We’ve all spent many hours reading scores and reviews from some of the most well-respected wine aficionados in the world. In most cases, we align our tastes with the palette of one of these professional wine critics. I tend to lean more towards the tastes of Robert Parker than James Suckling, but both provide a peek into the characteristics and profile of even the most obscure wines.

There is no escaping the fact that a high score from one of the well-known critics will almost always boost demand. Personally, I have been known to seek out wines that have achieved a perfect score from either Robert Parker or James Suckling. Even before opening these wines, my expectations have been set. The wine should be incredible–almost life-changing. I don’t always agree with the ratings, but these scores have definitely had an impact on which wines I buy and which wines I avoid.

Tammy and I have decided to share our wine-centric wit and wisdom by introducing a new series–The Deans’ List. Before you English majors begin the barrage of comments, let me defend the plural possessive proper noun 😉 Our last name is Dean. Together, we are the Deans (plural). Our list of wines and evaluations–resulting from the SOMM&SOMM profile and analysis–is accurately named The Deans’ List (plural possessive). It also doesn’t hurt to have a natural play on a phrase associated with academic achievement.

Unlike the academic list… wines added to the SOMM&SOMM Deans’ List will include a Grape Point Average (GPA) based on the SOMM&SOMM approach to evaluating wines. Our methodology includes metrics important to consumers–such as pair-ability and share-ability. We are always interested in classic food and wine pairings, and will continue to expand on these ideas in our Perfect Pairings series. Other measurements–such as Old World or New World Characteristics, Effects of Climate, Effects of Geography and more–will provide a different (and hopefully useful) perspective into these wines.

Great wine isn’t cheap, and cheap wine can be good but rarely great 😉

-Gregory Dean 2021

Recognizing the fact that any given varietal can produce countless variations and seemingly endless styles, we think it’s important to rate wines on (1) how well they represent (e.g. stay true to) their terroir, (2) the balance and complexity, (3) the approachability and versatility, and (4) the overall value. You know… the stuff important to consumers. Great wine isn’t cheap, and cheap wine can be good but rarely great 😉 We hope to uncover some of these hidden gems.

Most of us naturally evaluate wine every time it hits our glass. It can be difficult, however, to evaluate wine objectively. Just because it’s not my favorite doesn’t mean it’s not a good representation of wines of the same style from the same region. The summary card for each wine provides a quick glance at all the usual characteristics plus an overlay of the average (typical) characteristics.

As part of our evaluation process, we will include details with recommendations for pairing and sharing. Our wine evaluation and overall analysis will ultimately lead to a Grape Point Average (GPA). A 4.0 Grape Point Average is the highest possible score, and reserved for wines that best represent wines of the same varietal, region, and style.

Be sure to subscribe to this blog and be the first to receive notifications when new wines are added to the SOMM&SOMM Deans’ List 😉