A score compresses one critic’s assessment into a number. It cannot know your taste, occasion, food, or budget.
Read the Note
Flavor, body, structure, and drinking window are more useful than the final number.
Know the Reviewer
Consistency matters; learn whose preferences overlap with yours.
Track Your Own Ratings
A simple personal log quickly becomes more valuable than universal rankings.
Bottom line
The best pairing or buying rule is the one that makes the next bottle easier to enjoy. Taste, compare, and keep notes on what works for you.
Pretentiously Sipping wine guide
