Oz Clarke's Pocket Wine Guide 2001

Oz Clarke's a noted authority in the field and his POCKET WINE GUIDE is updated annual with the latest information: POCKET WINE GUIDE 2007 offers up an A-Z organization packing over 1,600 entries and over 7,000 wines into a handy 'best of' reference. From best years for grape-growing in regions from Africa to Australia to assessments of price and quality, here's the 'one stop shopper' place to consult an authority - in a compact take-along tote which lends to consumer consultation in a wine shop as well as library reference.

This is a terrific wine guide. Oz Clarke is knowledgeable and concise in his descriptions and often spot on. But best of all, the guide is totally alphabetical...you don't have to go to the country or regional section first...it's all one big section. You can learn a lot from Clarke. but if you want a guide that helps you at the super market, the typical wine store (not one in NYC)...then get Andrea Immer's guide. Ever soooooooooo practical.

With its A-Z organization, truly 'pocket' sized narrow format with a durable hardcover for lasting reference, and survey of wines from Napa to Lebanon, Pocket Wine Guide 2006 is a recommended reference pick for any who seek at-a-glance information. There are over 1,600 entries on over 7,00 wines, plus tips on top values and favorites and advice on how to match wine to food. The latest vintage information assures a current guide.

This is a terrific guide! On the inside covers are charts that rate recent vintages. The book begins with discussions of the important winegrowing regions and brief analyses of the most recent harvests in each of them. But the main reason to buy this little gem is its main section, an alphabetically organised trove of information which not only offers opinions about thousands of winemakers, but also slips in informative tidbits about many grape varieties (not just the famous ones), and growing regions. A great guide for anyone who's interested in wine, especially those who want more than just the basics! If you are looking for a first book on wine, Oz's "Introducing Wine" might be a better choice - it offers much of the same information in a more user-friendly format with larger pages and print, as well as great pictures.

I wanted a wine book that was much more portable than the massive Wine Spectator Ultimate Buying Guide so that I could slip it into my pocket and visit the wine store or the supermarket. After reviewing this and other options (such as Hugh Johnson), I decided that Oz Clarke's book was the way to go. I got to know Clarke from his appearances on the New York Times Wine Today site, and have to say that this book is as well-organized and informative as I was led to expect. Every inch of this small book has information on it: inside the covers are vintage charts, and each page is full of information rather than loads of illustrations. THe illustrations that are included are well-selected and useful (maps, labels from the most important makers, etc.)This book is organized in an encylopedia format, with everything from the wine-growing region of Abruzzo to the varietal Zinfandel covered. In addition Clarke includes his top wines of the year, modern wine style, matching food and wine, serving and storing suggestions.Moreover the book is readable--something that few wine encyclopedias are. It is no small feat to make an alphabetical listing of wine topics interesting enough that you can sit down and read it cover to cover. Highly recommended!