(Image credit: Penfolds)

Director Jason Wise’s documentary Somm was one of the most buzzed about movies in 2012, and for good reason. Somm follows four sommeliers as they pursue the Master Sommelier exam, an exam with a notoriously low pass rate. The film is an intense, riveting ride, even for those out there who are not inclined towards oenophilia.

Watching the sommeliers tell their story, it’s hard not to root for one. Through out the entire film I was championing for Dylnn Proctor. Proctor’s unique style and eloquent approach to picking out a bottle of wine is incredible. That being said, I had to interview him. Read our exclusive Q&A below and rent Somm if you haven’t already! Interview after the jump.

Watching you work in the documentary Somm, it’s hard not to notice the way you appraise a bottle of wine. To me, your descriptions were vivid and inspired which leads me to wonder if you dabble in literature, do you?

That’s funny. Yes, in past years when my time was a bit freer, I did read a bit of Rand, Doyle, Austen and other greats. That by no means makes me seasoned. But as for my descriptions, I may need to change my approach, as it hasn’t boded well yet!

For those out there who haven’t yet seen Somm, could you shed light on what inspired you to become a sommelier?

Yes, a cheesy and quotable answer. “I had to be the guy I saw in the restaurant.” I’ve always enjoyed service, and the sharing of conversations that come along with it. The feeling of seeing a table lose themselves in the meal, ambience and tastes. For me service is a ballet, and my job is to gracefully move in and out with a few stories, a few pours, and a few smiles.

Are there any wine bars in Chicago you like to frequent?I am a big fan of RM, always laid back and it really puts you in a Parisian state of mind. Telegraph is really cool as well and Jeremy Quinn has a list worth dissecting having a few hours to taste through many regions. The Boarding House is not technically a wine bar, but the ‘Cellar’ downstairs is literally the best place in Chicago!

By far, what is the best vintage you’ve tried?

Not an easy question. All of my faves, from different vintages are remarkable for many different reasons. 1897 Lafite is special in its own right. 1918 Calon Segur evokes memories of a rainy night in Dallas many years ago. Others like 69 Conterno Monfortino and 76 Penfolds Grange all have a special meaning that I remember vividly. I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of the greats. I also remember my wife and I riding in a car drinking 1828 Boal that we believe was Blandy’s, as the bottle was filthy!

What are your thoughts on celebrity vineyards and wine?

I like that more celebrities are venturing into winemaking and grape growing. They have the means to enjoy the storied wines, and I’m sure it draws them into wanting to be a close part of it. As long as they are true to grape and style (per their region), and properly manage their vineyards, more the merrier. That actually creates more jobs for winemakers, marketers, and hospitality.

Do you think you’ll ever write a book about being a sommelier?

Not something that is imminent, but it has been mentioned to me a few times. Like a lot of wine professionals, I have been a lot of places, had fantastic meals and bottles, participated in memorable events, and seen a lot of wineries. So I will share that one day, and I promise comedy will run through the entire book! Right now, there is just no time. I say that word ‘time’ a lot!

Your constant passion for being a sommelier is inspired, how do you maintain it?

There is just an innate drive to be the best. Of course I can never be the best in wine, but wanting to be well versed keeps me going. And, I’m honestly stoked to inspire people. Young somms (and I’m young too) often tell me that I am the reason they are in the wine business, or are taking exams. That keeps me inspired to be the best. Remember, someone was that inspiration to me back in 2002.

Name your top three favorite regions for wine.

Can I name 15?! If I have to:

Piedmont Limestone Coast Loire Valley. Yes, I purposely gave you the bigger regions, as I like all of the regions within! ;)

Can we expect to see more of you in the future?

Indeed, I travel extensively throughout the Americas for Penfolds, and am always in the major markets teaching, tasting, and selling, as well as guest speaking on radio programs and recorded programs. I also have something fun in the works, that a LOT of people will be able to tune in to.

A little bit more about Dylnn Proctor...

DLynn Proctor has been a figure in the wine industry for over 10 years. He comes to Penfolds with extensive experience working with the best in the fine dining business, retail sales, fine and rare wine brokerage, and international education. DLynn, a passionate Penfolds Ambassador, is instrumental in Penfolds education programs, media relations, radio, and Re-corking Clinics across the United States and Canada. He often contributes to food and wine content and to TV shows and print magazines. In addition, he travels extensively to speak publicly and represent this iconic brand to customers, consumers, journalists, and distributors in a variety of global forums. DLynn has been involved in widespread sensory testing, winemaking, and training with top winemakers in California, Washington, Texas, South Australia, and Italy and is an adjunct lecturer and wine show judge at some of the world’s most famous universities and wine shows. He has also been instrumental in Penfolds Re-Corking Clinics across the US.

Proctor was named “Best Sommelier in America” by Wine & Spirits Magazine in 2008, was a finalist in The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Société Mondiale du Vin Best Sommelier in America Competition in 2008 and 2009, and was named to the National RUDD Scholars of 2011. Proctor has been featured in Decanter, Wine Spectator, Wine & Spirits Magazine, Everyday with Rachel Ray, Wine Enthusiast, The Tasting Panel, WineSearcher, Huffington Post, The New York Times and many other publications. He is a member of the Guild of Sommeliers, Chaine des Rotisseurs, and the American Sommelier Association.

Proctor is also one of the four featured subjects in the internationally acclaimed wine documentary ‘SOMM’, covering the three year journey through six countries of filming to becoming a coveted Master Sommelier.