Parker, and then what?

 

The renowned Robert Parker still dominates the world of criticism (and the rating) of great wines in the world.
But as mentioned in a previous article, the announcement of the acquisition of Robert Parker's famous magazine "The Wine Advocate" by Asian investors signals the end of a supposed retirement for the guru who has already entered the Pantheon of Bacchus.

But then who - or what organization - could one day replace the Parker system?

Much to the chagrin of all the other great tasters and critics who roam the vineyards, it will be very difficult to reproduce the work (and influence) of Robert Parker.

Imagine the weather that it would take a man or woman of average ability to accomplish a similar task covering the major wine regions of the world… Meanwhile, enthusiasts, who still desperately need a supreme guide recognized for having pioneered the vineyards and to tell us where to invest in wine, will continue to follow the Parker notes, which are not about to be forgotten at the bottom of libraries.

You can't replace 35 years of visits overnight, including more than 100 in Bordeaux.

The 100-point grading systems (Parker points) also seems to be set in stone, even if most amateurs (or even professionals) do not know the composition of the note.
Those who read this post will therefore have an advantage: In practice, the rating is from 50 to 100, with the 50 points distributed as follows:

• 5 points for the dress
• 15 points for the bouquet;
• 20 points for the mouthfeel (with emphasis on length)
• 10 points for the potential for evolution (aging).

On the scale:

• 96-100 (A+): an extraordinary wine of depth and complexity, a magnificent vintage;
• 90-95 (A): an excellent wine, with great complexity;
• 80-89 (B): a very good wine, with an interesting degree of finesse and aroma;
• 50-59 points: an unacceptable wine (lacking balance, with major flaws, dull or very diluted)

That's the theory... which everyone ignores!
In practice, the grade out of 100 is becoming a grade out of 10 because Below 90 points, there is no salvation!

…And it is highly likely that obtaining a score of over 90 Parker points is part of the annual bonus plan for many Bordeaux winemakers and cellar masters, as the score now determines…the price.

So, are we lost?

A viable and reassuring alternative aims to consider theemergence of competent critics and specialized by region. Allen Meadows about Burgundy (another American!) Jean-Marc Quarin (Phew!) in Bordeaux, or the reviews from specialist magazines 'Wine Spectator' or 'Decanter', not forgetting our (inter)national icons Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve.

Online guides such as 'WinedeciderThey compile the ratings of leading critics, offering us a panoramic view of how a property is rated. It's no longer just one person's opinion, but a snapshot of relevant, legitimate, and diverse opinions, allowing for a unanimous vote. We love it.

And what about blind tasting in all of this?

This strong demand from many sommeliers and experts for blind tasting is not about to become established, and even less so in Bordeaux! Why?

Because no one can overthrow Napoleon! So there's no question of supporting a system that would automatically aim to to disrupt the hierarchy established in 1855A superior Bordeaux that would come to stand in front of a Grand Cru Classé Unthinkable.

 The Grand European Jury Founded in 1996 by François Mauss, the association regularly brings together around fifteen of its members for blind tastings that are both closely watched and… dreaded: the organizer never fails to slip a few "pirate" wines, Bordeaux Supérieurs, or 'Crus Bourgeois' among the tastings of all the great Bordeaux wines. The last comparative tasting of great Bordeaux wines from 2001 ranked the Château Reignac - Bordeaux Supérieur - 9th out of 30 among all the icons of the Bordeaux world… or perhaps the Haut Condissas of Domaine Rollan de By…5th…And first place snatched by the Château Smith Haut Lafitte, right in front of the Château Pape Clément and way ahead of Petrus, Ausonius or Mouton Rothschild. Teeth grinding in the square… When we realize that Lafite Rothschild finishes behind again (16th out of 30).

(All results) Here )

Blind tasting? Get thee behind me! …And yet, it's a methodology that proves quite useful to enthusiasts…

The Jury or the amateur ratings: 'UGC' versus guru

The internet allows for the collection of amateur notes, according to the established term "amateur rating."UGC or User Generated ContentThe sum of amateur reviews ultimately establishes an average rating supported by diverse and varied comments…not always very high-quality. The sites Snooth or Cellar Tracker (made in USA) or the excellent French forum 'The Passion for Wine'(LPV for those in the know)' brings together a large community of users who can find themselves overwhelmed by the ocean of available information. In short, a service that, in order to establish itself, will have to bring some order to its data.

So who?

Parker Having become a brand that now brings together a family of distinguished tasters (some of whom have nevertheless left the organization since the acquisition by the Asian group), we are betting on the continued supremacy of 'Parker Point'... Who It will nevertheless now have to coexist with the notes of great tasters. specialized.

In the tasting evenings we organize, we find that the novice enthusiast always needs guidance to navigate their discovery of Bacchus's iconic wines. This is why Cavissima makes available to you the services of one of France's best sommeliers !