Wine Ratings Explained

Your palate is the ultimate score. The rating section is a well-constructed guide to thousands of wines which are reviewed by experienced professionals, such as our staff here at The Wine Stop. These professional critics give a detailed breakdown by wine category and region, and then proceed to give the wine a score based on their personal palate. In many cases, the ratings are a general consensus amongst peers that a particular wine obtains good qualities and is worth trying. The various rating scales help separate wines of lesser quality and offer helpful tips to a shopper when they are making their decision on what to purchase. With this in mind, you as a consumer can taste and compare your personal notes with these reviews and see which critique you agree with most. Our staff can also work with you and help select wines that are more suitable for your palate and personal preference. Just give us a call 1-888-340-WINE (9463).

Wine Critics and Publications

  • BH- Allen Meadows Burghound
  • CG- Connoisseurs Guide
  • GR- Gambero Rosso
  • JS- James Suckling (Ex-Senior Editor of Wine Spectator)
  • JH- James Halliday
  • RP- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  • ST- Steve Tanzar
  • W&S- Wine & Spirits
  • WE- Wine Enthusiast
  • WS- Wine Spectator
  • WN- The Wine News
  • V- Vinous
  • JD- Jeb Dunnuck
  • JG- John Gilman
  • D- Decanter Magazine
  • SK- Sam Kim

Spirits and Beer Critics 

  • BA- Beer Advocate
  • RB- Rate Beer
  • TB- The Bros (at Beer Advocate)
  • WA- Whisky Advocate

The 100 Point Scale

  • 95-100 Classic: a great wine
  • 90-94 Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style
  • 85-89 Very good: a wine with special qualities
  • 80-84 Good: a solid, well-made wine
  • 75-79 Mediocre: a drinkable wine that may have minor flaws
  • 50-74 Not recommended