The Rise of Robert Parker Jr. and the Reign of American Taste

In the annals of wine history, few figures have commanded the attention and respect of Robert M. Parker Jr. As the founder and former publisher of The Wine Advocate, Parker emerged as an oracle of wine criticism, whose palate and prose shaped the tastes of wine enthusiasts and collectors alike. His influence extended far beyond the shores of his native United States, reaching across oceans to influence the global wine culture.

Born in Baltimore in 1949, Parker's passion for wine ignited during his college years. His unwavering curiosity and insatiable thirst for knowledge led him on a journey of exploration, taking him to the vineyards of Bordeaux and Burgundy, where he immersed himself in the intricacies of winemaking.

Upon returning to the United States, Parker launched The Wine Advocate in 1978, a newsletter that would soon become the most influential publication in the wine world. His unique approach to wine criticism, characterized by a focus on tasting rather than technical analysis, resonated with readers. Parker's ability to articulate the nuances of wine, capturing its essence through evocative language, set him apart from his contemporaries.