Wine reviews and ratings first became popular after the traditional wine criticism, which was practiced centuries ago by the merchants, connoisseurs, and writers who kept records of their impressions of wines for trade and education. Initially, in the past, one of the philosophers like Pliny the Elder wrote about different types of wines and their characteristics, while the European nobles would always have their advisors that helped them choose the best ones. The current form of wine reviews came out in the 20th century.
The phenomenon of wine reviews rose in the mid-1900s when people like André Simon and Michael Broadbent were the key figures for the public’s perspective. The magazines corresponding to the genre like *Wine Spectator* or *Decanter* started offering a format to the reviews, while Robert Parker introduced a 100-point rating system which was the first of its kind in the 1980s. The impact of Parker, especially in Bordeaux and Napa Valley, was the principal cause of the change towards the fruit-forward, high-alcohol wines that critics preferred all around the world.
Wine ratings are still of great popularity among the people, but the consumer preferences are not so one-dimensional anymore. Useful websites for consumers like Vivino, CellarTracker, along with social media influencers have provided wine criticism with a new democratic platform, where amateurs can express their views next to professionals. Although the scores from critics still have a lot of power over the pricing and prestige of a certain company, the people that love listening to winos have gained more than one source able to help them with their purchases. The path of the wine reviews continues, which is the balance between the expertise and the easy access to it in the quickly transforming field.
Zenato is a large-scale operation near Lake Garda in northern Italy. Despite their size, the company has consistently put out excellent –if occasionally anodyne—wines in Valpolicella. Vintage after vintage, the Zenato …
The village Tautavel is lovely and largely unknown to the outside world. It is perched in a high valley that links the French wine regions of Roussillon and Corbières.Before now, Tautavel’s …
The village Tautavel is lovely and largely unknown to the outside world. It is perched in a high valley that links the French wine regions of Roussillon and Corbières.Before now, Tautavel’s …
Rasteau is one of the fine winemaking villages in France’s southern Rhone Valley, along with such notable nearby towns as Chateauneuf du Pape and Gigondas. This particular bottle is a field …
Most folks who came to my table at a recent wine tasting event hadn’t heard of Carmenere, and the majority of them opted for something more familiar. One guy, on the …
The Ferrer family is best known for their other winery, the Spanish bubbly producer Freixenet. However, this Sonoma County winery, named after the family’s matriarch, almost always exceeds the quality of …
Despite packing the double-whammy of barrel fermentation AND barrel aging, this wine still retains wonderful fruit flavors, particularly fresh pineapple, and lemon curd. Flavors reminiscent of Grannie’s apple pie come into …
As wine regions go, Lalande de Pomerol is typically a mixed bag. It’s not actually Pomerol, but one of the many satellite regions on the right bank of Bordeaux. This is …
Sourced from one of the oldest blocks of Pinot Noir in the Central Otago region, this bottle is an excellent example of what New Zealand can do. The winemaker, Dean Shaw, …
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with a bit of Merlot and Cabernet Franc for added finesse. Kirsch and pencil shavings with a touch of brine and wet earth. Wet tobacco and grass on …
Tasting NotesWe first noted the deep dark red color of the wine. The first barnyard then leather and smoky aromas dominated with hints of pepper and spice on the nose. On …
The top bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon reviewed at Epikur Magazine. From Tuscany to Bordeaux to Napa Valley and South Africa: This list includes the best of the best bottles of Cab Sauv currently available, and the ones with the best quality to price ratio.
A vinous cocktail of Chambord, Creme Yvette, and Morello cherries. A viscous wine with a glass-and-teeth staining hue of carmine. Sweet cherry and mocha notes rise over the huge weight of …
Classical notes of grass and green pepper on the nose, along with plenty of grapefruit. Flavors of fig and apricot are followed by lemon zest and a touch of waxiness. The wine finishes with smoke and kiwi. A gentle roundness gives this a little more sex appeal than most Sauvignon Blancs.
A good example of Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, and an great value. Marzipan and Granny Smith apples are followed by vibrant lemon and mineral. Light bodied and alive with a touch of white pepper.
A winning wine from Bremerton in Langhorne Creek. A great style that is not typically seen the the states. Verdelho is best known as one of the grapes of Madeira. It is also one of Australia’s niche varietals. This bottle starts off with honey and peach, moves toward grapefruit and then veers to verbena and citrus on the finish.