Each panel tasting features three experienced tasters chosen for their authority in the category of wine being rated. All wines are tasted blind and are pre-poured for judges in flights of 8 to 10 wines.
Our three experts taste the wines individually but then discuss their scores together at the end of each flight. Any wines on which scores are markedly different are re-tasted; judges are under no obligation to amend their scores.
Judges are encouraged to look for typicity in wines, rewarding those which are true to their region. Prices are not revealed, and thus not taken into consideration when scoring.
The tastings are held in the controlled environment of Decanter’s tasting suite – a plain white room, with natural light and no noise. We limit the number of wines tasted to a manageable level –a maximum of 85 per day – allowing judges to taste more thoroughly and avoid palate fatigue.
Tasters rate the wines using the 20-point scoring system, in increments of 0.5pts; however, we also publish the 100-point equivalent. The overall Decanter rating is the average of all three judges’ scores. For example, If a wine averages 18.5 points or more, the wine is automatically awarded Decanter’s ‘Outstanding’ rating. We also publish the judges’ individual scores and notes.
The ratings are set out below:
Written by Decanter
