If wines were judged like dogs, Cabernet Sauvignon would not rule the world. We'd all spend less money for wine and enjoy greater diversity.Conversely, if dogs were judged like wine, a Dandie Dinmont Terrier might be Best in Show every year. Is there anything cuter?
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show -- great entertainment if you like dogs -- inspired this realization. Dogs are judged not by which is the best overall, but instead by which is the best representation of the ideal of its breed.
Thus when choosing between an Irish Wolfhound and a Samoyed -- Paul Draper's dog -- the judge doesn't automatically pick the much cooler one (sorry Paul).
Think about the implications for wine. A Sauvignon Blanc has never been Wine of the Year for a major publication. But why not? Just about everyone who loves wine loves this food-friendly varietal. The only way it gets big ratings, though, is when it's gussied up with too much wood into a "serious" wine that's no longer great with dinner.
Meanwhile, run-of-the-mill Napa Valley Cabernets routinely get 90-point ratings because that flavor profile is considered superior to almost every other. Look at a list of ratings from any major ratings organization -- Spectator, Parker, Enthusiast -- and you'll see that the 25th best Napa Cab of the year is rated higher than the very best example of most other wines.
Why? Why can't a superb pink wine -- delicious, refreshing, clean finish -- get 98 points for exemplifying near-perfection in its category?
We have so much to learn from dogs.
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