The Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, also known as the Judgment of Paris, was a wine competition organized in Paris on 24 May 1976 by Steven Spurrier, a British wine merchant, and his colleague, Patricia Gallagher, in which French oenophiles participated in two blind tasting comparisons: one of top-quality Chardonnays and another of red wines. A Napa County wine rated best in each category, which caused surprise as France was generally regarded as being the foremost producer of the world's best wines. By the early 1970s, the quality of some California wines was outstanding but few took notice as the market favored French brands. Spurrier sold predominately French wine and believed the California wines would not win.
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Ridge's Monte Bello vineyard.
When the results were announced French judge Odette Kahn demanded her ballot back and later criticized the Paris tasting.
A bottle of 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the white wine competition on display in the Smithsonian.
Chalone Vineyard Chardonnay of Monterey County ranked #3
Steven Spurrier (wine merchant)
Steven Spurrier was a British wine expert and merchant who was described as a champion of French wine. Spurrier organised the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, which unexpectedly elevated the status of California wine and promoted the expansion of wine production in the New World. He was the founder of the Academie du Vin and Christie's Wine Course, in addition to authoring and co-authoring several wine books.
May 2016