Balance

The wine’s architecture: how acidity, alcohol, sweetness (if any), tannin/phenolics (where relevant), oak/wood influence (if used), and overall extract fit together.

A higher balance rating means:

• nothing sticks out as loud (heat, bitterness, sweetness, sharpness)
• the wine feels controlled and complete
• it performs well at the table because structure is in proportion

Texture

The feel and shape of the wine: grip, finesse, layering, and how the wine moves across the palate.

A higher texture rating means:

• the wine has tactile detail (not just flavor)
• phenolic/tannin elements feel fine and supportive, not drying or coarse
• the wine has “inner structure” rather than makeup

Texture is often where wines become truly food-compatible and “serious” beyond aroma.

Authenticity

Our way of describing truthfulness—how clearly the wine expresses place, variety, and intention, without feeling engineered, generic, or driven by make-up.

A higher authenticity rating means:

• it tastes specific, not interchangeable

• farming and raw material feel present (energy, clarity, natural limits)

• cellar choices (oak, extraction, sweetness, aromatics) support the wine rather than overwrite it

• the wine feels like it has something to say, not just something to show

Important: this is still subjective. Some wines aim for polish and consistency; we respect that, but we personally rate higher when a wine retains identity and honesty.

Finish 

The length and resolution: how long the wine stays with you, and how cleanly it ends.

A higher finish rating means:

• sustained flavor and structure after swallowing
• no harsh drop-off into heat, bitterness, or dryness
• the wine fades clean and composed