Few numbers attract as much attention in the world of wine like a punctuation. Faced with a complex market, with thousands of references, regions, varieties and styles, the evaluation systems They have become tools for ordering, comparing and communicating. However, each … the scale speaks a different language and responds to a cultural tradition. Understanding how a reference is noted is, ultimately, understanding how wine is thought of.
The hegemony of 100 points
The system that dominates much of the market today is the scale of 100 points popularized by the American lawyer Robert Parker and extended to numerous guides and publications.
Even if we are talking about a hundred, the scale starts at 50. Appearance is valued, aromatic intensitycomplexity, texture, balance and aging potential. Her precision This is its main virtue. It makes it possible to clearly differentiate between excellent, very good or correct wines.
This system also has its detractors, who point to a certain inflation in the high range or a tendency to homogenize tastesrewarding mature and opulent profiles.
The British tradition: the 20-point scale
The other major influential current is the scale of 20 pointsused by the guru Jancis Robinson and much of the classical Anglo-Saxon world.
This is a more sober and less dramatic scale, where a 17 or 18 represent very high levels quality. He does not seek mathematical precision, but an appreciation more qualitative: elegance, finesse, typicality.
She thus favors defined, balanced wines, which express the terroir without excess. In this system, excellence need not confine to digital perfection.
The medals and bracelets model: clarity for the consumer
Competitions and publications like Carafe They use another language: medals (bronze, silver, gold, platinum) or quality wedding rings. Although less precise than numbers, these systems are intuitive and democratic. They help the consumer non-specialized Quickly identify the category of a wine without having to interpret the difference between a 93 and a 95.
They are based on blind tastings directed by large juries, which provides a diversity of criteria, but also a certain variability depending on contexts and vintages.
The necessary voice of skepticism: Elisabeth Checa
As opposed to strict quantification, voices like that of Elisabeth Czechwho was one of the most influential journalists in Argentina, defender of wine doesn’t quite match a number.
Critical, cultured and deeply sensory, Checa argued that scores can be useful, but They should never become canonical. For her, wine has always been a story, a cultural context, shared emotion and experience. He considered that a large bottle may not reach a very high value and still remain in the memory of those who drink it.
Figures yes, but with nuances
All scales They are tools. The real value is in tasting notewhere reviews express our sensitivity, our background and our idea of quality. Numbers guide, but consumption experienceobserving and understanding a wine continues to be, as Checa well reminds us, a profoundly human act, impossible to completely reduce to a number.
I like to think that in the way I evaluate each of the more than 450 wines I tasted this year for the ABC Wine Guide nests something of those who preceded me: sensitivity to history. Sometimes you find a wine that clearly expresses its terroir of origin, the talent of the producers and the tradition it harbors. In these cases, you can only submit to the evidence. This is what the nine wines that obtained the highest score this edition have in common.
The nine wines with 100 points in the Wine Guide
Siberia 2015 It is the most delicate jewel of Juvé & Camps. Born in a single plot with an extreme microclimate, this rosé ages for eight years to achieve serene elegance. Red fruits, brioche and dried flowers frame a precise and silky palate. A magnetic cava, pure balance between freshness and depth.
Price: €130
Vintage: 2015
Grape variety: Pinot noir
TO DO: Cava
Domain: Juvé & Camps
Location: Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (Barcelona)
juveycamps.com
Sparkling
Tribute to Josep Mata Capellades 2004
Tribute to Josep Mata Capellades 2004 It embodies the grandeur of time and terroir. Sourced from old vines of Xarel·lo and Macabeo, and aged for almost two decades, it presents notes of dried herbs, butter and dried fruit. Deep, serene and mineral, it is a living tribute to its origins and a demonstration of the excellence of the house.
