Every form of art has a critic. Sculptors, painters, architects, musicians, actors, writers and winemakers endure a love–hate relationship with their critics. Good or bad, critics talk about the work created — and there is no audience without a conversation. But ultimately, opinion is not empirical fact. Individuals should use such information as a reference point and go on to discover their own relationship with their tastes.

The main problem with listening to critics is that their analysis objectifies the subject of their commentary. Music, art, theatre and wine exist as forms of expression and offer the opportunity to feel something intangible and elusive to logic. Wine is so much more than just flavor. It is the voice of nature and a path of discovery into the mystery of our senses. Why waste the moment focusing on intellect when a sensual journey awaits? 

Critics open doors. Individuals walk through them. Hopefully we have the wisdom not to think at all but simply to feel the experience of life that is before us.

See Is Wine Art?, which looks at whether wine is art and who is its artist.