Bottle Shock

For centuries, France believed they made the finest wines in the world. In 1976 a blind tasting of French and Californian wines was held with French judge's ruling the unthinkable: the U.S. wines were the best. The decision sent shock waves through the industry and changed the way the world drank wine forever. In 1976, British wine merchant, Steven Spurrier, hoped to revive his flagging Parisian wine business by devising a competition which the French believed was really no contest. So he set off for the Napa Valley in California and met Jim Barrett, a novice viticulturist who was struggling to keep his vineyard afloat. Suspicious about Spurrier's motives, Barrett was reluctant to participate - until collectively - the winemakers of the Napa Valley decided to put their wine where their mouths were. With dozens of bottles in hand, Spurrier headed back to France for a showdown of classic proportions. This is the true story of what unfolded: a vintage moment in history best enjoyed with either a glass of full-bodied, delectable red or a cheeky, fruity little blanc. 2008 Shocking Bottle, LLC. All Rights Reserved.