How We Rate Wines

The challenging and often complex world of fine wine appreciation requires knowledge, expertise and, perhaps above all else, integrity. It is these qualities that define and distinguish our wine specialists, providing our customers with ready guidance toward pleasing both palate and purse.

Our wine review and rating system is designed to provide recommendation based on the performance quality of the wine relative to its price. In contrast to the 100-point score system provided by many critics and publications, we use a 5-point system with half-point increments to determine the quality to value score.

When it comes to reviews based on the familiar 100-point system, we only use the most respected names in the business, including critics and publications such as Robert Parker, Steven Tanzer and The Wine Spectator. For Italian wines, we refer to the esteemed Gambero Rosso/Slow Food publication, Italian Wines, an annual and excellent guide to over 11,000 Italian wines.

When browsing our wine aisles, please spend a few moments with our shelf tags. They stand as testament to both our passion and integrity, helping to ensure a great wine experience.