Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2008: 31st Edition

User Review: - great little booklet
This is a very useful and practical overview of wines and wineries. It's informative and as objective as can be.

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User Review: - A great gift
I reviewed several pocket wine books before purchasing 20 copies of Hugh Johnson's book to give as gifts. This edition has the perfect balance of content to educate the novice and inform the expert.

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User Review: - Continues to be very good, although has some flaws
I have been using this annual guide for many years and I continue to find it extremely useful. Johnson's approach is much more in-depth and informative than the various single-number raters. Compared to previous editions, however, I note two deficiencies in the 2008 edition:

* There is much less vintage information on many individual wine entries. (I refer to the vintage data in the individual listings, not the regional vintage summary table.) Past editions gave much greater history of which vintages were still recommended, ready, or at peak with unmentioned vintages being unrecommended. This edition in many instances lists only a few vintages. This important insight is no longer included.

* Johnson's publisher should pay attention to ensuring clear visual contrast. A different color is used to denote a vintage "at peak" from a vintage that is "just ready". The two colors are too close together and it can be difficult to discern which vintages are at peak.

While the guide is still extremely valuable and a truly comprehensive resource, these factors step it down a notch in my opinion.

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User Review: - Excellent reference book
My husband has collected many books on wine. I first bought this book for him many years ago when his interest in wine became serious. Today, this is still the first book he picks up when he wants to know about a particular vintage and how it is rated. It gives just a short synopsis however it is very helpful when you're trying to decide what to buy.

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User Review: - Thank God for Pockets
Wow, what a great little wine guide. Has saved my pallet many times over the past couple of months by steering me towards much better wines. Fun, easy and quick to use. I use it at the wine shop, the grocery store and online. An easy way to meet people in the wine aisle! You may leave the store with more than a bottle of wine and a wedge of cheese!! Cheers!!!

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