EAST COAST PALATE

My name is Chris.  Putting it simply, I have a passion for wine.  I love the tradition of wine, the way it brings people together, and all the subtleties of smell and taste and mood that make each wine unique.  I have studied languages, which has allowed me to travel and try food and wine from various parts of the world (mostly Europe).  I have studied enology - the science of making wine - which has made me a really meticulous janitor.  Currently I'm studying, sip by sip, to become a sommelier.  One day I'll have my own winery, but for now I'm content sharing my wine experiences with others.

Scores, points or letter grades, can give an idea to someone else about how much I like a particular wine.  With my experience as a teacher, I notice similarites in scoring a wine to  grading an essay.  I factor in the aroma, the color, the taste, the tactile sensation of the wine in the mouth, and the finish.  Then I try to think about the overall balance of all these sensations.  An A, for me is complex aromatically, structured well (a balance of flavors and "mouthfeel"), and has a lingering finish.  Most of the wine I drink is in the $7-$15 price range, so I don't expect to rate a lot of the wines with an A.  But a B+ for 10 bucks is better for my budget than an A for $30.
Anyway, all scores are subjective.  It's just my opinion.  Everyone needs to trust their own palate.