Judgment of Paris: California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting That Revolutionized Wine by George M. Taber (2009) In 1976 the French wine making industry was certain of two things. First, that no one was their equal in wine. Second, that the Americans in California were certainly NOT even close. A small tasting event, one that was never intended to change the world of wine making forever, turned the conventional wisdom on its head. The only reporter in attendance was George Taber from Time magazine. He was only there as a favor to a friend. The rest was most certainly history.
Like a fine wine, this book takes time to develop and blossom. If you prefer your stories simple, then you will be frustrated. If you like your stories and wine to be bold, complicated and with depth, then you will find this book worth your investment.
If you really want to appreciate the shock wave that tore through the wine world in 1976 you’re going to need some background. That means understanding the place French wine had always held going into that event. It also means grasping the concept that once upon a time, not that long ago, wine making in California was a dilettante’s pastime. The few who were “serious” were thought to be a little loony.
It all begins with a couple of English wine fans who have set up shop in Paris. They both travel to the U.S. to sample wine and come away impressed with some of the product from our West Coast. The tasting was only intended to introduce some of the better wines to the most discriminating palates in the center of the wine universe.
The story is filled with personalities, history, arrogance and a profound love of wine. Taber weaves an intricate story, then takes you into the changes that followed that momentous day.
Why I Liked It – I love wine and the book expanded my understanding of how good and great wine is created.
Why You Will Like It – The many personalities involved and the eventual amazing outcome.
There is a delightful movie that tells a truncated version of the story called “Bottle Shock” (My review, just scroll down).
Rating – **** Recommended
Stories Are My Life 
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