BWW2024 Reveals Top Wine Critics - a total of 1.6 million votes were cast!

The wait is over as the spotlight shines on the crème de la crème of the wine world – the esteemed wine critics chosen in the BWW2024 (Best Wine Critic of the World) competition. This unique event stands alone as the ultimate platform for recognizing the globe's finest wine critics, where the victors are determined through a democratic process of voting on tastingbook.com.

 
Every tastingbook.com user had the power to cast one vote, making the selection process democratic and inclusive. With 80% of the voters being wine professionals, the results are a testament to the current perceptions of critic expertise, impartiality, and integrity within the wine community.
This year's competition witnessed an unprecedented surge in participation, with over 1.6 million votes pouring in from 112 countries. The race was fiercely competitive, with the top spot changing hands multiple times throughout the voting period.
 
Jancis Earns World's Best Title Deservedly!

Claiming the title of the world's best critic is none other than the illustrious Jancis Robinson MW from United Kingdom. Renowned for her illustrious career and unwavering impartiality, Robinson's victory resonates worldwide. Surprisingly, over 70% of her votes hailed from outside Europe, particularly from America, underscoring her global appeal.

Markus del Monego MW Steps Into the Spotlight!
 
In a surprising turn of events, the second-place spot went to Markus del Monego MW, a German critic who also holds the title of World's Best Sommelier. Del Monego's clear and professional reviews, coupled with his down-to-earth approach, garnered widespread acclaim. His victory was particularly celebrated by the tastingbook community, as he has been a trusted member on the platform since its inception. The majority of his votes, 75%, came from Europe, with the remainder from Asia and America.
 
Securing the third-place position is Korean American Wine Critic Jeannie Cho Lee MW. Lee's comprehensive and professional wine assessments earned her high praise, with a significant portion of her votes originating from Asia and America.

Erin Larkin Surprisingly Tops as Australia's Wine Critic!
 
In this very male-dominated field, women performed exceptionally well in this year's competition, claiming the top spots in rankings 1, 3, 6, 12, and 13. Australian wine critic Erin Larkin, making her debut in the competition, surprised many by outshining established Australian critics and securing the 12th position. Larkin, the youngest finalist, recently joined Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, having been a part of tastingbook for 8 years.
 
Other notable climbers include French critic Michel Bettane (4), Swedish critic Richard Juhlin (9), American critic Jeff Leve (10), German critic Axel Probst (15), and Danish critic Izak Litwar (22). However, some well-known critics experienced a decline in rankings compared to previous years, indicating a shifting landscape in the world of wine criticism.
 
As independent critics emerge triumphant in 2024, tastingbook had the opportunity to interview the award recipients on the challenges of being a critic, their influences, and the role of artificial intelligence in future wine assessments. Their insightful responses are featured alongside their introductions.
 
Tastingbook extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists, each of whom has earned their place among the best of the best. Cheers to their continued contributions to the world of wine criticism!

TOP 30 BEST WINE CRITICS OF THE WORLD:

• 1 Jancis Robinson MW / BWW2024/Best Wine Critic of the World

   

• 2 Markus Del Monego MW / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 3 Jeannie Cho Lee MW/ BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 4 Michel Bettane/BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 5 Jeb Dunnuck/BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 6 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 7 Neal Martin / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 8 James Suckling / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 9 Richard Juhlin/ BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 10 Jeff Leve / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 11 Antonio Galloni/BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 12 Erin Larkin / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 13 Julia Harding MW / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 14 Allen Meadows/BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 15 Axel Probst/BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 16 Peter Moser / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 17 James Halliday / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 18 Andrew Caillard MW / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 19 James Laube / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 20 Huon Hooke / BWW2024 Finalist

•  

• 21 Tim Atkin MW / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 22 Izak Litwar / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 23 Christer Byklum/ BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 24 Stephen Tanzer / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 25 Stuart Pigott / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 26 Matt Kramer/BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 27 Ian D' Agata / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 28 José Peñin / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 29 Jeremy Oliver / BWW2024 Finalist

   

• 30 Andrew Jefford / BWW2024 Finalist

Jancis Robinson MW - Best Wine Critic of the World

Tb: Your illustrious career has been ongoing for quite some time,

"Understatement!  48 years!"

and you have been particularly praised for your impartiality and "incorruptibility" - these factors surely contributed to your selection as the world's best - what aspects do you consider particularly important to succeed as a wine critic?

