Bordeaux : A Comprehensive Guide to the Wines Produced from 1961 to 1997

by Robert M., Jr. Parker
Vinarium image gallery: Wineries and landscapes:
Hardcover - 1584 pages 3rd Rev edition (October 2, 1998) Simon & Schuster; ISBN: 0684800152 ; Dimensions (in inches): 2.26 x 9.53 x 6.53 Organized by appellation, Bordeaux moves alphabetically from one producer to the next, providing essential information and an overview of the property and its owners, listing each vintage, and including numerical ratings and detailed tasting notes of most of that chateau's wines for the past thirty-seven years. At the end of each tasting note, Parker estimates the "anticipated maturity" -- the range of time when the wine should peak in flavor and balance -- and each entry concludes with a summary of the chateau's older vintages. Throughout these extensive commentaries and tasting notes, there is never a doubt that this is the most complete consumer's guide to the wines of Bordeaux ever written. Who is making Bordeaux's best and worst wines? What has a specific château's track record been over the last thirty or forty years? What châteaux are overrated and overpriced? Which are underrated or underpriced? Always with an eye toward the consumer, Parker distinguishes true value from perceived value. While the bulk of the book is given over to these ratings, the opening and closing chapters of the book provide readers with a true sense of the changes in the region and its vintages. Such critical issues as: Who most influences winemaking styles?, What role does technology play in modern wine production?, and What impact do second labels have on the quality of the first? are tackled here. Parker also lovingly describes the growing conditions in the region year by year, spending considerable time discussing the 1995 vintage, which he terms "the most consistently top-notch vintage since 1990." In addition to this, Parker reassesses the Bordeaux Classifications, the effects of the soil on the grapes, and the different winemaking processes. He then rounds out this incredible volume with a User's Guide to Bordeaux Wines, practical travel and dining information for wine-touring trips, a complete glossary of terminology, and a quick reference index of the entire book (Amazon.com)
ISBN	0684800152