Price: €275
Vintage: 2004
Varieties: Macabeo, xarel lo
DO: Corpinnat
Winery: Recaredo
Location: Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (Barcelona)
recaredo.com
Luis Pérez and Ramiro Ibáñez confirm that Jerez can produce some of the world’s great white wines. From the historical payment Macharnudo, The Notary It is displayed under a veil of flowers without spikes. Its profile combines tension, purity and mineral depth. Floral, saline and eternal, a wine that transcends styles and achieves perfection.
Price: €75
Vintage: 2022
Variety: Palomino
TO DO: Jerez
Winery: Manuel Anto De La Riva
Location: Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz)
From left to right: Siberia 2015, Homenaje 2004, El Notario 2022
Some wines have a discreet but precise way of reaching the heart. This Verdejo from sandy soils, aged in large format barrels, achieves this naturally. Aromas of fennel, fresh grass and subtle anise precede a full palate that opens elegantly and unfolds layers of complexity. La Sillería It is a romantic and realistic target.
Price: 40€
Vintage: 2022
Variety: Verdejo
DO: Without DOING
Winery: Barco del Corneta
Location: La Seca (Valladolid)
codebarresdelcorneta.com
Gran Reserva 890 It represents the pinnacle of Rioja winery. Born from high altitude vineyards in Rioja Alta, it reflects a balanced vintage, in which the grapes ripened slowly and precisely. Complex, refined, full of nuances, it combines freshness, elegance and depth. Its velvety texture and long finish establish it as an eternal wine.
Price: €178.20
Vintage: 2011
Variety: Tempranillo
TO DO: Rioja
Winery: La Rioja Alta
Location: Haro (La Rioja)
riojalta.com
Les Escurçons pays homage to the Priorat of yesteryear, when Grenache reigned at the highest level. It comes from century-old vines planted at an altitude of 600 meters and from licorella soils. Fermented and aged in amphorae and carboys, it presents a fragrant, mineral and delicate profile. A luminous, vibrant and deeply emotional Priorat.
Price: €84
Vintage: 2022
Grape variety: Grenache
DOCa: DOQ Priorat
Estate: Mas Martinet Viticulteurs
Location: Gratallops (Tarragona)
masmartinet.com
From left to right: La Sillería 2022, Gran Reserva 890 2011, Els Escurçons 2022
Single 2015the first vintage entirely managed by Gonzalo Iturriaga, combines a good red wine and a subtle contribution of cabernet sauvignon. Complex and expressive, it reveals aromas of black cherry, spices and tobacco. On the palate it is ample and enveloping, with fine tannins and that elegance that distinguishes Vega Sicilia. The demonstration that the best is always to come.
Price: €435
Vintage: 2015
Grape varieties: Tinto Fino, Cabernet Sauvignon
TO DO: Ribera del Duero
Winery: Tempos Vega Sicilia
Location: Valbuena de Duero (Valladolid)
temposvegasicilia.com
Generous
Four Palms 2025
Amontillado Cuatro Palmas 2025 It is the culmination of time and precision. Selected with Silvia Flores, daughter of maestro Antonio Flores, it comes from boot n°3 of González Byass. Fine palomino and albariza at its best: aromas of cabinetmaking, vanilla and spices. Deep, powerful and elegant, a wine that pays homage to the soul of Sherry.
Price: €155.90
Vintage: 2025
Variety: Palomino
Director of Photography: Sherry
Winery: González-Byass
Location: Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
gonzalezbyass.com
Generous
Boot n°124
Boot n°124 from Equipo Navazos comes from the oldest soleras of Pérez Barquero. A fine wine with the soul of Amontillado, selected for its elegance and depth. Aged around fifteen, he demonstrates balance, personality and unequivocal character. A limited gem from the Jerez universe.
Price: €45
Vintage: S/A
Variety: 100% Pedro Ximénez
TO DO: Montilla-Moriles
Winery: Navazos Team
Location: Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
equiponavazos.com
From left to right: Único 2015, Cuatro Palmas Amontillado 2025, La Bota Nº 124
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