About the Chris Kissack of Winedoctor Rating System

Winedoctor (Chris Kissack): In-depth Bordeaux & Loire coverage since 2000. 26K+ tasting notes, profiles, vintages. Focuses on purity & precision. Subscription-based.

How Chris Kissack of Winedoctor Rates

Chris Kissack uses a 20-point scale to score wines on Winedoctor, offering a more focused and nuanced evaluation compared to the widely used 100-point system. His reviews provide in-depth tasting notes that highlight the wine’s complexity, character, and balance, with an emphasis on understanding the wine’s qualities rather than focusing solely on the numerical score.

About the Scores
Scores below 12 points indicate wines with noticeable flaws or unbalanced features.

18-20
Exceptional
Wines that are complex, balanced, and refined, offering exceptional depth and character. These wines are considered outstanding and highly recommended for collectors and enthusiasts.

16-17
Very Good to Excellent
Well-crafted wines with good balance and flavor. They are highly recommended but may lack the complexity or depth of the top-tier wines.

14-15
Good
Pleasant wines that are enjoyable to drink, though they may lack some refinement or complexity compared to higher-scoring wines.

12-13
Average
Wines that may have noticeable flaws but still offer some enjoyable characteristics. They are generally considered drinkable but not extraordinary.

Below 12
Below Average
Wines with significant flaws or unbalanced features, generally not recommended for enthusiasts or collectors.

Wines Rated By Chris Kissack of Winedoctor

Chris Kissack of Winedoctor History

Winedoctor is an online platform run by Chris Kissack, providing in-depth coverage of two major wine regions: Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Since its launch in May 2000, Winedoctor has been a valuable resource for wine enthusiasts, featuring weekly updates that include tasting reports, domaine profiles, and updates on the latest releases. The website is known for its detailed exploration of Bordeaux and Loire Valley wines, offering insightful reviews and vintage assessments, as well as articles on older wines and drinking recommendations.

Kissack’s approach to wine criticism avoids hyperbole, focusing instead on purity, precision, and the energy of wines. He strives to highlight value estates, particularly in Bordeaux, and explores underappreciated wines from the Loire Valley, often offering high-quality wines at a fraction of the price of more famous regions. Winedoctor’s database includes over 26,000 tasting notes, all curated by Kissack himself, ensuring that each review reflects his personal experience and knowledge.

Subscribers can access detailed wine guides and articles on the site, benefiting from Kissack’s personal opinions, extensive research, and regional expertise. For wine professionals and enthusiasts alike, Winedoctor offers a subscription model providing access to premium content for £45 per year or £4.50 per month, with options for canceling at any time. The website is a vital tool for anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of Bordeaux and the Loire Valley wines.

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