Friday, 3 September, 2004
Backsberg
'We determine our 100 "Wineries of the Year" for each year's November Buying Guide issue,' says Michael Kinney from Wine & Spirits Magazine.
40 American wineries and 60 imports are chosen each year. Wineries are chosen by analyzing a particular year's wine scores as published in the magazine, taking into account the following variables: the highest score average for wines recommended; the highest percentage of wines recommended versus wines submitted; the highest scores period; and the most number of scores 90 and above. 'All 4 variables are taken into account and weighed for every winery whose wines we've tasted, and the top 100 become our "Wineries of the Year,' says Kinney.
He elborates: 'For consumers this yearly summary, with profiles, of our top-performing wineries offers a great opportunity to learn more about brands that they know, and to discover new brands that are likely to please them. For the trade - particularly buyers and retailers - each year's list of "Wineries of the Year" is a valuable check on how brands are doing for quality (as opposed to hype).'