Bottle Shock

In a heartfelt exchange with Maurice, Steven Spurrier, a sommelier in Paris, shares his worries about the future of his wine shop. This conversation marks the beginning of his journey to rejuvenate his business through innovative ideas.

Inspired by his conversation with Maurice, Steven decides to host a blind taste-test to introduce Parisians to outstanding wines from around the world. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the upcoming competition known as the Judgment of Paris.

Steven sets off for Napa Valley, seeking exceptional contenders for his anticipated tasting event. This adventure symbolizes his quest to bridge the gap between traditional French wines and the emerging New World winemakers.

Upon arriving in Napa, Steven meets Jim Barrett, the owner of Chateau Montelena. Jim expresses skepticism about participating in the competition, worried it might undermine the reputation of New World wines.

Unbeknownst to Jim, his son Bo had been secretly gathering their prized chardonnay for the event. This act of initiative shows Bo's determination to support his family's legacy despite his father's doubts.

Sam Fulton, an adventurous recent graduate, arrives at Chateau Montelena seeking an internship. Her presence introduces a new dynamic, as she quickly becomes involved in the vineyard's daily operations, attracting attention from both Bo and Gustavo.

A major setback occurs when the prized chardonnay develops an undesirable brown color due to improper winemaking methods. Jim insists on discarding the entire batch, but Bo’s creativity ignites hope for salvaging the wine.

In a race against time, Bo successfully retrieves the nearly discarded bottles, convincing local bar owner Joe to help them. This recovery effort ultimately leads to their chardonnay being represented at the blind taste-test.

As the tasting event unfolds in Paris, anticipation fills the air among both the French sommeliers and New World winemakers. The moment of truth arrives as the judges prepare to score the entries, including Montelena's chardonnay.

Shockwaves ripple through the wine community when Montelena's 1973 Chardonnay is declared the winner. Steven and his colleagues are left astonished as this victory redefines perceptions of New World wines in the established French wine market.

The news of Chateau Montelena's success spreads quickly across America, leading to an influx of requests for their newly famous Chardonnay. This event drastically changes the landscape of the wine industry, as many establishments acknowledge their inability to access this coveted product.

In the aftermath of the wine competition, Jim Barrett continues to nurture his vineyard, while Bo steps up to carry on the family legacy. Their dedication speaks to the enduring impact of the 1976 Judgment of Paris on their lives.

A tribute to this defining moment is established at the Smithsonian Institution, showcasing the victorious 1973 Chardonnays from Montelena and Stags Leap. This exhibit symbolizes the significant change brought about by the contest.

Decades later, Steven Spurrier, maintaining his belief in French wine superiority, organizes another tasting event. To his surprise, California once again clinches victory, further solidifying its status in the fine wine realm.