In the world of wine, ratings are everything. Some wine enthusiasts are on a quest to discover the elusive 100 point wines, those exceptional bottles of wine that have received perfect ratings. There are two primary methods for determining a wine’s score: blind tasting and the evaluations of influential wine critic, Robert Parker. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these two rating methods and how they impact the discovery of 100 point wines.

Introduction:

Wine tasting is an art that few can master. However, the practice of rating wines is even more controversial. While the 100 point wine rating system is widely used, the process of blindly tasting and rating wines versus relying on a well-known critic like Robert Parker, is a topic of much debate.

Blind Tasting:

Blind tasting is the process of tasting and rating wines without knowing the brand or label. This method is commonly used in wine competitions, allowing judges to be unbiased in their evaluations of the wine. Blind tasting helps to eliminate brand bias and forces the taster to concentrate on the quality of the wine, rather than the wine’s reputation.

The taster rates the wine on a 100 point scale based on appearance, aroma, and flavor. The wines range in quality from below average to potentially perfect (100 points). It is important to note that the 100 point system is subjective and can vary greatly between tasters.

Robert Parker:

Robert Parker is a well-known wine critic who has been rating wines for over 40 years. Parker’s 100 point rating system is widely followed and respected in the wine industry. Wines rated in the 90-95 point range are considered outstanding, while those rated in the 96-100 range represent the best of the best.

Parker’s ratings are based on his personal taste and preferences. He rates wines based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, aroma, flavor, texture, and balance. Parker’s scores have a major influence on the sales and reputation of a wine.

Blind Tasting vs. Robert Parker:

While both blind tasting and Robert Parker’s rating system have their merits, they are two very different ways of evaluating wines. Blind tasting provides an unbiased evaluation of the wine, focusing solely on its quality. In contrast, Robert Parker’s ratings are based on his personal preferences and reputation.

One major advantage of relying on Robert Parker’s ratings is that he has tasted a vast number of wines. His expertise in wine tasting and vast knowledge of the wine industry make his ratings important to both wine consumers and producers. However, relying solely on Parker’s ratings can limit one’s exploration of new and lesser-known wines.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, whether to rely on blind tasting or Robert Parker’s ratings when tasting wines is a matter of personal choice. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Blind tasting provides an unbiased evaluation of the wine’s quality, while Parker’s ratings provide consumers with a well-known and respected critic’s opinion. Regardless of which method is chosen, it is important to remember that wine tasting is subjective, and everyone’s palate is different.

FAQs:

What is the 100 point wine rating system?

The 100 point wine rating system is a scoring system used to rate wines based on their quality.

What is the range of scores under the 100 point system?

Wines are given a rating between 50-100 points, with 90-95 representing outstanding and 96-100 representing the best of the best.

What are the categories for wines rated under the 100 point system?

Wines rated in the 70-79 category are considered average, with the 80-89 category representing good to very good wines. Wines rated 50-59 are unacceptable, and those rated 60-69 are below average with noticeable deficiencies.

Who is Robert Parker and why is he important in the wine industry?

Robert Parker is a well-known wine critic who has been rating wines for over 40 years. His 100 point rating system is widely followed and respected in the wine industry.

What is blind tasting and why is it important?

Blind tasting is the process of tasting and rating wines without knowing the brand or label. This method is important because it eliminates brand bias and forces the taster to concentrate on the quality of the wine, rather than the wine’s reputation.