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NEWS
June 5, 2003
Key Flavors and Aromas Linked to High-Scoring Wines
Wine Angels releases report detailing preferences of three prominent wine reviewers.
A new publication provides an analysis of over 30,000 wine reviews to reveal key flavor and aroma preferences for Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate
and James Laube and Harvey Steiman of Wine Spectator magazine.
The “Wine Marketer’s Companion,” released by consulting group Wine Angels, analyzes reviews of seven major wine varietals from the United
States, Australia and New Zealand. Flavor and aroma attributes for Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz/Syrah,
and Zinfandel are identified by reviewer and listed by frequency of occurrence in both 90-to-100 point reviews and all reviews. Also included are the
associated average scores for each flavor/aroma attribute.
Big and small differences between the reviewers are revealed in the analysis. For example, pear is the most common attribute in James Laube’s and
Harvey Steiman’s Chardonnay reviews; it occurs in 86 percent of Laube’s and in 72 percent of Steiman’s 90-to-100 point reviews. On the other
hand, pear shows up in only five percent of Robert Parker’s high-scoring Chardonnay reviews.
An example of where the reviewers do seem to be in agreement is in their mutual admiration of Chardonnays with hazelnut attributes. The average score
for Chardonnay reviews that mention hazelnut is 90.8 points for both Robert Parker and James Laube. For Harvey Steiman, Chardonnays with a hazelnut
characteristic averaged 89.6 points.
“Every reviewer seems to have unique flavor and aroma preferences. Knowing those preferences when making or marketing a wine could provide a
competitive advantage in the marketplace,” said Eva Simonsson, research director for Wine Angels.
In addition to the “Wine Marketer’s Companion,” Wine Angels has previously published “The Unauthorized Guide to Wine Spectator,” and “Advertisers
and Wine Spectator Magazine: 1999 to 2002.” All reports are available for purchase at www.wineangels.com.
ABOUT WINE ANGELS
Wine Angels is an international business consulting group, specializing in wine sales and marketing analysis. The company offers data analysis
services to assist wineries with strategic planning, shipment and depletion budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and benchmarking. |
