Marek J. Rakowski

Welcome to my tasting diary - DipWSET, Certified Sommelier by CMS

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Few pics from a wine trip to Southern Rhone with @ThormanHunt a few weeks ago.

Beautiful, sunny 30°C+ days packed with tasting delicious juices from:
#tourcampenet
#lespigouette
#raspailay
#burle
@lasoumade
@DomaineRichaud
#chaumearnaud
#charbonniere
#sabon

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Kinda official now!

#dipwset

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Late catch-up with the great webinar on Wine Victoria delivered by @vinesack

First ever try of Strathbogie Ranges region (big oily, yet stunningly fresh Chard) and great to revisit legends from Ten Minutes By Tractor.

Ps. I love these tiny bag-in-boxes!

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Back at the @paintworks_ for sustainable wine tasting @liberty_wines 

Two highlights. Creamy lush yet elegant Chardonnay from Kent (Again - that cool Kent made such brilliantly oily Chardy!) and a beautiful English sparkling wine in great value from Rathfinny. #loveenglishwine

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Ethereal puff of redcurrant and red cherry along with dried cherry, complemented with a touch of black pepper, decayed flower petal and wet earth tones. Tight and precise on palate. Visibily but still gracefully aged!

Happy Easter! 🐣

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

I'm still eyeing the date warily, but on the 1st of April, I officially passed the last unit of my WSET Diploma!! 🍾🥂

@WSETglobal

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

DipWSET 5/6

Absolutely thrilled to pass those daunting D3 exams! It was an intense 8 months of preps.

So, one more to go.. off to the sparkling world!

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Back in the WSET mothership.

@WSETschool #winetasting #wsetdiploma #D3

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Long wine day today! @liberty_wines Annual Portfolio at the London Kia Oval to start and diploma workshop on Pinot Grigio/Gris in the evening by Shane Jones from @WSETschool

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

2024 Tasting season is officially open!

@liberty_wines Bourgogne and Beaujolais Tasting at The View London 17th Jan.

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Excellent masterclass on Thracian wines with @jamiegoode in #cavewinebar

Definitely have to try out more of that nebbioloesque Rubin in the future!

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Last minute catch-up with the latest pours from @ThormanHunt and @RichmondWineAg1 at @paintworks_
#bristol

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Everybody talks about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Champagne which leaves Pinot Meunier slightly out of the spotlight.

Some time ago I scribbled a few words about that lovely variety and the vital role it plays in the region.

Enjoy! ⤵️

https://t.co/3F4FbeTWdP

@CorksofCotham

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Another trip to London today, this time for the great @thebft

Humble to take part of @Kopke1638 Masterclass with winemaker Carlos Alves showing impressive age worthiness of white port. Among others tried their 1935 Colheita, bottled just last week!

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Long and busy but also very happy day in London @ThormanHunt

Lots of fab juices in there. Just couple highlights:
- complex, mouthwatering Col Fondo Collalto Sui Lieviti. Funky but within limits.
- racy & spicy Sorg Gewürztraminer GC Pfersigberg with an amazing spine of acidity

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

We have the first Polish Master of Wine!

Massive congratulations @bonkowskimw

https://t.co/IUgsDiJzP1

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Happy Burns Night!

Tasting delicacies from Caisteal Chamuis, Mossburn and Torabhaig with @Mossburn_Bruce

@CorksofCotham
#1bpitville

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Visited this evening the latest addition to Bristol wine scene @Picolebristol opened last month at @WappingWharfBS1

While sustainable France dominates the list, the highlight for me was the English petnat from @Tillinghamwines Col 2021 and it's beautiful lime/salty minerality!

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

Great workshop on D4 exam technique in London WSET HQ with Shane Jones.

@WSETglobal

[Marek J. Rakowski @mjrsomm]

DipWSET 4/6

A much needed piece of great news ahead of the coming week 🔥

@WSETglobal