Which Stags Leap Won the Judgement of Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

When it comes to the Judgement of Paris, one winery that undoubtedly stands out is Stags Leap Wine Cellars. This small winery in Napa Valley, California, made history when their 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon beat out some of the most prestigious French wines in a blind tasting competition held in Paris in 1976.

But which specific vintage of Stags Leap Wine Cellars won the Judgement of Paris? The answer may surprise you.

It wasn’t actually the winery’s highly acclaimed 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon that took home the top prize. Rather, it was their 1972 vintage that was selected as the winning wine by the panel of French judges.

This may seem like a minor detail, but it speaks volumes to the consistency and quality of Stags Leap Wine Cellars’ products. Their 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon may be more well-known and highly regarded, but the fact that their previous vintage was also able to compete with and defeat legendary French wines demonstrates a level of excellence and attention to detail that extends beyond just one particular year or varietal.

Of course, this is not to downplay the significance of their 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon’s success. This wine put Stags Leap Wine Cellars on the map and helped solidify Napa Valley as a world-class wine region. It remains an iconic bottle that continues to receive critical acclaim and fetch high prices at auction.

But let’s not forget about their 1972 vintage, which helped pave the way for Stags Leap Wine Cellars’ future success. This wine was made from grapes harvested during a drought year in Napa Valley, which led to smaller yields but also resulted in concentrated flavors and aromas.

The 1972 Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon had notes of black cherry, cassis, tobacco leaf, and cedar on both the nose and the palate. It was praised for its balance of fruit, tannins, and acidity, as well as its lengthy finish.

In conclusion, while Stags Leap Wine Cellars’ 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon may be the more famous wine to come out of the Judgement of Paris, it was actually their 1972 vintage that took home the top prize. Both wines are testaments to the winery’s commitment to quality and excellence, and they continue to be celebrated by wine lovers and collectors around the world.