Wines are rated on a 100-point scale. The rating system typically consists of a wine connoisseur tasting wines in their region of expertise: Napa, Australia, Southern France, etc. The tests are considered blind, because the bottles are bagged and coded for tracking. The taster will rate up to 30 different wines at one sitting or flight. And test two flights in one day. The flights are arranged by vintage, varietal, appellation or region, and the tester is never privy to the cost of the wine.

Based on the Wine Spectator Magazine, rating system:

95-100 is CLASSIC, a great wine

90-94 is OUTSTANDING, a wine of superior character and style

85-89 is VERY GOOD, a wine with special qualities

80-84 is GOOD, a solid, well-made wine

75-79 is MODERATE, a drinkable wine that may have minor flaws

50-74 is NOT RECOMMENDED

The rating system should be used as a guideline like any personal preference. If you enjoy the taste and price of a 80 to 90 point wine, then you can weed out all the overpriced, 90 + wines. If you prefer 90 + rated wines, you can be assured of a outstanding wine at any price. Typically, anything rated below 74 is considered cooking wine.

To view and purchase Top Rated Wines, we suggest the following link to Wines.com: Wine Spectator top rated wines