extensively in international trade and consumer publications. She lectures, particularly on German wine, consults for London restaurants and translates wine-related texts. Anne also judges at international wine competitions. She has harvested and helped to make wine in New Zealand, Germany and Italy. Anne becomes the fifth German Master of Wine, and is the second German woman after Caro Maurer MW to achieve the title.

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Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW (Canada)

Michelle is a London-based Italian-Canadian. She is a highly-respected wine lecturer, having taught since 2004 at the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). She has authored articles on wines, wine regions and wine-related events and is a frequent expert at major wine shows. Michelle is a Chair Judge for the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) and judges several other international competitions.

Nicholas Paris MW (US)

Nicholas currently resides in Connecticut and is the senior manager of education for the E. & J. Gallo Winery in the US. Since joining the wine industry, Nicholas has held a variety of positions on the retail, wholesale, auction and winery sides of the business. During his wine career, Nicholas has been very active in education, wine judging and travel, and speaks several languages proficiently.

Louise Sydbeck MW (Sweden)

Louise, who has lived in France for 20 years, has been involved in the wine trade since the start of her professional career. After working as sommelier and wine tour guide in Sweden and France she set up her own business with her husband in Antibes supplying wines to luxury yachts along the French Riviera. Louise is the third Swedish Master of Wine, joining Ulf Sjödin MW and Madeleine Stenwreth MW.

Rob MacCulloch MW (UK)

Rob MacCulloch MW’s first true encounter with wine was when he joined Oddbins in 1995 and encountered the heady highs and lows of all that an apprenticeship in Oddbins entailed. Thereafter he worked for Montana Wines in New Zealand, then in the UK for Hatch Mansfield, Bibendum Wines, and recently for Burgundy and Beaujolais specialists Domaine Direct. He is currently re-training for a career in Viticulture & Oenology and is also wine buying consultant for independent retailer Taurus Wines.

MARCH 2015

Patrick Schmitt MW (UK)

Patrick Schmitt is editor-in-chief at The Drinks Business. He also chairs the publication’s annual awards programme. Patrick has been shortlisted two years running for Editor of the Year in the business and professional magazine category for the British Society of Magazine Editors (BSME). Patrick studied Geography at Oxford University and Landscape Architecture at the University of Greenwich before a job on a horticultural trade journal took him into a career as a journalist.

Victoria Stephens-Clarkson MW (UK)

Victoria joined the wine trade in 2000, working for a Grande Marque Champagne house in Epernay. Since then she has worked as a buyer for Direct Wines and Liberty Wines. Her current position is Head of Buying for Atlas Fine Wines, in London. Victoria speaks several languages, and has spent considerable time travelling amongst wine regions, making wine and overseeing winemaking projects to complement her buying experience.

Miles Corish MW (Australia)

Miles originally moved to England from Sydney, Australia to play professional cricket. He is currently Managing Director of Bowland Forest Vintners, a wholesaler and retailer based in Lancashire. Miles is a WSET Educator, judges at wine competitions, consults for the on-trade and, whenever time allows, returns to the Hunter Valley in Australia to make wine under his own label.

Jennifer Docherty MW (Canada)

Jennifer Docherty was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. She left at 18 to study fashion design in New York, but has called London home since 2005. Her love of gastronomy originally led her to pursue part-time WSET wine courses, which inspired her to change career. She is a wine buyer for Liberty Wines and has previously worked in education, sales and fine wine buying. She speaks English, Mandarin and French.

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IMW North America – President’s ReportThe Institute of Masters of Wine–North America exists to enable the IMW to function effectively in North America.Over the last two years, the IMW-NA has focused upon determining its direction and goals, beyond expediting the activities of the IMW.

This has chiefly consisted of events that serve the goals of the IMW-NA and the IMW: increasing member participation and raising industry awareness of the IMW and its examinations.

The IMW-NA’s Mission Statement mirrors that of the IMW, as must seem appropriate to most members. On the other hand, the IMW-NA’s Strategic Plan reflects its relatively recent position in the North American wine trade, and the trade’s evolving awareness of the Master of Wine title and its relevance.

Public Relations

The IMW-NA has taken tentative steps towards utilizing a PR firm, Mia Malm Communications. But the vast majority of media and public communications have fallen upon the London office or upon Nancy Johnson, the North American administrator. Media enquiries are fielded by the London staff; enquiries related to the IMW-NA events are handled by Nancy.

IMW-NA Strategic Plans

The events devised and executed by the IMW-NA have helped secure a small but critical financial base for the group. Newer IMW members may not realize that in years past the IMW provided no funds to the IMW-NA for its activities and events; the IMW-NA devised these events in order to generate a small fund for its work and activities.

In the past year our events have provided a small surplus so that we are revenue neutral at worst, and see very small revenue gains at best, year on year. The Mission Statement goals, to increase member participation and trade visibility, are also furthered by these events. Under the leadership of Events Committee Chair Charles Curtis, these Events have increased in scope to include, and in the year ahead we will see even more, with a number already planned, like the eleventh Annual Champagne tasting and the Second Annual American Cabernet Tasting.

IMW Led Activities

The 2015 Residential Seminars were held in San Francisco. Thirty-three MWs and three IMW staff taught and advised the students, including nineteen First Year’s, twenty-seven Intermediates, twenty-nine Exam Preparatory Students and twelve “Practical Only” and one “Theory Only”.

Mentoring work is more active than ever and Mary Gorman McAdams MW and Nancy Johnson have been organizing Course Days on the coasts, with the participation of other MWs.

Summary

The IMW-NA continues to make measured growth in its membership and in its member involvement. There remain significant hurdles to its other stated goal of increasing its visibility in the fast paced and increasingly diverse North American marketplace. It remains a quiet though, it is hoped, respected entity in the North American wine community.

Doug Frost MW President, Institute of Masters of Wine–North America

Doug Frost MW

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Events & TripsEVENTS

17 September: Australian Icons Tasting, London

The Institute hosted an outstanding seminar in London in September, comparing the Cabernet Sauvignons of two top Australian producers: Wynns and Moss Wood. Both producers have wines rated in the ‘Exceptional’ category of the latest Langton’s Classification of Australian wine. Wynns’ viticulturist Allen Jenkins showed individual vineyard expressions of their top Coonawarra wines, including back vintages and of course, the John Riddoch Cabernet. By means of contrast, Keith and Clare Mugford of Moss Wood showed Margaret River Cabernet and Cabernet blends from both the current and the 2004 vintage. The 2004 vintage was tasted both under driven cork and screw cap.

Annette Scarfe MW, who organised the tasting, said: “This was a fascinating event, with great relevance in light of the new Langton’s Classification – the sixth – which came out earlier in the year. I really enjoyed the debate and tasting, and we were very fortunate in being joined by Allen Jenkins and Roy and Clare Mugford. Thank you very much to them for coming to talk to us.”

The seminar was followed by a walk-around tasting of iconic wines from Australia’s greatest winemakers. Both current and back vintages from producers in the Exceptional, Outstanding, and Excellent categories of Langton’s Classification were shown. Familiar Australian ‘First Growth’ names such as Penfolds, Leeuwin, Jim Barry, Rockford, and Henschke were bolstered by less well-known, but equally intriguing wines.

29 September: MW North America Annual Champagne Tasting, San Francisco

Charles Curtis MW wrote: “On 29 September, the IMW-NA hosted their tenth annual Champagne Tasting at the Ferry Plaza Building in San Francisco.

“95 champagnes were available for tasting, organized by category (non-vintage, vintage, rosé, blanc de blancs, and dosé styles). Among the champagnes on offer were the newest releases from the most important of the grande marque producers as well as many from independent growers from throughout the region, both well established and emerging in the U.S. market.

“The tasting was fully subscribed, with over 250 Masters of Wine, students, members of the trade and journalists attending. The response to the tasting was overwhelmingly positive, with journalist Alder Yarrow commenting ‘One of the ways I learned (and continue to learn) about Champagne was attending a tasting in San Francisco put on by the Institute for the Masters of Wine. Every fall the MWs come to town toting a bunch of top Champagnes from the big houses and the little grower-producers and let the public come in to taste them. I often spend every possible minute at this tasting.’

“Tasters clustered around the popular table where vintage champagnes were offered, but those tasters that did not circulate to the other tables missed some wonderful surprises. Emerging trends highlighted by the tasting include the continued move towards lower dosage and the burgeoning popularity of brut nature styles; the continued growth in the importance of recoltant-manipulant producers, particularly to the on-trade and specialty retail segments, and particularly the rich diversity of the category and the exciting trend of experimentation that makes this one of the world’s most thrilling wine regions.”

10 October: American Cabernets Tasting, London

Following the hugely successful American Cabernets tasting that was held earlier in 2014 in San Francisco, the European Events Committee was delighted to replicate the tasting in London. On 10 October at Trinity House there was a walkaround tasting of 88 American Cabernet Sauvignons.

Many of the wines were from Napa Valley, including the sub-AVAs of Atlas Peak, Calistoga, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Oak Knoll, Oakville, Rutherford, Spring Mountain, Saint Helena and Stag’s Leap District. Wineries representing Sonoma County and its AVAs Alexander Valley, Dry Creek and Sonoma Mountain were also present. Rounding out the California offerings were wines from Santa Cruz and Paso Robles. There was also a strong contingent of wines from Washington State and its AVAs: Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, Walla Walla and Yakima Valley as well as samples of very interesting wines from the North Fork of Long Island and Grand Valley (Colorado) and Monticello (Virginia).

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5 November: Annual Claret Tasting (2010), London

On 5 November the Institute’s Annual Claret tasting was held at Vintners’ Hall. The vintage presented was 2010 and as always only the first wines of the Grands Crus Classés properties of the Médoc, Sauternes and Barsac and their Right bank equivalents were shown. In total there were 100 wines.

Richard Bampfield MW wrote: “This year, we were privileged to show wines from the outstanding 2010 vintage, including an extensive range of Châteaux from all the major appellations and most of the Premier Grands Crus Classés. Nearly 200 people attended the tasting, including Masters of Wine, MW students, brokers, auctioneers, merchants and journalists - in essence a Who’s Who of the opinion leaders in fine wine, both from the UK and other European countries. Not surprisingly the wines provoked many smiles and much discussion: it is always fascinating to taste a vintage at this exciting stage of its development. A room is also set up for those who wish to taste the wines blind, an option taken up by an increasing number of tasters every year.

“For the first time, the Institute hosted a dinner the night before for Bordeaux proprietors attending the tasting and selected London merchants and luminaries - kindly organised at the Garrick Club by David Peppercorn MW. This was attended by Frédéric Castéja, Bérénice Lurton and Lucien Guillemet.”

26 November: Growers’ Champagne Tasting, London

One of the most notable trends in Champagne is the rise of grower champagnes. This Institute tasting, which was held at Trinity House, London, on 26 November, explored Champagne’s regionality via some of its finest up-and-coming growers.

The seminar-style tasting was introduced and moderated by Essi Avellan MW, editor of Fine Champagne magazine, who recently revised the multi-award winning new edition of Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne & Sparkling Wine.

The panel included Antoine Paillard, Champagne Pierre Paillard; Benoît Tarlant, Champagne Tarlant; Rodolphe Péters, Champagne Pierre Péters; and Michel Jacob and Isabelle Mathieu-Jacob, Champagne Serge Mathieu.

