I just watched a charming movie set in the heart of Napa Valley, based on a true story depicting the birth of American wines as rivals to the, never before challenged, French wine industry.

The year is 1976 when Bottle Shock begins. The vineyards of Napa are producing decent wines but just can't compete with France. That is, until the Sommelier British owner of a wine shop in Paris, Steven Spurrier, (Alan Rickman), decides to boost his business by promoting a "Blind Paris Wine Tasting" contest, later known as the "Judgment of Paris", challenging the wines of Napa, hoping to bring his shop to the attention of the wine drinking populace of the world. He believes that no-one can ever really compete with the French but has been hearing rumors that the wines of California are getting better and better.

Do I mention now or later that he learns quite a lesson about California wines?

At the same time we meet a few of the vineyard owners of Napa who will inadvertently put themselves and Spurrier on the map of winemaking history.

The expression Bottle Shock is what happens to wines after traveling far from their home and is an excellent example of what happens to Spurrier when he arrives in Napa and meets some of the vineyard owners, their families and friends.

One small winery, Chateau Montelena, owned by Jim Barrett, (Bill Pullman), retired from a successful real estate firm, has put his heart and soul into producing the perfect Chardonnay grape. But why doesn't the color of the wine turn white in the bottle? At the same time his son Bo, (Jim Pine) doesn't seem to have the same enthusiasm for wine making, that is, until a lovely young woman, Sam, (Rachael Taylor), arrives on the scene to help Jim in the wine production end of the business.

We also meet Gustavo, (Freddie Rodriguez), who's been working in the vineyards as a field hand his whole life, and now, his father is producing his own vintage. This storyline looks at how important the roles of Mexican immigrants are in the story of Napa winemaking.

When Spurrier arrives on the scene and meets Barrett and the other vintners of the region the entire future of the wine making industry comes to a realization that times are changing and California wines are certainly now quite the challenge to the French wine industry and it's reputation, especially when the actual "Judgment of Paris" takes place.

Bottle Shock is quite an affectionate movie about the wine industry and an eye opener to all who love a good taste of the vine. The scenery in Paris and Napa are like eye candy as the camerawork lovingly shows long swatches of vineyards as far as the eye could see.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film and learning about the fine art of winemaking as the story unfolded. I think anyone who loves a good glass of wine would feel the same way.



Lean&mean 500 words

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening