Judgment of Paris+50

Fifty years after the legendary 1976 “Judgment of Paris” rocked the wine world, the International Wine & Food Society in Vancouver uncorked its own celebratory rematch with a blind tasting of acclaimed Chardonnays from France, California, Canada, and beyond, alongside beautifully mature Bordeaux reds and California Cabernet Sauvignons.

A panel of 12 tasters explored wines inspired by the original contest that forever changed the global wine landscape and announced California as a world-class contender. Every bottle delivered excitement, but the biggest surprise came from two former underdogs: the 2023 Drouhin Clos des Mouches Blanc and the 1971 Ridge Monte Bello, both fifth-place finishers in 1976, rose to claim top honours at our anniversary tasting. Fifty years on, the Judgment of Paris still knows how to keep the wine world on its toes.

Following the tasting, the judges enjoyed a delicious repast of tasty beef and quail’s egg tartlet, lamb shank en papillotte with spring vegetables and a sweet finish of gateau au chocolat. Our thanks go to Sid Cross who initiated this event, to Jim Robertson for organizing the evening and to Van Doren Chan, Milena Robertson, and Joan Cross for preparing such a wonderful celebratory dinner, and of course to all of our judges.

The wines, in judges’ preference order:

Whites

2023 Joseph Drouhin Clos des Mouches Blanc

2021 Jean-Claude Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot

2020 CheckMate Fool’s Mate Chardonnay (Okanagan Valley)

2020 Domaine des Comtes Lafon Meursault 1er Cru Goutte d’Or

2022 Château Montelena Chardonnay (California)

2019 Tolpuddle Chardonnay (Tasmania)

Reds

1971 Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon

1970 Château Latour

1970 Château Montrose

1970 Château Palmer

1974 Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, S.L.V.

1974 Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon

‍