Thread: Question for Wine Critics/Reviewers: How would you react?

I completely understand the situation with freebies, but don't most reviewers accept unsolicited bottles under the context that they are for review and an honest opinion will result? As mentioned above, to my knowledge, no free bottles were asked for. As back vintages were not readily available, a request was made asking if any could be purchased (I see nothing wrong with asking this question; how do you ever know if you don't ask)...

There really isn't enough information here to support an opinion either way. Without seeing the notes and without seeing all the correspondence from the winery it's all just speculation.

I believe I was at this tasting with Brad and his friend, if this is the case then the winery should really have nothing to be ashamed about so long as the recognize the context. What I mean by that is a winery making $20something wines shouldn't hold themself up to/expect a similar score to a $100+ wine. They have to recognize that while they may be a fine value wine, they are not or will likely ever be world class.

They said he couldn't buy them, but they'll send them free for a 'review?' Then got pissed that it wasn't overtly complementary? Whomever the producer is sounds like a junior varsity player.

If the winery was comfortable (having seen this person's work) that the proposed reviewer was qualified to judge the wine before the tasting, and then changed their opinion of the reviewer after, that says it all. Truth be told, the winery has no idea who is or isn't qualified (outside of professional...and lets not drift into that debate), and was really taking their chances.

brad- my first reaction is that , assuming this was for publication, i would not have sent them the notes prior to it being published or at least sure to be published. the winery was trying to influence the review by questioning his skill. i guess if he gave an off vintage 100 pts. they would gladly tell him he is a genius. to cozy for my taste. your friend tried to be gracious , but by offering to retaste certain wines (why not consider...

Quote: Originally Posted by Brad Baker For those of you who are critics/reviewers (and anyone else), do you get this alot? How do you react? Brad, Random thoughts . . . . As an ex- professional wine writer, I have to admit that most of the time I did an "in-depth review on a winery," I actually went to the winery. I would suggest that your friend did a tasting, nothing more. That tasting may have been extensive, even...

Speaking as a winery owner, the winery's comments indicate a lack of marketing experience and professionalism. Sadly, it does often happen. Sometimes wineries who are new on the scene think they are God's gift to the wine industry. Other times the "marketing" department is the winemaker's sister-in-law . . . Sending out samples is like planting a garden. Some seeds sprout, some don't. I don't review...

What are his credentials?

Such is the scoring/review game -- and any winery certainly must know that! Each and every time a winery submits (for fee or for free) their wines to anyone for a critique, they're tossing the dice. If they don't like the game or expect only positive outcomes - they shouldn't play the game. The only query or request for reconsideration I've ever had from a winery was their read of my descriptor...