Parker's phenomenally successful first book, which established him as "the most influential wine writer in the world today" (Los Angeles Times), now completely updated. It is also expanded to contain discussions of 100 more chateaux and tasting notes for 1,000 more wines. Decorative art and maps.
100 pt scoring system & how Robert Parker differs from James Suckling? Base score: RP =50; JS starts fr scratch Colour: RP +5 = 10% (5/50); JS 15% - does color show typicity e.g. Pinot Noir looks like a Pinot Noir and not a Cabernet Sauvignon; does it look attractive? Does it invite you to drink it after looking at it & swirling it? Nose: aromas & bouquet; complexity; evocative; gives typicity as well as distinctiveness RP +15 = 30%; JS 25% Palette: flavour, finish (length & depth), balance, complexity, smoothness; distinctiveness; delicious, does one sip leads to another? Are you blown away? Is it transformative? RP +20 = 40% heavier emphasis on big wines w/ long finish vs JS 25% Overall impression/quality: RP +10 = 20%; JS 35% potential for ageing when drunk from barrel (not the wine as it is now that's why some young Bordeaux vintage can receive such high scores from RP when it is not ready to drink yet).