My Wine Rating System

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As I’ve continued to post my wine blogs, I’m finding that I need to have some kind of simple rating system so that people can have a better understanding.  I think it is hard for someone to just say “It’s great, go and buy it”, without some kind of rating system in place.

I envisioned a very easy system.  The system should be easy to understand and you shouldn’t need comprehensive notes to follow the rating.  I reviewed other people’s rating systems before I came up with my own.

I have decided on a five glass rating system…

I have created a link for you to download.  My system is non technical click here.

Five glasses:  The wine is excellent and is very complex and profound.  You should have a Wow, this is an amazing” moment.  When you drink the wine the initial taste brings you to a past place or time.  When the bottle is empty it will leave you wanting more.

Four glasses:  The wine is outstanding and has exceptional complexity and character.  You should hum drinking the wine.

Three glasses:  The wine displays varying degrees of flavor and finesse.  The wine will have some character.  The wine is slightly above average and still considered yummy.

Two glasses:  An average wine.  There will be very little distinction.  The smell and taste will not be considered anything special.  It’s just OK.

One glass:  A poor quality wine.  The wine is lacking structure, flavor, fruit or aromas.  A wine drinker with an average palate will not enjoy the wine.  I call this a yucky wine and I would not buy it again.

Zero glass:  A wine deemed to be unacceptable.  Return the bottle to the local merchant.

You should be aware that I will also consider the price of the wine while factoring in the rating system.  If the price of the bottle is low and the wine is great, they should receive a higher rating.  I am pretty confident that most of us wish to invest as little as possible while we enjoy great wine.  I must also mention that if the price is high, while the wine is poor  why would they get an excellent rating?  I recognize that rating system of mine may deviate from above but I will keep the basic rules in mind regardless.

I would like you to understand that if I do rate a wine as a full “five glasses” my thoughts will be that they are the best grower or producer who may also have received high ratings from a Parker or Tanzer while having reasonable value.  All of this considered, I do have to share that just because some of the wines that have been rated by the pro’s as 95+ or even 100 it is my opinion that often it as been a disservice to us as consumers.  It’s pretty typical that if a particular winery has received a very high rating, they often choose to double or triple the price of their bottle.

The other reason that I may rate a wine maker, or producer a full five glass rating is because I have come to know them, like them and/or prefer the wine or style produced.  I am honest enough to admit that I might be a little biased.  😉  I assure you though, the wine still has to meet my “Excellent” standards.

I also have to admit that I generally do not follow either Parker or Tanzer ratings.  I strongly recommend that you follow your own set of rules.  If you don’t, just go along with mine if you want.

Excellent:

Poor:

Life is too short to drink crappy wine.  Expand your palate and keep trying.
 

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One Reply to “My Wine Rating System”

  • Hey There Bill,
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    Nice One!

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