Do you think you’re cut out to be a wine critic? How about your friends? Put your wine palate to the test with a wine tasting competition. Have all your friends bring a bottle of wine that has already been scored by wine reviewers. Bring:
- A bottle of wine
- The notes about the wine
- Most importantly, the score (or scores) it’s received!
This is a great way to taste a variety of wines. Don’t be affraid to include a less popular wine as a curve ball. Either way, everyone will have the opportunity to really look for the flavors in the wine and develop an idea of what they like. In todays blog we are going to go over the guide to being a wine critic.
The Critics
There are a variety of trusted critics within the wine community. These individuals have developed a reputation for knowing wine and distinguishing special bottles from the sea of wine produced every year. They evaluate the wine’s color, appearance, aroma, flavor, finish, quality, and potential when determining a score. The most renowned critics are:
- The Wine Advocate (WA)
- Wine Spectator (WS)
- James Suckling (JS)
- Jeb Dunnuck (JD)
- Wine Enthusiast (WE)
- Tasting Panel (TP)
- International Wine Review (IWR)
The Grading Scale
When it comes to the grading framework for wine, everyone follows the same guide with only slight variations. The world of wine works off of a 1 – 100 scale, with 1 being the worst and 100 being the best. However, most wines only fall between 50 – 100. Each critic is slightly different, but here’s an idea of what distinctions are associated with each score range:
- 95-100: Classic, extraordinary, a great wine benchmark, and as good as it gets. Gold.
- 90-94: Outstanding, a wine that is “superior” and “exceptional” in character and style. Silver.
- 85-89: Very good, excellent, a wine with special qualities, or bronze.
- 80-84: Good, or average. A solid, well-made wine.
- 75-79: Mediocre, average, or fair. A drinkable wine that may have minor flaws.
- 60-74: Not recommended
- <60: Stay away from it!
Things to Keep in Mind While Tasting
See & Swirl:
- Color (What is it?)
- Clarity (Is it cloudy?)
- Viscosity
Sniff:
- Intensity (Is it strong or light?)
- Complexity
- Notes (Fruity, floral, spicy?)
Sip:
- Flavor Profile (Hold it in your mouth for a moment)
- Acidity (Makes your mouth water)
- Tannins (Sides of your tongue/Dries out your mouth)
- Sweetness (Tip of your tongue)
Savor:
- Body
- Weight
- Finish
Overall Impression:
- Balance
- Complexity
- Quality
- Did you like it? Would you drink it again?
Rating (50-100) and Why?
In the end, whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, hosting a wine tasting competition with friends is a fantastic way to deepen your appreciation for this timeless beverage. By evaluating wines through the eyes of professional critics, you’ll enhance your ability to discern and enjoy the subtle nuances each bottle offers. So gather your friends, bring your favorite wines, and embark on a journey of discovery and delight. Cheers to new experiences and the joy of sharing great wine!
Download our Score Sheet below! (Click on the document to get the PDF!)
Also, if you need a bottle to bring to the party, check out our bottle list. We pride ourselves on curating an assortment of award winning wines that have scored 90 points and above! Check out our wine page.
