Robert Parker is an American wine critic who created the 100-point rating scale that became the industry standard. He was born just months apart from Michel Rolland, and the confluence of their tastes changed the wine industry.
Parker favoured ripe, plush and fruit-forward reds, high in alcohol and low in acidity, with heavy notes of sweetness and roundness from new oak barrels. His high ratings for such wines boosted sales and encouraged vintners worldwide to produce in that style. He became equally renowned and reviled for his influence.
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