The two competitions couldn't have been more different. The first, in Denver, was to pick the wines to be served at a major event for the governor. It was the first year for the tasting, and was much less formal than many I've judged. The second, on the campus of Purdue University, is one of the most important competitions in the United States -- complete with lab coat.
You can read my reports for Denver and Indianapolis (results here). Generally, the quality of all the wines was quite good. It has been several years since I tasted in Colorado, and the wines are getting better. The state's winemakers are figuring out which grapes work best with the area's high altitude and unpredictable weather.
Indianapolis was, well, Indianapolis. I was in Wine Curmudgeon heaven for 2 1/2 days, sifting through flights of things like seyval blanc, steuben, and sparkling honey wine. How much fun was it? It was so much fun that I hope I get invited back next year. I should also note that chief judge Christian Butzke does a nice standup act, and that it is apparently quite an honor when he comes over and fusses at you during the judging. It will serve me right for tweeting.
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