How we score blind wine tastings

Inspect the color, clarity, and overall appearance of the wine.

 3: Visually appealing natural color both in the body and edges of the wine as you tilt the glass

 2: Slightly cloudy or hazy color, possibly some particles that weren’t filtered

 1: Noticeably cloudy, unnatural color additives or off-color

Evaluate the intensity and complexity of the wine's aroma/nose.

4: Intense and complex, with multiple (3, 4 or more) aromas detected and enjoyable variety of aromas

3: Pleasant and noticeable aroma, with some complexity and multiple aromas (2 or 3) keeping you guessing.

2: Mild aroma, single aroma stands out that is acceptable

1: Faint, unpleasant or off-putting aroma

Judge the balance of flavors, acidity, sweetness, and tannins.

Acidity – Mouth waters

Tannins – Mouth dries out

5: Perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, tannins, and body; rich and flavorful with multiple flavors detected (3 or 4).  You would open this wine 1st every  time if you could.

4: Well-balanced, enjoyable, with multiple flavors detected (2 or 3).  You pick this wine as a reliable go to wine.

3: Average, slightly unbalanced or weak flavors but still tasty. Slightly greater acidity or heavier tannins.  It’s fine as the 2nd wine of the night.

2: Imbalanced or lacking in taste, but it will have to do as the 2nd wine of the night if nothing else is available.

1: Harsh, overly bitter, or too sweet.  You might pour this wine out while no one is watching and look for a different wine.

Assess the length and pleasantness of the aftertaste after you swallow.

5: Long, pleasant, and memorable finish that keeps you from taking a bite of food because the wine taste so much better

4: Moderate finish, still very good with a nice aftertaste and you wish it lasted a little bit longer

3: Short finish, but still pleasant and enjoyable and your favorite snack complements the wine

2: Very short or unremarkable finish and you’re looking for a bite of food will help the wine taste.

1: Unpleasant aftertaste lingers and you’re wondering why would they even make a wine that tastes like this.

Would you buy this wine again and how would you serve it next time?

 3: I would buy it again, put it away and save it just for a very special occasion.

 2: I would buy it again and take it to a neighborhood party where others like wine

 1: I would buy it again and drink it on occasion at home but not take this to a party

 0: I would not buy this again