I learned a long time ago, that it is a tendency of many to put someone down to lift themselves up. I have caught myself doing this on an occasion or two and have tried very hard not to repeat the mistake. A couple of years ago as a new blogger on the block I deemed it necessary to again indulge in the “knock ‘em down to build me up” modus operandi. I wrote a few articles criticizing a famous wine critic’s 100 Point wine scoring system, joining my voice with many others in the cyber world of wine writing.
When it comes to the top of the heap in the wine world, one name comes to mind; Robert Parker Jr. When one is trying to make a name for themselves in the world of wine it is quite difficult to avoid the name of a man who has worked hard to build a reputation as a foremost wine critic and consumer advocate. One of Robert Parker Jr.’s biggest contributions has become the famous 100 point wine scoring system. In his periodical the Wine Advocate under “Rating System” it breaks down the 100 point scale like this.
(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 flavor as well as character with no noticeable flaws.
(70-79) An average wine with little distinction except that it is 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 flavor, or possibly
dirty aromas or flavors.
(50-59) A wine deemed to be unacceptable.
Many well known critics and wine periodicals other then Parker’s have adopted this 100 point system and to tell you the truth, it has become very close to universal. It has also become a point of contention for many and has been the subject of numerous debates. This is particularly true in the blogging community. Recently, a well known blogger addressed this issue with an article entitled “The Lazy Abuse of Wine Scores: A Glimpse Into One Producer’s Market Struggles (and a Glimmer of Hope).” In a nutshell, the article lamented at the idea that so many folks purchase a wine based on score (in particular Parker’s) rather then on the merits of the wine itself. He pointed a finger at wholesalers who ask outright whether or not the winery has any scores from Parker and if not, they are not interested in trying any of the wines. Deplorable? Absolutely. Who’s fault is it? Parker’s? The article indicated that it is lazy on the part of a consumer or buyer to make decision based on score alone. I agree, but the point I am about to make is most pertinent in this case. The blog being discussed has berated this scoring system on a regular basis, coming up with his own method of rating wines. Is this putting someone’s method down to build there own up?
This example from a well known blogger is a mild example of “Parker Envy” shared by many bloggers. I would think that the aforementioned blogger might disagree with my assessment and in that case I would have to agree to disagree. He has great respect for Parker as a wine critic, but does not agree with the 100 point system that Parker created. This is interesting since this blogger has come up with a system himself which grades wine rather then scores wine. He gives a wine a grade of A, B+, B… you get the point. This is not unusual with many bloggers and media wine guys or girls. Who has the better system for judging a wine? Any blogger would like you to believe that they have the best method. In order to sell that, they need to knock the “Big Dog” (Parker that is) down.
I have come to believe that all this debate is a waste of time. We have to admit that the 100 point scoring system works, although I believe it is a little too exhaustive. All the scoring system does is tell you how the WRITER or CRITIC feels about the wine, not about the wine itself. Let’s put it this way. If Robert Parker Jr. scores a wine at 95 points, it simply means that he really likes that wine. Stephen Tanzer, who also uses the 100 point system might give the same wine 89 points. What does that mean? Simply that Tanzer does not like the wine as much as Parker. It does not mean that the wine itself deserves either score. You may try the wine and absolutely hate it. In your mind or notes you may give it 82 points. Are you wrong because you disagree with two top notch wine critics? Absolutely not. It means that your palate is different from theirs… That’s all. The scoring system accomplishes a very basic thing and that is helping understand the critics palate. Once we understand their likes and dislikes based on the score they give, we can make an informed choice based on our own palate. Hats off to Parker for coming up with a simple method for scoring palate preference.
Whether it is a 100 point system, a grading system, a five glass system or whatever, it all accomplishes the same thing. It tells us how the writer feels about the wine. Robert Parker Jr. like anyone else likes certain types of wine and it shows in the scores he gives. Aside from scoring, the Wine Advocate (Robert Parker Jr.’s periodical) is a rich source of information about wine, regions and producers. I wish I had the resources and time that he does to put out such a fine publication. His yearly publication entitled “Parker’s Wine Buyer’s Guide” is also quite valuable. As wine bloggers and writers, we must acknowledge Mr. Parker’s contributions to the wine community. Like all of us, he is not perfect, but that does not lessen his influence on winedom. As bloggers we need to be careful that we do not suffer from Parker envy. If we want to make a mark in the wine world, let us do it on our own merits without criticizing the efforts and accomplishments of others, in particular the 100 point scoring system. This does not mean however that if Mr. Parker or anyone else for that matter gives false information or misleads their readers that it should be overlooked. We have a responsibility to report the truth on such matters, and that is an entirely different subject to discuss another time.
So to all fellow bloggers I say this. Be informative about the wines you are reviewing. Use whatever system you like to let your reader know how you feel about it. Remember that your system is not better then anyone else, it is just different. Quit the debate about the 100 point scoring system. Because every time you rail against it you are revealing a very disturbing problem known as … “Parker Envy”. Here’s to keeping it real. Cheers! Stan The Wine Man.
