Big Score for Little Bucks

Today

Leslie

find ’ replace '

find“ replace "

s offering is a bit of a surprise, surrounded with just a hint of controversy.

We're talking about the whole points debate. Some people insist the 100 point rating system used by the Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine & Spirits magazine has been compromised. At one time, score ranges were usually associated with particular price points. For example, a wine with a coveted score of 95-100 points would normally have a starting price of $75-$100/bottle. Wines in the 90-93 point range would typically start in the mid-twenties.

This is no longer the case, as you will see with today's unusually high-scoring offering with a humble price.

So let's spill the beans. What would you say if we offered you a Chianti with a 90 point score from Wine Spectator, along with a "Best Values" rating for less than $8/bottle after discount?

As the robot in the 1960's television show Lost In Space used to say, "Does not compute." In fact, the whole issue surrounding this wine has made some people in the industry rather upset. Does it compromise the foundation of the entire scoring system for such an inexpensive wine to receive such a big score? We're curious to hear what you think.

Let's just say, we were a bit suspicious. We taste every wine before allowing it into our store, regardless of its hype. The wholesaler tried to convince us to take a large drop solely based on the score without evaluating it ourselves. We refused. Even if we lost out on the wine, it just isn't how we do business.

The Chianti sample arrived last Thursday. We opened it immediately because we knew the review was making it very time sensitive. After evaluating it, we asked our wholesaler to pick up as many cases as possible from Boston the next day. Unfortunately, there were only a handful left. The score-mongers swooped in like vultures. The wholesaler is out of stock for the year.

Do we personally feel this wine warrants a 90 point score? Absolutely not. Perhaps we're old school, but it just doesn't feel right to us. We would have been more than happy with a respectable 85 point score. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, it makes sense.

Ratings dispute aside, this Chianti is a good value for its unpretentious price. However, if you enjoy a bit of controversy every now and then, tell your friends about the review and decide for yourselves whether the ratings system has gone completely awry. Either way, you'll have a very nice bottle of Chianti at a silly little price.

Folonari Chianti 2010

click here to see shelf talker wine details

"Vibrant and rich, this harmonious red offers cherry, strawberry and floral notes. Picks up some of the typical underbrush and tobacco accents on the lingering finish. Drink now through 2018." (Wine Spectator)

Wine Spectator: 90 points
Wine Spectator: Best Values

$9.99/bottle or just $95.90/12 pack case ($7.99/bottle) or just $7.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

We suggest you move quickly on this wine. It doesn't stand a chance of being in our store for very long.

* Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certified *

Town Center Wine & Spirits Cape Cod's Most Trusted Wine Merchant

Location 4550 State Highway North Eastham, MA 02651 (Next to the Royal Thai Restaurant in the Town Center Plaza) Tel: 508 255 3660 Fax: 508 255 6736

Summer Hours Mon -Thurs 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fri - Sat 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.   We are open year round. Only closed on Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas