re: Calling Resident Oenophiles......

The exam is rigorous on everything from geology and geography to history and the science of it all. As far as aromas, everyone knows a smell, teaching your brain to unlock it when faced with something that is not it is the hardest thing for most to do. And in response to the art vs BS of it all....it's in the eye of the beholder. To someone who doesn't comprehend the aromatics and nuances or have the availability to taste thousands of wines a year and understand the terroir of each country and region, it can be construed as BS. On the other hand, there's a reason we can pick up a glass, know if it's American or French oak, approximate alcohol, acid, and tannin levels...and then place ourselves in a corresponding part of the world based off of those things and aromatics associated with a specific grape varietal.