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)

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.

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.

Simply Enjoyable.

I almost wish to recreate myself, simply to incorporate the learning and the enjoyment of wines as part of my repatour...
maybe I shall:).
Joy R

Well worth it!

I’ve been waiting to get to this book for about a year. The wait has been worth it.

What an amazing story. It’s well written and engaging. Good balance of story telling and factual education about wine.

Awesome

Wow, I couldn't stop listening. It was a lot more than judgement day.

Loved it

Great story for oenophiles

I really enjoyed this book to about 3/4 mark, where it dived into the modern wine industry as it has expanded globally. And for serious oenophiles, this may be really interesting. But I was more interested in how American wine makers burst onto the global scene via the Paris Judgement, and the nearer-term ripple effects. Going beyond that isn't a knock on the book at all. I just lost interest after a while. Very well researched, though, and the narrator is quite good.

Really interesting, a bit dry

Super informative, it rekindled my care for CA wines. Slightly dull at times just because there is so much information, but the info is all pertinent and thorough so it fits well in the book.
Spoiler, the movie Bottle Shock butchered the actual events of this story.
Definitely read if you like wine and history.

Fair and balanced.

Best in depth comprehensive review of the wine tasting that shattered the French wine myth.

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

this book is very detailed. I learned so much .

you will learn a lot about the history of wine what to appreciate and look up grapes in a different way excellent all-around.