Monday, February 14, 2011

Our Wine Review Philosophy

Readers may submit wine reviews or tastings in any format or style they wish. Our style of review is as follows.

1. No quantitative ratings. I think saying one wine is a 98 and another wine is a 94 is silly. A comment by a friend from France has resonated with me over the years. He said the wine ratings have done wine drinkers a tremendous service by rooting out low quality wines but they also imply that there is one way that wine should taste. Not all wines are supposed to be bold, oaky and full of tannins. There is no scale that fits all wines.

2. Fine wines in their own right. If a Georgian or Croatian wine is rated as Outstanding, it does not necessarily mean that it is as good as a Domaine Romanee-Conti. We judge the wines within their own realm. The wines are not compared across all the wines of the world.

3. No fancy, abstract flavors. I don't pretend to have the most educated palate but I can honestly say that I have never tasted tobacco in wine. I have seen wine reviews describe wines tasting of "pear", "poached pear" and "pear tart." Hmm, pear ... OK, it's a fruit. But can you really discern the difference between poached pear and pear tart in a bottle of Pinot Noir? One wine expert told me a certain wine tasted of "smoked plums." I've never eaten a smoked plum! Have you? I use words like crisp, fruity, buttery, flowery, strong, peppery, woody, etc. However, I pledge that we will not write, "... the wine's flavor reminded me of the boldness of roasted almonds yet with a hint of insouciance from its butterscotch overtones."

4. What to expect.

* Information on the wine - name, type, vintner, year, etc.
* Where I purchased or drank the wine - wine store, vineyard, restaurant, festival, etc.
* What I ate while tasting the wine
* Color/appearance
* Aroma/bouquet
* Taste
* Overall rating - Outstanding, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Drinkable, Drinkable Minus and "May I have a beer, please?"
* Price value (if applicable)

To see all of Black Sea Wines' reviews and tastings, click here.

14 comments:

  1. This is a very good review philosophy. One of the main objectives in reviewing is to allow your reader to understand the experience. Abstract terms usually do not help with the task.
    wine online

    ReplyDelete
  2. Quantifiable or grade systems are acceptable for as long as they are accompanied by descriptive terms. Some people just trust numbers because they are more absolute.
    wine australia

    ReplyDelete
  3. The good thing about a number grade system is that they are absolute. Descriptive experiences are relative, but then again, taste is also relative.
    liquor online

    ReplyDelete
  4. You have worked nicely with your insights that makes our work easy.Shop Wine Online Ireland The information you have provided is really factual and significant for us. Keep sharing these types of article, Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It's a fantastic post and an exceptional subject which you have shared here. Much obliged to you for sharing it. Winery industry success advisors

    ReplyDelete
  6. You have provided valuable data for us. It is great and informative for everyone. Keep posting always. I am very thankful to you. Read more info about mobile bartenders melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  7. I see all the pictures you mentioned on your blog. And that really impressed me. You have great knowledge of this. Please share more information with us.bartender hire gold coast

    ReplyDelete
  8. You've written an excellent post, and you've shared it with us. Your article provided me with some unique and useful knowledge. I appreciate you sharing this text with us. Wine Marketing Consultants In Spain

    ReplyDelete
  9. I truly value your work which you have shared here. The article you have shared is extremely enlightening and the focuses you have referenced are exceptionally useful. Much obliged to you for sharing this post. Wine Storage Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  10. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. Wine Cellar repair Scottsdale

    ReplyDelete
  11. It is truly a well-researched content and excellent wording. about veuve clicquot yellow label. I got so engaged in this material that I couldn’t wait to read. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I found decent information in your article. I am impressed with how nicely you described this subject, It is a gainful article for us. Thanks for share it.Wine Cooler Fridge For Sale Online Usa

    ReplyDelete
  13. I liked your work and, as a result, the manner you presented this content about beer coolers australia.It is a valuable paper for us. Thank you for sharing this blog with us.

    ReplyDelete
  14. To assist you to out, we consulted gambling consultants to get perception on what you otherwise might be lacking. Read on to learn the reality 우리카지노 about slot machines earlier than your next trip to Vegas. Before you begin half in} any slot machine, it is a good suggestion have a look at|to try|to examine out} the pay desk. That’s because of|as a result of} if you’re trying to win massive on slot machines, it’s worth understanding how the features of your chosen recreation work.

    ReplyDelete