21 January: Claret Tasting (2010), San Francisco

The second annual Institute of Masters of Wine’s North America Claret Tasting was held at the Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco on January 21, 2015. This event, which was limited to members of the wine trade, mirrors the long-established Annual Claret Tasting in London and showcased wines from the Grands Crus Classés properties of the Médoc and their right bank equivalents.

In North America, as in London, the vintage to be tasted was 2010 - four years prior to the current year. The mixed start to the growing season with warm and good April weather prefacing violent May hailstorms and a cool rainy first half of June, followed by near perfect dry summer conditions, culminated in a 2010 vintage that shows as classic Bordeaux.

The 2010 vintage differs greatly in style to the 2009 vintage, with firmer tannins and higher acidity providing structured, powerful wines with great aging potential.

The North American Claret Tasting was designed as an educational experience rather than as a trade tasting, allowing US wine professionals the opportunity to taste a comprehensive range of crus classés from the most prestigious appellations of Bordeaux. The tasting was limited to 60 tickets to ensure that the wines were tasted in optimal conditions.

According to Nancy Johnson, the Institute’s North American Officer, it was a successful strategy: “We sold out weeks before the event, so that is always a good sign!”

Doug Frost MW, President of IMW-NA said: “My view of the vintage was largely confirmed: it’s an excellent vintage with far better aging potential than its peers (2009, 2005, et.al.). That said, it provides less immediate pleasure than either of those two aforementioned vintages. Many of the wines show spicy, even slightly green tannins; it will take time for some of the more nervous wines to unwind.”

10 February: Château Angélus Tasting, London

Richard Bampfield MW wrote: “In February, the IMW was delighted to welcome Hubert de Boüard to Trinity House to present a vertical tasting of wines from his family estate, Chateau Angélus. A healthy number of MWs, MW students, merchants, auctioneers and journalists attended.

“The tasting featured all vintages from 2005 to 2012 and finished with the 2000. The fidelity of the wines to their vintage was remarkable and, although it is invidious to pick wines out, the 2005 and 2008 were especially appreciated. The 2012 was the first vintage to indicate Angélus’s promotion to the status of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classe ‘A’.

“The audience made the most of the opportunity to ask questions and Hubert de Boüard was happy to address a wide range of issues such as organics/biodynamics, yield, the growing popularity of old vine Cabernet Franc, use of consultants, his own consultancies and, of course, the forthcoming campaign for the 2014 vintage.

“He showed himself to be hugely knowledgeable, authoritative, open and keen to learn the lessons from each new vintage. Both he and Angélus will have made many new friends.”

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15-16 March: Masters of Winemaking Tasting, ProWein, Düsseldorf

For the first time at ProWein the Institute held a ‘Masters of Winemaking’ tasting where Master of Wine winemakers served their own wines. Attended by over 100 people it was a celebration of the international nature of the modern Institute of Masters of Wine. There was MW winemaking expertise from Germany, Austria, France, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and South Africa.

Roman Horvath MW was one of the winemakers present, and said: “Despite the long fair days the interest in the tasting was impressive. Besides the Institute community which was well represented together with many MW students we could also see a lot of ‘new faces’. A compact, high-end tasting format that was neither too long nor too short and impeccably organised. Terrific!“

19 April: Claret tasting (2010), Sydney

Meg Brodtmann MW wrote: “The Institute of Masters of Wine (Australia) hosted the annual Bordeaux tasting for the 3rd time on a very windy evening on Sunday 19 April. The event was attended by almost 70 people from all aspects of the trade and a large proportion of the Australian based MWs.

“We were thrilled to be showcasing 60 wines from the top Bordeaux appellations and the feedback was encouraging. A very informal survey of the room suggested the 2010 vintage was more successful on the right bank than the left bank. Some of the guests felt a few of the Pomerol and St Emilion wines were somewhat marred by excessive alcohol. The wines with lower alcohol were deemed to be of extremely high quality, with special mention being given to the outstanding Cheval Blanc.

“As expected, the attendees flocked to the St Estephe and Pauillac wines but many later stated that St Julien and Margaux were the stars of the vintage. Everyone commented on the increased concentration and balance in the Haut Medoc wines. Most of the attendees finished off their tasting with the Sauternes and Barsacs.

“We are building momentum to ensure this event becomes one of the premiere tasting events on the Australian tasting calendar.”

15 May: Garnacha / Grenache Seminar, London

Anne Tupker MW wrote: “The Institute of Masters of Wine hosted this ground-breaking seminar on Garnacha/Grenache in May, the first of its kind in London and the first IMW event to focus on this potentially exceptional variety.

“The panel of speakers included Telmo Rodriguez, one of Spain’s pioneering champions of Garnacha as well as Biodynamism; Didier Robert, Director of the ICV Group in Beaumes-de-Venise and wine consultant for a growing number of southern Rhône producers; and Tim James, the acclaimed winemaker at Willunga 100 in South Australia’s McLaren Vale. Julia Harding MW, a leading authority on international grape varieties and co-author of the definitive study Wine Grapes, moderated the discussion.

“Telmo Rodriguez is leading a return to the traditional practice of field blending in Rioja, and has returned all his Garnacha vineyards to their original bush training. None of his vineyards is more than 15 hectares in size, so as to keep production levels to a human scale.

“Didier Robert stated that ‘you can never cheat with Grenache.’ He said that it is not difficult to make wine from Grenache, but that it is important to have good grapes and to taste them frequently to determine the optimum harvest time. He stressed that Grenache needs gentle handling during winemaking to avoid oxidation, and acidity often needs correction. This is normally done in the early stages of fermentation so as to avoid producing hard acidity.

“Tim James explained that the first Grenache vines were brought to Australia by James Busby in 1831 from Roussillon in southern France. The wines were originally fortified, and it is only very recently that Grenache has been produced as a single varietal table wine. Tim feels that Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural for blending with Grenache.”

IMW outreach session at ProWein, Düsseldorf

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MEMBERS EVENTS

13 October: 21 Club, London

For the second year in a row the “21 Club” lunch was held at The Oxford & Cambridge Club in Pall Mall,in London. There was a strong showing, as always, and particularly vibrant group of MWs from the class of 1993, the first time they were eligible to attend the event.

18 November : 21 Club New Zealand

Until recently, the annual lunch for Masters of Wine of 21 years’ standing had been a UK-only affair. The Institute opened its doors to international applicants 24 years ago, and as a result the number of non-UK qualifiers is growing by the year.

Bob Campbell MW took the initiative to take this event outside London recently after receiving a hard-to-accept lunch invitation from the IMW 21 Club in London - 12,000 miles from his home in Devonport, Auckland (New Zealand).

Bob said: “Michael Brajkovich MW and I are the two Kiwi MWs who qualify so we booked a table at Auckland’s O’Connell Street Bistro, where we were joined by Tim Hanni MW who happened to be in town and who became an MW in 1990, the year I gained the qualification. Michael and I certainly plan to do this every year and will invite others to join us as they come of age.”

20 April: First Australian Master of Wine Industry Dinner held in Sydney

Michael Hill-Smith MW, who helped organise the event, wrote: “Australia is a big place and the tyranny of distance means that Australian MWs rarely get together to share good bottles or to discuss wine industry matters. With this in mind the first Australian Masters of Wine Industry Dinner was held at Sydney’s Bentley Restaurant and Bar on April 20th – the day following the highly successful Bordeaux tasting.

“A workshop on the future of Australian Fine Wine preceded the dinner so it was not all eating and drinking. Visions were diverse and debate vigorous which fuelled lively discussion amongst MWs and other wine industry guests which carried on throughout the dinner.”

Neil Hadley MW said: “Approximately 100 members of the greater Australian wine community were in attendance, with many flying interstate to be at the event. Proceedings kicked off with a panel discussion of current topics facing the industry, leading to a thoroughly enjoyable meal featuring some of the greats of Australian wines served throughout its course. Informal debate seemed to trump the more sober discussions of earlier in the evening and a series of MW and guest speakers stood to regale the room with various perspectives on the art of wine and living. A big thanks to David Le Mire MW and Michael Hill-Smith MW in particular for all their efforts in arranging this evening, which I am sure will be the first of many to come. See you next year.”

29 April: DWWA drinks party

Berry Bros. & Rudd, one of our Principal Supporters, kindly hosted a drinks party for Masters of Wine who were judging at the Decanter World Wine Awards at their lovely headquarters in London’s St James’ on Tuesday 29th April.

Mark Pardoe MW said: “For our first event in our new role as Principal Supporter of the Institute, we were delighted to host about 60 members in our Napoleon Cellar for a relaxed paulée. The opportunity to bring together old friends and new, with a suitably eclectic array of bottles, created a lively yet relaxed evening, hopefully the first of many.”

MWs were there from as far afield as New Zealand, Canada and USA and 3 of the newest MWs who passed only 6 weeks ago were also present.

Penny Richards, IMW Executive Director said: “The evening was such a pleasure – it’s not often we get so many happy MWs in one room, with no agenda except to enjoy each other’s company, and each other’s wine. We really hope it can become an annual event.”

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TRIPS

March: Bordeaux student trip

Angela Muir MW wrote: “Last year the Institute was kind enough to ask me to accompany the First Year students’ visit to Bordeaux as guests of the Conseil des Grands Crus Classés en 1855. It was so blindingly extraordinary that I couldn’t resist the opportunity to do the same again this year. Thank you, Institute and even more thank you, Conseil. This insight into exactly what affects the production and marketing of these wines, now often too expensive for many of our students to taste at all regularly, is precious.

“Guided throughout by the delightful and highly professional Brinda Bourhis, we spent an afternoon and evening in Sauternes, first at Château Guiraud and then for the first of a series of perfect meals in wonderful settings, at Château Coutet. It was especially good to see the younger generation taking over at both properties. At Guiraud, the son of the owner is now the fully trained winemaker, at Coutet, the very bubbly niece of the owner, Aline Baly, proved just how much she understands the challenge of marketing the wonderful but sadly neglected wines of the region.

“An impeccably organised visit to Château Lagrange allowed us to walk round their chais and ask all the questions we wanted. The Château also hosted our regional tasting comparing the 2010 and 2011 vintage, both very good in differing ways with the 2011 probably showing more clearly the influence of talented winemaking when hell-bent on achieving excellence….and then, to top this, our second fantastic meal.

“Château Lynch Moussas came as a fascinating contrast, showing just how much effort and investment it takes to drag a dying estate back to the life it ought to have. The French talk of

“long breath” but it’s getting there, thanks to the good will of the current President of the Conseil, Philippe Castéja. He demonstrated yet more good will by answering the students’ questions on the Cru Classé system for two hours with charm, diplomacy and discretion: all Bordelais traits. Dinner followed at the gorgeous Château Beychevelle where amazing old wines appeared to confound us all.

“Château Pontet Canet allowed us a very personal insight into how and why a property converts to bio-dynamism. And then to one of the ultimate classics: Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, now part of the Louis Roederer group who received us royally in their beautiful and supremely functional new chai….and then I had to leave!

“The crescendo continued right through the last two visits to Châteaux Lascombes and Rauzan Ségla. In addition to anything technical - and there is always a lot to take in - we all had the opportunity to experience first-hand the elegance and panache that is Bordeaux at its finest.”

MW Students with Philippe Castéja, President of the Conseil des Grands Crus Classés en 1855

April: Galicia Trip

Ed Adams MW wrote: “Commenting on this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards, Sarah Jane Evans MW, said: ‘Spain is the most exciting thing happening in European wine right now.’ I would add that Galicia is now probably the most exciting thing happening in Spanish wine right now.

