In modern times a new dynamic is speeding up the rarity as well as increasing the prices, wine critics. The most notable being Robert Parker Jr.
He is acknowledged to be the most influential wine critic in the world. He publishes his reviews in his magazine, The Wine Advocate which has been published since 1978. There are 40,000 subscribers in each American state ad well as being published across 38 Countries. This publication is referred to as the "Wine Bible" due to it's religious following.
His simple scoring system is easy to follow. He scores wines between 50 - 100 points. This score represents the quality of a wine which then directly influences demand as fine wine consumers and investors compete to own the very best wines.
In modern times a new dynamic is speeding up the rarity as well as increasing the prices, wine critics. The most notable being Robert Parker Jr.
He is acknowledged to be the most influential wine critic in the world. He publishes his reviews in his magazine, The Wine Advocate which has been published since 1978. There are 40,000 subscribers in each American state ad well as being published across 38 Countries. This publication is referred to as the "Wine Bible" due to it's religious following.
His simple scoring system is easy to follow. He scores wines between 50 - 100 points. This score represents the quality of a wine which then directly influences demand as fine wine consumers and investors compete to own the very best wines.
FINE WINE CRITICS
Fine wines rises in value due to two factors, restricted supply and ever growing demand. The best wines are produced in limited quantities which puts an immediate strain on their already finite supply. As the wines are consumed they quickly become rarer. Over time as the supply depletes, the demand overtakes whats available on the market and the prices naturally rise.
Bordeaux wines are the most famous and sought after. The French government restricts the amount of wine each each producer is allowed to yield which immediately creates a supply and demand dynamic. The government restrictions on wine production were introduced by Napoleon III which remains virtually unchanged.
In 1855 Napoleon III requested France's wine brokers to come up with a system that would allow foreign visitors to be able to easily identify the Country's best wines. This is when the Official Bordeaux classification was born. Wines were ranked based on their importance, from First Growth to Fifth Growth. Wines that are First Growth are naturally more in demand as they are viewed as the best .
In modern times a new dynamic is speeding up the rarity as well as increasing the prices, wine critics. The most notable critic of them all being Robert Parker Jr.
Robert Parker Jr is acknowledged to be the most influential wine critic in the world. He publishes his reviews in his magazine, The Wine Advocate which has been in production 1978. There are over 40,000 subscribers for The Wine Advocate in each American state as well as being published in 38 Countries. This publication is referred to as the "Wine Bible" because Robert Parker Jr's reviews are followed religiously by the wine community.
His simple wine scoring system is easy to follow. Wines are given a score between 50 - 100 points. Although his score directly reflects a wine's quality, it indirectly influences the demand as fine wine investors and consumers will compete to own/drink the the very best wines. Robert Parker Jr has issued less that 20 perfect 100 scores to Bordeaux producers over the last 40 years.
THE FINE WINE MARKET EXPLAINED
Fine wines rises in value due to two factors, restricted supply and ever growing demand. The best wines are produced in limited quantities which puts an immediate strain on their already finite supply. As the wines are consumed they quickly become rarer. Over time as the supply depletes, the demand overtakes whats available on the market and the prices naturally rise.
Bordeaux wines are the most famous and sought after. The French government restricts the amount of wine each each producer is allowed to yield which immediately creates a supply and demand dynamic. The government restrictions on wine production were introduced by Napoleon III which remains virtually unchanged.
In 1855 Napoleon III requested France's wine brokers to come up with a system that would allow foreign visitors to be able to easily identify the Country's best wines. This is when the Official Bordeaux classification was born. Wines were ranked based on their importance, from First Growth to Fifth Growth. Wines that are First Growth are naturally more in demand as they are viewed as the best .
Fine wines rises in value due to two factors, restricted supply and ever growing demand. The best wines are produced in limited quantities which puts an immediate strain on their already finite supply. As the wines are consumed they quickly become rarer. Over time as the supply depletes, the demand overtakes whats available on the market and the prices naturally rise.
