Wine Rating
Scale
Wines are rated on a 100 point scale. The wines are tasted “blind” and tasters are only told the general type of wine (varietal or region) and vintage. Price doesn’t enter into the equation. Here’s how the point system shakes out for the
3 publications
we generally reference:
Wine Enthusiast (WE*),
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate (RP*)
and
Wine Spectator (WS*)
100-95 Classic
An extraordinary wine of profound and complex character displaying all the attributes expected of a classic wine of its variety.
90-94 Outstanding
A wine with exceptional complexity and character.
85-89 Very Good
Shows finesse, flavor, and character.
80-84 Good
Barely above average to good. No noticeable flaws.
75-79 Mediocre
An average wine that’s made well, all in all, a drinkable, serviceable wine.
50-74 Not Recommended
Below average wine with obvious problems, like excessive acidity and/or tannin, little flavor, or bad aromas or flavors.
