It began with a few messages exchanged with a well-known vigneron who expressed strong reservations about the current use of the 50- to 100-point wine-rating scale.
Given his preference, he did not want his wines rated on this scale, as he didn’t feel that points in reality provide much relevant information about a wine and the experience you would get from drinking it.
In previous articles, I have omitted points scores if requested to do so; I believe the first time was at Domaine Tessier back in 2016, tasting the 2015s.
I therefore agreed to omitting the Parker points, and suggested running the article with only my vin d’émotion rating.
And will from this day – Novenber 5th, 2022 – proactively give vignerons the opportunity to opt out of points ratings. Their choice will be reflected in reviews such as the two examples below:
Without points
Domaine des Croix Beaune Tuvilains 2021
The Beaune Tuvilains is livelier and more energetic, with some delicate floral notes – the roses in the bouquet and on the palate are delightful, with effortless style. This is appealing to the hedonistic drinker for its emotional qualities. There are 85-year-old vines in the oldest part of the plot.
(Drink From 2029) – Fine – tasted 21/10/2022 – 
With points
Domaine des Croix Beaune Tuvilains 2021
The Beaune Tuvilains is livelier and more energetic, with some delicate floral notes – the roses in the bouquet and on the palate are delightful, with effortless style. This is appealing to the hedonistic drinker for its emotional qualities. There are 85-year-old vines in the oldest part of the plot.
(Drink From 2029) – Fine – (91-92p) – tasted 21/10/2022 –
These a very small yet quite important changes … as the points no longer can play a direct role in evaluating the quality of the wine.
In the longer run
In the beginning, I’ll give the vignerons the right to choose: points or no. But if a large proportion of vignerons choose no points, then the points option will disappear.
I can do both, but I would never buy a wine based on a points rating, because I know the faults and shortcomings of that points scale. I would go for the vin d’émotion rating any time of the day or year.
The vin d’émotion scale
Just to remind you…
Vins d’émotion – wines that offer joy, hedonistic thrills, and pleasure
A true vin d’émotion – a Burgundy of passion
A truly hedonistic wine – lively and enjoyable
A vivacious wine for pure indulgance
Vin de soif
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