The film focuses
on three of the most famous and established oenophiles, Jancis Robinson, Fred Dame, and Steven Spurrier. Steven
Spurrier is the merchant who organized the “Judgment of Paris” in 1976 – an event
famous for putting California wines on the map, when California wines beat out French
wines for both white and red categories (a huge surprise at the time). And Jancis
Robinson did for wine what Julia Child did for food.
What was interesting is just how much of a pull these three
wine experts have had in the past four decades on global perception of wine,
and on just what “quality” means. Critic Jancis Robinson even said that she hated
blind tastings, because she was afraid she wouldn’t like a wine, say so, and
completely tarnish that producer’s reputation. These experts uncovered totally
unheard of wines and launched their producers into prominence with the
publishing of a single article!
But at the same time, the three get together to open and
taste the original bottles that first spurred their own loves of wine. They
blind taste all three, and rank their favorites – each ends up with a different
favorite, and each describes the wines in uniquely personal ways.
Even if you listen to the critics, remember that wine is a deeply
personal experience – make sure to taste for yourself!
In case you’d like to watch, either come to my place, or find
Somm 3 on Amazon Video, YouTube or Google Play. You can watch the first 2 installments
on Netflix.
