» Review of Hugh Johnsons Pocket Wine Book at Look and Taste’s Wine Blog

Review of Hugh Johnsons Pocket Wine Book

Hugh Johnsons Pocket Wine Book 2009

The original pocket wine book that is now in its 32nd edition and going strong. Figures of 10 Million copies sold worldwide shows that this book has become an institution in its own right.

The books is nicely set out with vintage details inside the hard cover. What differs in this book as opposed to say Oz Clarkes [Click here for my review of Oz's book] book is that Johnson tackles each region in its own section. With very nice maps a brief discussion of the region and recent vintages by sub region this really is wine geek heaven.

The producers are listed alphabetically with star ratings and details of which vintages are drinking well now, which should be layed down for another day and which really need to drank up as they are fading. I have heard Hugh Johnson described more as a wine writer as opposed to a wine critic - he has an interesting take on scoring wines. Where he rates them based on how much he would drink from a sip all the way through to buying the vineyard. It is an interesting take on what is an extremely subjective topic. The food and Wine pairing section towards the end of the book is also very well constructed and layed out.

I really like Mr Johnsons book possibly a little more then Oz’s if I am perfectly honest. However it is probably not necessary to buy both books every year. Ideally you could buy them on a two year rotation. Again, loads of information at a fair price - as they are annuals you can often pick them up for a bargain slightly later in the year.

Robertfranciswine - 88+ Points

Available - Easons, most bookshops and some wine retailers

Price Bracket - Currently at €12.99 on www.easons.ie