Independent Wine Criticism

Considered judgments on fine wine

Blind-tasted, independently purchased, and scored on a 100-point scale. No sponsors, no spin — just what’s in the bottle.

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9Wines reviewed

92.0Average score

97100-Pointers

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Every wine I’ve rated, grouped by the year it was tasted or by its vintage.

How I score

Every wine is tasted blind and scored 0–100 on Balance, Length, Intensity, Complexity and Overall. The total is the average of the five.

95–100Exceptional. A benchmark wine worth seeking out.

90–94Outstanding. Complex, balanced, and memorable.

85–89Very good. Well made, with real character.

80–84Good. Sound and enjoyable, with limited depth.

Below 80Average or flawed. I rarely publish these.

About

I’m a wine critic with a simple goal: to help you spend your money on bottles you’ll love. The Cellar Verdict is where I publish my ratings and reviews, from everyday bargains to cellar-worthy icons.

Every wine is scored out of 100 across five measures: balance, length, intensity, complexity, and overall impression. The total is the average of the five, so a high score has to be earned across the board.

Alongside each score, I note the wine’s color, grape varieties, key notes, and a suggested drinking window, so you know not only what a wine is like, but when it’s at its best.

I buy my own bottles or taste them blind, and I never accept payment for scores. My only loyalty is to what’s in the glass.

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