Stephen Tanzer is an American wine critic and journalist noted for his contributions to the evaluation and publication of wine reviews, particularly those concerning Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and other prominent wine regions. He founded the independent newsletter Wine Review in 1985, which provides detailed tasting notes, scores, and market analysis for a wide range of wines. Tanzer is also the author of The Wine Companion, a comprehensive guide that offers ratings and commentary on a broad selection of wines worldwide.
Tanzer’s rating system typically employs a 100‑point scale, with scores above 90 indicating wines of high quality. His assessments are recognized for their emphasis on traditional winemaking styles and the aging potential of wines. Over the course of his career, Tanzer has contributed articles to various industry publications and has been cited as an influential voice in the field of wine criticism.
Personal details such as Tanzer’s date of birth and early biography are not widely documented in publicly available reliable sources. He resides in the United States and continues to oversee the editorial direction of Wine Review.