No matter how you view his legacy, there’s no denying that Robert Parker fundamentally altered the wine industry in the United States, and the world. From founding Wine Advocate and pioneering the 100-point review scale, to coming to embody a massively influential stylistic trend, Parker’s influence on wine was immense. Yet his legacy is mixed, at best. For some, he served to democratize wine criticism and highlighted wine regions in the New World that were desperately seeking exposure and validation, while others feel that his specific tastes and preference toward ripe fruit and bold oak flavors became the tastes of an entire generation of drinkers, influencing how many regions make wine.
On this week’s VinePair podcast, Adam and Zach discuss Parker’s legacy in the wake of his announced retirement, and offer their opinions on the manifold ways he changed the wine landscape, whether we like it or not.
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