“That was not my opinion until I went on the MW wine trip back in April – my previous, clearly rather prejudiced belief was that there were certainly some highlights but there were also a lot of indifferent, overpriced wines too. After tasting far more highlights than indifferent, overpriced wines I am now a fully paid up member of the Viva Galicia wine club.

“In the order in which they were visited and tasted, my stars were as follows:

• Pazo de Señorans. A beautiful winery, the Añada 2007 (just released) was magnificent, and still youthful.

• The tasting of a selection of Ribeiro wines in a 12th century church in Ribadavia

• Tasting with the passionate Manuel Formigo (Ribeiro) in his own vineyard, and seeing the decomposed granite where the wines came from

• The wonderful, beautiful Godello vineyards of Rafael Palacios. Can this family do no wrong? The 2011 Sorte O Soro is unquestionably one of the best white wines I have ever tasted, and still years to go. No stone unturned and total commitment to quality – utterly magnificent. Valdeorras – go there, or at least drink their wines more often.

• The delightful, very amusing sommelier Mercedes González at the lunch at Godeval (also Valdeorras), great wines matched by Alvaro Vilasante’s excellent food.

• Catamaran tour on the Cañones do Sil river with vineyards almost vertically falling into it, D.O. Ribeira Sacra

• Seeing the Botafumeiro swinging at the end of a mass in the cathedral at Santiago.“

September: Alto Adige

Jane Boyce MW wrote: “Sudtirol / Alto Adige, the intriguing region with two names, had always seemed a place apart. So this extremely well planned trip offered a fascinating insight not only into the region’s exquisite wines but also its history, geography, politics, languages, tourism and culture.

“From boutique, artisan producers to modern, state of the art co-operatives, we visited a well-chosen selection of wineries. Without exception the red and white wines of the region were pristine and of a very high quality.

“We probably reached the pinnacle both metaphorically on the last evening when we climbed (by bus!) the rose tinted Dolomites as the sun went down, to reach the Mountain hut, Gostner Schwaige, for a memorable final meal featuring the finest local produce. Served al fresco around fire pits, the food was adorned with mountain herbs and flowers and accompanied by some of the area’s most exquisite wines.

“Heartfelt thanks to all responsible for the organisation, generosity and the warmth of their welcome. And if you have any doubts that wine is a gift from God, you need to witness what Dr Urban Von Kleinberg produced from the ground between his Riesling vines at Neustift Abbey/ Abbazia di Novacella!”

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September: Geisenheim

Neil Tully MW wrote: “The theme for this year’s weekend study trip was ‘Classification and Terroir,’ organised by the German Wine Institute (DWI) in collaboration with Hochschule Geisenheim University and Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) over the course of the weekend of 19-21 September.

“Following an informal lunch at the Geisenheim University campus with the assembled MWs and MW students, the afternoon was devoted to a detailed exploration of concepts around the theme of classification and terroir:

• Prof. Schaller: Soils – Soil Qualities – Environment – Terroir: Interactive factors and facts towards a better understanding of Terroir.

• Dr. Stoll: Microclimate and its impact on fruit quality.

• Dr. von Wallbrunn: Site-specific biodiversity of yeasts – is there a terroir of yeasts during riesling wine production?

• Prof. Hoffmann: Terroir and classification: What happened over the last 20 years?

• Armin Diel: Experiences from the Nahe region.

“These excellent presentations prompted many questions and some lively discussion.

“Friday evening was spent at the historic Schloss Schoenborn, where a walk around tasting of VDP wines from producers in the Nahe and Ahr had been organised, together with an excellent buffet supper.

“Saturday was devoted to a visit to the Franken region, where drosophila suzukii had been presenting a particular challenge to some growers. The morning was spent at Weingut der Stadt Klingenberg, scaling the vertiginous terraces to secure a spectacular vantage point over the village and river. Benedikt Baltes was an engaging and illuminating guide, and following a fascinating tasting of wines in barrel (including some old vine portugieser) we enjoyed lunch in the yard outside the winery before

setting off for Weingut Rudolf Fürst. The winery and tasting room occupies a well-positioned contemporary building, providing a lovely setting for a tasting of riesling and pinot noir from this estate’s grand cru sites. Having returned to Oestrich-Winkel, the group braved a torrential downpour to eat at Weingut Dr. Corvers-Kauter.

“Sunday morning started with a fascinating tasting of “The VDP classification pyramid” at Weingut Robert Weil, preceded by a tour of their immaculate gravity-fed winery and cellars. We then transferred to the spectacular and historic Schloss Johannisberg for the customary walk around tasting of VDP Grosse Gewächse 2013 whites and 2012 reds, some 120 wines in total.

“This presented an excellent opportunity to overview these vintages across all the German wine regions. Our thanks to Monika Christmann, Ulrike Lenhardt and Carola Keller for making this such an intensive, varied, focused and informative weekend.”

Graham’s Estate in the Douro Valley, Portugal

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OutreachNEW ZEALAND MASTER CLASS

Jane Skilton MW wrote: “The first NZ Masterclass at the Villa Maria Winery in Aukland saw an excellent turnout - 22 interested potential students came from a wide range of backgrounds; winemakers, marketers, winery owners, sommeliers, distributors and university students.

“Alastair Maling MW, who worked at the time for the host and Institute Supporter Villa Maria, gave an introduction and explained the process of becoming a MW, and then, together with Michael Brajkovich MW, led a tutored white wine tasting using a question from the 2014 Examination. Emma Jenkins MW talked about the Research Paper, Paul Tudor MW on how to approach the Theory Papers and the day wrapped up with Steven Bennett MW leading a red wine tasting.

For many, it was an eye opener especially regarding the rigour and level of knowledge demanded in the Practical Part of the exam. But encouraging emails received afterwards said:

• ‘I wanted to thank you for encouraging me to attend. I definitely found it valuable and I got what I wanted out of the day. I have a strong inclination to enrol in the program.’

• ‘Well, what a roller coaster ride yesterday was! As you advised, I came home last night and had a look in the mirror. “Do I want to do this?” I asked. Yes, I do.’

• ‘I’ve been meaning to thank you all for the MW Open Day that you all put together. It was the best way for me to fully comprehend what it’s all about and what it all means! I really enjoyed myself and it has re-ignited my desire to go down that track.’

“Some mentioned (quietly) that they felt a little out of their depth but that they had gained valuable insight into the Institute and the IMW Study Programme.”

HONG KONG MASTER CLASS

The Institute, in collaboration with Berry Bros & Rudd, one of its Principal Supporters, organised an MW Master Class in Hong Kong from 18 to 20 May 2015, the first of its kind in Asia. The aim was to introduce the Institute’s Study Programme and Examination to attendees by showcasing the MW approach to wine tasting and theory topics.

Over two and a half days, nearly 20 participants from Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, China and Korea were guided through intensive tasting and theory sessions, with evenings providing further opportunities for tastings and networking among attendees and MWs. The sessions were led by Martin Hudson MW and Mark Pardoe MW, both of Berry Bros & Rudd. Hong Kong-based Debra Meiburg MW and Jeannie Cho Lee MW were also on hand to provide further insight and information on the MW Study Programme requirements and rigour.

Martin Hudson MW said: “The remarkable growth in wine culture in the region was reflected in the excellent standard of the candidates who attended this event”.

The Master Class culminated in the chance to sit an entrance examination and we hope to welcome a number of students to the Study Programme in the 2015 intake who attended the Hong Kong Master Class.

April: Port Student Trip

MW Student David Way wrote: “The Institute’s student trip to Porto and the Douro valley packed many highlights into the four days 14-17 April 2015. The visit to the Factory House, a tasting of port styles and a vintages tasting, tours of Quinta dos Malvedos, Quinta da Roêda and Quinta do Noval were only capped by the depth of expertise which was shared with us and the warmth of hospitality shown at every point.

“As a part of the trip our host companies put on a great range of tastings. In addition to the tasting at each Quinta we visited, there were two particularly memorable events. For the MW student, perhaps the most useful was the large tasting on the first morning at the historic Factory House, Porto. Taylor’s, Symington’s and Quinta do Noval each showed a Ruby Reserve, an LBV, a 10-year old Tawny, a 20-year old Tawny, their remarkable 2011 vintage bottlings and a recent older vintage of their choice. After a tasting like this - at least in theory - there should be no confusion about the main styles of Port!

“A second major tasting was the vintage ports shown by Graham’s, drawing on wines marketed as Graham’s, Warre’s, Cockburn’s and Dow’s. After a recap on the 2011s, we worked back

MW Students at the Symington Family Estate in the Douro Valley, Portugal

through the decades until we reached Graham’s 1955, of which the winery has just 63 bottles left. Warre’s 1970 and Dow’s 1963 were drinking beautifully, as was the 1955 already mentioned. The combination of freshness, developed fruit, an acetic touch and savoury, walnut and tobacco notes was remarkable. This second large-scale tasting demonstrated the phases that vintage Port goes through in its development and these wines capacity to age and improve for decades.

“The MW student trip to Porto and the Douro valley of April 2015 was a huge success. As students we were given privileged access to the demanding business of growing grapes in the Douro Valley, turning them into the various styles of Port and then selling them in a highly competitive and, currently, not particularly hospitable market. Our warmest thanks go to Taylor’s, Symington Family Estates, Fonseca and Quinta do Noval for a visit which - like their great wines - will linger long in the memory.”

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eventually gain two or three new Australian-based MWs then the day will have been a great success.

“Over the lunch break I asked a number of the attendees what had attracted them to come to the Information Day and what they believed the qualification MW might offer them.

“The majority of answers fell into two groups, those that saw it as the “ultimate personal challenge” and those that believed that it would enhance their careers and help them “stand out from the crowd”.

“This is encouraging as it demonstrates that although we are still underrepresented in Australia (fewer than 20 MWs at the last count) the Institute and the qualification have a positive image and reputation.

“I would hope that the large delegation of MWs heading out to Australia later this year on the October trip will help to further boost our profile Down Under and lead to even greater interest if we run a similar event in 2016.”

AUSTRALIA MASTER CLASS

Tim Wildman MW wrote: “On May 20th we held an Information Day in Sydney which was attended by eighteen Australian based wine trade professionals keen to learn more about the IMW and the education program.

“The day was run by a talented tag-teaming group of half a dozen Australian-based MWs without whom it wouldn’t have been possible, so a big thanks to the locals MWs for giving up their time and sharing their experience.

“The purpose of these events is very much two-fold: to make our organisation and the road towards it more transparent, and to uncover real local talent who could in time become students and eventually boost our numbers, helping the Institute to become ever more global and relevant in its membership demographic.

“The group was mainly a young crowd (late twenties, early to mid-thirties) that represented a diverse cross section of the wine community, with wine makers, marketeers, sommeliers, journalists and retailers all represented.

“A quick straw poll at the end of the day indicated that the majority of those who attended felt that they left the day with a better understanding of what the modern MW is and were clear in their expectations in approaching the study program. So far, so good! What was very encouraging was that I would say there were around half a dozen in the group who were what might be termed

“student ready”, and of those two or three whose tasting notes and insight showed real talent and potential. If we can convert those half a dozen with potential onto the study program, and

SPAIN MASTER CLASS

A second MW Master Class was held in May, this time in Spain, in collaboration with the Foundation for the Culture of Wine and hosted by the Bodegas Muga winery in Haro, La Rioja. The two-day programme was led by five MWs - Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Ed Adams MW, Annette Scarfe MW and Norrel Robertson MW.

