By: Hugh Johnson Publisher: MITCH Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: MITCH Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 304 Publication Date: September 01, 2007
Hugh Johnson has won a legion of fans with his keen ability to make the sometimes complex topic of wine wonderfully lucid—and every year, his popular pocket guide is a bestseller. That makes it number one in the market. Here, he has completely revised and updated this classic, offering more current news than ever on over 6,000 wines, growers, and regions, along with up-to-the-minute vintage information, recommended wines (including budget options), and star ratings. With this book in hand, wine lovers won’t need anything else to help them select anything from a bottle for an everyday dinner to a prestige vintage for investment. A new section showcases Johnson’s special, personal choices, and there are plenty of quick-reference maps, charts, and fact boxes for a little extra guidance.
great little booklet This is a very useful and practical overview of wines and wineries. It's informative and as objective as can be.
A great gift I reviewed several pocket wine books before purchasing 20 copies of Hugh Johnson's book to give as gifts. This edition has the perfect balance of content to educate the novice and inform the expert.
Continues to be very good, although has some flaws I have been using this annual guide for many years and I continue to find it extremely useful. Johnson's approach is much more in-depth and informative than the various single-number raters. Compared to previous editions, however, I note two deficiencies in the 2008 edition:
* There is much less vintage information on many individual wine entries. (I refer to the vintage data in the individual listings, not the regional vintage summary table.) Past editions gave much greater history of which vintages were still recommended, ready, or at peak with unmentioned vintages being unrecommended. This edition in many instances lists only a few vintages. This important insight is no longer included.
* Johnson's publisher should pay attention to ensuring clear visual contrast. A different color is used to denote a vintage "at peak" from a vintage that is "just ready". The two colors are too close together and it can be difficult to discern which vintages are at peak.
While the guide is still extremely valuable and a truly comprehensive resource, these factors step it down a notch in my opinion.
Excellent reference book My husband has collected many books on wine. I first bought this book for him many years ago when his interest in wine became serious. Today, this is still the first book he picks up when he wants to know about a particular vintage and how it is rated. It gives just a short synopsis however it is very helpful when you're trying to decide what to buy.
Thank God for Pockets Wow, what a great little wine guide. Has saved my pallet many times over the past couple of months by steering me towards much better wines. Fun, easy and quick to use. I use it at the wine shop, the grocery store and online. An easy way to meet people in the wine aisle! You may leave the store with more than a bottle of wine and a wedge of cheese!! Cheers!!!
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
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