uh oh – wine ratings meaningless?
A recent series of studies conducted by a notable winemaker, scientist and statistician (how do you design THAT business card?) have shown that wine ratings by “experts” are so inaccurate that they are nearly meaningless.
Ack!!
To read about the studies and the author, Robert Hodgson, and to hear the wine industry’s reaction, there’s an excellent article in the Wall Street Journal.
These days James and I are deep in the throes of writing touches on the 2010 edition of Top Maui Restaurants, so being fair and objective is uppermost on my mind. I see my job as a reviewer is to give you my honest, educated opinion, and to keep in mind that it is an opinion, not a Truth.
One of my favorite movie critics, Kenneth Turan of the LA Times and NPR, often likes movies that I do. But sometimes as I read or listen to his reviews, I know that I will disagree with his assessment of a film. I like warmhearted and silly movies better than he does, for example, and I’m not offended by New Age concepts, as he usually is.
That’s why as soon as I get a break from writing and eating, writing and eating, I’m going to go see Men Who Stare at Goats. Because if Kenneth Turan gave the film grudging kudos despite its subject (remote viewing), then I know I will likely love it.
So we don’t need to be 100% in agreement with reviewers, judgers, or experts in order for their opinion to be helpful. Isn’t the point to have a great time? So tonight when I’m loosening up my mind so that I can be open to having a great time at one of my least favorite restaurants on the island (no, I’m not going to tell you which one, it’s not fair), I’m going to raise my virtual glass of champagne (can’t drink too much when reviewing, slurs the words and stultifies the brain) to making food and wine a conversation, not a competition.
Bon Appetit