The thread below focused much on flavor but was along the same lines of what you were proposing. -Glenn

Here is a link that might be useful: Best of the Best tasting apple varieties

Hi Glenn,

Not arguing with the results of that thread at all, I think we could put something together here that could help backyard and orchard growers make better decisions about apple varieties based on a few more required criteria. Especially with an indicated USDA zone.

Apple varieties have the tendency to grow best under certain conditions. I think you'll see the cream rise to the top again, just with more information.

I know you came up with the point system, but that may be unfair to certain varieties since its such a small sample of people's opinions.

Aim here is, simply, this is what grows best where I am, and is a favorite of others with a reliability factor involved.

The zone is critical.
I was testing apple varieties imported into West Australia.

All the names of the most famous apples were being tested.

Our climate just destroyed any cold climate apples.
I had to travel to get a good appreciation of cold climate apples.

I still never found anything as good as a good Sundowner.
You could grow Sundowner a fair way south in California I imagine, use Granny Smith as a pollinator, load the Sundowner up with crop, stress it a bit with a big crop.
Crikey I miss my orchard!!

Glenns link is excellent!

Other important characteristics to hear about would be pest and disease resistance/susceptibility.

Here is a link that might be useful: my mini orchard