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How We Rate and Review Wine and Spirits
All tastings reported in the Buying Guide are performed blind. Typically, products are tasted in peer-group flights of from 5-8 samples. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide context—vintage, variety or appellation—but never the producer or retail price of any given selection. When possible, products considered flawed or uncustomary are retasted.
*Products deemed unacceptable (receving a rating below 80 points) are not reviewed.
98-100
Classic
The Pinnacle of quality
94-97
Superb
A great achievement
90-93
Excellent
Highly recommended
87-89
Very Good
Often good value; well recommended
83-86
Good
Suitable for everyday consumption, often good value
80-82
Acceptable
Can be employed
What We're Tasting
Dutcher Crossing 2021 Cut Root Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
Monzio Compagnoni NV Cuvée alla Moda Rosé Brut Sparkling (Franciacorta)
Roco 2013 RMS Brut Delayed Disgorgement 10-Year Sparkling (Willamette Valley)
Reynvaan Family Vineyards 2021 Foothills Reserve Foothills in the Sun Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
Medici Ermete 2022 Phermento Lambrusco Rifermentato in Bottiglia Lambrusco di Sorbara (Lambrusco di Sorbara)
Precision Wine 2022 District Series Edition No. 3 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
Alexandre Bonnet 2019 Les Vignes Blanches Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Pinot Noir (Champagne)
ALDI 2021 William Walker Winemaker's Reserve Pinot Noir (Monterey County)
ALDI 2022 William Walker Winemaker's Reserve Chardonnay (Monterey County)
Furthermore 2021 Sierra Mar Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Chacewater 2023 Windrem Vineyard, Limited Edition Sauvignon Blanc (Lake County)