Meet the Team: Gregory S. Prindle
We are an unbelievable, unlikely force in the world of wine reviews and critique
Gregory S. Prindle
Gregory might have begun his career as a pragmatic mathematician with a keen interest in probabilities and uncertainties. He spent his early years crafting complex algorithms that could predict, with alarming uncertainty, the likelihood of unlikely events.
His foray into the world of wine began under equally ambiguous circumstances - a mistaken invitation to a sommelier course meant for another Gregory Prindle, himself an imposter, an undercover investigator, going deep, deep undercover.
Intrigued by the fluid dynamics of wine swirling rather than deterred by his lack of knowledge about viticulture, Gregory decided to stick with the course.
His mathematical mind found peculiar joy in quantifying the unquantifiable aspects of wine - its tastes, bouquet, and body and he also became an excellent swirler.
He created a mental algorithm whereby a points score instinctively came to him after tasting, almost as if channeled from beyond, as if a master songwriter, like Chesney Hawkes or Milli Vanilli.
Gregory’s reviews soon gained notoriety for their labyrinthine logic, wrought from a career of dealing with abstract theories and hypotheticals.
He developed a contradictory style, based on the certainty of uncertainty. It is rooted in his academic past, where he was celebrated for proving theorems that posited both the presence and absence of solutions within the same equation.
When Gregory transitioned to wine criticism, he applied the same principles to his reviews - each bottle was a puzzle where every solved piece could imply two more unsolved mysteries. This methodological approach made his articles a hit among those who enjoyed his unique blend of critique wrapped in riddles. In fact, the term, “Prindled,” is or is not in homage to his style.
Now a respected if not entirely understood or misunderstood figure in the wine industry, Gregory writes for those who seek a deeper meaning in the clinking of glasses and the murmurs between sips.
His work continues to resonate with those who prefer their wine tasting notes to be as mentally stimulating as an invisible crossword puzzle crafted by a classic French poet philosopher inside a Hungarian Escape room.
His mantra, “Certainty is like wine; is it best enjoyed sparingly and with a hint of skepticism?” perfectly encapsulates his approach to both life and libations.
Gregory is one of the keys to the newly rediscovered Indelible Wine Stain team. It is no co-incidence that his grandfather, Peter “Peter” Prindle, was the founder of the original Indelible Wine Stain, popular in the mid 20th century.
These days, he continues to travel, taste and review wines, he is fairly reclusive and as part of the team, tastes a million wines a year for review and scores using the IWS system - searching for the fabled Indelible Wine Stain.
The IWS tasting system
The Indelible Wine Stain Tasting System was created in 1951 for the first publication of this forgotten gem of a journal. It was further developed over the next two decades before being thrown aside in favor of the now popular, “Grid” and “Points System.”
It was originally based on the idea that the memory of a great wine stays with you, long after consumption.
As the original journal faded away into the mists of history, it took a dedicated team to bring it back to life, including the IWS tasting system.
There are philosophical pre-cursors to note before using the system to be the judge, jury and executor of stainability.
Golden Rules to the IWS system
All wine was made by a team of many people, making many decisions
It wasn’t us - respect that.
Every wine tells a story
Our job is to listen and convey it with integrity.
Appreciate the effort, tradition, and culture behind each bottle and ensure our reviews reflect the wine's journey from vineyard to glass.
Understand that everyone’s palate is different
Respect diverse preferences, acknowledge that your opinion is one among many. Recognize diversity in taste and opinion.
Never lose journalistic integrity
We don’t accept payment for reviews or scores. But we do accept samples, gifts, vacations, use of holiday homes and other forms of support. However, we do maintain transparency and definitely avoid conflicts of interest.
Critique with care, praise with honesty
If a wine doesn’t create an emotional mark on us, then let it go and move on. If a good memory is made, then the rating can qualify for the stain level.
The Indelible Wine Stain Tasting System
Light Mark (Equivalent to 80-84 points)
Slightly noticeable but removable
“The taste leaves a fleeting impression, like a light mark that fades quickly. There are some enjoyable qualities, but it doesn’t linger for long in the memory. It’s pleasant but not particularly memorable, like a casual conversation about Brenda, the weather or hair that you forget soon after.”
Mild Streak (Equivalent to 85-89 points)
Visible but can be cleaned with standard cleaning methods
“You are left with a mild streak in your memory. The wine has a bit more character and some noteworthy elements, but it still doesn’t stand out prominently. It’s a good wine that you might recall for a short while, like a decent book you read and enjoyed but wouldn’t necessarily revisit.
Pronounced Wine Stain (Equivalent to 90-94 points)
Difficult to remove and may require professional cleaning
“This wine settles in the mind and leaves a pronounced stain. It is, no doubt, a high-quality wine with excellent attributes that you’ll remember for a time. Its complexity and depth ensure that it stands out, much like a well-told fable with a lesson, that stays with you and is worth sharing with others.
Deep Wine Stain (Equivalent to 95-99 points)
Penetrates deeply into the material, making it very hard to remove
“Even just a sip will leave a deep impression in your memory, almost impossible to forget. It’s a truly exceptional wine with remarkable qualities that create a lasting print. It’s the kind of wine that you’ll think about and refer to for years, a profound experience that shapes your understanding and appreciation of wine.
The Indelible Wine Stain (Equivalent to the legendary 100 point)
Completely permanent and impossible to remove
“The epitome of excellence, leaving an indelible wine stain in your memory. It’s unforgettable, with perfect balance, depth, and complexity. This wine sets the standard for all others and remains a benchmark in your wine-tasting journey, like a pivotal moment that defines your passion and expertise.