Those Most Popular Rating Systems
Wine Spectator
Ratings
Wine Spectator is a popular American magazine that rates wines on a 100-point scale. Scores are based on factors like aroma, flavor, balance, and overall quality. Wines scoring 90 points or above are considered outstanding.
Awards
The magazine annually awards restaurants for their wine lists through the "Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards." Restaurants are recognized for their commitment to offering diverse and high-quality wine selections.
Grand Tour
Wine Spectator organizes an annual event called the "Grand Tour," where wine enthusiasts have the opportunity to taste a selection of highly rated wines from around the world. The event takes place in multiple cities, providing attendees with a unique and immersive wine experience.
Click here for detailed criteria on the official website.
Robert Parker/ Wine Advocate
Ratings
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate is a widely recognized and influential wine publication, known for its comprehensive wine reviews and ratings. It also utilizes a 100-point rating system. Parker's ratings are known for emphasizing the hedonistic pleasure of wine, focusing on aspects like color, aroma, flavor, and overall structure. The scoring system is widely respected and has become a standard in the wine industry. The Wine Advocate has a significant global influence and is highly regarded by winemakers, collectors, and consumers alike. High ratings from The Wine Advocate can significantly impact a wine's reputation and market value. Wines scoring 95 points or above are considered premiere in quality.
Tastings
The Wine Advocate is known for its rigorous and meticulous tasting methodology. Critics conduct blind tastings, where the identity of the wine is concealed to ensure unbiased evaluations. While Robert Parker was the primary critic for many years, The Wine Advocate has expanded to include a team of experienced wine critics, each specializing in specific regions. Notable critics associated with The Wine Advocate include Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Jeb Dunnuck, and others.
Click here for detailed criteria on the official website.
Wine Enthusiast
Ratings
Wine Enthusiast is a well-established American magazine and multimedia source that focuses on wine and spirits. Wines are scored on a 100-point scale, similar to other prominent wine publications. The magazine provides detailed reviews that encompass aspects such as flavor profile, structure, and overall quality.
Star Awards
Wine Enthusiast annually awards outstanding individuals and companies in the wine and spirits industry through its "Wine Star Awards." This recognition celebrates excellence in categories such as Wine Executive of the Year, Winemaker of the Year, and Wine Region of the Year.
Podcast
The magazine hosts a podcast, exploring various aspects of the world of wine and spirits. The podcast features interviews with industry experts, discussions on emerging trends, and insights into the global beverage scene.
Click here for detailed criteria on the official website.
Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA)
Ratings
Organized by Decanter magazine, DWWA is one of the most prestigious and globally recognized wine competitions. Instead of numerical scores, wines receive medals—Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze—based on blind tastings by expert panels.
Categories
Wines entered into the DWWA can be awarded one of the following medals based on their quality:
Platinum Medal: Outstanding quality and character
Gold Medal: Exceptional quality
Silver Medal: Highly recommended
Bronze Medal: Recommended
Criteria
The criteria for judging wines in the Decanter World Wine Awards include several key aspects: Blind Tasting, Quality (balance, complexity, expressiveness, etc), Typicity (how well they represent their origin and style), Accuracy of Labeling, and Value for Money.
Click here for details on the official website.
James Suckling Rating
James Suckling, a renowned wine critic, uses a 100-point scale to rate wines. His assessments cover various aspects, including color, aroma, palate, and overall enjoyment. Suckling is recognized for his global perspective on wines.
Click here for details on the official website.
Jancis Robinson's 20-Point Scale
Jancis Robinson, a highly respected wine critic, employs a 20-point rating system, with increments of 0.5 points. Wines are evaluated based on factors such as balance, complexity, length, typicity, and overall appeal. Robinson is known for her commitment to objectivity and impartiality. The 20-Point Scale aims to provide an unbiased assessment of wines, allowing consumers to make informed decisions based on the detailed evaluations.
Click here for detailed criteria on the official website.
International Wine Challenge (IWC)
The IWC is one of the largest and most influential wine competitions globally. Instead of numerical scores, wines are awarded medals—Gold, Silver, or Bronze—based on blind tastings by expert judges.
Click here for details on the official website.
In addition to the aforementioned rating systems, it's essential to note that the world of wine evaluation is incredibly diverse, with numerous other rating systems contributing to the rich tapestry of wine criticism. Various critics, publications, and competitions employ unique scales and methodologies to assess the myriad facets of wines, reflecting the multifaceted nature of this art form. From regional guides and international competitions to individual critics and community-driven platforms, each rating system brings its own perspective and criteria to the table. Exploring this array of assessments not only broadens one's understanding of wines but also underscores the subjective and evolving nature of taste. As enthusiasts navigate the vast landscape of wine ratings, they encounter a plethora of insights, opinions, and preferences that collectively enhance the appreciation of the intricate world of viticulture.