Customer Reviews

The Wines of Burgundy: Revised Edition

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

If you go back and look at the reviews for the first edition of this book, "Cote d'Or," you will see I could not heap enough praise on it. I awaited this revision to see a compendium of Mr. Coates' tasting notes for the years beyond 1996, where the original volume dropped off. A lot has happened in Burgundy in a decade, and I expected to see Clive's typically insightful comments on the new wave of young winemakers, the effect of global warming, the continued move toward organic and biodynamic methods, the move away from exaggerated use of new oak and so on. And I really wanted to see which domaines might find their way for the first time into the extended section of detailed domaine profiles; what new tidbits of news would be included about the old standbys, and whether any would be pulled because Mr. Coates believes they have lost their touch.

Well, the first book was a tough act to follow, and I'm not yet convinced this one lives up to its promise. I may get more comfortable with the new version with time, but I think the decision to abandon the detailed profiles of key domaines that took up about 350 pages of the first edition was not merely bad judgment, but a fatal error.

The introductory section was and remains a nice, succinct overview. The section on Chablis seems quite perfunctory. Biss & Smith's "Wines of Chablis" (Writers International 2000) has more to offer, albeit it is not as up to date. The section on the Cote Chalonnaise is short but seems quite useful, and I know of no single volume in English devoted to it that would compete.

But all in all, it seems the Lord taketh more than he giveth back in this revision.

One more quibble -- the tasting notes swallow up most of the volume, not because new vintages are added, but because they are now in a large type version. Being ten years on since the first edition myself, perhaps I should appreciate this. But it strikes me as padding. Had the notes in this book been done up in the original typeface, the new book would be perhaps 600 pages long, I'd guess, or about 250 pages shorter than the original. and at that, there would be plenty of room for the extended profiles of the great domaines. So why was this done? I'll state the cynical view here... it would have required a very considerable effort to update the original domaine profiles, so rather than attempt that daunting task, they were simply yanked.

All in all, it seems to me the book adds a tiny bit by reaching out beyond the Cote d'Or, but takes away a great deal by eliminating the fascinating domaine profiles that were the heart and soul of the original volume.

Don't get me wrong, it's still a very good book. But for my high expectations, based on the original, perhaps I would be raving about it here. But grading in context -- as Clive Coates would be the first to advocate -- it doesn't sing "grand cru."

I think I will find myself going back to the ten year old "Cote d'Or" more often than I will turn to this one.

Clive Coates' previously published "Cote d'Or" is unsurpassed in its comprehensive research on Burgundy's vineyards, vintages, history, and profiles of Burgundy's domaines. He was a much younger man then, active in his profession and in better health, hence the gargantuan effort he poured into that epic volume is impossible to duplicate over a decade later by a man in retirement for several years now and in lesser health. I don't view his just published "The Wines of Burgundy" a "revised edition" as the subtitle states, but rather a sequel. In this sense he has published a fine volume that extends the reach of his first book on Burgundy. Both volumes should be on every Burgundy lover's desk.

I was eagerly awaiting Clive Coates update to the wines of burgundy as I love red burgundy in particular. I will say from the outset that it is quite different and not as monumental an effort as volume one but what a hard act to follow!It was good to have the tasting review update on the wines over the last 10 years as a reference as well as the vintage assessments but I have the impression that it takes up too much of the new volume and somehow detracts from it.I would have loved more details on the domaine profiles that he has upgraded or included for the first time,especially the younger vignerons e.g. Fourrier.It would have added so much to the book.There's something about the typesetting I don't like compared to the old volume but perhaps I'm being too picky.The colour maps are very good and better than the black and white ones of the first volume.Overall still worth getting to have as a reference for burgundy lovers.

Review itself isn't so much about the book, but is more a warning for those purchasing the kindle edition: it contains no images or maps! Especially when reading about Burgundy, this is sort of unforgivable!

I am still in the process of reading this book, but I will say that hundreds of pages -- ok, half of the book -- could've been saved if the tasting notes would've been left out. There are simply too many notes on too many wines. Living in the age of the internet, including this sort of information in a hard copy book is somewhat pointless. It would've been better to create a web database with these tasting notes that can be accessed by the reader, if desired. Personally, I was looking for a good, thorough book on Burgundy, with it's regions, vineyards, winemaking styles, etc. This book has all of that. However, the inclusion of so many tasting notes is overwhelming and seems like filler at times. Just hit on a few of the top producers and leave it at that next time.

What can be said about Clive Coates, MW? This is the quintessential book on Burgundy. No stone goes unturned. I believe this book will give me a strong chance to pass the theory portion of the MS exam. Well, at least the questions on Burgundy. Thank you for your brilliant offering.

This astounding book is required reading for all wine professionals, and highly desirable for anyone looking past the surface of Burgundy. Truly a work of art, very readable. Amazing depth and breadth. Unmissable if you love Burgundy, and a real window into the region if you need genuine perspectives and phenomenal detail.

Far and away the best source of information for a Burgundy lover. Each domain has been visited and reviewed. The detailed tasting notes go back decades. Much more expansive than his 1995 edition.

Burgundy is perhaps the most confusing wine region in the world. This book is THE BIBLE on burgundy. To anyone wanting to understand the differences between each climat or producer, this IS the book to read.

I find it pretty easy to read. Although one warning: This is not a book for the wine beginners. You'd be better off going for "Red and White" as an introduction, then THe World Altas of Wine as an intro to Burgundy (and other regions/countries) first. If you have conquered the burgundy section in the world altas and still yearns for more, this is the book to get.

If you are looking for a great read, a resource, or a better understanding of one of the greatest wine regions in the world, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.