Wine Ratings - are they mis-interpreted?
The 'Wine Ratings' issue raised it's head again at a Tasting we were doing, as most attendees admitted that they would only buy a 'good wine' if it had a high mark from Parker etc.
I'll admit, when we had the wine Shops, we regularly used Ratings as a selling tool, but it also worked to our disadvantage as people won't buy a wine with an 88 or 89 rating!
We are currently shipping (so not in stock yet) from Bordeaux a range of wines, including Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2017, Cru Bourgeois Exceptionelle, St Estephe with Robert Parker's Wine Advocate has scored at 90 points. At the expected selling price of €33 per btl it's a STEAL, but at the tasting last week most guests admitted that if they haven't previously tasted it, they'd need a higher score - Higher than 'OUTSTANDING'?
The Chateau Lanessan 2018, Haut Medoc scored (89-91) with Parker and is expected to sell at €28 - another steal but .... is the score too low?
If you have forgotten the value of the scores, here's a reminder of Parker's point system
96-100 Extraordinary
90-95 Outstanding
80-89 Above Average to Excellent
70-79 Average
So, the Lilian Ladouys is Outstanding and €33, the Lanessan is Excellent/Outstanding and priced at €28, but people are reluctant to purchase as it's not EXCEPTIONAL!
So, in reality, you should be happy buying any wine with a score over 80 (above average) but .....
I'll admit, when we had the wine Shops, we regularly used Ratings as a selling tool, but it also worked to our disadvantage as people won't buy a wine with an 88 or 89 rating!
We are currently shipping (so not in stock yet) from Bordeaux a range of wines, including Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2017, Cru Bourgeois Exceptionelle, St Estephe with Robert Parker's Wine Advocate has scored at 90 points. At the expected selling price of €33 per btl it's a STEAL, but at the tasting last week most guests admitted that if they haven't previously tasted it, they'd need a higher score - Higher than 'OUTSTANDING'?
The Chateau Lanessan 2018, Haut Medoc scored (89-91) with Parker and is expected to sell at €28 - another steal but .... is the score too low?
If you have forgotten the value of the scores, here's a reminder of Parker's point system
96-100 Extraordinary
90-95 Outstanding
80-89 Above Average to Excellent
70-79 Average
So, the Lilian Ladouys is Outstanding and €33, the Lanessan is Excellent/Outstanding and priced at €28, but people are reluctant to purchase as it's not EXCEPTIONAL!
So, in reality, you should be happy buying any wine with a score over 80 (above average) but .....