Rating Systems

• There are a variety of wine rating systems. There is no standardization of the numbering systems. The Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator are two of the many wine number systems.
  
  

The Average Wine

• The Average WineImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kyle May
  
  Average wines, considered drinkable on a daily basis, are rated in the 70-79 range in some systems starting with lower numbers. In rating systems starting in higher numbers, the 80s, the average wines are found in the lower numbers of the system as well.
  
  

The Higher Numbers

• In all the rating systems the higher the number the more experts there were who considered the wine to be superior. In all the rating systems good quality wines are in the 85-94 range.
  
  

The Biggest Number

• Superior or classic wines are rated in the systems at 95 to 100. All of the wine rating systems go no higher than 100.
  
  

Numbers and Notes

• Wine ratings are not just numbers. Notes, which give a description of the wine and its taste, are as important as the numbers.
  
  

Be Yourself

• In Vino VeritasImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of jenny downing
  
  Experiment with the different rating systems. Don't let them limit your wine choices; taste is an individual experience.