On Saturday night, Brian Franzese of Bella Vino Wine & Cheese Market in Belleair Bluffs put together a fascinating tasting, which he called "The Judgement of Belleair.” Essentially, it was the "Bottle Shock" tasting, which was a simulation of a famous 1976 blind tasting in Paris in which two California wines came out on top, rocking the snooty French wine world in the process.
It took place at the Sheraton Sand Key, with a dinner afterward prepared by chef John Harris. Wines were tasted blind, and here were the results. Again, way to represent, California.
WHITES
Chalone Estate Chardonnay 2006, 225 points
Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2007, 220 points
Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles 2006, 213 points
Freemark Abbey Chardonnay 2007, 194 points
Joseph Drouhin Beaune Clos des Mouches 2005, 188 points
REDS
Ridge Montebello Cabernet 2005, 229 points
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Artemis 2006, 198 points
Freemark Abbey Napa Cabernet 2004, 186 points
Chateau Leoville Las Cases 1995, 175 points
Clos du Val Cabernet Napa 2005, 171 points
Chateau Montrose Saint Estephe 2004, 167 points
Heitz Martha's Vineyard Cabernet 2003, 161 points
Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1999, 153 points
Buy "Cookielicious": Satisfy your sweet tooth with Cookielicious, a tasty collection of cookie recipes from St. Petersburg Times Food & Travel Editor Janet K. Keeler. Order your book today and print your receipt to use it as a ticket to the Cookielicious Launch Party and Tasting where you’ll enjoy samples, conversations, a book signing and a little fun.