Wine Ratings Explained

Wine ratings are a popular way to quickly and easily evaluate the quality of a particular wine. But how do wine ratings work, and what do they mean?

First, it’s important to understand that wine ratings are typically assigned by professional wine critics, who taste and evaluate wines on a regular basis. The original wine ratings were developed at America’s top winemaking school, University of California, Davis. It was a 20-point system that was intended for California winemakers. The wine ratings were a system to grade the quality of wine from a production standpoint: clarity, flavor, and stability were the key metrics.

Over time, this system morphed into the 100 -point system we now have, but the main concepts of the original are still part of its DNA. The wine ratings are about the correctness of the wine (according to industry standards) not their deliciousness. This is a common misperception of wine consumers.

Here are a few key things that can influence a wine’s rating:

1. Quality: The most obvious factor is the quality of the wine itself. Wine critics evaluate the aroma, flavor, and texture of a wine to determine whether it is well-made and enjoyable to drink.

2. Complexity: A wine that is more complex and nuanced is often considered to be of higher quality. This means that a wine with multiple layers of flavor and aroma is likely to receive a higher rating than a wine that is more straightforward.

3. Balance: A wine that is well-balanced, with the different components (such as acidity, tannins, and fruitiness) working together in harmony, is more likely to receive a high rating than a wine that is out of balance.

4. Ageability: Some wines are designed to be consumed immediately, while others are meant to be aged for several years before drinking. Wine critics take into account a wine’s ageability when assigning a rating, as a wine that will improve with age is often considered to be of higher quality.

5. Price: Finally, the price of a wine can also influence its rating. A wine that is expensive but of mediocre quality is unlikely to receive a high rating, while a wine that is reasonably priced but of excellent quality may receive a higher score.

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Wine Ratings Overview

• Classic 98-100: The pinnacle of quality.

• Superb 94-97: An extraordinary achievement.

• Excellent 90-93: Heartily recommended.

• Very Good 87-89: Often good value; well recommended.

• Good 83-86: Suitable for everyday consumption; often good value.

• Acceptable 80-82: Can be employed in casual, less-critical circumstances.

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It’s worth noting that wine ratings are subjective, and different critics may have different opinions about the same wine. However, by taking into account the factors listed above, wine critics strive to provide an objective evaluation of a wine’s quality.

So, what do wine ratings mean for consumers? In general, a wine with a high rating (90 or above) is likely to be of excellent quality and worth trying, especially if it fits within your budget. However, it’s important to remember that wine ratings are just one factor to consider when choosing a wine. Your own personal taste preferences should also play a role in your decision-making. While wine ratings can be a helpful tool for evaluating the quality of a wine, it’s important to keep in mind that they are subjective and should be used in conjunction with your own taste preferences when choosing a wine. Sip what you love! Cheers!