How Wines Are Scored – A Guide for Maltese Wine Lovers
When searching for the perfect bottle, many wine lovers turn to scores and ratings as a guide. But what do these numbers really mean? Who decides how wines are rated, and which sources should you trust? In this blog, we’ll dive into how wines are scored, the main systems used by professionals, and why platforms like Vivino and renowned critics such as James Suckling matter for your next wine choice.
Why Wine Scores Matter
Wine scores offer a quick, easy way to judge quality and value before you buy. At Urban Bee’s wine shop, we feature wines with exceptional ratings from across the world—helping you select with confidence whether you’re exploring a classic Bordeaux or a new-world Pinot Noir.
The Most Common Wine Scoring Systems
The 100-Point Scale
he most widely used wine scoring system today is the 100-point scale. Leading critics and publications—including Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, and James Suckling—use this method, which rates wines from 50 (poor) to 100 (perfect).
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 95–100 | Classic; a great wine |
| 90–94 | Outstanding |
| 85–89 | Very good |
| 80–84 | Good, solid wine |
| 70–79 | Average |
| Below 70 | Not recommended |
The 20-Point Scale
The 20-point scale is popular in the UK and among some wine schools. It assesses appearance, nose, palate, and overall impression.
Star Ratings & Other Systems
Some guides use stars (e.g., 5-star systems), or medals from wine competitions, to help consumers make quick choices.
Vivino – The World’s Largest Wine Community
Today, millions of people use Vivino to rate and review wines. On Vivino, users can:
- Scan a wine label or search for a bottle
- See average user ratings (out of 5 stars)
- Read tasting notes and reviews from other wine lovers
- Find pricing and availability
At Urban Bee, we stock many wines with high Vivino ratings—so you can shop confidently for popular bottles enjoyed by people worldwide.
The Influence of Famous Wine Critics
Certain critics have become household names for their expertise in wine evaluation. Some of the most respected are:
- James Suckling (Official Site): Formerly of Wine Spectator, now a global critic, Suckling is famous for his approachable style and global tastings. His reviews and scores are highly valued by collectors and retailers alike.
- Robert Parker: Creator of the 100-point scale, Parker’s Wine Advocate reviews shaped the modern wine world.
- Jancis Robinson MW: Renowned for her depth and clarity, her scores and tasting notes are a reference for wine students and professionals.