50 Years After the 'Judgment of Paris'... Another Upset in Seoul

Top 3 Wines at Lotte’s “The Blind” Contest
No French Wines from the “Birthplace” Made the List
Red: U.S. “Cabernet Sauvignon”... White: German “Riesling”

The “Judgment of Paris,” which once rocked the global wine market, has been recreated after 50 years. In a blind tasting of 50 wines not yet imported into Korea, French wines—the standard-bearers of the wine world—failed to make the top rankings, dealing a blow to their prestige. The long-held belief that “wine means France” has once again been overturned.

According to the industry on June 12, at the recently held “The V:lind (The Blind) 2026,” a wine blind tasting contest hosted by Lotte Department Store, the top red wine was “Force & Grace Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2023” from the United States, while the top white wine was “Selbach Riesling Kabinett Feinherb Tradition 2024” from Germany.

Now in its third year, The Blind was inspired by the Judgment of Paris and is a wine blind tasting contest organized by Lotte Department Store. For this event, importers sourced samples from wineries for wines not yet imported into Korea—red wines priced under 100,000 won and white wines under 50,000 won—and submitted them for competition. Eight major wine importers in Korea (Geumyang, Ayoung, Lotte, Nara Cellar, Kooksoondang, Shindong Wine, Enoteca, and Shinsegae L&B) entered a total of 50 wines in this year’s contest.

For the judging, four professional sommeliers from Lotte Department Store conducted a first-round blind tasting to select 16 wines. In the finals, the jury consisted of 11 members, including four sommeliers, Michelin one-star “Soul” owner-chefs Kim Hee-eun and Yoon Daehyun, singer Hanhae, and F&B planner Han Choonghee, among others. Each of the winning red and white wines will have 6,000 bottles imported and sold as exclusive packages at Lotte Department Store in September.

“Force & Grace Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2023,” which took first place in the red wine category, was submitted by Nara Cellar. This wine is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Paso Robles region of California, USA. It features a rich aroma of fresh blackberries, followed by sweet notes of vanilla and roasted hazelnut, and is further layered with hints of cedar and subtle tobacco, creating a complex allure. Together with its vibrant fruit notes, a gentle spiciness provides a harmonious balance and a well-rounded body. It is gaining popularity among domestic enthusiasts and, upon its launch in the second half of the year, will retail for 81,000 won.

At the 3rd "The Blind" event held by Lotte Department Store on the 5th at Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, Seoul, the judges are conducting a blind tasting. Provided by Lotte Department Store

The runner-up in the red wine category was “Campillo Reserva 2019,” entered by Shindong Wine. Produced by the prestigious Bodegas Campillo in the Rioja region of Spain, this classic yet sophisticated wine is made from 100% of Spain’s signature red variety, Red Reserva Tempranillo. It offers a layered bouquet centered on deep berry aromas, complemented by toast and cocoa for extra complexity. The 2019 vintage benefited from exceptionally favorable climate conditions in Rioja, resulting in grapes with excellent concentration. Despite 22 months of oak aging, the wine retains a fresh taste and soft tannins, providing a smooth finish. The price is set at 75,000 won.

“Antica Vigna Riposato 2021,” submitted by Enoteca Korea, took third place in the red wine category. Produced by Salvatera, a renowned house in Italy’s Veneto region, this wine carries the DNA of premium Italian wines such as Amarone and Ripasso, while blending traditional Veneto varieties—Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella—to deliver a complex taste. Made in the ripasso style with both fresh and dried grapes, it stands out for its rich fruit flavors. Known as a “well-crafted wine,” it offers the depth and intensity reminiscent of high-priced Amarone or Ripasso at about half the price. While the exact price is yet to be determined, it is expected to retail in the 40,000 won range.

In the white wine category, “Selbach Riesling Kabinett Feinherb Tradition 2024” from Germany took first place. Submitted by Geumyang International, this wine is produced by Selbach-Oster in the Mosel region and is regarded as the epitome of German Riesling. It features ripe apple and citrus notes, a lively and refreshing acidity, bright fruit aromas, and an impressive dry finish. The wine is notable for its balanced profile that is neither fully dry nor sweet, offering a charming middle ground. It is scheduled for release in September at a price of 50,000 won.

Lotte Department Store introduced the German Riesling wine "Selbach Riesling Kabinett Feinherb Tradition 2024," which Suh Sangduk, CEO of Geumyang International, ranked first in the white wine category at the 3rd 'The Blind' held at Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, Seoul, on the 5th.

The second-place white wine went to “Jim Barry Lodge Hill Riesling 2025” from Nara Cellar. Produced by the legendary Jim Barry Winery in Clare Valley—Australia’s home of Riesling—this wine is made from grapes that mature slowly at an altitude of about 480 meters, resulting in a lively acidity and vibrant flavor. Aromas of lime, lemon, and green apple and a dry palate stimulate the taste buds, leaving a pleasant, lingering finish. The price is set at 41,000 won.

“Cune Albarino 2024” secured third place in the white wine category. Submitted by Lotte Chilsung Beverage, this wine was newly introduced after the legendary Rioja house “Cune” acquired the traditional winery “Bodegas La Val” in Rias Baixas, Spain’s premier white wine region. Cune, a storied winery established in 1879, remains family-run, blending traditional styles with modern winemaking techniques. Made from 100% Albarino, the grape known as the “wine of the sea,” Cune Albarino 2024 combines the freshness of Sauvignon Blanc with the brightness of Riesling and is characterized by crisp acidity, abundant fruit, and a distinctive salty-bitter note. Wine enthusiasts say it evokes images of the Atlantic Ocean. The exact price is yet to be determined, but it is expected to be set in the 50,000 won range.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.