The Great Wines of America

I just finished Paul Lukacs' book, "The Great Wines of America", and just happened to recently have tasted two of his selections (although the vintages and labels are not the same as in the book). Although I would disagree with the subtitle, "The Top Forty Vintners, Vineyards, and Vintages", I did enjoy the coverage of the winemakers and their struggles to bring their wines to market. There are far too many great wines out there to list these 40 as the best.

One of the themes throughout the book is the concept that it is the terroir that determines the greatness of the wines, if the winemaker can let the true expression of the place come out. With minimal intervention, and low yields and proper ripeness, the wine makes itself, or as one winemaker commented, it is better to manipulate the grapes instead of the wine.

All in all a good read, particularly if you have a good bottle open. I have already ordered some of the wines mentioned (L. Mawby and Horton).