5StarWines - the Book 2021

Judging wines for this extraordinary Agile edition of 5StarWines & Wine Without Walls
was both very different, and entirely the same as previous years. Different because we
were all working individually, but the same because assessing the wines involved the
same process as ever. The experience of taking account of the grape variety, region and
vintage, looking at the wine, carefully sniffing it and lengthily analyzing every aspect of
its flavor and texture is the same whether you are alone, or in a group. Effectively, you
put yourself in a bubble for as long as it takes.
Does this wine have the special qualities of balance, individuality, complexity and length
to warrant the 90 points that will get it into the book? Or is it only nearly good enough?
And if the score begins with a nine, what is the next figure going to be? How much
closer to 100 can it edge?
In Verona, we were given iPads with a proprietorial app into which we were asked to
put our marks. This time, working in our own homes and offices, we had to use our own
equipment, but the principles were the same; a new 5StarWines & Wine Without Walls
App ensured that we kept to the protocols for each wine we tasted.
In an ideal world, I’d naturally prefer to taste with other people, but there has been
nothing ideal about the last few months, and reviewing my experience and looking at
the final results, I’d like to congratulate the 5StarWines & Wine Without Walls team on
the way they have run a very successful event.
Robert Joseph
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