Frank H.
Wine Judge
Member Since 2025
What is your most memorable wine or wine and food experience?
My most memorable wine and food experience took place at the end of a tasting course put on by 2 graduating Sommeliers. The group of us went out for a fancy dinner. The restaurant owner was proud of his cellar and shared with us some fine wines that night. However, at a nearby table was a famous couple from the movie industry, evidently celebrating some success. They had ordered, along with their dinner, a $10,000 bottle of Vintage Petrus! As is apparently the custom in such circles, they left behind a half glass of the elixir as a thank you to staff. With the owner’s permission, we seized the glass and passed it around our table, never tasting it but simply savouring the wonderful ethereal scents. It was magical! With great restraint we left the remaining wine for the staff to enjoy.
What wines have you always wanted to try but haven’t? What is your favorite vineyard? Region?
Needless to say, after the above experience, I would love to try a glass or even a half glass of Petrus. It’s difficult to pick one but my favourite wine region is probably Piedmont, and from there, any Barolo.
What event or experience started your journey in wine?
My journey into wine appreciation started in my late teens, when I had just reached (I hope) the age of consumption. My mother had made my favourite, a simple spaghetti dinner with meat and tomato sauce. With this meal, on the table was a bottle of the ubiquitous wicker basketed Chianti, so popular at the time. I remember vividly being astounded at how wonderfully these two simple tastes went together, each complimenting the other. I strive to repeat this experience at every opportunity.