Customer Reviews

The Connoisseurs' Handbook of the Wines of California and the Pacific Northwest: Fourth Edition

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I received this 11/98 version as a gift. I use it extensively as a reference for learning about different local varietals, and use it when purchasing, and then consuming, certain vintages. My one personal gripe is that I just cannot afford to try all the wines in recommendation. (Maybe that's a good thing!)

Actually it's more than that. It's like an encyclopedia, dictionary, atlas and buying guide all in one. I'm so happy to see a new addition of this book. There are so many new wines and wineries to know about that it makes my head spin. This book sorts it all out in a very concise and comprehensive format. Bravo!

There is no better guide for knowing the ins and outs of wineries throughout California. Large and small wineries they are all there. Forget some of the reviews. The background of each winery is great reading...

A vast array of information not easily available. Reliable reviews of the wines of virtually every known winery, and reliable comments about the future development and direction of wineries.

As a winewriter interested in all aspects of fine wines and communication dealing with wines, this is a Bible of a book. The book provides insight into not only the famous and well known winemakers and wineries, but also the least known, small production wineries. It is in this area, I believe, that the future of the real 'terroir' of the region will be discovered and maintained. The book also explores the development of the region as a vinicultural tour de force. The section on grape varieties is especially informative. The book indicates and follows the progression and sorting out of grape varieties in this region, and provides an educational backdrop to the crossover from 'Old World' to 'New World's wine production.'