What notable achievement is associated with Mike Grgich in 1976?

In 1976, Mike Grgich's notable achievement was the crafting of a Chardonnay that beat top French wines in a blind tasting event known as the Judgment of Paris. This event was pivotal because it showcased the quality of Californian wines on an international stage, challenging the prevailing notion that only French wines could produce the finest quality. Grgich's wine, produced at Chateau Montelena, received high marks from judges, significantly impacting the perception and growth of the Californian wine industry. The success of his Chardonnay demonstrated that California could produce wines that were not only competitive but also superior to some of the world's best, firmly establishing a foothold in the global wine market.