Wine Tasting Scoring Manual
Welcome to the Carmel Cellars Wine Tasting Scoring Manual.
This guide is designed to help you evaluate and score wines out of 20 points during our Carmel Cellars meetings.
The scoring system is broken down into several categories, each contributing to the overall score. By following this structured approach, you can ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment of each wine.
Scoring Categories
There are 5 scoring categories defined each with a points allocation that adds up to 20 points.
The categories are:
- Appearance (Sight) (0-4 points)
- Aroma (0-6 points)
- Palate (In Mouth) (0-6 points)
- Finish (After taste) (0-2 points)
- Overall Impression (0-2 points)
Detailed Scoring Criteria
1. Appearance (0-4 points)
The appearance of the wine includes its clarity, color, and intensity. Evaluate the wine’s look in a glass against a white background.
- 0 points: Cloudy, with obvious faults or sediment.
- 1-2 points: Clear, but lacks brilliance or has minor issues.
- 3-4 points: Brilliant and clear, with an appealing color indicative of its type.
Aroma (0-6 points)
The aroma is a key indicator of the wine’s quality and complexity. Swirl the wine in your glass and take several deep sniffs to fully appreciate its bouquet.
- 0-1 point: Faulty aromas, off-putting smells.
- 2-3 points: Simple aromas, lacking complexity or intensity.
- 4-5 points: Good intensity and complexity, pleasant and inviting aromas.
- 6 points: Exceptional intensity and complexity, highly aromatic and captivating.
Palate (0-6 points)
The palate assessment involves evaluating the taste, texture, and balance of the wine. Take a small sip, allow it to coat your mouth, and consider the following factors:
- 0-1 point: Imbalanced or unpleasant flavors, noticeable faults.
- 2-3 points: Simple, lacks depth, some imbalance.
- 4-5 points: Good balance, complexity, and flavor integration.
- 6 points: Outstanding balance, complexity, and integration of flavors, excellent mouthfeel.
Finish (0-2 points)
The finish refers to the aftertaste and how long the wine’s flavors linger after swallowing. A good finish is smooth and long-lasting.
0 points: Short and unpleasant finish.
0.5 point: Short to medium finish, some unpleasant notes.
1 points: Medium to long finish, pleasant but not extraordinary.
1.5-2 points: Long and memorable finish, with excellent lingering flavors.
Overall Impression (0-2 points)
This category considers the overall quality and enjoyment of the wine, taking into account its typicity (how well it represents its type) and your personal impression.
- 0 points: Below average, does not meet expectations.
- 1 point: Average, meets expectations but not exceptional.
- 2 points: Exceptional, exceeds expectations, highly enjoyable.
Total Score Calculation
To calculate the total score, simply add the points from each category to derive the wine score out of 20 points.
Conclusion
By following this manual, you can systematically and fairly score wines during tasting events. This structured approach helps you appreciate the complexities and nuances of different wines, enhancing your overall wine tasting experience. Enjoy your journey through the world of wine!