2002 Young Sommeliers Competition

Quiet pervaded the room set aside the afternoon of June 7 at Bellagio in Las Vegas for the Young Sommelier Competition. Contenders for the title of Best Young Sommelier were deep in thought writing, swirling, sniffing and tasting. The competition consisted of three sections: a written test of 60 questions on wine, wine service, and crafted beverages; a blind tasting of 12 wines from around the world to be identified as precisely as possible; and three menus (a 4-course, 5-course, and 6-course) with which to pair wines.

The Chaîne’s 2002 national competition was open to Chaîne professional members between the ages of 23 and 32 who had won their region’s competition. Awards were presented the evening of June 7 during a special ceremony honoring all the competitors. Winning 1st place and the Gold Medal was Keith Fergel, sommelier at The French Laundry, Yountville, California. The Silver Medalist was Roberto Viernes, sommelier and wine specialist at Mariposa Restaurant, Neiman Marcus, Honolulu. Receiving the Bronze Medal denoting 3rd place was Gillian Balance, Wine Director at Bacara Resort & Spa, Santa Barbara, California.

Commented Competition Chairman Claes Andersen, “This is only the Chaîne’s second year sponsoring the competition, and we’re very pleased to provide the challenge to young people to test their highly developed skills against those of their peers.         

About the Winner . . . Keith Fergel

As Assistant Sommelier at The French Laundry, Keith Fergel manages the restaurant’s extensive wine program. With Sommelier Bobby Stuckey, Fergel establishes industry contacts, purchases wines, and coordinates staff training. When creating the 600-plus slection wine list, Fergel seeks out wines that highlight Thomas Keller’ cuisine, including red and white Burgundies and a wide variety of aromatic whites from Germany and Austria. On the dining room floor, Fergel’s focus shifts to creating individual food and wine pairings to accommodate every guest’s palate.

Before joining The French Laundry in 1998, Fergel worked in a number of front-of-the house positions at various restaurants throughout the U.S.A. His wine knowledge is largely self-taught through study, intensive tasting, and travel. Fergel is currently pursuing the title of Master Sommelier, having passed both the introductory and advanced level examinations.
 

National Finalists and Regional Coordinators by Region Mid-Atlantic Finalist: Thomas Combescot-Lepere Coordinator: Grand Echanson Sheldon Margolis South Central Finalist: Brett Randall Coordinator: Chambellan Provincial Tom Cassidy Southeast Finalist: Marita Leonard Coordinator: Echanson Provincial Charles Radlauer Caribbean/Atlantic Islands Finalist: Eoin Connors Coordinator: Echanson Provincial Niels Olsen Midwest Finalist: Dan Westland Coordinator: Vice Echanson Andrew Tepper Southwest Finalist: David Orchard Coordinator: Bailli Provincial Mark Bermann Pacific Northwest Finalist: Keith Fergel Coordinators: Vice Conseiller Culinaire Hon. Fred Dame and Echanson National Dan Gulbronsen Far West Finalist: Gillan Balance Coordinators: Bailli Provincial Thomas Buckley and  Echanson Provincial Neil Conway Hawaii/Pacific Islands Finalist: Roberto Viernes Coordinator: Echanson Provincial Alan Suzuki

Winner Keith Fergel     (Standing) Competition Chairman Claes Andersen (Seated) Judges Echanson Provincial Dan Gulbronson, Master Sommelier Jay James and Grand Echanson Shelly Margolis