Yes, it’s that time of year when the wine rags release their top 100 wines of almost last year.
Many of the wines that are rated were tasted almost a year ago, hence, as you order these wines you’re very likely to get a wine one or two vintages later than the wine that was rated, or in other words, not the wine that was rated.
As a consumer, if you rely on ratings, read the monthly issues and you’ll find wine that will actually still be available.
As a wine professional, I taste wine on a weekly basis. I recognize quality and value, and purchase based on my experience. I make a point not to know a wine’s rating, as a high score can change one’s perception of a wine. To be honest, If I picked my wines based on score then I would make myself obsolete. I suspect a well-trained monkey could tell you that 96 is higher than 69. Still, I don’t recommend hiring monkeys to buy your wine.
Find a wine professional who understands what you like and who’s earned your trust. They taste so much wine every week, and attend trade shows where they may try hundreds of wines in one day.
Forget the top 100. Let your trusted wine pro make your own personalized top 100 specifically for you.
Drink well, Curt
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