"If I look at my career, I’d say it has been characterised mainly by hard work(!), and also, still, insatiable curiosity. I really, positively enjoy writing but in-between the writing, I like to keep my mouth shut (except when tasting) and to listen to what wine producers, researchers, growers, consumers and merchants have to say."

-Tb: Which wine critics do you yourself follow, and who do you see as your successors in the future?

"To be absolutely honest, I have so many work commitments - to JancisRobinson.com, the Financial Times and a host of books that need updating - that I have shockingly little time to read other wine writers (a term I much prefer to ‘wine critic’). Hugh Johnson has long been an inspiration as a stylish writer and Andrew Jefford is always worth reading. I’d love to have time to work my way through Jon Bonné’s latest book on France. And I am keenly aware that there re myriad talents, notably female ones, bubbling up."

"As for our successors, I think they will be communicating in new ways we can hardly imagine. I sincerely hope that scoring wine will diminish and feel extremely lucky that my career happens to have coincided with a golden age in which wine quality has soared, like enthusiasm for wine which seems currently to be fading unfortunately.  I think it must be quite challenging to embark on a wine writing career nowadays."

Tb: How do you envision the future evolution of the wine critic's craft, and do you believe there's still a place for wine critics in a world where artificial intelligence reigns supreme? 

" It’s taken almost 50 years’ programming to get my palate to where it is so that I can do all this without even making a conscious effort. Please don’t tell me it would take only a few hours to construct a machine that could do what I do."

Markus del Monego MW - Second Best Wine Critic of the World

Tb: What aspects you consider particularly crucial to succeed as a wine critic, and how have you succeeded in them personally?

"An unbiased and open minded approach to every wine is crucial, the neutral analysis has to be put above personal taste. In addition it is indispensable to communicate the tasting notes in a way that the readers can imagine the wines quality and the sensory expression. For succeeding a permanent training is crucial as is a good knowledge of wine styles and trends. Sourcing information and staying in touch with wineries, vintners and the readers as well as with fellow tasters is important. Curiosity is the motto."
 
Tb: Which wine critics are you Markus following?

"I follow my colleagues with great interest. And there are no secrets: most of them can be found in the top twenty list of tastingbook.com."
 
Tb: How do you envision the future evolution of the wine critic's craft, and do you believe there's still a place for wine critics in a world where artificial intelligence reigns supreme? 

"Artificial intelligence can gather and combine information from different sources but cannot taste a wine and link personal experience and impression to a wine. Assembling tasting notes might be possible, tasting a wine definitively not. Therefore wine critics will stay important and influential in the world of fine wines."

Jeannie Cho Lee MW - Third Best Wine Critic of the World

Tb: What aspects you consider particularly crucial to succeed as a wine critic, and how have you succeeded in them personally?

"I am always humbled by great wines and hopefully that appreciation helps me to be a good wine critic, someone that tries to listen to what the wine has to say even when it is a whisper.
 
Tb: Which wine critics are you Jeannie following?

"I admire and learn from all the wine critics who are finalists; and if I had to choose one, it would have to be someone who is not among the finalists -- Robert Parker. Whether you agree or disagree with his ratings or his methodology, you have to respect how he elevated wine criticism to another level, brought more consumers to wine and did it with passion and dedication.""
 
Tb: How do you envision the future evolution of the wine critic's craft, and do you believe there's still a place for wine critics in a world where artificial intelligence reigns supreme? 

"I do think there is room for wine critics because wine is still a person to person business starting with the vigneron to the merchant/sommelier and the final consumer. It is the same for doctors — we will still need specialist and experienced doctors even if AI can diagnose simple ailments better than general practitioners in the future."

Richard Juhlin - Best Champagne Critic of the World

Tb: What aspects you consider particularly crucial to succeed as a wine critic, and how have you succeeded in them personally?

