The Cellar Badges

The Cellar Badges are a new paradigm in wine scoring. Viva la Revolución!

Instead of scoring wines using my not-exactly-patented grading system, wines reviewed under the auspices of The Cellar Badges will be assigned a badge (hence the name). Each badge grants to the wine lucky enough to receive it certain recognition, recognition of characteristics.

What characteristics? Depends on the badge.

Classique des Classiques Classique des Classiques — Highly typical wines of one of the most classic French-roots varieties (cab sauv, merlot, syrah, pinot noir, malbec, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, semillon, chenin blanc, viognier).

Supermarket Surprise Supermarket Surprise — Surprisingly good wine, possibly available in supermarkets, and priced under $15.

Tall, Dark, and Handsome Tall, Dark, and Handsome — A wine that is very dark in the glass and features dark notes (espresso/coffee, tobacco, chocolate, etc).

Tropical Vacation Approved! Tropical Vacation Approved! — A white that shies away from both the “butter/oak” paradigm and the “apple/pear” paradigm to feature tropical notes like pineapple, banana, mango, etc.

I Can't Believe It's Not Brunello I Can’t Believe It’s Not Brunello — Sangiovese other than Brunello di Montalcino that rocks socks.

Legit Juice Legit Juice — Just an awesome wine, all around, regardless of the style. Really, among the best of the best there is.

New School Superstar New School Superstar — A New World or New World Style wine that is above the fray.

Way Down South Way Down South — Awesome wine from the southern hemisphere.

Sparklin' Sparklin’! — A great sparkling wine.