Hugh Johnson on Wine

'On Wine-which brings together dozens of "articles, reviews, and
introductions," from titles as various as Vogue, Decanter, The Sunday Times
Wine Club newsletter Wine Times, and the journal you have in your hands, as
well as snippets from Johnson's bestselling books-has many moments where the
writing transcends the ostensible subject matter.'
The World of Fine Wine

One of the world's great authorities on wine, Hugh Johnson has been writing on
the subject (among others) for almost six decades. This selection chronicles
his personal take on developments that have revolutionised the industry for
half a century and more.

Johnson's prose describes as no one else can the endlessly fascinating
characters and landscapes of the wine world. He tells of setting sail with
sybarites and braving the perfect storm, he debates at length the Pleasure
Principle, lip-smacks through decadent dinners, teaches and learns in Tokyo
and files breathless dispatches from Beijing. He bids a poignant farewell to
the loveliest vintages, decries peremptory judgement and urges the Slow Food
philosophy; falls in love (again), this time with Tokaji, tells warm winter
tales through a vintage port and sets out a summer picnic at the source of the
Seine - all the while dryly annotating the scribbles of his younger self with
contemporary marginal hindsights.

This thoughtful, illuminating collection will delight not only lovers of wine,
food, history and travel but also anyone who enjoys the intoxicating power of
words.