The Allure of Accolades
Wine competitions and reviews serve as a compass in the vast and sometimes overwhelming world of wine. A 95+ point score from a renowned critic or a double gold medal from a prestigious competition can instantly elevate a wine’s status, often validating its quality and craftsmanship. For boutique wineries, these accolades can be game-changers, introducing their wines to broader audiences and justifying premium pricing. After all, who wouldn’t want to try a wine deemed exceptional by experts? For consumers, accolades can offer reassurance, especially when venturing into unfamiliar varietals or regions. They act as a guide, helping you navigate the shelves or online marketplaces, particularly when the choices are endless.
However, awards and high scores often come with their own set of biases. Wine competitions involve panels of judges evaluating wines blind, but even in these settings, certain styles—big, bold reds or oak-forward whites—tend to perform better. BUT… not everyone likes those types of wine characteristics, nor is one to be expected to drink a wine on its own. Judges aren’t paring the wines. They identify the characteristics that the varietal should portray and grade it
accordingly. This process can leave more subtle, nuanced wines overlooked. Moreover, a wine’s performance in a competition may not always align with your personal preferences.
The Joy of Drinking What You Love
On the flip side, there’s something profoundly liberating about ignoring scores and medals and simply enjoying a wine for what it is. Wine, at its core, is about pleasure and connection. It’s about the memories you create over a bottle shared with friends, the meal it perfectly complements, or the story behind its production.
Personal taste is inherently subjective. A wine that transports one person to nirvana might leave another indifferent. And that’s okay. Developing your palate and discovering what you truly enjoy is a journey that doesn’t require validation from critics or competitions. Some of the most rewarding wine experiences come from those serendipitous finds—a local producer at a farmers' market or a recommendation from a friend—that may never win an award but resonate deeply with you.
Finding the Balance
Rather than viewing accolades and personal preference as mutually exclusive, why not embrace both? Use awards and reviews as tools—a starting point rather than the final word. They can introduce you to new producers, regions, or styles you might not have considered. But once the cork is popped, let your own palate be the judge. For wineries, this balance is equally important.
Awards can lend credibility and attract attention, but authenticity and connection often matter more to consumers in the long run. Sharing the story behind the wine, the people who crafted it, and the land it comes from can create an emotional resonance that no medal can replicate.
Conclusion
In the end, wine is an experience, not a competition. While accolades can add a layer of excitement and discovery, the true measure of a wine’s worth lies in the joy it brings you. So, whether you’re sipping a gold medal winner or a hidden gem that’s never been judged, remember: the best wine is the one you love to drink.
“Drink what you Love” – Joe Henderson.
