For a while now I’ve solicited your opinion about the numerical scores used here. As with earlier attempts for feedback the results are (fairly) conclusive to move to a 100 point rating scale. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to convert to Robert Parker’s version. This was not an easy decision for me but, in the end, it came down to not a decision between the vague 20 point system I sort of borrowed from Alder 18 months ago and the 100 point scale, but a numerical scale or just prose for my tasting notes. In the end, the decision to move to the 100 point scale wasn’t so difficult when looking at the situation in this way.
From now forward you will read and hear my wine ratings in a less vague numerical sense but I will continue to use more words in each review to provide the proper context. Hope you like the change…
Since revitalizing my work at ethmar.com, I use an “I would, and you might” scale. Wine is pretty subjective, and my 89 is another person’s 94. In short, with food or drink, the question is, would I do it all over again? Would I reserve the occasion for parties/dining out, or is this something I would enjoy regularly? Or worse, settle for? YMMV, IANAL, ROFL.
Shorter me: I’m largely ignoring your point ratings in favor of the bulk of the review.
I agree with your main point, Ethan, the scale used here is very subjective and my opinion of a bottle at a point in time. Your mileage will most likely vary given bottle variation, storage conditions, closures and the environment of tasting. Your comment also reminds me of Mr. Parker’s disclaimer: “However, there can never be any substitute for your own palate nor any better education than tasting the wine yourself.”
Rest assured that the prose will always be more important than the numbers here.
Cheers!
Point systems are great for people who don’t want to read, and more wonderful for suppliers who need them for shelf talkers. 😉
The rest of us will continue to read the reviews!
By the way, you can read about my rating / scoring system on my blog, WineWeekly.com. (See the “How Wines are Rated and Scored” link on the right).
Thanks for your thoughts, Joe. I like your approach and might just borrow your scorecard 😉