Judgment of Paris

California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting That Revolutionized Wine

By: George M. Taber

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History houses, amid its illustrious artifacts, two bottles of wine: a 1973 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and a 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay. These are the wines that won at the now-famous Paris Tasting in 1976, where a panel of top French wine experts compared some of France's most famous wines with a new generation of California wines. Little did they know the wine industry would be completely transformed as a result, sparking a golden age for viticulture that extends beyond France's hallowed borders to Australia, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand, and across the globe.

Then Paris correspondent for Time magazine, George M. Taber recounts this seminal contest and its far-reaching effects, focusing on the three gifted unknowns behind the winning wines: a college lecturer, a real estate lawyer, and a Yugoslavian immigrant. At a time when California was best known for cheap jug wine, these pioneers used radical new techniques alongside time-honored winemaking traditions to craft premium American wines that could stand up to France's finest. With unique access to the main players and a contagious passion for his subject, Taber renders this historic event and its tremendous aftershocks in captivating prose, bringing to life an eclectic cast and magnificent settings. For lovers of wine and anyone who enjoys a story of the entrepreneurial spirit of the new world conquering the old, this is an illuminating and deeply satisfying tale.

©2005 George M. Taber (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"An intoxicating indulgence for Sideways fans, and an education for would-be wine sophisticates." ( Kirkus)

Thorough and detailed!

Thankfully the single journalist who chose to attend what we now call, The Judgement of Paris, is a meticulous researcher and writer. Without this book folks may believe the movie about this famed blind tasting to be gospel.
He delves deep into the vineyards histories, and the vintners histories. He speaks about the tasting he was present for, and he speaks from interviews he had later with people connected to the tasting. He brings the reader up to date information about the wines, the people and the land that was connected to the tasting. A great read.

Nice history of Napa

Easy to follow but still very detailed to help the reader understand where Napa wines came from.

So very interresting!

This was so very interesting. The broad historical background, as well as the personal accounts of those who figured large in this "competition" and the analysis of its aftereffects make this a super-worthy read/listen. Very well written and superbly narrated. One of the best audiobooks I have listened to and I have listened to many.

The amazing amount of information about the background of key winemakers.

The techniques of making wine substantially increased my knowledge of the processes involved. I had a recent conversation with a nearby wine maker and enjoyed our talk because of my newly learned information. I've seen Bottleshock the movie several times and enjoyed hearing the real details of the people and wines involved in the actual "Judgement of Paris".

Must Read

Wholesome book on the judgment of Paris and all the implications the event had on the wine industry. Great info on Napa Valley and excellent insight into the current status of the worlds many different wine regions. Highly recommend