Wine Ratings - Who Scores Them & What They Mean

When you see a wine rated 92 points or 97/100, you might wonder:
Who decides these numbers? And should they matter when choosing your next bottle?

Wine ratings are a helpful guide, but they’re not the whole story. Here’s a breakdown of how wine ratings work — and a look at some of Straits Wine’s own highly rated bottles.

Photo credit: Bertinga winery

Who Rates the Wines?

Wine ratings come from professional wine critics and publications who taste hundreds of wines under controlled conditions. Some of the most respected include:

• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – One of the most influential critics, often credited with popularising the 100-point system.

• Wine Spectator – A leading US magazine with a global following.

• Wine Enthusiast – Known for approachable reviews and accessible recommendations.

• Decanter – UK-based publication respected worldwide for its expert panels and blind tastings.

• James Suckling – Former Wine Spectator editor with a huge international presence.

• Jancis Robinson MW – British Master of Wine, highly regarded for her thoughtful reviews.

Beyond these, many regional critics and competitions (like International Wine Challenge or Decanter World Wine Awards) also give ratings.

How Do Wine Ratings Work?

Most critics use a 100-point scale (similar to exam scores):

• 95–100: Outstanding / Classic — wines of exceptional quality and character

• 90–94: Excellent — highly recommended, great typicity and balance

• 85–89: Very Good — solid wines with personality and flavour

• 80–84: Good — enjoyable, but may lack depth or complexity

• Below 80: Acceptable but unremarkable

Others use a 20-point scale (more common in Europe), but the principle is the same: higher numbers reflect higher quality.

Examples from Our Cellar

Here’s how ratings translate into real bottles you can enjoy:

• 2017 Bertinga (Tuscany, Italy) – 93 points, Robert Parker
  A Sangiovese-Merlot blend showing dark fruit, spice, and structure. Balanced and bright, it reflects the hot 2017 vintage beautifully.

• 2018 Matthieu Barret Cornas “Billes Noires” (Rhône, France) – 92–94 points
  Crushed stone, raspberry, and cassis aromas; velvety yet peppery, with a lingering finish. A benchmark Syrah from Cornas.

• 2021 Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz (Barossa Valley, Australia) – 92 points
  Supple and concentrated, with mulberry, raspberry, and salted licorice. Modern Barossa at great value.

• 2021 Altos Las Hormigas “Jardín de Hormigas Meteora” (Mendoza, Argentina) – 97 points
  A stunning Malbec with blackberry, violet, and graphite aromas. Juicy, mineral, and endlessly layered — an effortless high-score expression.

Should You Always Trust Ratings?

Ratings are valuable, but:

• Taste is personal – a 97-point Malbec may not suit someone who prefers light Pinot Noir.

• Context matters – food pairings and occasion can make a big difference.

• Trust your palate – the best wine is the one you enjoy most.

At Straits Wine, we curate bottles that are not only critically acclaimed but also approachable, expressive, and memorable to drink.

Ready to taste highly-rated wines?
Browse our Critically Acclaimed Collection and bring home bottles loved by both experts and wine lovers alike.