Oz Clarke's Bordeaux: The Wines, the Vineyards, the Winemakers

by Oz Clarke

Bordeaux has always been the center of attention in the wine world, with some of the greatest wines, the most historic châteaux, and the highest level of glamour and prestige. And, despite increasing competition from new classic wine areas around the world, it still accounts for more than 90 percent of global wine futures and auction markets.In his trademark A-to-Z format, Oz profiles more than three hundred of Bordeaux’s most important châteaux as well as their second wines and discount brands, and recommends and describes hundreds of other châteaux. With color photos, wine labels, charts, and maps throughout, this volume covers each of Bordeaux’s subregions in sumptuous detail—fully exploring the area’s history, geography, soils, and grape varieties.Oz is at his witty, incisive best on this region, which he has both championed and challenged for years. With his vivid descriptions of the area as well as his knowledge of classic and best-value wines, this is an essential book for all lovers of Bordeaux wine.

Genres: Wine

239 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 2006

Reviews

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second reading

The most famous blended wines in the world come from France's Bordeaux. There are plenty of people that will lend you their expertise in choosing the "right" chateau. These include: James Suckling, Robert Parker, Jancis Robinson, and Hugh Johnson. I think that this book holds up in comparison very well. Further, I find that Clarke takes me on a very languid and pleasant journey through the region. If you are not as interested in the most recent changes in personnel or the favored vintages, I would recommend you do as I did and find this edition at your library or used bookseller. For a little bit of time (and, perhaps, money) you can come to understand this unique bit of France, its vineyards, terroir, and the passions of its winemakers. Reading it makes me thirsty....and regretful of what I didn't see on my only trip to the region.

First reading

In going through this vineyard by vineyard analysis, I find I share many of Clarke's enthusiasms. I wish I had his access to the great vintages of the best chateaux.
Clarke is criticized by others for his joyous exclamations, but I find that they are balanced by some real insights into which winemakers, and owners have spent the time to create a truly indulgent experience. And they better do so at the prices these wines are bringing.

Some of Clarke's musings reference the changes that have taken place in the vineyards with the gradual climate changes of the past 80 years. That, too, was observational detail that I appreciated.

[Albert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have rated this book 4-stars if the author hadn't included 14 photos of himself in the book. In reading a book on wine, I'm not really concerned with what the author looks like. That having been said, the book got better as it went along. The sections on the classic Left Bank and Right Bank appellations were solid and contained the standard information, with the addition of a few choice nuggets drawn from the author's extensive visits to Bordeaux. Where the book shines is in the attention paid to the Côtes and lesser appellations. After reading the book, I feel like I'm beginning to understand the differences between Blaye, Bourg, Francs, and Castillon. Still, this book is fairly introductory. It's great for anyone new to Bordeaux, and a good review of the rudiments for someone studying for the WSET Diploma (i.e., me). But for more in-depth treatment, I plan to look elsewhere.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bordeaux has some of the best wines on the planet and some of the worst. Very helpful book that helps you understand the appellations first and second wine system, the crus and premier crus. Left and right bank wines the cotes and the Entre deux mers region very formative and honest appraisal of what to buy avoid and dream about

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent travel book for Bordeaux that goes into immense detail on the different styles of wine in the region as well.