Figuring out the best wine ratings means not only identifying reputable reviewers you can trust, but finding wine critics whose taste and palate most aligns with yours. Alongside with what you can find online, here’s how to vet your local sommelier and wine buyers.
The 100 Point Scoring System
The 100-point wine scoring system was pioneered by Robert Parker (mentioned below in reputable wine critics) in the 1980s. This evaluative framework, which grades wines on a scale from 50 to 100, has become a cornerstone in the wine industry, offering a standardized method for assessing wine quality.
| Score Range | Description |
|---|---|
| 96-100 | Wines in this category are distinguished by their extraordinary depth and complexity. They embody the ideal characteristics of their variety, making them highly sought after. |
| 90-95 | Representing outstanding quality, these wines are marked by their exceptional complexity and character. They are, in essence, superb examples of their type, offering a rich and rewarding tasting experience. |
| 80-89 | This score range includes wines that range from slightly above average to very good. They exhibit a commendable level of finesse, flavor, and character, without any noticeable flaws. These wines are reliable choices for those seeking quality within a reasonable range. |
| 70-79 | Average in nature, these wines are fundamentally sound but lack distinctive features. They are well-made but do not stand out in the crowded wine market. |
| 60-69 | Wines scoring in this bracket have noticeable deficiencies, such as excessive acidity, tannins, or lack of flavor. They may also possess undesirable aromas or flavors, making them less desirable choices. |
| 50-59 | Falling into the unacceptable category, these wines fail to meet the basic standards of quality and are generally not recommended for consumption. |
Robert Parker, positioning himself as an independent consumer advocate, maintained a stance of integrity by avoiding financial relationships with wine producers. His impartiality lent credibility to his ratings, which are now widely adopted by wine critics and publications globally.
Despite individual variances in palate among critics, with some tending to score more generously or stringently, there is a general consensus within the wine community about the meaning of scores, particularly those above 90.
Wine Critics
Jancis Robinson
A highly respected British oenophile and author, graduate of Oxford University, where she studied mathematics and philosophy, Robinson transitioned from travel journalism to the vinous realm, distinguishing herself by becoming the first non-trade individual to attain the prestigious Master of Wine title in 1984.
Renowned for her tenure as a wine columnist with The Financial Times, Robinson’s literary contributions, notably “The Oxford Companion to Wine,” are seminal in oenological literature. Her accolades include an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to wine literature and the industry.
Robinson also manages JancisRobinson.com, a comprehensive portal for wine aficionados, featuring extensive tasting notes and scholarly articles.
Jeb Dunnuck
Jeb Dunnuck is a renowned American wine critic, celebrated for his expertise in the wines of the Rhône Valley, California, and Washington. Initially an engineer, Dunnuck shifted to wine criticism, launching a website in the late 2000s to share his reviews.
He gained prominence in the wine community after joining Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate in 2013, where he reviewed a range of wines, including those from the Rhône and Bordeaux, as well as from California and Washington. In 2017, he founded JebDunnuck.com, dedicated to providing detailed wine reviews and reports.
Robert Parker
Robert M. Parker Jr. is a seminal American wine critic known for introducing the influential 100-point rating system. With a background in history and law, Parker shifted his focus to wine, founding “The Wine Advocate” in 1978. This subscriber-based newsletter, free from advertising, allowed him to maintain an independent stance in wine criticism.
Parker’s rating system became a global standard, and his reviews, particularly of Bordeaux wines, notably influenced market trends and winemaking styles. In 2013, he stepped down from his editorial role but continued to contribute to the wine world.
His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including Decanter’s Man of the Year and France’s Legion of Honour.
Jasper Morris
One of the foremost authorities on Burgundy wines Jasper Morris has a career spanning several decades. Morris has garnered respect for his deep understanding and insightful analysis of this complex and prestigious wine region.
He possesses a profound knowledge of Burgundy’s intricate tapestry of vineyards, vintages, and vignerons.
Morris’ contributions to wine literature are significant, with his book “Inside Burgundy” being a seminal work that offers an exhaustive exploration of the region’s terroirs, producers, and history. As a Master of Wine, a title held by a select few in the industry, Morris combines academic rigor with a palpable passion for Burgundy.
Neil Martin
Neal Martin has made a significant impact in the world of fine wines, particularly through his work with Wine Advocate and Vinous. Known for his eloquent and detailed tasting notes, Martin has developed a reputation for his thoughtful and thorough approach to wine evaluation. His expertise, while encompassing a broad range of global wine regions, is particularly noted in the context of Bordeaux and Burgundy wines.
Martin’s style is approachable yet comprehensive, blending technical knowledge with a narrative flair that makes his reviews both informative and enjoyable to read. He moved from Wine Advocate, where he was a protégé of Robert Parker, to Vinous.
Martin’s influence extends beyond his written work; he is a respected figure at tastings and wine events, known for his keen palate and insightful commentary.
William Kelley
William Kelley rose to prominence with his expert coverage of Burgundy, Champagne, and the Napa Valley for The Wine Advocate. Kelley’s approach to wine criticism is marked by a deep reverence for the history and traditions of the wine regions he specializes in, coupled with a keen understanding of contemporary trends and techniques in viticulture and winemaking.
His reviews and articles are highly regarded for their insightful analysis, clear prose, and the ability to contextualize wines within the broader tapestry of their regions’ histories and terroirs. Kelley’s expertise is particularly notable in his detailed coverage of Burgundy, where he digs into the minutiae of each climat and producer.
