Judgment of Paris: Judgment of Paris [Paperback]

The only reporter present at the mythic Paris Tasting of 1976—a blind tasting where a panel of esteemed French judges chose upstart California wines over France’s best—for the first time introduces the eccentric American winemakers and records the tremendous aftershocks of this historic event that changed forever the world of wine.

The Paris Tasting of 1976 will forever be remembered as the landmark event that transformed the wine industry. At this legendary contest—a blind tasting—a panel of top French wine experts shocked the industry by choosing unknown California wines over France’s best.

George M. Taber, the only reporter present, recounts this seminal contest and its far-reaching effects, focusing on three gifted unknowns behind the winning wines: a college lecturer, a real estate lawyer, and a Yugoslavian immigrant. With unique access to the main players and a contagious passion for his subject, Taber renders this historic event and its tremendous aftershocks—repositioning the industry and sparking a golden age for viticulture across the globe. With an eclectic cast of characters and magnificent settings,Judgment of Parisis an illuminating tale and a story of the entrepreneurial spirit of the new world conquering the old. Engrossing. -- Eric Asimov,The New York Times Judgment of Parisis one of the best books on California wine I've ever read. -- James Laube,Wine Spectator [Taber] tells the tale with the same authority, depth, and clarity as the American wines that won. . . . Fascinating characters, great locales, and a fine bouquet. -- Walter Isaacson, author ofBenjamin Franklin A vivid, robust story that goes down smoothly. --Entertainment Weekly If ever a story about wine could rise above the 'cooking, wine, and spirits' category and find a wider public, this is it. --Barron's