The Rating System
So I think what I have come up with is a two tiered system. One for wines on the value end of the scale say $12 or less and another for those that I am expecting quite a bit more from.
For those that are on the value side there will be five categories:
- Bulk Buy
- The top ranking. This means that I am (or already) have bought mutliple bottles of this wine. Generally speaking, based on how full the wine rack is, that will mean anywhere from 4 bottles to a case. In addition, as I am drinking these bottles I am actively looking to replace them.
- Buy
- This means I will grab another bottle of this next time I am buying some wine. These are wines that I enjoyed and always want to replace the bottle I just finished.
- 12th Bottle
- These are bottles that I don’t really intend to buy again but still have a chance to find their way home. This is generally the case when I am sitting there with 8 or 9 bottles and need to round out the case. They are certainly worth trying as I thought I saw some potential, via a different food pairing or something of the sort, and want to give it another try.
- Skip It
- These are wines that I didn’t particularly care for but found drinkable. Perhaps someone else may be able to appreciate them but they weren’t for me. Could be this is a varietal that I don’t particularly care for or maybe I think it is an average wine at a fair price but would rather search for something else than spend my time with another bottle.
- Avoid It
- These wines are ones that I simply would not buy nor would I likely take them from someone for free either. I will use this rating sparingly.
For those that are a bit more up the pricing scale:
- Cellar It
- These are wines that I am very impressed with, will go out of my way to find and am digging deep to find enough money for a half case or so for the cellar.
- Wow!
- These are wines that I thought were worth the money. When am I likely to buy them again? At a restaurant, for a special occassion or if I feel it is time to spoil myself!
- Pricey
- These are wines that were good, but that I didn’t think were worth the money. If someone served them to me again I wouldn’t be disappointed but I won’t be opening my wallet to get another bottle.
- Not for Me
- This is personal, so in a lot of cases it could be that I don’t care for the varietal. Any expensive Merlot or Chardonnay may end up in this bucket. Ala Skip It (above), these are wines that I didn’t particularly care for but I was able to see how someone else could.
- Rip Off!
- This means even if you have more money than you know what to do with, save it! I think I have had one expensive bottle like this in my entire life so hopefully it will never be used!
