Take that, snooty French judges.
In the famed 1976 blind tasting between California and French wines dubbed "The Judgement of Paris," it was the upstarts from California that nabbed top honors (Chateau Montelena 1973 Chardonnaywon the white category, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon ruled for red wines).
Fast-forward about 32 years, and these Napa Valley producers are still crafting top-notch juice.
These bottles tend to cost a grip, but hey, that's the price for being in the company of champions.
Here are three bottles from California's Judgement of Paris producers that are worth seeking.
Chateau Montelena 2007 Potter Valley Riesling (12.9 percent alcohol, $22)
The current vintage of Chateau Montelena's famed chardonnay costs $42, but here's a way to sample another of the winery's white wines at about half the price. The 2007 Potter Valley Riesling is a dry version of the varietal, with a nose of nectarine and flavors of tangy citrus fruit. That's to say it's just right for summer sipping or pairing with spicy food. Available at shop.montelena.com.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2004 Fay Cabernet Sauvignon (13.9 percent alcohol, $80)
This winery's flagship bottling, the Cask 23 cabernet sauvignon, will set you back about $175. Gulp! The Fay cabernet sauvignon is a way to enjoy Stag's Leap Wine Cellars estate wines with a little less sticker shock – relatively speaking, of course. The 2004 Fay is showing well right now, with flavors of black cherry, plum and hints of tobacco. For current drinking, the 2004 Fay is certainly more approachable than the 2004 Cask 23. Available at Capitol Cellars, 110 Diamond Creek Place, Roseville; (916) 786-9030.
Ridge 2003 Monte Bello (13.2 percent alcohol, $120)
The 1971 Ridge Monte Bello boasted the second-best placement of California red wines at the 1976 Paris judging and took top honors at a 30th anniversary re-creation. California still rules, right? This cabernet blend, which includes small amounts of merlot and petit verdot, demands aging for the best Monte Bello experience. Recent vintages, such as the 2003, are more fruit-forward and approachable for drinking in their youth but need an hour or two in the decanter to open up. For wine geeks, Ridge Monte Bello is truly worth the splurge. Available at Corti Brothers, 5810 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento; (916) 736-3800.Dear Readers,
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