The scale in plain English
| Score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 96-100 | Extraordinary: a benchmark wine |
| 90-95 | Outstanding: great complexity and character |
| 85-89 | Very good: well made, worth buying |
| 80-84 | Good: solid everyday wine |
| 70-79 | Average: simple, nothing wrong |
| below 70 | Flawed or not recommended |
Where the points come from
A common breakdown (popularized by critic Robert Parker) starts every wine at 50, then adds up to:
- 5 points for color and appearance,
- 15 points for aroma and bouquet,
- 20 points for flavor and finish,
- 10 points for overall quality and aging potential.
Our free Rate this wine scorecard uses the same structure so you can score your own bottles.
Why critics disagree
Scores are opinions. Critics have different palates (some prize power, others elegance) and they taste at different times in a wine’s life. A 92 from one publication isn’t interchangeable with a 92 from another.
How to use scores wisely
- Treat 88-91 as the sweet spot for value. Wines just under 90 are often far cheaper than wines just over it.
- Read the tasting note, not just the number: it tells you the style.
- Know your own palate. If you love light reds, a 95-point blockbuster Cabernet may not be your favorite wine.