Judgment of Paris: Judgment of Paris

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The only reporter present at the mythic Paris Tasting of 1976a blind tasting where a panel of esteemed French judges chose upstart California wines over Frances bestfor 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 contesta blind tastinga panel of top French wine experts shocked the industry by choosing unknown California wines over Frances 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 aftershocksrepositioning the industry and sparking a golden age for viticulture across the globe. With an eclectic cast of characters and magnificent settings, Judgment of Paris is an illuminating tale and a story of the entrepreneurial spirit of the new world conquering the old.

Reviews

"Engrossing." -- Eric Asimov, The New York Times
"Judgment of Paris is 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 of Benjamin 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

Author Bio

George M. Taber is the author of Judgment of Paris, the 2006 wine book of the year for Britain's Decanter magazine.His second book, To Cork or Not to Cork, won the Jane Grigson Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals and was a finalist for the James Beard Foundation Award for best book on wine andspirits and the Andre Simon Award for best wine book. Before turning to writing wine books, Taber was a reporter and editorfor Time.