What’s the Score?

What is the 100 point scale? For example, many wine critics/writers start at a base of 50 points out of a possible 100 as an even platform. From that 50 point base score a number of other elements in the wine will give it additional points i.e.: colour-5 points, clarity-5 points, aroma-10 points, taste-10 points, finish-10 points, typicity-5 points, ageability-5 points or overall quality- 5 points. Each of these elements is allotted a certain amount of points, the better the quality of each of these elements the more points the wine will get.

The Scores below reflect what the editors of the Wine Enthusiasts Magazine
felt about a particular wine. Beyond the rating, we encourage you to read the
accompanying tasting note to learn about a wine’s special characteristics.

Classic 98-100: The pinnacle of quality.
Superb 94-97: Highly recommended.
Excellent 90–93: Highly recommended.
Very Good 87–89: Often good value; well recommended.
Good 83–86: Suitable for everyday consumption;
often good value.
Acceptable 80–82: Can be employed in casual, less-critical
circumstances.

Best Buys $15 and under

$15  Cameron Hughes 2007 Lot 157 Cabernet Sauvignon (Yountville)

Appellation: Napa, California, US
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
For sheer hedonism, this is one of the best Cabs on the market. This classic Napa Cab is dry, complex and a joy to drink now, framed by elegant tannins, a spectacular bargain. Production was 4,000 cases. — S.H. (12/31/2010) — Score: 92

$13  Gainey 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (Santa Ynez Valley)

Appellation: Central Coast, California, US
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
The Santa Ynez Valley is one of the best homes for Sauvignon Blanc in California, and Gainey is one of the best producers, so this wine is a no-brainer. Even at $20, it would be a great value for its crisp dryness, elegance, and subtle, complex flavors of citrus fruits, figs, melons, minerals and subtle oak flavors. With alcohol under 13%, it’s totally dry, like a fine Loire. At this price, it’s an unbelievable bargain. — S.H. (2/1/2008) — Score: 91

$14  Uvaggio 2009 Vermentino (Lodi)

Appellation: California Other, California, US
Varietal: Italian White
Uvaggio is making a serious case for Lodi Vermentino. This bottling is compelling: savory with herb and green olive notes, and yet freshly fruity and delicate, well integrated and plenty acidic to stand up to a wide range of food, even given its modest 11% alcohol level. A stunner that’ll keep you thinking, and asking for more. — V.B. (4/1/2011) — Score: 93

$14  Aveleda 2005 Follies Touriga Nacional-Cabernet Sauvignon (Bairrada)

Appellation: Portugal
Varietal: Portuguese Red
The partner to Aveleda’s pure Touriga Nacional Follies, this is a finer wine, with its complexity of flavors coming from the blend. It has red berry and black plum fruit flavors, sweetened by dried prunes and held together by rich, dry tannins. — R.V. (12/15/2009) — Score: 92