Robert Parker

Robert Parker is one of the most influential figures in the history of wine criticism, transforming the way wine is evaluated and marketed globally. Born in 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland, Parker initially pursued a career in law, earning his JD from the University of Maryland. However, his passion for wine, sparked during a trip to France in the late 1960s, led him to launch The Wine Advocate in 1978, a publication that would redefine wine reviewing.

Parker's hallmark was his 100-point scoring system, which provided consumers with a clear and seemingly objective way to assess wine quality. This approach resonated with a burgeoning audience of wine enthusiasts in the United States and beyond, propelling The Wine Advocate to prominence. Parker's reviews were especially impactful in promoting wines from regions like Bordeaux, the Rhône Valley, and California, where his high scores could drive sales and elevate prices overnight.

Known at the ‘King of Bordeaux’, Parker’s influence is synonymous with the region. He has a particular fondness for Petrus, Latour and Haut Brion. He also loved the great wines from California and Rhone Valley with his palate preferring ripe, powerful wines and wines that often see new oak as a winemaking technique. 

Here are some wines within our portfolio, that contain reviews and scores by Robert Parker