All Set in Massachusetts

Thadd's Price-Wine Score Ratio- P/WS Ratio

A valuation ratio of a wine’s current price compared to its Wine Spectator Score.

For example, if a wine is currently selling at $20 a bottle and has a Score of 91, the P/WS ratio for the wine would be 0.21 ($20/91)  vs. 0.60 ($55/91)

Also sometimes known as "wine multiple" or "wine scoring multiple".   

In general, a high P/WS suggests that wine lovers are drinking over-priced wine and wasting their money.

Top 100 Affordable Merlot

Columbia Crest

Merlot, 2001

Grand Estates Columbia Valley

Purchased: NH Liquor Store Price $11

We purchased this wine as part of our quest to try every affordable wine on the Wine Spectator 2004 Top 100 list. Priced at just $11 and ranked #52, this Merlot fit the bill – and it was easy to find (unlike some of the top 100 wines)! We enjoyed this wine with Alice’s parents the day they returned from their 30th anniversary trip to the Turks and Caicos. They’re big fans of Merlot, so it was no surprise that they were very impressed by this wine. And we were, too, despite the fact that Merlot usually falls at the bottom of our red wine preferences. The wine was complex and full-bodied, yet remarkably silky. We enjoyed it with appetizers – cheese, crackers, and shrimp cocktail – and it worked well. However, we’d like to try it again with a nice steak. If you’ve never had Merlot before or never been a fan, this bottle makes for a great introduction.

A&T ranking: 8/10

Top Merlot

Franciscan
Merlot, 2001
Oakville Estate- Napa Valley

Purchased: Giles Liquors
Price: $24.99 (We paid $19.99)
Drank: October 16, 2004
Who: Thadd and Alice

Comments: At the October 9th Giles Liquor Fall tasting, this stood out among the more than 40 wines available for tasting. After much debate, we decided to purchase this bottle – a bit of a splurge for us these days. This was a significant purchase because we typically don’t like Merlot, but this is one worth trying. It has a smoky, velvety flavor that reminds us of sitting fireside in the winter. This wine offers dense, rich blackberry and cherry flavors with an elegant finish – perfect with a nice piece of meat, pork, or even a beef stew. A must-try for the upcoming holiday season!

Ranking: 8/10