Robert M. Parker, Jr.


#### A Life Devoted to Wine Appreciation

Full Name and Common Aliases


Robert M. Parker, Jr. is widely known as "The Wine Advocate" due to his influential wine review publication.

Birth and Death Dates


Born: September 23, 1947
Died: November 31, 2023 (age 76)

Nationality and Profession(s)


American wine critic, journalist, and author

Early Life and Background


Robert M. Parker Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Growing up in a family that valued fine dining and entertaining, he developed an interest in wine at an early age. After graduating from the Gilman School in 1965, Parker attended Boston University on a scholarship but dropped out to pursue his passion for wine.

Major Accomplishments


Parker's career as a wine critic began with a wine column in The Baltimore Evening Sun. His writing style, which emphasized objective and precise descriptions of wine flavors, quickly gained attention from the wine community. In 1978, he founded _The Wine Advocate_ (TWA), a wine review publication that would become synonymous with his name.

Notable Works or Actions


Parker's impact on the world of wine cannot be overstated. His reviews and ratings have shaped consumer purchasing habits and driven demand for specific wines. He has been instrumental in elevating the status of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and other premium wine regions. Parker's expertise also led to his involvement in various business ventures, including a wine import company and a wine investment fund.

Impact and Legacy


Parker's influence on the wine industry is multifaceted:

Increased transparency: His reviews have provided consumers with a more nuanced understanding of wine quality.
Improved winemaking standards: Producers have strived to meet Parker's high expectations, driving innovation and excellence in winemaking.
* Wine market dynamics: Parker's ratings have impacted the global wine trade, with some wines becoming highly sought after due to his endorsement.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Robert M. Parker Jr.'s remarkable career has cemented his position as one of the most influential figures in the world of wine. His unwavering dedication to promoting fine wine and accurate wine criticism continues to shape the industry today.

Quotes by Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The primary requisite for writing well about food is a good appetite.
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The primary requisite for writing well about food is a good appetite.
The first famous winemaking consultant was the late professor Emile Peynaud, who reigned over Bordeaux throughout the 1940s, '50s, '60s and '70s.
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The first famous winemaking consultant was the late professor Emile Peynaud, who reigned over Bordeaux throughout the 1940s, '50s, '60s and '70s.
I’m a common-sense kind of guy.
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I’m a common-sense kind of guy.
From a wine critic’s perspective, there are far too many innocuous, over-oaked, over-acidified, or over-cropped wines emerging from California. While those sins would not be a problem if the wines sold for under $20, many are in fact $75-$150. That’s appalling.
"
From a wine critic’s perspective, there are far too many innocuous, over-oaked, over-acidified, or over-cropped wines emerging from California. While those sins would not be a problem if the wines sold for under $20, many are in fact $75-$150. That’s appalling.
These are the people who do studies that your carry-out Chinese meals are saturated in fat. I’d just like to meet them! I mean, what do they do for pleasure?
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These are the people who do studies that your carry-out Chinese meals are saturated in fat. I’d just like to meet them! I mean, what do they do for pleasure?
I’ve always followed the rule that anything worth doing is worth doing excessively.
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I’ve always followed the rule that anything worth doing is worth doing excessively.
Wine to me is something that brings people together. Wine does promote conversation and promote civility, but it’s also fascinating. It’s the greatest subject to study. No matter how much you learn, every vintage is going to come at you with different factors that make you have to think again.
"
Wine to me is something that brings people together. Wine does promote conversation and promote civility, but it’s also fascinating. It’s the greatest subject to study. No matter how much you learn, every vintage is going to come at you with different factors that make you have to think again.
Scores do not reveal the most important facts about a wine. The written commentary (tasting notes) that accompanies the ratings is a better source of information than any score regarding the wine's style and personality, its quality level relative to its peers, and its relative value and aging potential.
"
Scores do not reveal the most important facts about a wine. The written commentary (tasting notes) that accompanies the ratings is a better source of information than any score regarding the wine's style and personality, its quality level relative to its peers, and its relative value and aging potential.
No viticultural region in America has demonstrated as much progress in quality and potential for greatness as... the Santa Barbara region, where the Burgundian varietals Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are planted in its cooler climates.
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No viticultural region in America has demonstrated as much progress in quality and potential for greatness as... the Santa Barbara region, where the Burgundian varietals Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are planted in its cooler climates.
Fettuccine Alfredo is dangerous for your health.
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Fettuccine Alfredo is dangerous for your health.
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