Customer Reviews

Oz Clarke's Bordeaux: The Wines, the Vineyards, the Winemakers

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a very enjoyable book to leaf through, filled with a variety of photographs along with many interesting sidebars and lists of wines to sample; however, because the focus is on Clarke's love affair with the Bordeaux region and its wines, and because much of the text assumes knowledge of complex subject matter that many readers will not have, it's not necessarily a good primer for those who are just beginning to make their way through the maze of Bordeaux wines. Look to Stephen Brook's "The Complete Bordeaux" for that.

A couple of other caveats: Clarke could have used a better editor as many sentences ramble on to the point of incomprehension. And while the book is filled with gorgeous photographs, I would like to have seen fewer photos in which the author appears. Do we really need to see Oz Clarke getting a facial in a Bordeaux spa?

Despite these quibbles, "Oz Clarke's Bordeaux" is a fascinatingly eclectic book that any Bordeaux enthusiast would do well to have on their shelf. I bought a copy through an Amazon reseller for a few dollars - a steal at that price.

Clarke's book is a must for anyone interested in learning more about Bordeaux. His passion and jovial approach to the subject made it a page-turner, and also a resource manual. Actually, I have purchased many wines based on his reviews contained within the book.

My only slight criticism is the way in which he rated almost every year from every vineyard as being "their best years." That certainly cannot be and I would have rather had him be a little more critical, and less diplomatic. That could simply be the difference between myself and American, and Mr. Clarke, a Brit.... :).

Great book, do buy it.

This is a beautiful book. Great color photos, useful maps. Clearly this is written by someone who not only loves the wine but loves and is familiar with the region. It is nostalgic but also gives a huge amount of information. Great for coffetables or at the bedside.

This is a superb book for the wine enthusiast, combining a travel guide to the Bordeaux region, primer on the growing and production process, and guide to the various appellations. It is especially useful for the wine enthusiast like me, who has some basic knowledge but no real expertise. It would be very useful in planning a trip to the region, and I plan to try it out later this year.

Is this a complete treatise on Bordeaux? No! If you want that, Stephen Brook fills the role really well. If you want a multitude of tasting notes, Broadbent and (sigh) Parker offer that. But if what you're aiming for is an eminently digestible, easy read that entertains as well as informs, you've found it.

This was one of the first books on Bordeaux I read and coming back to it after a while, I'm really struck by how upbeat Clarke is. There's no terrible complaint and dissatisfaction, just a "different strokes for different folks" attitude written by a guy who's clearly in love with the region. I get the sense that he enjoys tasting these wines more than he enjoys giving them a score, which I think is something that can't so frequently be said anymore.

In short, an excellent, brief overview of the region and its chateaux as well as some useful travel tips.

On cellartracker.com as "Englishman's Claret"

This is the best primer on the complex Bordeaux region that I have read. Clarke's "almost 3-D" maps give you the feeling of being on the ground in the various sub-regions of Bordeaux. An entertaining read, when you are finished you will have a very good understanding of the sub-regions, the vineyards and, most importantly, the types of Bordeaux that suit your preferences. You will be well armed to decide which types of Bordeaux to try.

Provides a quick reference to the winemakers in each region of Bordeaux but not a good book to provide insights on traveling to the region.

It's been a pleasure to read a book like this in english. It is very descriptive (a "must" for a book like this), although not to the grade of being short-minded; on the contrary, it is very useful.