Working with me: samples, editorial, promotion and pricing
Here you will find the most concise explanation of how I work, and how you can work with me. Please see the FAQs section at the bottom of the page, but feel free to send an email if your question isn't answered below.
š· I score wines using the 100 point scale. More information on my scoring here.
š¦ There is no charge for submitting samples for scoring and editorial consideration.
š· You are required to pay shipping and UK customs duty. Samples will not be tasted until duty is paid. Please ensure you specify your billing address in the paperwork.
šØš»āš» Your wines will be entered into the Vinorandum database.
š£ A license to re-use my notes and scores is available with professional membership.
šš» You are not permitted to re-publish my notes and scores without a professional subscription to PaulCaputo.wine
You can email the admin team on info@vinorandum.com
Submitting Wines: Questions & Answers
Who can submit wines for review?
Wines may be submitted by producers, importers, distributors, or appointed PR agencies acting on behalf of a producer. All submissions are considered editorially.
Is there a fee to submit wines?
No. There is no charge to submit wines for tasting or review.
What happens when my wines have been received?
Once I have received your wines, they enter my editorial review process. I will taste and score the wines and publish the score in my database. When and where there is opportunity for further coverage I will get back in touch.
Does submitting a wine guarantee coverage?
No. Submission does not guarantee that a wine will be reviewed, scored, or published. All wines are assessed independently, and publication decisions are editorial.
How many bottle should be submitted?
Two bottles per wine are requested. This provides opportunity for a second opinion and mitigates any issues of faults or spoilage. For very limited releases, I will accept a single bottle.
When are wines tasted?
Tastings take place throughout the year. There is no fixed tasting window unless otherwise specified. I prioritise the tasting of wines from producers and merchants who hold a professional membership.
Can I request an expedited tasting?
If you have specific deadlines in mind please let know. I will see what can be done to accommodate them.
Can I submit pre-release or unfinished wines?
Yes, provided the wine is clearly marked as a pre-release sample.
Are wines tasted blind?
No. Wines are tasted with full contextual knowledge of grape variety, origin, producer and vintage.
What criteria is used to evaluate the wine?
Wines are assessed on technical quality only, including balance, structure, precision, texture, expression and overall harmony. Broader considerations such as sustainability, value or packaging are not part of my technical assessment.
Are scores for low scoring wines published?
Where a wine is published with a 'perceived' low score, it should be understood in context. A score that may appear modest in isolation can still represent a strong example of its grape variety, style or intended category.
Will I be informed if my wine is reviewed?
Confirmation of review or publication will be provided on request. but full tasting notes and scores are published for subscribers.
Will I be informed what scores the wine received?
No. When scores tasting notes are published in the database, they are available for premium or professional subscribers only. As a matter of policy, scores and tasting notes are not shared privately. They are available only through publication.
As a wine producer, how can I use the scores publicly?
Producers may license the use of scores and associated visual materials through paulcaputo.wine. Professional membership for wineries comes with a point shield, an official score certificate, and a ready to use social media post.
Will faulty wine samples be returned?
No. Submitted samples will not be returned.
Why are notes and scores behind a paywall?
Informed wine criticism requires significant time and expertise. Subscriber access supports independent editorial work and ensures that evaluation remains free from commercial influence.
What information should be included with shipment?
It would be super helpful to have accompanying technical sheets on the wines. You can also email them through.