Kelley’s reviews explore the factors that influence a wine’s creation, from the specifics of a vintage to the philosophy and practices of the winemaker.
John Gilman
John Gilman is a respected voice in the world of wine criticism, known for his publication, “View from the Cellar.”
As a wine critic, Gilman takes a classical approach to wine evaluation, focusing on the balance, complexity, and age-worthiness of wines. He is particularly renowned for his in-depth knowledge of the wines from classic European regions such as Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Rhône, Germany, and Piedmont.
Gilman’s reviews are characterized by their thoroughness and historical context; he not only assesses wines for their current qualities but also considers their evolution over time, offering insights into aging potential and cellar management.
His writing style combines detailed technical analysis with narrative elements. Gilman’s approach is often seen as a counterpoint to the more score-focused style of some other contemporary wine critics, emphasizing a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of wine.
Wine Importers
Another metric to finding highly rated wine by reputable sellers is to evaluate the importers. A wine importer you can trust will hold themselves to a specific standard of quality and style.
Kermit Lynch
Kermit Lynch has been instrumental in introducing artisanal wines from France and Italy to the United States. His approach is deeply rooted in a philosophy that values traditional winemaking practices and terroir-driven wines.
Lynch’s selections often eschew the industrial and heavily marketed in favor of small-scale, independent producers who maintain a strong connection to their land and heritage. His book, “Adventures on the Wine Route,” is considered a seminal work in wine literature, offering insights into his journeys through vineyards and his encounters with winemakers.
Beyond importation; his influences have shaped the palates and preferences of American wine drinkers, advocating for wines that express authenticity and place.
His commitment to quality and authenticity has earned him a loyal following and numerous accolades, including the prestigious French decoration, Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole, recognizing his contributions to French agriculture, notably wine.
Rosenthal
Specializing in French and Italian wines, Rosenthal Wine Merchant, founded by Neal Rosenthal in 1977, has built a reputation for meticulously selecting producers who embody the essence of terroir-driven winemaking.
His portfolio is a curated collection of wines that speak of place and tradition, favoring small-scale, family-run estates that practice organic or biodynamic viticulture and eschew over-manipulation in the cellar. Rosenthal’s approach is deeply personal and hands-on; he is known for developing close, long-standing relationships with his producers.
This philosophy extends to his clientele, as Rosenthal is committed to educating wine lovers about the stories and techniques behind each bottle.
Vom Boden
Vom Boden, a boutique wine importer, has carved out a unique niche in the American wine market with its focus on German wines. Founded by Stephen Bitterolf, who is passionate about showcasing the diversity and complexity of German viticulture, Vom Boden represents a carefully curated selection of producers.
These vintners are often small, family-run operations with a deep commitment to expressing the nuances of their specific terroirs. Bitterolf’s philosophy centers on the belief that German wines, particularly Rieslings, offer an unparalleled spectrum of flavors and styles, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, each telling a distinct story of place and tradition.
Their portfolio is notable for its emphasis on organic and biodynamic practices.
Sam Hofschuster
Sam Hofschuster is a notable figure in the world of wine criticism, particularly recognized for his contributions to the German wine scene.
As the managing director and editor of Vinum, a leading European wine magazine, Hofschuster has established himself as an authority on German wines, offering insightful and detailed evaluations. His expertise extends across the diverse range of German wine regions, with a special focus on Riesling, a varietal for which Germany is renowned.
Hofschuster’s approach to wine criticism is characterized by a deep appreciation for the nuances of terroir and the intricacies of winemaking techniques. His reviews are known for their precision and depth, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of each wine’s profile, from its sensory attributes to its viticultural background.
Wine Critics You Can Trust to Ignore
Luca Maroni
Ratings you can trust to rate cheap and average to bad wine above 95. Maroni came up with his own wine rating system which scores based on an index pleasantness, which is a formula of consistency, balance, and integrity.
James Suckling
Suckling rates wine on a 110-point scale (Tongue-in-cheek), so when you find a wine rated between 90-100, you can subtract 10 points. Suckling will only gives out 90+ scores to wine.
Local Sommeliers and Wine Markets
An often overlooked and underused resource is your local sommelier. One of the way’ve I’ve been able to develop relationships with a somme is by frequenting a restaurant with an exceptional wine list. Start asking for recommendations and if the somme gets you, or is able to make great suggestions on wine to try, there’s a good chance you can ask for some help or guidance on some other wine shopping you’re doing, or some wineries to investigate.
Check out the wine markets, or tasting rooms in your area. Find the staff, or management, who is passionate about wine and not just there for a job, and you’ll start to be exposed to some great gems. Take notes and bring them home with you, then you can begin to cross-reference some of the reviewers and wine ratings mentioned above for additional guidance.
I’d be willing to bet a glass of wine you’ll quickly connect dots and recognize names of producers and wines as you begin asking questions or making conversation with people in the industry and fellow oenophiles.
Wine Magazines
A magazine subscription is another fantastic source to read wine ratings and discover new wines.
Wine Advocate
Founded by Robert Parker. Never accepted money for ratings.
Wine Spectator
Fairly reputable. Meant for people who like to drink wine and providing lists.
Wine Enthusiast
Ususally found to inflate ratings 3-5 points above Wine Spectator.
Decanter
Somewhat reputable, but also suseptable to inflating wine ratings.
Wine Apps
CellarTracker
Generally speaking, if a particular wine has a large number of reviews and higher score, it can be a useful indicator you’ve stumbled upon a good wine. However, for more unusual styles of wine, you may want to avoid this app, as people may not properly understand nuances in their ratings.
