Fifty years after the original Judgement of Paris changed the wine world forever, Kumeu River has proudly taken top honours in a global blind tasting celebrating its legacy.
Organised by The International Wine & Food Society (IWFS), Judgement+50 brought together more than 1,000 wine enthusiasts and experts across Europe, North America, South Africa, Asia, and Australia in what is believed to be the largest coordinated blind tasting ever held.
Participants tasted a lineup of world-class Chardonnay and Bordeaux blend wines from some of the world’s most respected wine regions, with all wines served blind and scored on a 20-point scale.
We are thrilled to share our Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2024 was voted the top Chardonnay of the tasting.
The original Judgement of Paris, held in 1976, famously shocked the wine establishment when Californian wines triumphed over the great wines of Burgundy and Bordeaux in a blind tasting organised by Steven Spurrier in Paris. That moment transformed global perceptions of fine wine and opened the door for producers outside France to be recognised on the world stage.
Judgement+50 was not intended to recreate the original event, but rather to celebrate how far the world of wine has evolved over the past half century. The IWFS selected wines that exemplified the very best of their regions, bringing together leading producers from France, the United States, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, Australia, and Argentina.
The Chardonnay line up included:
• Domaine Leflaive, Macon Verzé 2022 — France
• Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet 2023 — France
• Chateau Montelena 2022 — USA
• Kumeu River Coddington 2024 — New Zealand
• Restless River Ava Marie Chardonnay 2020 — South Africa
• Concha y Toro Amelia Limari Chardonnay 2023 — Chile
The scores across all wines were remarkably close, highlighting the extraordinary quality of fine wine being produced around the world today. Kumeu River’s Coddington Chardonnay ultimately emerged as the highest-scoring Chardonnay in the tasting.
For our family, this is great recognition. Dad's goal was always to make one truly world-class Chardonnay that stands comfortably alongside the world’s finest wines while expressing the unique terroir here at Kumeu.
We would like to thank the International Wine & Food Society for their efforts in creating such a large-scale event and everyone who participated in the tastings around the world.
Kumeu River Coddington 2024 sold out not long after its initial release. To learn more about our Kumeu River CRU membership, the most reliable way to secure a collection of our Single Vineyard Chardonnays every year visit: https://kumeuriver.co.nz/pages/kumeu-river-cru