With over 25 attendees, principally from Spain but some from farther afield including the US, Italy and Belgium, all had a chance to taste wines from around the world but also to sample wines from the host region, with tastings by local wineries included as an integral part of the two days. The attendees also attended delicious and generous events organised by members of FCV, and an evening hosted by Beronia and González Byass. Theory sessions and group discussions featured as part of the programme. Feedback was collected following the Master Class, and the vast majority of attendees responded extremely favourably towards the Master Class with most indicating that it has further increased their interest in joining the Institute’s Study Programme.

Sarah Jane Evans MW, IMW Chairman said: “The Masterclass plays a really important role in explaining what the MW is all about and dispelling misconceptions. As in 2014 we had an excellent selection range of students, and some worthy candidates for the First Year. All of us on the Masterclass team in Rioja are looking forward to adding to the number of Spanish MWs.”

Many attendees sat the MW entrance examination at the end of the Master Class, which comprised a Practical and Theory component – those who are successful in this entrance examination will be invited to join the Institute’s Study Programme in September.

MW Master Class at the Bodegas Muga winery in Haro, La Rioja, Spain

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ITALY MASTER CLASS

Jane Hunt MW wrote: “The 4th consecutive IMW Master Class to be held in Italy took place at Cantine Lungarotti in Torgiano, Umbria over the 3 days from 6-8 March 2015 where we welcomed a record 43 students between the Introductory and Intermediate Courses which we ran.

“The initiative of holding IMW Master Classes with a view to recruit Italian students, from where the Institute does not yet have member, kicked off in 2012 in collaboration with the Institute’s supporter, the Istituto del Vino Grandi Marchi. The first Master Class in 2012 was held at Antinori’s ‘Fonte di Medici’ agriturismo set in the heart of the Tignanello vineyard in Chianti Classico, the second in 2013 at Michèle Chiarlo’s ‘Palas Cerequio’ in the Barolo country of Piedmont and the third in 2014 at Masi’s beautiful ‘Forestiera di Serego Alighieri’ in the Veneto’s Valpolicella heartland.

“Over these four years, a total of 97 students have attended the sessions. 31 coming from a number of the 19 family wine companies of which the IGM is composed whilst 66 from a variety of other wine producers and wine-related operations. The organisational support of the IGM’s event management team, the generous time given by IMW tutors and the back-up from the IMW office has proved not only to be an extremely valuable combination from an educational point of view but has also provided excellent PR for the Institute in Italy where, to be honest, we are still little known.

“From 2013 onwards the Master Class has offered both an Introductory Course and an Intermediate Course. This has enabled some 30 students to return for a second time, and in some cases even a third time (!), to progress their tasting competence, experience and knowledge.

“Overall, 15 students from these Master Classes have successfully transferred to the IMW Study Course and we are naturally hopeful that it won’t be long before we can welcome some Italian members to our Institute.

“As one of the tutors in each of these 4 years, it has given me great pleasure to see what a fantastic ‘family’ feeling and camaraderie has developed amongst the students most particularly amongst those who have progressed on to study for the Master of Wine. It is apparent that the MW approach to learning and tasting is very different from that normally encountered in Italy. Student enthusiasm to embrace our IMW methods is tangible!”

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Institute Awards2015 Winemakers’ Winemaker Award

On 16 March, at ProWein, Düsseldorf, the Institute and The Drinks Business announced Egon Müller as the recipient of the 2015 Winemakers’ Winemaker Award.

The honour, which has been awarded every year since 2011, recognises outstanding achievement in the field of winemaking. The winner is chosen by a panel of winemaking peers that comprise all Masters of Wine who are winemakers, plus the award’s past winners: Peter Sisseck of Dominio de Pingus (2011), Peter Gago of Penfolds (2012), Paul Draper of Ridge (2013), and Anne-Claude Leflaive of Domaine Leflaive (2014).

Egon Müller said “I was both surprised and very pleased to hear that I had been awarded this prize – and it gives me particular pleasure not only to be singled out in this way by my fellow winemakers but also to be given this award by the Masters of Wine who have always stood for an ethical wine trade. The Scharzhof estate has a winemaking history that predates the six generations of my family by many hundreds of years – possibly back to the Romans - and I am very glad that my family’s care and concern with honouring this long and illustrious history is recognised in this award.”

Egon Müller, son of Egon and Eleonore-Charlotte Müller, was born in the great summer of 1959. The story goes that his father gave him a drop of 1949 Scharzhofberger feinste Auslese before his first drink of mother’s milk.

After studying at Geisenheim he spent a year in the USA at the Robert Mondavi Winery and with Château and Estate Wines in New York. After working for 6 month in the Yamanashi winegrowing region in Japan, he went to work permanently with his father at the family estate, which he took over in 1991.

In presenting the award, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Chairman of the Institute, said:

“I am delighted to be presenting this award to Egon Müller. He is recognised globally for the exceptional quality of his wine and his uncompromising standards. He also represents the commitment to excellence which is at the heart of the Institute’s work. We are especially pleased that he becomes the first German winemaker to be honoured with this prize here in his homeland.”

2015 Lifetime Achievement Award

At VinExpo in Bordeaux in June, renowned wine writer Hugh Johnson was named as the recipient of the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award, jointly sponsored by the Institute of Masters of Wine and The Drinks Business. Hugh Johnson was chosen by the Members of the Institute of Masters of Wine.

The award, which recognises a life-long commitment to wine excellence, has previously been presented to Robert Mondavi (2005), Marchese Piero Antinori (2007), Jean-Michel Cazes (2011) and Baroness Philippine de Rothschild (2013).

The citation on the certificate reads: “Nominated by a panel of prominent wine industry professionals and members of the Institute of Masters of Wine, this award recognises an outstanding and inspirational figure in the world of wine whose enduring contribution spans a whole career.”

Hugh Johnson is considered one of the world’s best-selling writers on wine, with total sales of about 16 million. His first book, Wine, was published in 1966 and established him as one of the foremost English gastronomic writers. In 1969 he was invited to write The World Atlas of Wine and since 1977, he has annually produced Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book, which has now sold more than 12 million copies and appears in 13 languages.

From 1986 to 2001, Hugh Johnson served as a director of Bordeaux first-growth Château Latour. In 1990, he co-founded Royal Tokaji with Peter Vinding-Diers to revive the Aszú wines of the Tokaj region in Hungary. Hugh is joint owner of Royal Tokaji’s Mézes Mály Vineyard, one of Tokaj’s two great first growths, which he purchased in partnership with Royal Tokaji in 1993.

Hugh was named a Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite by President Chirac of France in 2004. In 2006, he released “A Life Uncorked,” an intimate autobiographical tour decanting his life in the world of wine. Hugh was named an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2007 New Year’s Honours List for his services to winemaking and horticulture. For forty years he has written his celebrated garden diary (www.tradsdiary.com).

The award was presented at a ceremony at VinExpo, Bordeaux. Patrick Schmitt MW, editor of the Drinks Business, introduced the award before the presentation by Sarah Jane Evans MW, Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine.

On hearing the news, Hugh Johnson said: “No salute could give me more of a glow than one from the MWs - the gold standard of wine knowledge and appreciation. If it’s taken 55 years, it has all been fascinating, absorbing, even inebriating.”

Egon Müller Hugh Johnson

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First Year Assessment policy

The First Year Assessment (FYA) policy was rewritten at the beginning of the year to provide the Education Committee with clearer guidelines and improve the quality of students progressing to the Second Year of the programme. The policy as published on the website is:

• Sitting the FYA in the First Year of study is mandatory, as is sitting it in person at one of the three examination centres worldwide.

• Students with an average of 55% or above in the FYA will be invited to progress to the Second Year.

• Students with an average of 45 – 54% will be invited to re-take the First Year in its entirety the next year (i.e. attend a seminar, be able to participate in FY AMS and FY PAMS, sit the assessment) and re-sit the FYA that same year. If these students attended the First Year seminar in Rust, they will need to attend either the North American or Australasian seminar as a first year Retake Student.

• Students will only be allowed to take the FYA twice, once as a ‘new’ First Year student and once as a ‘re-take’ First Year student. If they fail for the second time, they will have to leave the programme.

• Students with an average of 44% or less will leave the programme to make room for new applicants.

As you can see, written into the policy is that students repeating the First Year will be required to attend the first year seminar in either North American or Australasian. The Education Committee believes these students will benefit from experiencing a Seminar in another centre, but it will also free up Rust to become a true First Year-only seminar venue. The benefits of this for Rust are that the relatively high number of First Year students in Europe (58) and the fact that several of these were repeating First Year put physical pressure on the venue; it simply cannot accommodate such large numbers. Secondly, the repeat students were often demoralised, and this negatively impacted of the mood of the Seminar as a whole.

Chair of the Education Committee’s ReportThe Annual Review includes reports from the various Seminars held around the world as well as updates on the education offering in those centres. This report is therefore by exception, highlighting only the key changes or decisions taken during the 2014/2015 academic year.

The Numbers, and Thanks

To put the Study Programme in context, there were 321 students participating in the MW programme. Of these 84 were on the First Year programme, 145 on the Second Year programme, 40 Practical only students, 4 Theory. The remaining candidates were those preparing a Dissertation or a Research Paper.

Offering support to these students were First and Second year mentors, Research Paper Advisors, Dissertation Advisors and MWs involved in the Assignment Marking Scheme. Sincere thanks to each and every one of these MWs – from those who dip their toes into the water and attend one of our Seminars as guest speakers, to those who venture in deeper to become mentors, and especially to those who dive right in to assist with assignment and assessment marking and Course Days, as well as act as Seminar co-ordinators and RP Advisors, and – of course – Education Committee members. The Institute and candidates owe you a great deal for your dedication, time and willingness to share your knowledge. Without your participation there would be no MW Study Programme.

Thanks, too, to our new Programme and Development Manager, Olivier Chapman whose experience in education and attention to detail is helping the Education Committee and Office raise the bar on all matters ‘education’.

Cathy Van Zyl MW

Standardisation

We continue to explore ways in which we can standardise the Study Programme offering so that a student will experience the same level of support no matter which education centre he or she is attached to. To support our Seminar Co-ordinators’ sterling work, we finalised blue-prints’ or ‘templates’ for use across all three centres. A similar process was followed to standardise the Course Day offering. Both these efforts include minimum standards, and are measurable. Thank you to Caro Maurer MW and Olivier Chapman for their work in this regard.

Last year, one of the aims of the Education Committee was to explore a relevant training course for those MWs involved in mentoring and tutoring at the seminars. It was agreed that attending such a course might prove onerous for MWs who are already contributing so much of their time. But, rather than abandon the idea, we started work on two ‘handbooks’. The objective of the handbooks is to ensure the messages relayed to students are consistent. Phil Reedman MW drafted Theory handbook while Mel Jones MW undertook to compile the Practical handbook. Thanks to both for their efforts.

Online Tutorials

Last year, the Education Committee suggested it might evaluate whether the education ‘product’ could be improved by incorporating online tutorials. No progress was made on this front, given the time and effort put into reviewing the Study Programme ‘pathway’, on which there is more information in the Programme and Development Manager’s report and more will follow in next year’s review.

