100-Point Scale

• The 100-point scale is the grading system developed by U.S. wine critics. Credited to wine critic Robert Parker, the system ranks an extraordinary wine between 96 and 100 points. Scores between 90 and 95 points indicate an outstanding rating, and wine scored between 80 and 89 points receives a barely above average to very good rating. A point score of 70 to 79 is average, one of 60 to 69 is below average and any point score 50 and below is unacceptable.

Variations

• The point system associated with the 100-point scale may vary slightly according to the wine critic’s preferences. Although the Parker scale may consider a point score between 96 and 100 extraordinary, another critic may associate this rating with a score of 95 and 100. In some cases, the terminology may change, with a critic preferring the term classic over extraordinary. Some critics shun the 100-point scale altogether, opting for the European 20-point system. Wine merchants list the names of the critics or affiliated publication, along with the point score, on their display signs. Numeric scores over 20 are associated with the 100-point scale, while scores of 20 and below use the European system.

Scoring

• Wine critics usually offer a base point score of 50 points to start. Favorable wine color can yield a particular wine an additional 5 points, while the overall aroma and cleanliness of the wine can account for an extra 15 points. A wine’s flavor and finish can account for an additional 20 points, with overall quality and potential yielding a wine another 10 points -- a total of 50 additional points added to the original 50 base points.

Barrel Tasting

• Sometimes a wine receives more than one point score, with a second score placed inside of parentheses. This second rating is reserved for barrel tastings, which consists of wines from certain regions that are still aging and not quite ready for bottling. The scores given to these barrel samples are broad, taking into account future processing that may alter the wine’s potential once bottled. Winemakers use barrel point scores as a learning tool and a way track a vintage’s progress and favored bottling time.