He organized ‘the Judgment of Paris,’ a tasting event at which California vintages had their global breakthrough and began to compete on a world scale with the esteemed French.
Steven Spurrier, the Brit who got California wines to be taken seriously, dies at 79
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Steven Spurrier in the Halls of Congress in 2016, on the 40th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris tasting.Lucy PopeShow MoreShow Less
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Steven Spurrier in the Halls of Congress in 2016, on the 40th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris tasting.Lucy PopeShow MoreShow Less
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Steven Spurrier, left, with French wine writer Michel Bettane in 2010.Saez VictorShow MoreShow Less
Steven Spurrier, who died Tuesday morning at age 79, was an unlikely champion for California wines. In 1976, the British wine merchant was running a shop in Paris that specialized in the great wines of France Burgundy, Bordeaux when he visited Napa Valley, at the time considered a podunk farming town.
The British champion of all things vinous was best-known for organizing the 1976 Judgment of Paris Steven Spurrier speaking at a seminar in Asia; he was a constant champion for undiscovered wine regions. (George Rose/Getty) By Mar 9, 2021
Steven Spurrier, the British wine expert, writer, educator, merchant and even vintner who was famous for having staged the 1976 Judgment of Paris, died at his home in Dorset, England, just after midnight this morning. He was 79.
Perpetually traveling, speaking and educating about wine, Spurrier was a beloved figure to many in the wine trade. He also sparked the passion of many wine novices with his undying enthusiasm and boundless curiosity.
Decanter California whites under £30 / $30: Panel tasting results
Can the Golden State’s white wines provide value, interest and balance at the £30/$30 level? After assessing the reds last month, our panel turned their focus to mid-priced whites.
Susy Atkins, Romain Bourger and Keith Kirkpatrick tasted 56 affordable California whites with 16 recommended wines.
Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit California whites, including sparkling, with availability in the UK and/or US, with a retail price of up to £30/$30
The verdict
While
Chardonnay (in 35 of 56 entries) dominated this tasting, it wasn’t the whole story. As with the less-traditional grape varieties fielded for the reds, our expert panel was excited to see an eclectic mix among the remaining whites. ‘I was quite impressed to see
Bidding Now Open on Rare Wines Offered in Napa Valley Library Wine Auction
2/11/2021 -
Saint Helena, CA – The Napa Valley Library Wine Auction opened today to a flurry of bidding from wine connoisseurs around the globe. The stunning collection of nearly 100 exclusive library wine lots was curated by the Napa Valley Vintners for its inaugural Direct from the Cellar: Napa Valley Library Wine Auction. Taking place February 11-20, the auction showcases Napa Valley’s excellence in winemaking.
“Buyers will be thrilled to find six decades of Napa Valley’s excellence in winemaking up for auction. Those who enjoy Napa Valley wines can experience first-hand the age-worthiness and quality that Napa Valley stands for through the incredible lots on offer,” said Stacey Dolan Capitani, VP of Marketing, Napa Valley Vintners.