BITS FROM DOWN UNDER
Australian Wine Vintages "Gold Book"
By Robin Bradley

This pocket-sized wine encyclopedia packs a punch! Now in its 23nd edition, the Australian Wine Vintages "Gold Book" has become an invaluable resource for Australian wine information, and for good reason. Author Robin Bradley covers the gamut of Australian wine, listing the wines alphabetically, rating them along a five-star system and including the "Best Year to Drink" recommendation from the winemakers themselves. The 2006 edition, which came out in October 2005, includes more than 16,000 entries covering 1,818 wines from 410 winemakers. The edition is offered in hardcover, a changeover from the paperback editions it previously produced. Unfortunately, the publisher does not offer a paperback version for those who prefer it.

Readers will be pleased by the clear presentation, which includes color label images of most of the wines and a short blurb about each winery. Whether you're looking to break into the world of Australian wines, or just looking for a tool to enhance your current collection, the "Gold Book" proves itself to be a trusted resource.

Date Published: 10/24/05