"As a wine critic, several crucial aspects contribute to success:  A wine critic must have a well-developed palate to accurately assess and evaluate wines. Effective communication skills are vital for conveying evaluations and recommendations to readers or consumers. This includes the ability to articulate tasting notes, describe wine characteristics, and offer guidance on aging potential in a clear and engaging manner. Maintaining objectivity and consistency in evaluations is crucial for building credibility and trust among readers. A successful wine critic should be able to provide unbiased assessments regardless of personal preferences or external influences."
 
Tb: How does the evaluation of Champagnes differ from other wines, and what are your insights into the quality and price development of Champagnes in the future?

"Evaluating Champagnes can differ from other wines due to several factors unique to the region and production methods:

Terroir and Climate: Champagne's cool climate and diverse terroir can result in a wide range of styles. 

Production Methods: Champagne involves considering how well these production methods contribute to the overall quality and complexity of the wine. 

Acidity and Effervescence: Champagne is known for its high acidity and fine, persistent bubbles. Evaluating Champagne involves assessing the balance between acidity, fruitiness, and effervescence, as well as the texture and mouthfeel of the wine. Aging Potential Champagne often benefits from extended aging, which can enhance its complexity and develop tertiary aromas and flavors. Evaluating Champagne involves considering its aging potential and how well it will evolve over time.

In terms of the quality and price development of Champagnes in the future, several factors may influence trends:

Climate Change: Climate change could impact grape growing conditions in Champagne, potentially affecting grape ripeness, acidity levels, and overall wine quality. Champagne houses may need to adapt their vineyard management practices to mitigate the effects of climate change and maintain wine quality.

Market Demand: Demand for Champagne is influenced by factors such as economic conditions, consumer preferences, and trends in the wine market. As emerging markets continue to grow and consumer tastes evolve, there may be shifts in demand for different styles and price points of Champagne.

Supply and Production Costs: Champagne production is limited by strict regulations and labor-intensive production methods, which can affect supply and production costs. Changes in production costs, such as labor or grape prices, may impact Champagne prices in the future.

Investment in Quality: Many Champagne houses are committed to producing high-quality wines through investments in vineyard management, winemaking technology, and cellar aging. Continued investment in quality could lead to further improvements in Champagne quality and reputation.

Overall, while it's challenging to predict specific trends in Champagne quality and prices, ongoing investments in quality, shifts in market demand, and the impacts of climate change are likely to shape the future landscape of Champagne production and consumption."

Axel Probst - Best Port Wine Critic of the World

Tb: What aspects you consider particularly crucial to succeed as a wine critic, and how have you succeeded in them personally?

"I am very grateful to have received this prestigious award three times in a row now. Thank you for organising this fantastic voting, dear Pekka. Congratulations to Jancis and all the others from whom I have learned so much over the years. From my perspective, the most important attribute of wine criticism is focus and passion. My motivation for the future is to stay in close touch with the region, the people and the wines."

Tb: As a young member within the ranks of successful wine critics, how do you foresee the evolution of the wine critic's role in the future, and do you believe there is a need for wine critics in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence?

"As for the future of AI, I believe that as long as it is not possible to copy a bottle of Mouton 1945, it will not be possible to fully replace the human wine critic with all his experience and, more importantly, his trained senses. But AI will improve rapidly."

Tb: How do you perceive the current position of port wines in the wine market, and what are your thoughts on the future outlook for Port wines?

The future of Port needs more multipliers who like to present and teach about Port. Unfortunately, Port does not have an active marketing organisation to promote it properly, as most other wine regions do. Port, like almost all alcoholic beverages, is in decline. However, those producers who have done their homework can keep their revenue stable by focusing more on the special category of Port. I am a big fan of this development: drinking better should be everyone's motivation for the future."
 
 

Erin Larkin - Best Australian Wine Critic of the World

Tb: What aspects you consider particularly crucial to succeed as a wine critic, and how have you succeeded in them personally?

"Integrity, consistency, clarity.  We live in a world where bias is not always declared, where flashy sensationalism is rewarded, and diversity of opinion is becoming more challenged. It is the role of the wine writer to have clarity of vision, to learn and absorb all the wine world has to offer, to communicate that eloquently, and to taste with technical skill and flair. Ultimately, we are writing as a guide for buyers - it is to them that we owe our allegiance."