Cathy Van Zyl MW Chair of the Education Committee

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PROGRAMME AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER’S REPORT

I have been in post for just over six months. In that time, I have been able to join a number of the Study Programme Seminars, have attended various Institute events and have been able to oversee the 2015 MW Examination arrangements.

I have therefore come into contact and met a large number of MWs and students and have had the privilege of finding out about the esteem that the MW Study Programme holds for all those that come into contact with it. MW students benefit from a vibrant and supportive study experience and there is a real sense of community and pride that comes with being associated with the Institute. The dedication and commitment of MWs involved in supporting both the education and the examination sides of the Study Programme is hugely impressive.

This year has seen important discussions and decisions regarding the shape and structure of the Study Programme. The Education Committee and the Education and Examination Board came together in June 2015 to agree on a number of recommendations when have since been agreed by Council, and which will help to programme to continue to meet the needs of students, MWs and the wider community into the future. These will be discussed in greater detail in next year’s review once fully implemented, but thanks must be given to Cathy van Zyl MW, John Hoskins MW and Stephen Skelton MW for their drive and thoughtful determination in putting together the proposals for discussion and approval by the various committees.

As we look forward to the next academic year, with a record number of individuals applying to join the Study Programme, I look forward to working with the education and examination committees, MWs and supporters, to continue to offer a dynamic and relevant MW Study Programme.

Olivier Chapman Programme and Development Manager

Olivier Chapman

321 STUDENTS

registered on the Study Programme in 2015

37 COUNTRIES

where students on the Study Programme

are based

97 MWs

were involved in mentoring MW

students in 2015

42 MWs

were involved in marking MW student assignments

through 2014-15

116 CANDIDATES

sat all or part of the MW Examination in June 2015

13 IN SYDNEY

33 IN SAN FRANCISCO

82 STUDENTS

sat the First Year Assessment across all the centres

70 IN LONDON

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Further change may have to come to our exam structure if numbers continue to rise. 2015 saw Practical papers go, for the first time, above 100. Not only do examiners dislike too many papers to mark, there is also the risk that they might do a less precise job when the task is so arduous. We will look at prospective numbers for next year before we consider how to tackle the issue. The recent increase is partly down to changes in the rules concerning the number of years that candidates can sit the course – so we may see a settling down stage in a year or two.

John Hoskins MW Chief Examiner of the Institute of Masters of Wine

Chief Examiner’s ReportLast year I pledged that the examiners would do their very best to ensure that we were doing everything possible to give candidates the best chance of passing the exam – and so to end a widespread belief that Masters of Wine treasure the concept of an exam that is virtually impossible to pass.

What we treasure is the letters as a standard of excellence – but we hope to see more and more people attaining that standard. My statement last year will stand fast for the years that I am Chief Examiner so do check it out on the website, as I will say little this year to change the substance of that report.

However I can speak of progress in a couple of areas.

I cannot, quite, hail an improvement in the number of passes, or the pass rates across the different sections of the exam, as this report is written while marking is underway. I am absolutely confident, however, that the massive task undertaken to re-structure the Research Paper (RP) will, by the time you read this, have given us our best crop of new MWs in recent years. Whilst congratulating the students I would also ask you to acknowledge the work done by those who have re-shaped this third paper. It is still a work in progress, and will involve many more heated and intense debates. However the contribution of Sheri Morano MW, Lisa Granik MW and Stephen Skelton MW has been way beyond the call of duty.

A key aspect of the RP structure is the breaking down of the division between mentors and examiners. We now have a pool of RP “Advisors” all of whom are eligible to examine. Within a year or two, most MWs involved in the RP process will have undertaken both tasks. For 2015/16 one of our main tasks is ensuring all those MWs are fully confident in these roles.

The other big change in 2015 has been the re-structure of the Theory Papers. The syllabus committee decided some time ago to take the Theory exams back from four to five papers. The logic was clear, and has been discussed before. For the examiners, however, it represents a new challenge both in terms of workload and ensuring consistency and fairness in the marking process. Neil Tully MW has taken over, in a new position, as Theory Chair, moderating across all 5 papers. His responsibility is a large one but his experience as an examiner for 10 years stands him in good stead.

John Hoskins MW

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“The field trip was to the Martinborough wine region, about one and a half hours from Wellington. Steve Smith MW, the Director of Wine & Viticulture for Craggy Range, gave a fascinating insight into the region and the Te Muna vineyard. The gala dinner was held in the palm-laden exotic courtyard of Olive restaurant. Our special guest, Villa Maria’s Sir George Fistonich, announced a new scholarship, from the New Zealand’s Family of 12 wineries.”

Meg Brodtmann MW wrote: “This year’s seminar was one of the best I have attended. I was lucky enough to hear Dr Matthew Goddard and Michael Brajkovich MW talk about the amazing ecology of yeast. Who knew that grapes produced volatile esters to attract vectors to transport them around the globe? It was fascinating to learn that our human hands are part of the vector transport with our yeasties originating in Europe. It was an incredible talk and one I am still talking about to my winemaking colleagues.”

First Year Study Programme Seminar, Rust (Austria)

Olivier Chapman, Programme and Development Manager, wrote: “Towards the end of my first week at the Institute, I was fortunate enough to be asked to attend the last few days of the First Year seminar in Rust, Austria. It was a great opportunity to meet with a number of MWs and a large number of first year students.

“I had an early start to meet the MWs preparing for the morning’s blind tasting. Opening endless bottles of wine at 7.30 AM was a new experience for me – as was watching (in awe, it has to be said) MWs tasting each bottle to check for quality and consistency. I was able to see how blind tastings are set-up and managed – in strict examination conditions – and then listen to the MWs discuss each wine in great detail with the students. In the afternoons, sessions focusing on particular regions like Australia or Germany or topics such as wine marketing or monopoly markets were held and I felt privileged to be listening to experts presenting to MW students.

“I had the opportunity to join a small group of students and MWs to meet wine producer Heidi Schröck, visit her cellar and taste some of her wines. The trip concluded with a visit to the opulent Palais Coburg in Vienna, where the whole group was treated to tastings of wines from Austria, introduced by the wine-makers themselves. I was very grateful to all of the MWs and students for being so welcoming and friendly – but also for being frank and forthcoming with their views and ideas.”

Nick Poletto, one of the students present in Rust, said: “It is rare that any of us students have the opportunity to spend a full week with such talented and knowledgeable MWs. Not only were they first class in their knowledge, but also in their character. They gave well prepared lectures and generously made themselves available after class for further questions and guidance. They truly were selfless with their time and an inspiration for all of us.”

MW Australasian Seminar, Wellington (New Zealand)

The Australasian Seminar group in Craggy Range’s Te Muna Road vineyard, outside Martinborough on New Zealand’s North Island.

Marina Goldsworthy, former IMW Australasia Officer, wrote: “Wellington lived up to its reputation as the windy city when 23 MW students from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, Singapore and Chile descended on the lively Cuba Street precinct for the 2014 Australasian Seminar.

“Students were joined by Clive Barlow MW, Steve Bennett MW, Michael Brajkovich MW, Meg Brodtmann MW, Alison Eisermann MW, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Emma Jenkins MW, Simon Nash MW, Matthew Stubbs MW, Tim Wildman MW, and organisers David LeMire MW and Jane Skilton MW.

“This was the first time Australasia has had a live-in seminar, similar to those in Europe. While our mornings were taken up with practical sessions, the afternoons afforded some fascinating theory sessions. Dr Matthew Goddard provided a memorable insight into yeast and Tim Wildman MW and Dr Andrew Hedley from Framingham wines gave a passionate

- sometimes fiery, sometimes controversial - presentation and tasting of natural wines.

Seminar ReportsThe Australasian Seminar group in Craggy Range’s Te Muna Road vineyard, outside Martinborough on New Zealand’s North Island.

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Second Year Study Programme Seminar, Odney (UK)

76 Institute students came together for their residential seminar at the John Lewis Partnership’s Odney Club in Berkshire, England in January. The MW team was led by Annette Scarfe MW with Mel Jones MW and Caro Maurer MW. They were joined by David Allen MW, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Matthew Hemming MW, Justin Howard-Sneyd MW, Phil Reedman MW, Phil Tuck MW, Cathy van Zyl MW and Demetri Walters MW.

Demetri Walters MW wrote: “Teaching methods at seminars have, to my mind, progressed in the seven years since I joined the MW course. MW tutors appear to be both more constructive in their advice to students, as well as coming across as more compassionate.

“As a recent pass assisting at Odney I observed this compassion manifested in the form of really involved, constructive advice and instruction to students. I noticed how answers contained all the salient points but little consistency in their construction. Reviewing preparation techniques seemed to help.

“Technique is something that can be, and is increasingly being, taught. Content inevitably follows.

“As a student I long underestimated the power of technique and the crucial influence of being organised and prepared. This is where I now find that I can help. I feel encouraged that students are being coached in how to prevent themselves from blocking their own success.”

Justin Howard-Sneyd MW brought a winemaker’s perspective: “I led a session this year focussing on customers – the very people who keep us all business with their hard-earned cash. I fear occasionally that wine-loving students (and sometimes, MWs!) forget, or dismiss, the need for wine producers and wine merchants to make a profit. It is almost as if sometimes this is considered a grubby concept, when in fact ‘financial sustainability’ is a necessary feature of all great wine estates.”

Matthew Hemming MW said: “When I was a student, one of the main motivations to pass was that I wanted to be a full member of the community of the seminar staff. I was inspired by these people coming together, from all corners of the globe, as friends and colleagues at the top of their profession. I’m pleased to say that the experience of being on the MW side of the fence didn’t disappoint!”

Students on the Odney seminar also attended a practical day at Plumpton College. They experienced wine analysis, soil analysis, winter pruning, sensory evaluation and winery work (filtering). We would like to thank Waitrose, an Institute Principal Supporter, for their continued support of the Study Programme by providing such a wonderful venue.

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Second Year Study Programme Seminar, Bordeaux (France)

Forty second-year students, mostly from the European Study Programme, gathered at Château Pey la Tour in Bordeaux - thanks to Institute Major Supporter Dourthe - for an intense (but rewarding) residential seminar in the first week of February.

Debra Meiburg MW led a multi-national team of Members including Richard Kershaw MW, Jane Masters MW, Fiona Morrison MW, Dermot Nolan MW, Matthew Stubbs MW, Phil Tuck MW, and Andreas Wickhoff MW.

Matthew Stubbs MW said: “40 students was a good number as it was not too big or unmanageable giving smaller groups for the feedback sessions. This encouraged more student participation and they responded. Overall a very good group and hopefully inspiring and motivating for all concerned with four months till the Exam.”

Andreas Wickhoff MW said: “I hope the students went back after this week with more clarity, experience and well-being, even if we all know how strenuous this week is for them. It wasn’t just a long week for them: under the auspices of our wonderful coordinator Debra Meiburg, all MWs involved had rather extensive days with preparing wines from 7am onwards until highly interesting IMW relevance discussions way beyond dinner time.”

The final day included trips to Tonnellerie Nadalié, Château Beau-Rivage, and Château Climens.

North America Seminar, San Francisco (USA)

Nancy Johnson, IMW-North America officer wrote: “Held in San Francisco at the Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf January 16-21, the seminar brought together nearly 80 students and 30 MWs. In addition to practical and theory sessions, there were many plenary sessions, covering topics including Focus on Fortified Wines, an Integrated Approach to Wine Quality Assessment presented by E.& J. Gallo, and Winemaking Processes and Sensory Results.

