Rating Scale
I’ve looked at a bunch of different wine rating scales while trying to decide which to employ here. At first I was contemplating not using a scale at all – thinking that I shouldn’t try to apply a label to something that is so subjective. What is an 86 to me could easily be a 90 to you. Different palettes, different conditions, different temperatures – there’s so much that can bend a rating one way or the other. But this seemed to be a cop out as people like to see a Tag on something. They want an easily identifiable opinion, should I buy this or not. I’m not a huge fan of the 100 point scale that seems to be so popular. It seems that bolder, darker wines will always beat out more subtle ones. Using corks and stars seems a little too cute for me though I enjoy how they are used on other sites, so I’ll do something similar – a letter grade. Here’s my breakdown – intentionally kept quite simple:
Bruce’s Wine Scale
A = A memorable experience, buy all that you can find or all that your budget allows
B = A very nice wine that can be brought to a special occasion or given to a friend
C = Bottles that I would call my Keepers, wine that I would stock up on for everyday drinking
D = Either not my cup of tea or more likely, I can find comparable wines at a better price
F = Fail – Do not buy this
Most of the wines you’ll find here will no doubt end up in the C range simply due to the fact that it’s currently what my wife allows me to buy (you’ll hear some of her opinions here from time to time). If you start to notice a lot of B level wines, either wineries are shipping some samples or my career is on an upswing.
About the Author: Bruce
