Wine Not? A Millennial’s Guide to Decoding Wine Ratings Like a Boss

Have you ever wondered what those numbers and stars on wine bottles mean? If so, you’re not alone! Wine ratings can be a bit confusing, but they’re an important tool for determining the quality of a wine. In this Wine 101 for Dummies guide, we’ll break down what you need to know about wine ratings.

Where Did Wine Ratings Come From?

Wine ratings were first developed at the University of California, Davis — America’s top winemaking school. The original wine ratings system was a 20-point system specifically for California winemakers. This system was used to grade the quality of the wine based on clarity, flavor, and stability. Over time, this system evolved into the 100-point system that we know today.

Robert Parker and the 100-Point System

Robert Parker, a famous wine critic, created the 100-point system while working for Wine Enthusiast Magazine. This new system faced a lot of criticism and controversy, especially from winemakers producing sub-standard wines. However, Parker went on to start his own magazine, “The Wine Advocate,” which offered independent wine assessments without any biases.

Wine Review Panels

Another way to get wine ratings is through wine review panels. Reputable wine magazines will gather panels of Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine to taste the wines and score them. These tastings are usually done blind (with the bottles covered) to ensure transparency. The scores from these tastings are then used to determine the average rating for that wine.

What Do Wine Ratings Mean?

Wine ratings are specific to the region, grape, and style of the wine. For example, a 90-point wine in Napa Cabernet Sauvignon will be different from a 90-point Blanc de Blanc Champagne or Amarone. Wine reviewers will rate the wine based on balance, length, complexity, and intensity. Here’s a quick overview of the different ratings:

• 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 used in casual, less-critical situations

Wines that receive a rating below 80 are usually not published as they have faults or lack outstanding qualities. It’s important to note that price is not a factor in the ratings. A 90-point wine can cost $15 or ten times that amount. However, the wine will be judged within the context of price, varietal, and regional style.

Wine Ratings Websites and Apps

There are many websites and apps that offer wine ratings. Some of the most trusted sources include:

• Wine Enthusiast
• Wine Spectator
• Wine Advocate
• Vinous

When it comes to wine rating apps, some popular options include:

• Vivino
• Wine-Searcher
• CellarTracker

Should You Trust Wine Ratings?

Wine ratings can be a great tool for determining the quality of a wine, but it’s important to trust the right sources. Reputable wine publications like Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, and Wine Advocate are all trustworthy sources. If you’re unsure about a particular source, you can check to see if they are a top wine publication or if they have any independent wine critics on their team.

In conclusion, wine ratings can be a useful tool for determining the value of the wine you are about to enjoy.

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