“Attendees were afforded several wonderful evening activities including an Interactive Tasting and Reception with Napa Valley Winemakers hosted by the Napa Valley Vintners at the beautiful Aquarium of the Bay and a dinner hosted by Robert Mondavi Winery prepared by the Robert Mondavi Winery chef and paired with Robert Mondavi current releases and library wines.

“At the conclusion of the seminar, students and MWs were able to attend the Second Annual IMW-NA Bordeaux tasting of the 2010 vintage or be a part of a structured learning experience hosted by Nicholas Paris MW at E. & J. Gallo in Modesto, CA. Here 30 students were able to experience a day-and-a-half on-site program that provided insights into Gallo’s approach to viticulture, winemaking, quality assurance and control, sales and marketing.

“Just before the Seminar, over 30 students took part in an adjunct educational program that was hosted by the Napa Valley Vintners in Napa, CA in partnership with the IMW and led by Bob Betz MW and DC Flynt MW. This intensive Viti-Vini 2-day program covered Theory Papers 1-4 topics and included vineyard and winery visits and an evening meal with small groups of students hosted by vintners at local Napa Valley restaurants.”

Students at the second year seminar in Bordeaux in February 2015 [Photo: Arūnas Starkus]

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Awards and BursariesMASTERS OF WINE EXAMINATION AWARDS 2014

The Institute welcomed six new Members at its Annual Award Ceremony and Reception, held on 5 November in the London home of the 650-year-old Vintners’ Company.

Prize-winning new MWs at this year’s ceremony, who were honoured for their exceptional performance in the Master of Wine Examination, included wine writers Natasha Hughes MW (UK), who won four of the seven awards available, and Anne Krebiehl MW (Germany), who won two.

Louise Sydbeck MW (Sweden), who won the coveted Bollinger Medal for tasting, became the one hundredth female Master of Wine when she was presented with her certificate by Institute

Chairman Sarah Jane Evans MW and Master Vintner Rupert Clevely - son of John Clevely MW.

Addressing the new Members, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Chairman, said: “This is an exciting and special day for all Masters of Wine. We all remember the moment that we were welcomed into the Institute here at Vintners’ Hall. Watching you live this experience today is a reminder to all of us of the effort it takes to reach this goal, and of the rewards and lifelong friendships that come as a result of achieving it. Many congratulations to all of you for your hard work, diligence, and dedication.”

New MWs with Penny Richards, Executive Director and Sarah Jane Evans MW, Chairman, at the Annual Award Ceremony in November 2014 in London

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The Annual Reception is traditionally the Institute’s largest gathering of its worldwide community each year. Masters of Wine flew in from the United States, Australia, South Africa, and from all over Europe to welcome their new fellow Members, who were joined in their celebrations by family and friends. Robin Kick MW (US), Robert MacCulloch MW (UK) and Nicholas Paris MW (US) completed the 2014 new cohort.

The full list of awards was as follows:

• The Villa Maria Award is awarded to the new Master of Wine who shows outstanding knowledge and understanding of viticulture in their exams. Philip Tuck MW of Hatch Mansfield, representing Villa Maria, presented the award to Anne Krebiehl MW.

• The Errázuriz Award is for performance in the Business of Wine examination. Philip Tuck MW presented the award on behalf of Eduardo Chadwick of Viña Errázuriz to Natasha Hughes MW.

• The Robert Mondavi Winery Award is presented for outstanding performance across all of the Theory papers. Mark de Vere MW of Constellation Wines presented the award to Natasha Hughes MW.

• The Taransaud Tonnellerie Award is for excellence in the Production and Handling of Wine paper. Sarah Jane Evans MW presented the award on behalf of Henri de Pracomtal of Taransaud to Natasha Hughes MW.

• The Bollinger Medal is awarded as recognition of outstanding tasting ability. Etienne Bizot of the Mme Bollinger Foundation presented the award to Louise Sydbeck MW.

• The Noval Award, sponsored by Quinta da Noval, part of AXA Millésimes, is awarded for the best Dissertation by a new Master of Wine. Christian Seely, Managing Director of AXA Millésimes, presented the award to Anne Krebiehl MW for her dissertation ‘The Future of Premium German Pinot Noir.’

• The Institute of Masters of Wine Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by the Austrian Wine Marketing Board, is awarded to a candidate who was outstanding in all parts of the exam. Willi Klinger of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board presented the award to Natasha Hughes MW.

Anne Krebiehl MW receives the Noval Award, presented by Christian Seely, Managing Director of Axa Millésimes.

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AXA MILLÉSIMES SCHOLARSHIP

Caroline Hermann wrote: “It was such an honor to be selected as one of the five winners of the 2014 AXA Millésimes Scholarship. I was joined by Daniela Bitnarova, David Way, Reto Thoerig and Georg Schweitzer, all current students on the IMW study program.

“During our three days at AXA Millésimes Bordeaux properties (Château Pichon Baron; Château Petit-Village; and Château Suduiraut), and two days at AXA Millésimes Douro property (Quinta do Noval), we were treated to the most gracious hospitality, top wine experts, and exquisite wines.

“Some of the many highlights included a vintage lesson via multi-decade vertical tastings of Château Pichon Baron and Chateau Suduiraut with the technical directors; a wine blending exercise at Château Petit-Village which gave us a new appreciation for winemaking; a skilful pairing of Château Suduiraut wines with an eight-course Chinese dinner; side trips to Cheval Blanc, Château Palmer, and Château Haut Bailly; and a tour of the spectacular Quinta do Noval culminating with a tasting of the Quinta’s unfortified wines and Ports.

“It was an unforgettable and thrilling experience, and I cannot thank the Institute, AXA Millesimes, Christian Seely, and our hosts enough for providing this generous scholarship.”

FAMILY OF TWELVE SCHOLARSHIP

New Zealand’s Family of Twelve, a fraternity made up of some of the country’s most prestigious and enduring artisanal wineries, awarded its inaugural scholarship to David Way, a second year student in the Institute of Master of Wine’s Study Programme.

The brand new Family of Twelve Essay Scholarship, which was announced by Sir George Fistonich of Villa Maria at the IMW Seminar in New Zealand in November 2014, offers a privileged insight into wine-making at all twelve of the leading NZ properties in the Family

David Way is an English wine educator and writer specialising in the wines of Italy and some French regions. His work appears mainly on his website www.winefriend.org, and features the largest coverage on the web of the up and coming region of the Maremma. He entered the Master of Wine Study Programme in September 2013, and after his studies plans a project on regional expressions of Sangiovese.

William Hoare, Chairman of the Family of Twelve, said: “The Family are thrilled to name David as our inaugural scholar. Through his winning essay David has shown a keen understanding of, and interest in, New Zealand wine in the spheres of both winemaking and business. We look forward to hosting David with good kiwi hospitality and of course our fine wines. We hope the experience will be mutually beneficial for David and for the Family as we take the opportunity to learn from him as he will from the Family. Congratulations David.”

David’s prize comprised a 10-12 day tour of the twelve Family of Twelve properties throughout the major wine-growing regions of New Zealand, including special tastings and discussion with their principals and winemakers.

SPAIN’S FOUNDATION FOR WINE CULTURE SCHOLARSHIP

Spain’s Foundation for Wine Culture awarded its first scholarship to a student in the Institute of Masters of Wine study programme. The first recipient is Gloria Collell, a Spanish student, currently working at the export department of the winery and cava producer Freixenet.

The scholarship includes 4,000 for expenses related with fees, tastings, travel, wines and other costs needed for the programme, as well as a working trip to some of the wineries at the Foundation. Selection for the scholarship, which was open to all first and second-year students in the Institute of Masters of Wine’s Study Programme, either Spaniards or based in Spain, was awarded on the basis of an essay:

“Premium and fine wines from Spain: terroir, quality and other arguments for improving their performance in world top end markets”.

Gloria Collell said: “It has been a great pleasure to receive this scholarship. It will help me considerably in the process to become a MW. I am very thankful to the Foundation and welcome all initiatives that improve the knowledge of wine among Spanish professionals”.

LALLEMAND BURSARY

Daniela Shelton, a second year student from London, won the 2015 Lallemand Bursary. She secured the bursary with a 1,000-word essay on the following topic: ‘Should the use of selected microorganisms for alcoholic or malolactic fermentation be considered as additives in wines and why (if yes or no)’?

Born in the Czech Republic, Daniela is a London-based wine consultant who has worked for both Oddbins and then Ehrmanns, the London-based importer. She has worked as a winemaking harvest intern at Niepoort, Douro Valley and also at wineries in Hermanus and Franschhoek, South Africa.

The bursary, established in 2010, is open to students in the Institute’s study programme and this year provided a fully-funded place to attend a Lallemand seminar in Lisbon, Portugal, this July. The seminar focused on wine fermentation and how it can shape the wine profile. Lallemand, the bursary’s sponsor, is a Supporter of the Institute and a leading producer of wine yeast, bacteria and their nutrients, and a distributor of oenological enzymes.

Ann Dumont, Communications Manager for Lallemand’s Oenology Division, said: “Daniela’s essay on wine additives was very original and creative. The essay was well-researched and well-written, a testament to the quality of future MWs. Lallemand Oenology is proud to support students like Daniela and the Institute of Masters of Wine.”

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Supporters of the InstituteThe Institute of Masters of Wine continues to be privileged to work with a distinguished group of individuals, businesses, and organisations who share our values and recognise the importance of promoting the highest standards of educational achievement and professional conduct within the wine community.

These strong partnerships manifest themselves in a number of ways; from providing support in the recruitment of prospective Masters of Wine with Master Classes, to hosting groups of students or Members on trips and visits, to professional development opportunities through tastings and by ensuring that the study programme reflects all aspects of the evolving wine industry by attracting expert guest lecturers.

The Institute is very grateful for the continuing commitment of its Supporters, and for the fruitful partnerships and collaborations which it enjoys in all quarters of the wine community. Together, these help to promote the understanding of wine internationally.

PRINCIPAL SUPPORTERS

• Austrian Wine Marketing Board

• AXA Millésimes

• Berry Bros. & Rudd

• The Madame Bollinger Foundation

• Waitrose

MAJOR SUPPORTERS

• Constellation Brands

• Istituto Grandi Marchi

• Jackson Family Wines

• Riedel Crystal

• Santa Rita Estates

• Taransaud Tonnellerie

• Vins et Vignobles Dourthe

SUPPORTERS

• Accolade

• González Byass

• Hildon Water

• Lallemand

• Le Conseil des Grands Crus Classés en 1855

• MACH Flynt Inc./DC Flynt MW Selections

• Maison Louis Jadot

• Schloss Vollrads

• Südtirol/Alto Adige Wines

• Symington Family Estates

• Trentodoc

• Villa Maria Group

• Viña Errázuriz

• The Vintners’ Company

• William Fèvre

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

• Australian Wine Research Institute

• Geisenheim University

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Constellation Brands - Major Supporter

This year Constellation Brands, Inc. has become a Major Supporter.

Constellation Brands is a leading international producer and marketer of wine, spirits and beer, with operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Italy. Some of the company’s famous brands include Robert Mondavi, Kim Crawford, Ruffino, Franciscan Estate, Inniskillin, Corona and SVEDKA.

Constellation Brands has supported the MW Study Programme in the U.S. for a number of years, and provides the venue for the MW Examination in San Francisco. They will now also be sponsoring the gala dinner during the annual North America seminar, as well as providing financial support to the Institute.

