Ratings and Reviews

The first thing everyone in the wine industry learns to do is to figure out the wine quality level by tasting it. And this is great because all the wines have the same opportunities no matter how they were crafted, the place of origin, or who the producer is. 

The scoring is a straightforward way to show a wine's quality level and be understood by everyone. But quality and pleasure are two different things. Sometimes I enjoy a low-score wine because it is exciting and pleasant, no matter if it meets all the quality standards. 

Another truth is that the higher the scores go, the more subjective factors are involved. For example, the emotions a wine creates and the feeling it gives the taster affect the rating. How could I give a Gold Medal to something if I wouldn't order a case of it for myself?

So, I encourage you to read my descriptions carefully before rejecting or buying a bottle of wine.

Here is an insight into how the wines are rated. 

a) the intensity and clarity of aromas and flavours.

b) the complexity of aromas and flavours.

c) the balance between the wine elements (intensity, alcohol, acidity, tannins, fruit, and sweetness).

d) the length and how pleasant the aftertaste is.

e) the ageing potential.

f) the flaws and how they affect the wine.

But apart from the above, two more criteria are challenging for someone to be 100% objective:

a) the experience of the taster

b) what the taster values most in a wine.

First, the balance and second, the complexity are high in my hierarchy. Also, my experience is evolving continuously. So look at my reviews, and you will understand my point of view.

My goal is for everyone, from beginners to experts, to find impartial and valuable professional tasting notes, reviews, information and enjoyable food pairings. 

The scores reflect the wine's condition in a single moment, like a photograph. Even a couple of minutes later would not be the same.

Also, I score quality and not the individual's taste, so do not let any score be an obstacle in enjoying a bottle of wine. It might be your favourite!

• 95-100: meditation wine, the best a palate can taste.

  90-94: outstanding, unforgettable wine.

  85-89: excellent, wine with a lot to tell.

  80-84: good, can easily fit on the daily table (depending on the price).

  75-79: acceptable, can be consumed, but something went wrong.

  50-74: forget it; let's grab a beer.