Wine rating

However, often the emphasis (in particular in marketing) is on the score applied by a critic rather than on the total wine tasting note.

The popularization of numerical scoring is widely credited to the American wine critic Robert Parker who patterned his system of numerical ratings on the American standardized grading system in the 1970s.

These consumers could isolate a range of scores to concentrate their buying purchase on without ever having to try a wine beforehand.

Wines that received scores classified as "outstanding" (usually 90 points or above) were essentially guaranteed favorable sales in the market.

Wines that received "extraordinary" or "classic" ratings of 95–100 began to develop cult followings that, coupled with the limited production, helped to skyrocket their prices.

These critics point to what they contend is an inherent flaw in sampling a wide assortment of wines at once.

Retailers will often use signage advertising wines that have received a favorable rating from critics.
American wine critic Robert Parker is credited with popularizing the use of numerical wine ratings.
Critics of numerical wine ratings have contended that the popularity and marketing power of these ratings have contributed to a homogenization of wine styles being offered on the market.