About the Paul Gregutt Rating System

Paul Gregutt: Leading independent journalist on Pacific Northwest wines (30+ yrs). Contributes to Wine Enthusiast, authored "Washington Wines." Walla Walla based. Key authority.

How Paul Gregutt Rates

Paul Gregutt employs a 100-point scoring system for his wine reviews. Here's a breakdown using the provided template:

About the Scores:

Paul Gregutt uses a 100-point scale to evaluate wines, focusing on quality and character.

96-100 Points:

Classic/Extraordinary
An extraordinary wine of profound and complex character, displaying all the attributes expected of a classic wine of its variety.  
90-95 Points:

Outstanding
An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. Wines of this caliber are worth a special effort to find, purchase, and consume.  
80-89 Points:

Above Average to Very Good
A barely above average to very good wine displaying various degrees of finesse and flavor as well as character with no noticeable flaws.  
70-79 Points:

Average
An average wine with little distinction except that it is a soundly made. In essence, a straight forward, innocuous wine.
60-69 Points:  

Below Average
A below average wine containing noticeable deficiencies, such as excessive acidity and/or tannin, an absence of flavor, or possibly dirty aromas or flavors.  
Below 60 Points:

Unacceptable
A wine deemed to be unacceptable.

Paul Gregutt History

Paul Gregutt stands as a preeminent independent journalist specializing in the wines, wineries, and wine country destinations of the Pacific Northwest. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has amassed an extensive portfolio of articles and reviews, contributing to various newspapers, magazines, trade journals, and online platforms. His influential blog has also garnered recognition within the wine community. Since 1998, he has served as a Contributing Editor for Wine Enthusiast magazine, playing a key role as a founding member of its Tasting Panel.

Residing in eastern Washington's Walla Walla county since 2005, Gregutt deeply immerses himself in the region's wine culture. He authors a monthly wine column for Walla Walla's Lifestyles magazine, providing local insights and expertise. His literary contributions extend to the critically acclaimed "Washington Wines & Wineries - The Essential Guide," and he has consulted on the Pacific Northwest sections of prestigious publications like "The World Atlas of Wine," "The Oxford Companion to Wine," and Hugh Johnson's "Pocket Wine Guides."

Gregutt's expertise extends beyond writing, as he is a frequent guest speaker on cruise ships and at industry symposiums, sharing his knowledge with diverse audiences. He resides with his wife, Karen, and their rescue dog, Cookie, in a renovated historic cottage near Walla Walla. Outside of his wine endeavors, he pursues his passion for music, writing songs, playing guitar, and performing with his band, the Bowling League. His multifaceted career and deep connection to the Pacific Northwest wine scene solidify his reputation as a leading authority in the field.

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  • Paul Gregutt

    Paul Gregutt: Leading independent journalist on Pacific Northwest wines (30+ yrs). Contributes to Wine Enthusiast, authored "Washington Wines." Walla Walla based. Key authority.

    Learn More