Steven McDonald (above) became Houston’s fifth Master Sommelier last month after successfully completing the blind tasting portion of the exam in St. Louis.

This week, the Court of Master Sommeliers “invalidated” his title and those of 22 others who had also passed the exam because it discovered that someone cheated during the tasting portion.

Dale Roberton tells the story in a post published yesterday by the Houston Chronicle, including quotes from Steven and some of Houston’s current Master Sommeliers.

The whole Houston wine community is rooting for Steven, one of its most beloved and talented members.