My Own Judgement of Paris - 40th Anniversary

The Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, also known as the "Judgement of Paris," really changed the wine world's perception of California wine. Recently we embarked with some friends on a "passport" tasting that was offered from five of the California wineries represented at the Judgement of Paris. I typically don't do these type of events but I found myself relaxing in the environs and getting to know these wineries' offerings better. In the end, it was great to experience the wines on premises and in their environment. Here are my thoughts on the wines from each of the wineries we visited:

1. Freemark Abbey >Wow! I am in love all over again. I feel like this winery gets no attention for the quality of their understated and elegant wines. There was not a wine that we did not like. It was more a matter of which which one we liked better. Even though this winery is owned by Jackson Family Wines, out of the the 60,000 case production, 45,000 are the wines you might see at Costco and the like. I was pleased to hear that they have their vineyard designations and special blends producing some of their best wines at extremely low production levels. My favorites were the 2011 Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet and the 2012 Cabernet Bosché.
2. Spring Mountain Vineyards > By far the best ambiance of all the wineries we visited. From the view to the tasting room it was unforgettable. I could pass on the whites from here. Some of the reds were solid and in balance (I bought a magnum of the 08 cab). The Elivette (their reserve) was way too big and fruit forward for my liking. When it gets to that point, just give me a beer. My favorite was the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon.
3. Chateau Montelena > Nothing disappointed here except for our small enclosed tasting room. Other than that, our host  and the wines all were brilliant. I was quite impressed with ALL their wines but really loved the 2009 Chardonnay and the 2007 Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Interesting to note that of their 50,000 case production 80% goes to club memberships. Good for them!
4. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars > Incredible low-profile tasting room where the vineyard is the focus. We only tasted 4 wines here but all were seductive and empowered in their own way. I was blown away by their Chardonnay for the complexity relative to the price point. The 2013 Cabs--one each from Fay, S.L.V., and Cask 23--were incredibly different. If I had to pick a favorite it would be Cask 23 ($260 a bottle) but I don't think it is worth double the price of Fay or S.L.V. ($135 a bottle). If it came down to choosing which to add to my cellar, it would have to be the S.L.V.--the earthiness resonated more with my palate. The production level is at 100,000 cases but 75% is the Artemis Cabernet ($60 a bottle) that you would find at Costco and other retailers. The remaining production is split between their other wines which are primarily sold to club members.
5. Clos du Val > How do I say this gently...I was disappointed. The only wine I found remotely interesting was the 2012 Petit Verdot but at $50 a bottle there wasn't a great value there. Also, the casual manner and the herds of people also added to the disappointment. And to further add ... boy this is not going gentle at all ... what were they thinking of putting the parking lot RIGHT NEXT to the tasting cabanas?!!

So here are my overall rankings......

• White Wine Rankings:

1. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Arcadia Vineyard
2. Chateau Montelena 2009 Chardonnay Napa Valley
3. Spring Mountain 2013  Chardonnay (a distant 3rd)
4. Clos du Val 2014 Three Grace White North Coast (a distant 4th)
5. Freemark Abbey - we didn't taste any but would gladly put it 3rd.

• Red Wine Rankings:

1. Chateau Montelena 2007 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2013 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Freemark Abbey 2011 Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet (best value at $100 a bottle)
4. Spring Mountain 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
5. Clos du Val 2012 Petit Verdot

• Best Ambience

1. ​Spring Mountain Vineyards
2. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
3. Freemark Abbey (they were under construction but had a a private deck and wasn't crowded)
4. Chateau Montelena
5. Clos du Val

• Best Service

1. ​Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
2. Freemark Abbey
3. Chateau Montelena (a VERY close second, our host Vincent was excellent, the problem was the front of house)
4. Spring Mountain Vineyards
5. Clos du Val