The 45th Anniversary of the Legendary Judgment of Paris – 24th May, 2021

by | May 22, 2021

Tasting notes

Bottles were blinded and randomized. Wines were opened 1-2 hrs prior to tasting. Most started to fade a bit after about four hours in carafe. All wines were in excellent condition and still very much in their prime.

Bottle 1- 1973 Stags Leap (total group score 137, 2nd place)

Cedar, leather, plum, plenty of fruit left, chocolate and tootsie rolls, velvety with a long, minute plus, finish. Soft tannins. Good for another 10+ years.

Bottle 2- 1970 Mouton (total group score 133 4th place)

Tobacco, cedar, smoky earthy leather and potato chips. Nice acidity and a short to medium finish. Softer, faded tannins.

Bottle 3- 1971 Haut Brion (not in original event) group score 131 6th place

Beautifully balanced wine with velvety tannins and a long finish. Deep rich nose with incredible forest floor, graphite and a touch of lemon citrus. Perfect time to drink.

Bottle 4- 1970 Heitz (total group score 134 2nd place)

Barnyard, celery and five spice and pepper. Long finish.

Bottle 5- 1970 Haut Brion (total group score 130 7th place)

Light bodied soft wine with rich meaty nose. Short finish.

Bottle 6- 1971 Ridge Monte Bello (total group score 142 1st place)

Mineral and graphite nose with descent fruit left. Balanced velvet tannins and a solid finish. Definitely evolved more and took more time to open up. Strong finisher and did not fade at the end of the evening. Going strong at 50 with lots left in the tank.

Bottle 7- 1970 Ridge Monte Bello (not in original event) Score 132 5th place

Quite tannic wine with a long finish. Still with some youthful fruit combined with cedar leather and a slight vegetal tone. May go another 50? (2 Tasters said it was French)