Our System For Rating Wine

Typical 100 Rating Scale VS 5 Star Scale

You will notice on our website that we have ratings in both scales. The 1-100 scale is a more accurate depiction of where a wine truly rates because there is more detailed information and flexibility to rate it that way. The 1-5 star rating is typically used online to review products and businesses. But it is harder to provide detailed information or distinguish between different wines with just a 5 star rating. The 100 point scale is the most popular way for scoring wines.

The score a wine receives from popular publications and sommeliers can make or break a wine brand. The difference between 89 and 90 in the retail world is huge. 90 point wines fly off the shelves, whereas 89 point wines languish on the shelves, unloved. But the difference between an 89 and 90 is probably not even noticeable to actual wine drinkers. That’s why we try and provide as much information as possible about each wine we review, to give our readers the best possible guidance.

1-100 Point Wine Rating System

We rate all wines we review on the 1-100 rating system, no matter how fantastic or poor the wine is. This is the most accurate way to compare wines against each other.

When rating a wine on the 100 point scale, you start with a score of 100 and deduct points based working down rather than starting at 1 and working up. You score on several factors of the wine:

• Appearance
• Fragrance
• Sweetness
• Body
• Acidity
• Astringency – the tannins in the wine
• Overall quality

5 Star Wine Rating System

ZERO STARS:   We would not drink this wine ever again, even if it was our only option. It is undrinkable. In school terms, this wine is an “F”.

ONE STAR:  We would drink this only if it was our only option. Like at a stadium or company picnic. We wouldn’t feel bad if some of the bottle was wasted. In school terms, this wine is an “D”.

TWO STARS:  This wine will do the job, but wouldn’t be our first choice. Might be a house wine served at a restaurant and one of the only options there. Or at a wedding when they are serving a lot of guests. We generally wouldn’t buy this at a store, but might break the rules if it was on sale for a steep discount. In school terms, this wine is an “C”.

THREE STARS:  This is good wine.  (I will pay my hard earned money for this wine, and will buy more in the future.  It is pleasant. I will not rant and rave about this wine the next day, but it will complement a simple meal).  In school terms, this wine is a solid “B”.

FOUR STARS:  This wine is not only good, it is memorable.  We will remember this wine for a long time. We will tell our friends about it the next time we talk about great wines that we’ve have had.  This wine will nicely complement a special occasion. Fellow wine lovers will greatly appreciate this wine if you share it with them. We would be willing to drive across town if this wine was being sold at a special price, and would stockpile it if my budget would allow.  In school terms, this wine is an “A”.

FIVE STARS:  The perfect wine.  What more can you say.  This is one where you might even want to save the cork or label because it was so special, although you probably refrain from such juvenile activity because your spouse or friends will look at you like you are crazy for wanting to do so.  They just don’t understand. Tasting a five star wine is an experience, not just a drink.

So to summarize:

Zero Stars:  Undrinkable.

One Star:  Only if we have no choice.

Two Stars:  Only if it’s at a good price (or the only wine available).

Three Stars:  “Good wine”

Four Stars:  “Memorable wine”

Five Stars:  “Perfect wine”

Other Ways To Review Wines

Besides just looking at the ratings for each wine, we encourage everyone to read about the tasting notes and details about each wine as well, to truly get a feel for the wine’s quality. It is also important to mention that the rating for a specific wine may change from year to year as well. So a 2016 might be rated different than a 2015 version of the same wine.

The most important part to remember is that you are your own judge. Some people are sensitive to sugary wines, while others prefer it. Palates also change over time, which impacts personal preferences. The more you taste, the more different preferences emerge and calibrate. Your taste buds will mature over time along with your standards. Remember, that you are always right. Not the review or opinion of someone else. Our reviews are simply meant to help guide others. The best part about wine is the journey to learn more about it!