The wine rating scale – translated

Most people have heard of the wine rating scale, but what does it really mean?

As you know, in North America, the 100 point rating system is popular which in truce is not even based on a 0 to 100 point scale but on a 51 to 100 scale. This system was said to have been popularized by Robert Parker and is used also by Wine Enthusiast, Guia Penin, Wine Spectator and others.

Robert Parker’s 100 Point System

96-100: An extraordinary wine of profound and complex character displaying all the attributes expected of a classic wine of its variety. Wines of this caliber are worth a special effort to find, purchase, and consume.
90 – 95: An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. In short, these are terrific wines.
80 – 89: A barely above average to very good wine displaying various degrees of finesse and flavour as well as character with no noticeable flaws.
70 – 79: An average wine with little distinction except that it is a soundly made. In essence, a straightforward, innocuous wine.
60 – 69: A below average wine containing noticeable deficiencies, such as excessive acidity and/or tannin, an absence of flavour, or possibly dirty aromas or flavours.
50 – 59: A wine deemed to be unacceptable.

There’s another important thing to remember… These rating scales are based on individual critics’ feelings. What’s an 87 point wine to them might be a 90 point wine to you. So, although they are a decent guide, you should definitely trust your own unique sense of taste over anyone else’s when choosing your wine.

How you to make a review on Wineonline

Thanks to your reviews, wines on Wineonline are also rated on a scale from 1 to 5 stars with 5 stars being the highest possible rating. Let us explain the rating system step by step to (hopefully) clear any possible misunderstandings.

5 stars: World Class. 5-star wines are the best of the very best.
4.5 stars : Excellent. Excellent wines. Expect major fireworks.
4 stars: Very Good. Wines with this rating are highly recommended and are a joy to drink.
3.5 stars: Good. These wines are good and recommended.
3 stars: Ok-ish. This rating is for wines which are recommended but only if you enjoy that particular style or grape variety.
2.5 stars: Decent. Decent wines. Do not expect any fireworks and be cautious when buying them.
2 stars: Disappointing. These wines are disappointing and are definitely not recommended. They are not fun to drink.
1.5 stars: Very disappointing. Very disappointing wines. It is best to stay away from them.
1 stars: Extremely poor. These wines have major flaws.

Now you know how to make a review on wineonline, so please feel free to share your wine tasting with other wine enthusiasts!
And actually, I am curious about what your thoughts on the 100-point scale are and which of the various wine rating systems you like/dislike most. Feel free to join the discussion by commenting below!