“We are thrilled to be renewing our sponsorship with IMW which we have supported in the past through Robert Mondavi Winery,” explained Ed LeMay, former SVP of Marketing Services.

“Constellation Brands has a strong commitment to education and we look forward to supporting the Institute’s efforts to promote excellence, interaction and learning, across all sectors of the global wine community,” added Peter Marks MW, VP Constellation Academy of Wine.

The Robert Mondavi winery award, for the best overall result in the Theory part of the Master of Wine Examination, is sponsored and presented by Constellation Brands. It was first awarded in 1997, and previous recipients have included Washington State winemaker Bob Betz MW, wine journalist Tim Atkin MW, and current Institute Chairman Sarah Jane Evans MW. Robert Mondavi, the legendary Californian winemaker, became an Honorary Master of Wine in 1993 – one of only four people to achieve the honour

– and was presented with the Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.

Santa Rita Estates - Major Supporter

Santa Rita Estates (SRE), comprises four wine brands from Chile - Santa Rita, Carmen, Nativa, and Terra Andina – plus Doña Paula from Argentina, is now a Major Supporter. SRE currently own over 3,700 hectares of vines in Chile, more than 700 hectares in Argentina and are one of the leading premium wine exporters from South America.

Penny Richards, Executive Director of the Institute, said: “We are very pleased to bring on board another Major Supporter from South America, which is a vitally important area of growth not just for the Institute, but for the wine trade in general. We greatly look forward to adding to our student numbers from Chile and Argentina, and one day welcoming other Masters of Wine from the region to join Marina Gayan MW – Argentina’s first Master of Wine.”

The team of winemakers and viticulturalists working for Santa Rita Estates are dedicated to producing quality wines from a diverse range of terroirs offered by Chile and Argentina. Each of the brands has their own unique identity and wine style. Sustainability is top of the agenda in every part of the wine making process, from the vineyards to the final distribution, and Santa Rita Estates have a fully integrated environmental and commercial sustainability programme in place.

Andrés Lavados, CEO of SRE said: “Santa Rita Estates are delighted to be embarking on this partnership with the Institute of Masters of Wine in the capacity of Major Supporter. Santa Rita, Carmen and Doña Paula are all established South American vineyards and their commitment to wine education is well aligned with the IMW objectives. We are fully committed to maximising this partnership in a global context and are very much looking forward to working with this highly respected institution.”

NEW SUPPORTERS

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DC Flynt MW - Supporter

MACH Flynt, Inc./DC Flynt MW Selections of Lake Charles, Louisiana, is now an IMW Supporter.

DC Flynt MW, founder and CEO/President of MACH Flynt, Inc./DC Flynt MW Selections, passed the Master of Wine Exam in 1998 and became the 16th American MW.

DC Flynt said: “Members of the Institute of Masters of Wine hold a fortunate vantage point from which we view the world of wine. Once I joined the Institute in 1998, I quickly came to realize that no one is truly a Master of Wine. I suspect that this is a belief held by many other MWs as well, but what we do have is the unique opportunity to interact with exceptional men and women, who truly are masters of their trade and their craft. They are the best and the brightest of vignerons, vintners, vineyard and cellar workers, brand builders, importers, shippers, exporters, educators, retailers, regional experts, innovators, visionaries and pioneers. It is our responsibility, indeed our honoured franchise to maintain and foster the highest level of education, professionalism, and integrity within the wine trade. In my opinion, no organization does so fine a job in this endeavour as the Institute of Masters of Wine. I am proud to be a Member and MACH Flynt Inc. is delighted to play a small role as a Supporter of the Institute.”

MACH Flynt Inc./DC Flynt MW Selections is based in the Acadiana Region of Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, in the city of Lake Charles. The company imports, exports, brokers, produces and distributes wine and spirits in 46 US States and in Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, UK, Spain, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. The firm’s focus is distributing, producing and exporting US wines, and spirits, and importing wines from Burgundy, Rhône, Champagne, Loire, Italy, Chile and New Zealand. Principal distributors in the US include, RNDC, SWS, Young’s Columbia, Johnson Brothers, Fedway, GLWS, United, Empire, Country Vintner, Major Brands, and Glazers.

Hildon Water - Supporter

Hildon Water became a Supporter of the Institute this year.

Penny Richards, Executive Director, said; “We are very pleased that Hildon has chosen to support us. Although we are an international organisation, we are proud of our roots, and it seems fitting that our tastings and other events will in future be accompanied by an acclaimed product from the heart of the English countryside.”

Hildon Water, which is an independently owned English company, was launched in 1989. To this day, the source, offices and bottling plant are located in the grounds of the Hildon Estate in the heart of the Test Valley, Hampshire.

Hildon has become established as a luxury brand through its use at prestigious venues and sponsorship of many sporting events. Clients such as the Royal Household, the Royal Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall, the Ritz Hotel, Goodwood Estates and the Guards Polo Club have helped to ensure the increasing reputation and popularity of the Hildon name.

Christian Heppe, Chief Executive Officer of Hildon, said: “Hildon Natural Mineral Water has a well-established association with the fine wine industry since the launch of our classic Bordeaux bottle in 1989, and the appreciation of our distinctive terroir by sommeliers world-wide. We are honoured to support the highly prestigious Institute for the Masters of Wine (IMW) and we look forward to working together.”

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Trentodoc - Supporter

Trentodoc, the organisation representing the appellation (Denominazione di origine controllata) for white and rosé sparkling wine in Trentino, Italy, has become a Supporter of the Institute.

Istituto Trento DOC was founded by producers in 1984. Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) status was awarded to the Trentino region in 1993, and 2007 saw the creation of the Trentodoc regional trademark. 41 sparkling wine producers, all using the classic method, are currently members of the Istituto.

Trentino is situated between the Dolomites and Lake Garda. The region’s alpine setting ensures pure, clean air and water, excellent soil, and a wide temperature variation between day and night, which aids flavour development. The grape varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Blanc are permitted, and they must be grown in a well-defined area within the Province of Trento.

Enrico Zanoni, President of Istituto Trento DOC, said “We are extremely pleased to be collaborating with an organisation of the prestige and authority of the Institute of Masters of Wine. This synergy is a source of pride for our forty-one associated sparkling wine producers, and the entire Trentino region. We see this relationship as an acknowledgement of the quality of our wine, which is an example of Italian-made excellence, and an expression of the uniqueness of the mountain territory of Trentino.”

Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine, Sarah Jane Evans MW, said “I am delighted that we are going to be working with Trentodoc. It develops and deepens our relationship with Italy, already established through the Istituto Grandi Marchi and Südtirol/Alto Adige Wines, and our Symposium in Florence 2014.”

Trentodoc becomes the Institute’s third Italian Supporter after Istituto Grandi Marchi and Südtirol/Alto Adige Wines.

Honorary Treasurer’s ReportOVERVIEW

The financial results for the year ended 31 March 2015 were as follows:

The healthy surplus resulted largely from the hugely successful Symposium in Florence in May 2014 and stronger than anticipated student numbers, offset by increased legal and professional fees incurred in a number of areas. More detailed analysis and explanation of the results follows.

2015 £000

Inc / (Dec) £000

2014£000

Income 2,231.1 705.7 1,525.4

Direct Expenditure 1,373.9 (413.2) 960.7

Gross Surplus 857.2 292.5 564.7

Administrative Expenses (714.2) (119.7) (594.5)

Interest Receivable 0.6 (0) 0.6

Surplus / (deficit) before taxation 143.6 172.8 (29.2)

Tax on surplus / (deficit) (0.1) 0 (0.1)

Surplus / (deficit) for the financial year 143.5 172.8 (29.3)

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INCOME, DIRECT EXPENDITURE AND GROSS SURPLUS

The table below shows the breakdown of income by area of activity:

2015 £000

Inc / (Dec) £000

2014£000

Corporate Support 730.4 285.2 445.2

Education and Examination 1,040.6 135.0 905.6

Other 117.1 (19.0) 136.1

Symposium 343.0 343.0 00.0

60th Anniversary 0 (38.5) 38.5

Total 2,231.1 705.7 1,525.4

Corporate Support & General 33%

Membership Income 3%

Education Income 40%

Examination Income 7%

Events & Trips 2%

Florence Symposium 15%

Corporate Support

Over the course of the year we have been updating our agreements with Supporters and we are very appreciative of the increased revenue this has generated. The income of £730.4k includes not only cash contributions but also the extremely generous levels of in-kind support we have received in the form of education and exam venues, glasses for all our activities, trips for students and of course wine. We benefited from substantial levels of support for the Symposium, including an estimated value of £163.5k of wine.

Education and Examination

In the year ended 31 March 2015, we achieved a gross surplus of £421.2k on direct Education and Examination activities, compared with £285.8k in the previous year. The table below shows the situation after an allocation of central overhead costs has been made.

Education and Examination income and expenditure:

The strong students and exam candidates numbers across all geographies brought in increased income, but the total direct costs of providing the programme were almost unchanged from last year. Last year greater costs were incurred in managing the transition from Dissertation to Research Paper than were necessary this year. As always in a Symposium year the share of central overheads allocated to Education and Exam is reduced as overheads are attributed to the Symposium as well.

2015 £000

Inc / (Dec) £000

2014£000

Income 1,040.6 135.0 905.6

Direct Expenditure (495.4) (0.6) (494.8)

Estimated cost of sponsor facilities (124.0) 1.0 (125.0)

Gross surplus from Education and Exam 421 135.4 285.8

Allocation of central overheads (333.1) 17.7 (350.8)

Net (deficit) / surplus on Education and Exam 88.1 153.1 (65.0)

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Symposium

A record number of delegates attended the 2014 Symposium. The income of £343.0k relates to ticket sales and the generous direct Sponsorship of the event by Istituto Grandi Marchi.

Direct Expenses (excluding overheads):

Marketing Communication 4%

Institute Governance 4%

Education 35%

Examination 10%

Events & Trips 10%

Florence Symposium 37%

ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES

The following table shows a breakdown of Administration expenses for the year:

General administrative expenses included an increased spend on legal fees in respect of the ongoing work regarding the registration of trademarks worldwide, and in protection against increasing challenges to the MW title and the Institute’s reputation.

Last year in Finance charges we reported a foreign exchange loss of £28.9k. By putting measures in place to protect, as far as possible, against currency fluctuations, this year the accounts showed a paper gain on exchange of £9.1k.

2015 £000

Inc / (Dec) £000

2014£000

Staff costs 418.3 34.5 383.8

Establishment costs 59.6 1.6 58.0

General administrative expenses 201.0 115.1 85.9

Finance charges 20.6 (27.3) 47.9

Depreciation costs 14.7 (0.5) 15.2

Total 714.2 123.4 590.8

£500,000

£300,000

£400,000

£200,000

£100,000

Staff Costs Establishment Costs

General Administrative

Finance Charges

Depreciation£0

2015

2014

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TAXATION

The taxation charge in the year is the cost of taxation on the interest earned in the year.

BALANCE SHEET

A summarised balance sheet is set out below:

The taxation charge in the year is the cost of taxation on the interest earned in the year.

Operational debtors reduced by £94.4k to £189.5k, as last year’s figure included £85k of prepaid costs relating to the 2014 Symposium.

Operational cash balances increased to £851.9k from £669.5k at 31 March 2014.

