Ever look at a wine label and feel like you need a translator? Critics toss around numbers — 90, 96, 97 — like they’re all that matters. But here’s the truth: your wine has a crack.
Wine, like life, isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about exploring, trying new things, and sometimes getting it wrong. That’s where the real joy comes in.
There’s a modern philosopher, Slavoj Žižek — the “Philosophical Rebel” from Slovenia (and yes, they make great wine there). Žižek often speaks about embracing imperfections, the “cracks” in our reality where the unexpected, the raw truth, often shows itself.
Cracks are the moments when things aren’t perfect, when things don’t fit neatly into place — and that’s where we find truth, depth, and a bit of magic.
Wine works the same way. The “imperfections” (or nuances that don’t conform to what critics expect), are what give it character. They’re where we find the true essence of a wine, the flavors and experiences that make it unforgettable.
He challenges the idea of needing everything to be flawless. He believes that cracks aren’t flaws to be hidden; they’re the places where real beauty and meaning emerge.
Because here’s the thing: what critics consider “perfect” might not be what you love.
Take for example some regions of our upcoming French collection. Each region has its sacred commandments:
- Gigondas should be bold and powerful.
- Beaujolais should be light and fruity.
- Chinon should be elegantly structured.
- Bordeaux is expected to be structured and complex.
But sometimes, a Bordeaux might surprise you by being softer or more approachable than expected. Or a Gigondas could have subtlety where you expected intensity.
These nuances — the cracks in the tradition — are where the wine’s character truly shines.
You might find that a wine rated 92 brings you more joy than a trophy bottle with a 98-point score simply because it reminds you of a summer evening in Provence, when everything felt right. Or maybe that Chamery champagne becomes your go-to because it pairs perfectly with your Sunday dinner stories.
When we curate our wine collections, we’re not here to chase scores. We aim to give you a snapshot of a region or a style, offering variety and contrast. If the wines we pick happen to score high later on, it’s a nice affirmation of our hard work — but it’s not the goal.
And sure, not every wine will take you on that kind of journey. Some might leave you scratching your head. But that’s part of the fun, right?
Wine is messy, unpredictable, and far more exciting than any score can capture.
Maybe it’s a bottle you want to share with friends because it’s just a little different. Maybe it’s not perfect, but that’s what makes it special. That’s what makes it yours.
Now, I’m not asking you to take detailed tasting notes.
But next time you open a bottle and something about it really hits you, just write it down. Not because you have to, but because it’s fun to capture the moment. You’ll soon start noticing patterns — figuring out what you like, not what a critic says you should.
A Cheat Sheet to the Critics’ Cracks
Even the most renowned wine critics have cracks in their systems. Each one brings their own tastes and biases, and that shapes how they score wines.
- Robert Parker loves big, bold wines with high levels of concentration. If you enjoy fruit-forward, full-bodied wines, Parker’s 90+ picks might be right up your alley. But if you prefer something lighter, you might find more joy in his lower-scoring bottles.
- Wine Spectator uses a panel of tasters who focus on balance and typicity. If you like consistency in style, this is a solid guide. But some of the more unconventional wines might not score as highly here.
- Jancis Robinson uses a 20-point scale, and she emphasizes balance and elegance. Her ratings might seem more conservative, but if you’re a fan of classic, refined wines, her top-scoring bottles will likely match your taste.
- James Suckling favors vibrancy and immediate drinkability. If you see a 90+ score from him, expect something lively and fresh.
- Antonio Galloni at Vinous is known for diving deep into terroir and structure, often focusing on a wine’s aging potential. If you’re building a cellar, his detailed reviews can be a big help.
None of these critics are right or wrong. Just like your own notes, it’s all about personal preference. The key is finding which critic’s “cracks” align with your own.
Wine is about the experience, not about finding perfection. It’s about taking a chance on a bottle that catches your eye and discovering what speaks to you.
So next time you pour yourself a glass, appreciate the cracks. Maybe it’s a wine that brings back a long-lost memory. Maybe it’s one that challenges everything you thought you knew about wine.
Whatever it is, those are the wines worth remembering.
And that’s what we’re all about — offering you a collection of wines that tell a story. Wines that help you discover what you love.
Cheers,
Diego
