Our purpose is to provide expert and unbiased wine reviews to help you enjoy better wine.
The Grape Observer Wine Review is published by Sean Mitchell Dip WSET and was established in 2009.
Sean Mitchell’s wine qualifications and experience include:
- Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) certified wine educator and examiner, with many years teaching experience including at leading educator, Prince Wine Store;
- Wine and Spirits Education Trust diploma;
- Wine and Spirits Education Trust Advanced Certificate in Wine and Spirits; and
- International and Australian wine awards from Bibendum PLB and Wine Communicators of Australia.
Approach to scoring
A wine that scores 90 or above is highly recommended. Scores of 85 or above are good wines. A special effort is made to avoid “score inflation”. It disappoints wine buyers and reduces trust. Neither are in the interests of good wine producers. What you read is what you get here, consistent with our purpose. Our purpose is to provide expert and unbiased wine reviews to help you enjoy better wine.
What precise scale is used
Outstanding (★★★★★, 95-100) wines sit on top of the quality hierarchy. This will be primarily due to the length on the finish, complexity of expression, typicity and harmonious balance.
Very Good (★★★★, 90-94) wines have special attributes. This may include long length, complexity, intensity of fruit, typicity or balance.
Good (★★★, 85-89) wines are of interest and show typicity and balance.
Acceptable (★★, 80-84) wines are sound, everyday and unremarkable wines that are fault free.
Basic (★, 51-79) wines are modest wines in all respects.
Faulty wines are not normally reviewed. Faults more typically encountered include cork taint, brettanomyces (aka “brett”) and unintended oxidation.
Trade submissions
Trade submissions are welcomed. This is a consumer wine review guided by our purpose, so there’s no fear or favour. The terms and conditions set out under “T&Cs” apply. Contact details are below.
