The Kiss System
I have decided to introduce a rating system slightly different to the norm. I am calling it the Kiss System.
The Kiss System is fairly easy to understand – 1 kiss is not good 5 kisses are exceptional. Each wine reviewer and or judge has his or her own method of rating their wines, it is very subjective. Robert Parker really brought this to the world’s attention by giving all the wines that he tasted a score out of 100, but does this really mean anything to the average consumer? What is the difference between a wine that has been rated say 86/100 and 95/100?
Generally when evaluating wine we look for a few things. Are there any faults such as cork taint or oxidization? We also look for balance in a wine. Is the wine overly fruity or sweet? Is there balance in the tannin structure and acidity? Then we look for length, a balanced pleasant finish with flavours that linger for several seconds – as this is an indicator of a high quality wine. I also look for intensity and complexity in wine. Diluted or simple flavours will not get a high score or Kiss and to finish I also look for wine that has some expressiveness, for example great wines express characteristics of the grape variety and or region of production.
But then after saying all that the rating system is my own and suited to my palate, it is a guide only.
So lovers of wine this is how it goes.
1 x Kiss from the Mistress is not a good wine. It will generally have some kind of fault.
2 x Kisses from the Mistress is not a good wine but it has no faults and is barely drinkable. I wouldn’t recommend it.
3x Kisses from the Mistress is an Ok wine. It may not be a great vintage , it may have an overpowering characteristic that is not pleasant to drink or it may have no length or structure to the palate, but is an ok quaffer of a wine that is to be drunk and not to be thought about.
4x Kisses from the Mistress is a good wine. A wine you could take home and show to your parents. It is a balanced wine that has varietal expression and structure to the palate. It is a wine that I would recommend.
Then we get to the big guns –
5x Kisses from the Mistress is an amazing wine from a great vintage, a great region and made by a great producer. It ticks all the boxes and is a wine to savor. It has fruit definition, it’s acidity is in check and has a length and complexity that makes you moan and want to take the bottle home to bed. It’s a sexy wine that is not be guzzled but sipped delicately and must be paid attention to. It is a wine that I highly recommend.
So watch out people, the Mistress of the Vine is now rating everything that she drinks and I shall let you know the outcome.
Till then
Kisses !!
MOV x
Mistress of the Vine 