Judgment of Paris to be Recreated
It was almost 30 years ago that American wines shocked the world when two were chosen by French tasters over first growth wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy changing the American wine scene forever. That night, Steven Spurrier organized the tasting, and is set to do it again this year. This time there will be two panels, one in England, and the other in California, which will be tied in to each other via Video link.
The recreation will take place on 24 May at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire (once the Rothschild’s family home) and COPIA in Napa Valley, the wine & culinary arts centre.
The tasting will be held in three stages – initially a retasting of the original six cabernets from California, including the winning 1973 Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon together with Ridge Montebello Cabernet Sauvignon 1971, and four Bordeaux, including Châteaux Haut-Brion and Mouton-Rothschild 1970.
This will then be followed by a wider comparison of more recent vintages (probably the 2000s and 2001s) from the same and similar properties.
There will also be a tasting of classic Burgundy and Californian whites. The results will then be compiled and announced over a BAFTA-style awards dinner.
Should be an interesting tasting, especially if Bordeaux from the blockbuster 2000 vintage is showcased against the 2001 Vintage of Cabernet and Cabernet blends from California. So people will be eager to see who comes out on top, and since 2000 was so highly praised by the pros, I have a feeling the winners will be from Bordeaux.
But, is it fair to take one of the most anticipated vintages and compare it to a vintage that wasn’t as talked about and feel that you’ve found a winner between the two? I wouldn’t think so. It seems like the stage is set for a continued rivalry between those that want to claim their wine is the best while backing that statement up with a little proof. Certainly, Americans have drawn attention to the original judgment, and rightfully so, as they had earned a little respect. It should be interesting to see what happens on May 24th, but even more so what happens after.
You can read more about the original Judgment of Paris in the book. [Amazon]
More details on the 30th Anniversary here. [Decanter]
