Bottle Shock: The True Story Behind the Judgment of Paris

Bottle Shock (2008) is a film based on the true story of a 1976 wine competition in Paris where American and French wines were judged in a blind tasting. This historic event is officially known as the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 or the Judgment of Paris.

The Setup: Steven Spurrier’s Vision

At the heart of the film is Steven Spurrier (portrayed by Alan Rickman), an Englishman living in Paris, who firmly believes that French wines are the finest in the world. In 1973, Spurrier opened Academie du Vin, the first wine school in France.

One day, a friend suggests that California wines might soon rival French ones, sparking an idea for Steven. He decides to organize a blind wine tasting competition featuring both American and French wines. To prepare for the event, Steven consults with influential figures in the French wine industry and embarks on a trip to California to find the best American wines to bring to Paris.

Discovering California Wines

During his journey through California’s vineyards, things take unexpected turns. When Steven mentions the competition to American wine producers, many are eager for him to sample their wines in hopes of being chosen for the event. Jim Barrett, the owner of Chateau Montelena (which would go on to win the competition), is wary of Steven’s motives and refuses to participate. Barrett suspects that this arrogant Brit is mocking American wines. However, Barrett’s son, Bo, thinks differently. Without his father’s knowledge, Bo hands Steven a bottle of their prized 1973 Chardonnay.

A Unique Airport Scene

One of the amusing moments in the film happens at the airport. Due to federal regulations, passengers are only allowed to carry one bottle of wine each. But Steven has 12 bottles with him. When the customs officer refuses to let him pass, Steven explains the significance of the competition to the other passengers waiting in line and asks if they’d each carry a bottle for him. They agree, and he manages to get the wines into France in this unconventional way.

The Tasting: A Shocking Outcome

On May 24, 1976, the blind tasting takes place. Although the tasting is blind, the jury members are aware they are evaluating both American and French wines. Twenty wines are sampled: Chardonnay for the whites and Cabernet Sauvignon for the reds. Notably, the press shows little interest in the event, with only Time magazine’s Paris correspondent, George Taber, attending. To everyone’s shock, American wines come out on top, leaving the French stunned. Taber, witnessing this moment, observes how even the renowned judges fail to distinguish between the wines accurately.

Competition Results

Chardonnay:

Château Montelena, 1973 (USA)
Meursault Charmes, 1973 (France)
Chalone Vineyard, 1974 (USA)
Spring Mountain, 1973 (USA)
Beaune Clos de Mouches, 1973 (France)
Freemark Abbey, 1972 (USA)
Bâtard-Montrachet, 1972 (France)
Puligny-Montrachet, 1972 (France)
Veedercrest, 1972 (USA)
David Bruce, 1973 (USA)

Cabernet Sauvignon:

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, 1973 (USA)
Château Mouton Rothschild, 1970 (France)
Château Haut-Brion, 1970 (France)
Château Montrose, 1970 (France)
Ridge Monte Bello, 1971 (USA)
Château Leoville-Las-Cases, 1971 (France)
Mayacamas, 1971 (USA)
Clos du Val, 1972 (USA)
Heitz Martha’s Vineyard, 1970 (USA)
Freemark Abbey, 1969 (USA)

The results of this competition caused a revolution in the wine world. Though the French weren’t pleased with the outcome, the results were undeniable. Steven’s contest demonstrated that top-quality wines could be produced not only in the USA but also in countries like Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Chile. This led to the development of serious, globally recognized wine industries in these regions.

Thirty years after the original competition, Steven Spurrier organized a second competition in honor of the 1976 Paris Tasting. Once again, California wines emerged victorious.

Judges of the Original Tasting:

Pierre Brejoux (French), Institute of Appellations of Origin
Claude Dubois-Millot (French), substitute to Christian Millau
Michel Dovaz (French), Wine Institute of France
Patricia Gallagher (American), l’Academie du Vin
Odette Kahn (French), Editor of La Revue du vin de France
Raymond Oliver (French), restaurant Le Grand Véfour
Steven Spurrier (British)
Pierre Tari (French), Chateau Giscours
Christian Vanneque (French), sommelier of Tour D’Argent
Aubert de Villaine (French), Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
Jean-Claude Vrinat (French), Restaurant Taillevent

Cultural Impact: How Bottle Shock Popularized Wine History

While Bottle Shock may not have been a blockbuster, it resonated deeply with wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The film brought attention to the real-life 1976 Judgment of Paris event, which was relatively unknown outside of the wine community at the time.

By telling the story in an accessible way, Bottle Shock helped introduce a new generation to the world of wine, inspiring many viewers to explore different wine regions and understand the art of winemaking. For some, it sparked a newfound appreciation for American wines, particularly those from California, whose prestige skyrocketed after the events depicted in the movie.

Fact vs. Fiction: How Bottle Shock Depicts the Real Judgment of Paris

While Bottle Shock stays true to the broad strokes of the Judgment of Paris, some aspects are dramatized for the sake of storytelling. For example, the character Bo Barrett, played by Chris Pine, is portrayed as rebellious and instrumental in getting Château Montelena’s Chardonnay into the competition. In reality, while Jim Barrett’s role was key, the movie simplified certain details to create a more dramatic narrative.

The real Steven Spurrier, played by Alan Rickman, noted that his portrayal as somewhat snobbish wasn’t entirely accurate but acknowledged that it worked for the film’s dynamic. Despite these embellishments, the core story—how American wines triumphed over their French counterparts—remains a significant and truthful part of wine history.

A Lasting Impression: Toasting to Wine Heritage

While Bottle Shock may not be an artistic masterpiece, it recounts a pivotal event in wine history, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in wine. Nevertheless, you might be left wishing the film’s finale had done a better job of capturing the significance of the event.