Good Wine: The New Basics Book

This book is very frustrating. Some topics, such as those in winemaking, are hopelessly vague and designed for the beginner. Other aspects, like discussing specific rootstock or clones of a varietal, are too specific and better for somebody with an advanced knowledge. At times information is out of date or slightly inaccurate. I'm frustrated by the whole section on varietals because the content is largely quoted, paraphrased and otherwise refers to different writers and researchers. If you don't have anything new to say, don't write it - just refer your reader to the expert.

Essentially this book is a waste of time for anybody beyond the beginner level of wine education and tasting. If you're new to the subject, check it out of the library (don't bother buying it). Everybody else is better sticking with a Zraly book for an introduction to wine followed by Hugh Johnson & Jancis Robinson for real worthwhile information. From there move on to specific topics by experts.