Bordeaux wines are the most famous and sought after. The French government restricts the amount of wine each each producer is allowed to yield which immediately creates a supply and demand dynamic. The government restrictions on wine production were introduced by Napoleon III which remains virtually unchanged.
In 1855 Napoleon III requested France's wine brokers to come up with a system that would allow foreign visitors to be able to easily identify the Country's best wines. This is when the Official Bordeaux classification was born. Wines were ranked based on their importance, from First Growth to Fifth Growth. Wines that are First Growth are naturally more in demand as they are viewed as the best .
FINE WINE CRITICS
FINE WINE CRITICS
FINE WINE CRITICS
FINE WINE CRITICS
GLOBAL DEMAND & WINE CRITICS
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Wine critics, especially those with significant reputations like Robert Parker, James Suckling or Jancis Robinson, have a profound impact on the demand of fine wines. Their ratings, reviews, and influence can affect not just the immediate perception of a wine but also its long-term value, sales, and even market trends. Below we take a detailed look at some of the most influential:
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate
Critics play a vital role in influencing demand. An example is renowned critic Robert Parker Jr,
founder of The Wine Advocate magazine, which is published across 50 countries, and has
the largest and most loyal readership within the fine wine space. Parker and his team of critics cover major wine-producing regions around the world, influencing markets such as the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The Wine Advocate has shaped the global wine market and Parker’s pioneered 100-point rating system holds significant weight.
A high Parker rating has historically driven immediate demand and sharp price increases, making his influence unmatched among critics. His palate helped define what collectors and investors seek in a bottle — and his legacy still underpins much of the fine wine market today.
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Château Lafite Rothschild 2009 & 2010
98-100 points each
Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the most prestigious estates in Bordeaux, and has always commanded high prices but Robert Parker’s 100-point rating for the 2009 and 2010 vintages triggered an unprecedented surge. After awarding these scores the price of Lafite Rothschild 2009 jumped from around $1,200 per bottle to over $2,500–$3,000.
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Château Cos d'Estournel 2009
100 points
Château Cos d'Estournel, a second-growth Bordeaux, was another wine which saw a significant price jump after receiving a perfect score from Robert Parker. Prior to Parker’s review, a bottle of Cos d'Estournel 2009 was priced at around $200. After the 100-point rating, prices doubled and even tripled, reaching up to $600 per bottle or more.
Summary of the 100-Point Rating System
100
95-99
90-94
85-89
Perfect, flawless
80-84
70-79
Outstanding, Exceptional
Excellent, well-made
50-69
Very good, minor flaws
Good but lacking in areas
Average, drinkable but flawed
Poor, may be faulty or unpleasant
James Suckling
Suckling's career spans over 40 years, starting as a senior editor for Wine Spectator, one of the most respected wine magazines in the US, before founding his own platform, JamesSuckling.com. During his time at Wine Spectator Suckling built a reputation for in-depth, thoughtful wine reviews, particularly for regions like Bordeaux, Italy, and Napa Valley. His experience and long-standing presence in the industry have made him a credible voice that both consumers and producers trust.
Suckling’s reviews provide valuable insights for the fine wine market. A wine he rates highly, especially from a lesser-known or emerging region, becomes highly sought after. His use of Parker’s 100 point system further helps the market identify wines with high potential for appreciation in value, driving market demand and influencing purchasing behavior.
Jancis Robinson
As a holder of one of the most prestigious qualifications in the wine industry (MW), Jancis Robinson has earned her a reputation as a trusted and credible critic. Robinson's opinions are valued not just by wine enthusiasts, but also by winemakers, importers, and distributors. Her integrity and impartiality make her a highly respected figure in the wine industry, and wineries actively seek her reviews, knowing that a positive review from Robinson can greatly enhance a wine’s reputation and demand.
Robinson's 20 point system evaluates wines based on several factors, including appearance, nose (aroma), palate (taste), and overall quality. A higher score reflects a wine that is more complex, balanced, and exceptional.