Yesterday marked the 40th anniversary of the historic Judgement of Paris, in which a California wine beat formidable French rivals in a blind tasting. That wine was made by Mike Grgich.

Today’s wine is his stunning follow-up, the Grgich Hills Estate 2012 Estate Grown Napa Valley Chardonnay.

This is the latest in a long succession of stunning whites from our friends at Grgich Hills Estate. This 90 point wine is a ray of sunshine, a portent of summer and a true delight that is both a stupendous solo sipper and a fantastic friend to food.

Oh, Grgich, how do you make even the most ardent red wine fan swoon over the golden liquid that is your Chardonnay?!

Throughout the year, Grgich Hills Estate is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the historic Judgment of Paris tasting. Here’s the story:

In 1976, Steven Spurrier, an Englishman who ran a fine wine shop in Paris, decided to promote his wine shop by organizing a blind tasting to coincide with America’s Bicentennial celebrations.

For the tasting, he gathered together the best French judges, the finest French wines… and he added in a few wines from some upstart winemakers in California. The unimaginable happened: the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, crafted by Mike Grgich, won with the highest total score of 132 points!

Today’s 2012 Estate Grown Napa Valley Chardonnay carries on the tradition of iconic Chardonnay from Grgich Hills Estate. It delivers all of the heady fresh fruit character and elegant feel that have made this wine a classic, vintage after successive vintage.

Spring has sprung, and summer months are coming, so you’ll want to have plenty on hand - but be sure to enjoy a bottle or two in the meanwhile. You may find that it warms your soul.