Organized by UK 5 Star Relais & Châteaux The Vineyard Hotel and hosted by Steven Spurrier, experts and guests choose their preferred Californian or European wine for every course through blind tasting
Bodegas Torres triumphs at the 40th Anniversary “Judgement of Paris” dinner, organized by 5 Star Relais & Châteaux The Vineyard Hotel in Stockcross (UK), with its single vineyard Chardonnay Milmanda 2011 (DO Conca de Barberà), topping the European ranking. The event was hosted by British wine expert and former wine merchant in Paris Steven Spurrier.
The dinner was an initiative of Sir Peter Michael, owner of The Vineyard Hotel and the Peter Michael Winery in Knights Valley (Sonoma), who wanted to pay tribute to the famous Paris Wine Tasting, also known as 'Judgement of Paris', organized on 24th May 1976 by Steven Spurrier, and which by many is seen as one of the most important moments in wine history. This blind wine tasting of French and Californian wines, forty years ago, became famous across the world, as unknown Californian wines were chosen over some of France's finest wines.
Now, 40 years later, Sir Peter Michael celebrated the anniversary of the ‘Judgement of Paris’ by organizing a five course dinner with two matched wines per course at The Vineyard Hotel last 28th May. Sir Peter Michael, Steven Spurrier, 7 other wine experts and more than 50 guests choose through blind tasting their preferred Californian or European wine for every course. Torres Milmanda Chardonnay 2011 topped the European ranking, which consisted of a total of 6 wines: 3 French, 1 British, 1 German and 1 Spanish wine. The Californian ranking was topped by 2011 Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon.
This is the second time this year that Torres Milmanda triumphs at a “once in a lifetime” event: last week at the impressive 40th Anniversary “Judgement of Paris” dinner; and about 2 months ago the vintage 2012 of Milmanda was served at the official state dinner that Raúl Castro offered to US President Barack Obama in Havana, Cuba.
The Milmanda 15 hectares single vineyard estate is located around the Milmanda castle in the DO of Conca de Barberà. It is a wonderfully complex and elegant wine in the style of a great Burgundy white. The wine is fermented and aged on its lees in French oak for 12 months.
The Vineyard is a 5 star Relais & Châteaux Hotel and Spa, renowned for its 3 AA Rosette restaurant and award winning wine cellar, with 30,000 bottles and 100 wines by the glass.
