When Judging A Wine,

Trust Your Own Palate

I recently finished reading a book called The Emperor of Wine by Elin McCoy. The book chronicles the rise of the noted wine critic Robert Parker and his effect on the world of wine.

Mr Parker publishes a bi-monthly newsletter called The Wine Advocate that began as a self-described Consumer Reports for wine lovers. Perhaps Mr Parker’s most significant contribution is the evaluation of wine using a 100-point scale. To many people in the wine world, this was not necessarily a positive contribution.

The enjoyment of wine can be as simple or complex, as a particular individual desires. You taste it, you like it, end of discussion.

Or… you examine the color, sniff the bouquet, swirl the wine in your mouth, swallow and savor the complex flavors and aromas that have just assaulted your senses. Then you learn everything you can about the grapes, their cultivation, and the winemaking techniques used to turn the grapes into that lovely glass of wine you just enjoyed. Historically, the evaluation of wine involved history, reputation, and more than a little bit of showmanship and snobbery. My how things have changed.

American culture today involves many people racing around in a big hurry. It does not matter where they are going as much as that they get there fast.

The shortcut for wine lovers in a hurry has become the 100-point scale that evaluates wine in the same manner as you were graded in school. Most wine publications now use the 100-point scale to rate a wine.

Many wine lovers (and wine sellers) want a wine rated 90 or better. Tasting notes are provided for those who care, but really why waste the time? Grab a bottle with a good rating from some “expert,” in some publication, and a delicious wine is guaranteed!

Robert Parker is a wine lover who truly cares about great wine. His introduction of a 100-point scale to judge a wine has changed the wine world in ways that no one would have imagined when The Wine Advocate went to print in 1978.

However, the bottom line should always be: Trust your own palate when judging a wine.

*Recently tasted and Enjoyed: 2003 Domaine Talmard Macon-Chardonnay.

This crisp, clean flavorful white wine is actually made in the tiny French town of Chardonnay as well as being made from 100 percent Chardonnay grapes.

(Newtown resident and wine enthusiast Steve Small is the general manager at Yankee Wine & Spirits on Queen Street.)