How the wines are rated.

There are a number of different scoring systems for wine. The show system uses a 20 point system but I have decided to use the more flexible 100-point system.

I adopt a joint subjective and objective assessment of the wines. In the first place, I need to ensure that there are no faults and that the wine meets all the criteria that would be expected of it in a show judging system.

Critical factors like premature oxidation, poor condition, excessive volatile acidity, phenolics and real nasties such as brettanamyces and mercaptans will knock the points well down.

But above all, the wines have to be balanced. Disjointed wines that you are punting on changing for the better over time, are not my style. I.d rather wager on the gee-gees, which are more reliable.

In this 100-point rating system, anything over 80 points is a solid drink and anything over 90 points is outstanding and around gold medal class.

The points

95+ You sell the kids for this.

90-94 You sell your wife or husband and think about selling the kids.

85-89 Faultless, excellent drinking.

80-84 Good quality and worth a serious look.

75-79 Okay at the right price