What I Mean When I say “Good”
I say “good” a lot when I talk about wine.
It’s not a technical term. It’s not part of the WSET Systematic Approach. It’s not about points or prestige or even price.
But it means something.
To me, at least.
It Doesn’t Mean Perfect
“Good” doesn’t mean flawless.
It doesn’t mean profound.
It doesn’t mean age-worthy, complex, or collectible.
It means it did its job. It showed up. It made sense.
It delivered more than it promised—or exactly what it promised.
Sometimes it’s a $20 Beaujolais that tastes like spring in a glass.
Sometimes it’s a red blend that arrived with no expectations.
Sometimes it’s a random white wine that hit exactly right on the porch after a long day.
“Good” Is a Feeling, Not a Score
When I say a wine is good, I mean:
I want to drink it again
I’d recommend it without hesitation
It feels right in its moment
It’s well-made, even if it’s simple
It doesn’t need to apologize for what it is
It means it’s not just drinkable—it’s satisfying.
That counts for a lot.
It’s Not About Impressing Anyone
There are a lot of wines that are “important.”
Wines that are rare, expensive, cellar-worthy, or made in tiny quantities by famous people.
That’s not what I mean by good.
Good is a wine you reach for again.
A wine that fits your life.
A wine that doesn’t need defending.
I’ve had plenty of wines with great scores that didn’t move me.
Plenty of “unserious” wines that were so well done I smiled without thinking.
Good doesn’t need a preamble.
It just needs to be real.
Final Thought
There are technical wines and there are special wines.
But good wine—that’s the sweet spot.
When I say a wine is good, I mean that I like it.
I respect it.
I trust it.
I’d be happy to pour it again.
That might not sound fancy, but it’s honest.
And that’s what good should be.
