The awaited 2017 Report on Cape Wine by Tim Atkin was released yesterday. The opinions and assessment by the British journalist, Master of Wine and wine judge apparently hold great influence. The industry nervously awaits scores for their wines that can make or break commercial success. There is nothing wrong in that, whether rating by Platter’s Guide or national or international competition. International exposure and assessment can surely only be a good thing? To raise standards. To benchmark our quality against the best wines in the World. The results reflect and influence future styles and developments. But what if the opinion is wrong? Or what if one individual or judging panel (whoever that may be) has too much influence? Or has preference for a particular wine characteristic or area?