Tb: As a young member within the ranks of successful wine critics, how do you foresee the evolution of the wine critic's role in the future, and do you believe there is a need for wine critics in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence?

"AI is great for so many things (I’ll be forever grateful that long division no longer needs to be calculated manually!) but it will never replace the curation, styling and exciting analysis that wine writing offers. Algorithms are algorithms; they save time and they streamline - and god love them for that - but they also eventually pigeonhole our interests and blinker the wide world of flavour and opportunity. If you want to read about what a ‘typical Margaret River Chardonnay’ tastes like, sure, input the query into ChatGPT. If you want a tasting note to be beautifully written, to entertain and illuminate, and to ultimately build context and understanding about how that wine sits within a broader network of wines from either the same variety or same region, ask a living/breathing wine writer. You can’t replace lived experience. I personally consume wine reviews because I follow particular writers; I am excited to see what they’re drinking, and to engage with them directly. It’s fun, and it’s about the process; I don’t need to robotically ‘know’ what a wine tastes like. 

Our role in wine is already evolving, and what an exciting time it is. Drinkers no longer consume wine writing solely from printed magazines, books or booklets. Wine writing is now consumed globally, largely online - in many cases directly via an app or direct emails, and that tends to foster a more global appetite for wine. Which is great for a country like Australia: when the broader, global wine community finally catches on to how great Australian wines are, I think there will be a lot of happy drinkers and collectors!"

Jeff Leve - Best Bordeaux Wine Critic of the World

Tb: What aspects you consider particularly crucial to succeed as a wine critic, and how have you succeeded in them personally?

"Because you asked, these are the qualities I find to be paramount in a wine critic. Honesty, consistency, and the ability for the critic to have and be able to use their voice to express not only what is in the glass, but the emotions that the best wines bring out in the taster. They should not emulate others. Most importantly, they need to be passionate! They should get excited about wine. Their excitement should be palpable to others, so readers will want to taste and buy the wines that moved the critic. There is nothing worse than a boring taster, providing dull views and technical facts while lacking emotion."

Tb: As a young member within the ranks of successful wine critics, how do you foresee the evolution of the wine critic's role in the future, and do you believe there is a need for wine critics in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence?

"Wine critics are simply friends with access to a lot of wine that the average person doesn't, hopefully with the ability to express themselves while informing readers what to expect if they drink the same wine. The best critics move readers to try new wines, so they can experience the sensations that moved the writer. AI is incredible. But while AI can fake emotion, the passion that takes place with the best wines is different with every taster. Hopefully, when readers look at my comments, they understand the feelings that some wines evoke. When you find a wine that grabs you, it's magic. The ability to find magic in a bottle is why critics matter."

Markus del Monego MW - Best German Wine Critic of the World

Tb: What aspects you consider particularly crucial to succeed as a wine critic, and how have you succeeded in them personally?

"An unbiased and open minded approach to every wine is crucial, the neutral analysis has to be put above personal taste. In addition it is indispensable to communicate the tasting notes in a way that the readers can imagine the wines quality and the sensory expression. For succeeding a permanent training is crucial as is a good knowledge of wine styles and trends. Sourcing information and staying in touch with wineries, vintners and the readers as well as with fellow tasters is important. Curiosity is the motto."
 
Tb: Which wine critics are you Markus following?

"I follow my colleagues with great interest. And there are no secrets: most of them can be found in the top twenty list of tastingbook.com."
 
Tb: How do you envision the future evolution of the wine critic's craft, and do you believe there's still a place for wine critics in a world where artificial intelligence reigns supreme? 

"Artificial intelligence can gather and combine information from different sources but cannot taste a wine and link personal experience and impression to a wine. Assembling tasting notes might be possible, tasting a wine definitively not. Therefore wine critics will stay important and influential in the world of fine wines."

José Peñin - Best Spanish Wine Critic of the World

Jeb Dunnuck - Best American Wine Critic of the World

James Suckling - The Best Italian Wine Critic of the World

Neal Martin - Best Burgundy Wine Critic of the World

Peter Moser - Best Austrian Wine Critic of the World

Michel Bettane - Best French Wine Critic of the World