If you’ve ever browsed wine shelves or online stores, you’ve probably noticed numbers and ratings attached to bottles—scores like 90, 92, or even 100 points.
Wine scores and ratings have become an important guide for many consumers trying to navigate the vast and sometimes confusing world of wine. But what do these numbers really mean? Who decides them? And how should you use them to pick the right bottle?
This article will demystify wine scores and ratings so you can shop with confidence, understand the pros and cons of the system, and develop your own taste along the way.
What Are Wine Scores?
Wine scores are numerical ratings assigned to wines by critics, publications, or competitions to indicate their perceived quality. Scores typically range from around 50 to 100 points, with higher numbers indicating better quality, at least according to the reviewer.
The scoring system was popularized by influential wine critic Robert Parker in the 1980s and has since become a widespread way to summarize a wine’s merits in a simple number.
Common Scoring Scales
The 100-Point Scale
This is the most common and widely recognized scoring system. Wines are usually scored from 50 to 100 points, where:
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95-100: Extraordinary, a perfect or near-perfect wine
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90-94: Outstanding, highly recommended
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85-89: Very good to good, solid quality
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80-84: Average to below average, drinkable but not remarkable
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Below 80: Generally not recommended
The 20-Point Scale
Used less frequently, especially in Europe, some critics use a 20-point system where 20 is the highest. It roughly correlates to the 100-point scale (multiply by 5), but it’s less common for consumer-facing reviews.
Other Systems
Some wine competitions and magazines use stars or medals (gold, silver, bronze) instead of points. These are similar in purpose but less precise.
Who Scores Wines?
Wine Critics
Famous critics like Robert Parker, Jancis Robinson, and James Suckling taste and rate wines professionally. They use a combination of experience, tasting techniques, and standards to assign scores.
Wine Publications
Magazines and websites such as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Decanter publish scores from their panel of tasters. These scores reflect a consensus or individual expert opinions.
Competitions
Wine competitions gather panels of judges who blind-taste wines and award medals or points based on quality. Examples include the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge.
How Are Scores Determined?
Wine scoring is subjective but follows a set of criteria, including:
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Appearance: Clarity, color, and brilliance
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Aroma: Complexity, intensity, and typicity
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Taste: Balance, structure, flavors, finish, and length
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Overall impression: Harmony and drinkability
Most critics taste wines blind (without knowing the brand) to avoid bias. They also consider the wine’s style and potential.
Pros of Wine Scores
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Simplifies choices: Scores give an easy-to-understand summary for busy buyers.
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Quality assurance: Helps identify high-quality wines and avoid poor ones.
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Market influence: High scores can boost a wine’s reputation and value.
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Learning tool: Scores can guide new wine drinkers in exploring styles and regions.
Cons and Limitations
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Subjectivity: Tastes vary, so scores reflect personal preferences.
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Overemphasis on scores: Some consumers focus only on numbers, ignoring their own palate.
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Vintage variation: Scores often apply to a specific vintage and may not reflect others.
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Score inflation: Critics sometimes score wines higher due to trends or marketing pressures.
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Limited scope: Scores don’t capture the entire experience, like food pairing or occasion.
How to Understand Wine Scores and RatingsHow to Use Wine Scores Wisely
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Use as a guide, not gospel: Let scores point you toward wines worth trying, but trust your taste buds.
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Look for consistent scores: If multiple critics give similar high ratings, the wine is likely reliable.
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Consider the style: Scores can reflect quality but not your personal style preference.
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Explore below top scores: Many great wines score in the mid-80s or 90s at a fraction of the price.
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Read tasting notes: These provide context behind the score and describe flavors and aromas.
Understanding Scores and Price
High scores often correlate with higher prices, but not always. Sometimes, lesser-known producers offer fantastic wines at affordable prices that don’t get top scores due to lower visibility. Don’t assume a high score means a wine will be your favorite — it just indicates quality as judged by experts.
Developing Your Own Palate
While scores can help guide you, the ultimate goal is to enjoy wine. Try wines with different scores, styles, and regions. Take notes on what you like and dislike. Over time, you’ll understand how scores relate to your preferences and become confident choosing wines without relying solely on numbers.
Final Thoughts
Wine scores and ratings offer a useful tool to navigate a complex world, but they’re just one part of the picture. Understanding how scores work, who assigns them, and their limitations helps you make better buying decisions without losing sight of your personal taste.
Next time you pick up a bottle, look beyond the number, savor the experience, and enjoy the wonderful diversity wine has to offer — with or without a score.
