Wine Spectator's: California Wine [Hardcover]

James Laube (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 1999

The second edition of the most extensive book of California wine reviews ever published. Wine Spectator's California Wine is a definitive guide featuring descriptions and ratings for 5,000 individual California wines -- from widely available bargains to collectible rarities. Includes new tasting notes and in-depth profiles for more than 700 California wineries, along with starred ratings and details on history, vineyards, and specialties. Written by noted California wine expert and Wine Spectator senior editor James Laube.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

He may be employed by the magazine, but James Laube is no mere wine spectator. He's an active participant, as evidenced by Wine Spectator's California Wine, the completely revised second edition of his 1996 James Beard Award winner. Drawing on more than 50,000 personal tasting notes and two decades as a wine writer--most of it as the Spectator's Napa-based correspondent--Laube presents a refreshing reference work ("not a buyers' guide" he insists) to those serious about California wine. California viticulture has seen a lot of changes between editions--vineyards replanted, wineries sold, CEOs turned vintners demanding (and getting) $100-plus for their first bottlings--and the author has tasted pretty much all of it. Introductory chapters provide the reader a nuanced overview of California wine history, grape plantings, wine appellations, vintage evaluations, and even an offbeat fact or two (according to the agricultural commissioner, Mendocino County grapes are its No. 2 cash crop; marijuana is No. 1). But it's chapter 7, with its alphabetical profiles of (almost) every producing winery in the state, that'll be required reading for anyone who's ever worn out their brake linings on the Oakville Grade. Each winery's entry consists of overall quality rating (one to five stars), founding date, current owner, winemaker, acreage, case production, varietals estate-grown and purchased, as well as notes on selected wines. Of course, a few biases show through. Laube doesn't seem to be much of a merlot fan; he tends to be Napacentric; and his vintage ratings by grape type are based on subjective areas (when Laube calls 1995 a five-star year for zinfandel, he means Napa or Sonoma zins; Amador County need not apply). But it's rousing to read his repeated assertion that very, very few California wines are meant to be cellared long-term and that he'd "rather drink a wine a year or two too early than one week too late." --Tony Mason

From Booklist

New edition of a title that came out in 1996, covering more than 700 wineries and wine brands, with ratings and tasting notes for more than 5,000 wines.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 758 pages
• Publisher: Running Press; 2 Updated edition (September 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1881659569
• ISBN-13: 978-1881659563
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.4 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,267,986 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Detailed Review of Californian Wine, January 8, 2000

By 

Chris Yates (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wine Spectator's: California Wine (Hardcover)

Knowing the region pretty well, I was really looking forward to getting this book when I ordered it back in the summer. I was not disappointed. Providing one of the most detailed studies of California in one volume, the only thing that has let it down is it only goes upto 1996 vintage. Considering this book has just come out and the 1997 vintage is available to buy , I was little disappointed but it is still never the less a very good book. Enjoy it!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive walkthrough on California, November 9, 2000

By 

Kim Nielsen (Skovlunde Denmark) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wine Spectator's: California Wine (Hardcover)

This is a fine book. 650 pages crammed with information, such as regions (counties), producers, wines, vintages in abundant amounts. I have to agree with earlier posts on most points. Some (more) labels would've been nice, although. Interesting statistics are also added (eg grape variety) and description on grape types. A good book for the beginner as well as the 'half-pro'. Includes description of vintages up to 1997 (book is 2nd edition, printed in 99). All-in-all : recommendable..:-)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars California Wine, June 29, 2003

By 

William R. Cramer (Spring, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wine Spectator's: California Wine (Hardcover)

I found this to be an outstanding book full of useful information. I loved the history of individual wineries and the people who make it work. All in all, if you love California wine and want to know more about it, this is the book for you.