2015 £000

Inc / (Dec) £000

2014£000

Fixed assets 11.7 (12.8) 24.5

Current assets 1043.7 86.4 957.3

Creditors due within one year (349.0) 72.6 (421.6)

Provision for liabilities (15.0) (3.0) (12.0)

Net assets 691.4 (143.2) 548.2

Capital and reserves:

North American Scholarship Fund 7.1 (0.3) 7.4

Income and expenditure account 684.3 143.5 540.8

Members’ funds 691.4 143.2 548.2

Creditors

Operational creditors have reduced as last year’s figure included deferred income of £193k in relation to prepaid ticket sales and sponsorship received in advance for the 2014 Symposium. This has been offset by increased accruals in respect of ongoing legal work and website development.

Provision for liabilities

The Institute has a provision for dilapidations on its premises, which has been accruing over the life of the lease. The lease is due to terminate this year.

Other reserves

As last year, other reserves now relate solely to the North American Scholarship Fund. This fund is being used to support US-based students in the final year of their studies, and will reduce over time.

CONCLUSION

The Institute has produced a very strong set of financial results this year driven particularly by magnificent Symposium in Florence. An enormous amount of time and effort was required to make this possible, and more than ever we are indebted to our Members for their time and services and our Supporters for their generosity and support. The exemplary leadership of our Executive Director Penny Richards and the dedication of Daleen Halford, our Finance Manager and their hard-working team have enabled the Institute to deliver the Symposium whilst maintaining standards in the running of all its other activities. As we work on a plan for the next five years, it is good to know we are starting from a strong financial position.

Laura Evans ACA MW Honorary Treasurer

17 August 2015

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Institute Officers & StaffMWs play an active role in the strategic development and activities of the Institute through its Council, Boards and Committees. Their roles are summarised below, along with their membership at the time of going to print.

COUNCIL

The Institute is governed by a Council of MWs, directly elected by the membership as a whole. Council members are elected for a three-year term and may serve up to three terms. They are the directors of the Institute and are responsible for its governance and strategic direction.

Members of Council

Sarah Jane Evans MW, Chairman

Jane Masters MW, Vice Chairman

Stephen Skelton MW Deputy Vice Chairman

Laura Evans MW, Treasurer

Joel Butler MW

Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW

Steve Charters MW

Adrian Garforth MW

Lisa Granik MW

Konstantinos Lazarakis MW

Fiona Morrison MW

Jane Skilton MW

Philip Tuck MW

Ex Officio Members

Marcia Waters MW, Chairman of Education and Examination Board

Penny Richards, Executive Director

EDUCATION AND EXAMINATION BOARD (EEB)

The EEB is responsible for upholding the integrity and the standard of the Institute’s examination and education processes, which it conducts via the Education Committee and Examination Board. It provides the channel for the communication of Council policy and reports to Council on the conduct of the annual education and examination programme.

Marcia Waters MW, Chairman

Dr Lisa Granik MW, Dissertation & Research Paper Co-ordinator

John Hoskins MW, Chairman of the Examination Board & Chief Examiner

Prof Mark Jenkins, External Academic Adviser

Sheri Morano MW, Dissertation & Research Paper Co-ordinator, AMS/PAMS Supervisor

Stephen Skelton MW, Research Paper Panel Chair

Jane Skilton MW, Australasia Education Coordinator

Phil Tuck MW, Practical Panel Chair

Neil Tully MW, Theory Panel Chair

Mark de Vere MW, North America Education Coordinator

David Wrigley MW, WSET Representative

Cathy van Zyl MW, Chairman of the Education Committee

Penny Richards, Executive Director

Olivier Chapman, Programme and Development Manager

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The Education Committee is responsible for the conduct of the annual education programme around the world.

Cathy van Zyl MW, Chairman

Mary Gorman-McAdams MW, North American Course Day Coordinator

Dr Lisa Granik MW, Dissertation Coordinator Europe & North America

Martin Hudson MW, European First Year Coordinator

Natasha Hughes MW, Shadow Wine Coordinator

Susan Hulme MW, European Course Days Coordinator

Emma Jenkins MW, Australasia Course Day Coordinator

Mel Jones MW, European Practical Only Coordinator

Caro Maurer MW, Shadow European First Year Coordinator

Debra Meiburg MW, European Second Year Coordinator (Bordeaux)

David le Mire MW, Australasian Coordinator

Peter Mitchell MW, Wine Coordinator

Sheri Sauter Morano MW, Mentor & Assignment Marking Scheme Coordinator

Phil Reedman MW, European Theory Only Coordinator

Annette Scarfe MW, European Second Year Coordinator (Odney)

Mai Tjemsland MW, FYA Retake Coordinator

Mark de Vere MW, North American Coordinator

Penny Richards, Executive Director

Olivier Chapman, Programme and Development Manager

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EXAMINATION BOARD

The Examination Board is responsible for the annual Masters of Wine Examination which is held concurrently in London, Napa and Sydney.

John Hoskins MW, Chairman and Chief Examiner

Norrel Robertson MW, Chair Theory Paper 1

Meg Brodtmann MW, Chair Theory Paper 2

Caroline Gilby MW, Chair Theory Paper 3

Simon Thorpe MW, Chair Theory Paper 4

Arne Ronold MW, Chair Theory Paper 5

Neil Tully MW, Theory Panel Chair

Philip Tuck MW, Practical Panel Chair

Stephen Skelton MW, Research Paper Panel Chair

Professor Mark Jenkins, External Examiner

Penny Richards, Executive Director

Olivier Chapman, Programme and Development Manager

EVENTS COMMITTEES

The Events Committee plans the Institute’s global programme of annual events, which include tastings, seminars and debates. There are three separate branches to the committee which cover Europe, Australasia and North America respectively.

Europe Committee

This committee is principally UK-based.

Mark Bingley MW, Chairman

Sarah Abbott MW

Richard Bampfield MW

Sally Easton MW

Sarah Jane Evans MW

Nancy Gilchrist MW

Susan Hulme MW

Annette Scarfe MW

Anne Tupker MW

Alexandra Runciman, Membership and Events Officer

Australasia Committee

Meg Brodtmann MW, Chairman

Kate McIntyre MW

Jane Skilton MW

Emily Robinson, IMW Australasia Officer

North America Committee

Doug Frost MW, Chairman

Joel Butler MW

Charles Curtis MW

Nancy Johnson, IMW North America Officer

TRIPS COMMITTEE

Konstantinos Lazarakis MW, Chair

Beverley Blanning MW

Pat Farrell MW

Philip Goodband MW

Lisa Granik MW

Dirceu Junior Vianna MW

EXECUTIVE OFFICE STAFF

The Institute’s Executive Office is based in London. The Institute also has part-time staff in the US and Australia.

Executive Director: Penny Richards

Programme and Development Manager: Olivier Chapman

Education Officer: Marianne Crocker

Finance Assistant: Charlotte Dean

Finance Manager: Daleen Halford

IMW North America Officer: Nancy Johnson

Communications Manager: Ben McKeown

IMW Australasia Officer: Emily Robinson (replacing Marina Goldsworthy)

Membership and Events Officer: Alexandra Runciman

Examination and Research Paper Officer: Robyn Wheatley (standing in for Antonina McGinty)

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DAVID STEVENS MW

David Stevens MW, who was born on 8 January 1928, was educated at Sherborne and served with The Queen’s Royal Regiment (West Surrey) in the Far East in the immediate aftermath of WW2. He left the regular Army in 1948, although he then served with 23 SAS (formerly IS9, and before that MI9) as a Territorial Army Officer up to 1960.

In 1949 he joined the wine importing firm of Rigby and Evens Bristol and Liverpool (founded 1796) as a trainee salesman.

After seven years in Bristol he was sent to the Liverpool end of the business, and took over the running of it in 1963. A year later Rigby and Evens Bristol and Liverpool were taken over by Matthew Clark and Sons Plc, and in 1966 he was appointed to the board of the company. He left Matthew Clark in 1982 to start his own consultancy business, and one of his first clients was the St. Austell Brewery, who he was to advise for the next twenty years.

He passed the Master of Wine Examination in 1961, and in 1987 he was asked to become the first Executive Director of the Institute of Masters of Wine. He was tasked with internationalising the Master of Wine Examination, and the Institute as a whole.

During the seven years that he occupied this position, the Membership of the Institute increased by 50 percent, of whom nearly half were from outside the UK. During his term of office he set up study courses in the United States, Australia, and mainland Europe, and broke with tradition by making arrangements for the Examination to be held simultaneously in London, New York, and Sydney. He also

introduced Advisory Boards in Australia and the United States, and chaired the latter.

David visited all the major wine producing countries of the world, in all of which he had many friends and acquaintances. He also planned and led four of the Institute’s official trips: to Australia in 1983; South America in 1989; New Zealand and Western Australia in 1993; and South Africa in 1995.

David Stevens MW is widely credited with being the first to discover the importance of Argentina as a source of good, inexpensive wine and was recognised as a leading expert on the wines of this country, and of South America in general.

During his long career David fulfilled numerous trade roles. He was an early Chairman of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, and served on the Councils of the Wine and Spirits Association of Great Britain and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association’s Benevolent Society. He was a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers.

He was on the Wine Committee of the International Wine and Food Society for 25 years, and was a Commandeur of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin and a member of the Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc et des Graves.

Obituaries

GEORGE DOWGLASS MW

George Dowglass MW was born on 25 September 1924 in Chefoo, China, one of the British Treaty Ports. His parents had travelled to China independently, and met and married there. His father was an architect, and his mother had gone out as secretary to a missionary society, going overland on the trans-Siberian railway, having decided that life in Llandudno, Wales, was too dull to be borne.

George spent time in the Indian army ending up on the North West Frontier and after Partition was offered the chance to join the Pakistani Army, but decided its future was too uncertain and returned to Britain.

However Britain in 1946 looked very dull and dismal after India, and despite having a place at Oxford to study Modern Languages, George decided to return to the Far East. He took a job with Guthries, one of the big general trading firms in Singapore, where he recalled weekends spent travelling up country to the rubber plantations during the Malayan Emergency. On arrival at the plantation, each guest would be given several hand grenades for protection if the Communists should strike.

He learned the wine trade working for most of the 1950’s at Smallwoods, a small Wine Merchants in Birmingham. Most wine and spirits were still imported into the UK in cask, and one of his jobs was bottling and labelling it. Locals would also bring jugs and bottles to the firm to be filled with rum. The rum arrived from the West Indies as a white spirit, and caramel was added to give it a golden colour. Woe betide if he did not get the colour dark enough: people complained that the rum was too weak and refused to take it.

In the early 1960’s, he decided to move to London, married and passed his Masters of Wine exams. He had various jobs in the Wine Trade in London, but in 1969, he and his wife decided to move to Barbados.

In Barbados, George set up his own business, Trident Wines, importing wines and spirits mainly for the growing tourist trade; the locals preferred to drink rum. George built up a flourishing business over the years, which is still going strong today, although he was not a natural salesman. He refused to sell good wine to people who he thought would not appreciate it, suggesting for example that his Burgundian sparkling wine would suit them just as well as his vintage champagne.

In 1996, he and his wife decided to retire to Broadway in the Cotswolds, and made a very happy life there.

George was enormously kind and generous, amusing and an incredible source of knowledge, and he will be much missed by his friends and family.

Charlotte Clackson Daughter of George Dowglass

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© August 2015 The Institute of Masters of Wine

Cover illustration by Auguste Vuillamot (1883-1970) reproduced by kind permission of Neil Tully MW

The Institute of Masters of Wine

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