Explaining the Ratings

The Ratings

Wine Access provides opinion on wine quality with a 100-point scale. Our definition of quality is: pure and generous expression of the grape variety (or varieties) and origin as stated on the label. We look for purity (absence of faults), complexity, balance and depth.

95 to 100 Outstanding qualities and exciting to drink. Defines grape and origin, with exquisite harmony, fascinating complexity and great depth.

90 to 94 Excellent quality, providing great pleasure to drink. Exemplary expression of grape and origin, and offers very fine balance, complexity and depth.

85 to 89 Very good quality and enjoyable to drink. Espresses its grape origin well, and provides good complexity, balance and depth.

80 to 84 Good quality and drinkable. Recognizable grape and origin, perhaps masked by minor flaws. Balanced and basically correct, but simple.

Below 80 Has flaws that compromise character.