Top Critic Scores
Discover wines awarded 98 points and above from the world’s most respected critics and publications, including James Suckling, Wine Spectator, Vinous, Decanter, Jeb Dunnuck, Robert Parker Wine Advocate and more. With access to sought-after producers and critically acclaimed vintages from around the world, Zachys curates a collection built for collectors and entusiasts.
A 98+ point rating signifies a "benchmark" wine. These scores are reserved for world-class bottlings that demonstrate flawless varietal character, extraordinary terroir expression, and the structural components necessary for multi-decade cellaring.
This collection includes highly rated wines reviewed by leading critics and publications such as James Suckling, Wine Spectator, Vinous, Decanter, Jeb Dunnuck, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, and Jancis Robinson.
While many 98+ point wines—especially those from the New World—can be approachable in their youth, many are crafted for longevity. We recommend checking specific drinking windows provided by critics, as peak maturity for these iconic vintages may be 10–20 years from the vintage date.
While most major critics use the standard 100-point scale, their methodologies vary. For example, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Vinous often emphasize structure and aging potential, whereas James Suckling may reward a wine’s immediate intensity and "wow" factor. Wine Spectator typically utilizes blind tastings to ensure impartiality. Understanding these nuances helps collectors align their personal palate with the critic whose scoring style they most trust.
Critic scores can provide valuable guidance, especially for collectible or limited-production wines. Many buyers use scores alongside producer reputation, vintage quality, and personal preference.
Provenance is the documented history of a wine's storage and ownership. Even a 100-point wine can lose its value and integrity if it has not been kept in a temperature-controlled environment. At Zachys, we prioritize pristine storage and direct-from-estate sourcing to ensure that every bottle maintains the exact quality and complexity the critics originally celebrated.
