As the rustic barn doors slide open, an oenophile’s dream is revealed: hundreds of some of the finest and most rare bottles of wine line the walls of the exclusive Robert Parker Wine Cellar. Nestled in the back of The Ivy Hotel’s Magdalena restaurant, the vaulted, brick floored Wine Cellar is the only in the world that is adorned with the iconic Robert Parker name.
A Baltimore native and frequent guest of the restaurant, Robert Parker is one of the world’s most influential wine critics. His publication, The Wine Advocate, launched in 1978 with his 100 point system, which is now considered an industry standard for rating wines.
The Wine Advocate/Robert Parker 100 Point Wine Scoring Scale:
96–100 – An extraordinary wine of profound and complex character displaying all the attributes expected of a classic wine of its variety. Wines of this caliber are worth a special effort to find, purchase, and consume.
90–95 – An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. In short, these are terrific wines.
80–89 – A barely above average to very good wine displaying various degrees of finesse and flavor as well as character with no noticeable flaws.
70–79 – An average wine with little distinction except that it is soundly made. In essence, a straightforward, innocuous wine.
60–69 – A below average wine containing noticeable deficiencies, such as excessive acidity and/or tannin, an absence of flavor, or possibly dirty aromas or flavors.
50–59 – A wine deemed to be unacceptable.
“Those wines which Robert Parker assigns a special potential during storage receive a plus sign (+). The rating with the Robert Parker Points has gained such importance with time that wines that receive 90 points or more often experience a jump in price by over 100%. Amongst wine merchants, collectors and gourmets, this rating is an outstanding sign of quality which lets the demand suddenly increase.” source. Because of his revolutionary system and “million dollar nose”, Parker is regarded by many as the father of modern wine criticism.
The Wine Cellar: Our Most Popular Private Dining Space
The focus of the Cellar in particular is superb small production American wines, although it also stocks a broad selection of unique wines from around the world, as well as over twenty 100 point wines – some recommended by Parker himself. In addition to the magnificent bottle selection, The Coravin wine system enables guests to taste incredible vintage wines by the glass.
The Wine Cellar is one of our most popular private dining spaces, particularly well-suited for friends gathering for a delicious and intimate dinner together. The space alone accommodates up to 14 guests, but can also be combined with the adjoining tasting room for parties up to 30. Get in touch with sales@theivybaltimore.com to reserve the unique and inviting space for your next intimate affair.
