These were suggested by Alexander LaPratt, wine director of New York's DB Bistro Moderne.

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But Mr. LaPratt said a sommelier shouldn't simply rattle off facts or dazzle his audience with his erudition.

WSJ: Daniel Boulud's Sommeliers on What Makes a Great One | On Wine by Lettie Teague

Alexander LaPratt, a 30-year-old sommelier at DB Bistro Moderne in Midtown, another Boulud restaurant, spends at least an hour each day studying complete with flash cards.

WSJ: Daniel Boulud's Sommeliers on What Makes a Great One | On Wine by Lettie Teague