Judgment of Paris - 1976

THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS 1976

Stag's Leap Judgment of Paris

The Judgment of Paris was a pivotal event in the history of the wine industry, taking place on May 24, 1976. It was a blind wine tasting competition organized by British wine merchant Steven Spurrier, who aimed to compare the wines of California's Napa Valley with the traditional wines of France, particularly Bordeaux and Burgundy.

The tasting was conducted at the Intercontinental Hotel in Paris and involved a panel of nine French judges, predominantly composed of esteemed wine professionals and critics. The event consisted of two main categories: Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Here's a summary of the key results:

Chardonnay Category:

  • Winner (Surprise!): Chateau Montelena 1973, a Napa Valley winery. This was a shocking outcome as it defeated well-established French white Burgundies.
  • Runner-Up: Meursault-Charmes Roulot 1973, a French white Burgundy.

Cabernet Sauvignon Category:

  • Winner (Stunning Upset): Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 1973, another Napa Valley winery. It outperformed renowned Bordeaux estates.
  • Runner-Up: Château Mouton-Rothschild 1970, a prestigious Bordeaux estate.

The unexpected victory of the California wines, particularly the Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and the Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena, challenged the traditional perception that only French wines could achieve the highest standards of quality. The event gained international attention and significantly elevated the status of California wines on the global stage.

The impact of the Judgment of Paris cannot be overstated. It not only transformed the perception of American wines but also contributed to the growth of the California wine industry. The winning wines gained prestige, and the event opened doors for new opportunities and recognition for American winemakers. The Judgment of Paris is considered a watershed moment that helped establish the credibility and potential of the New World, particularly California, as a producer of world-class wines.