During this year of the pandemic, 2020, my husband and I (and also son at home from college) have been re-introducing ourselves to the wide variety of wines out there. It's been something to do. And not going out to dinner anymore affords us the opportunity to buy a few bottles at a time to try out with our home-cooked meals.

When I came across this used copy on the first day that bookstores in our state were allowed to re-open, I picked it up.

I have found that this is an excellent refresher on wine appreciation without feeling dumbed-down. Sure, some people (those with 500-bottle cellars, maybe) might find this book too basic. Since this was published in 2004, some pricing information (not overly used in this book, however) might be out of date. Oldman intentionally avoided suggesting certain vintage years.

I appreciated Mark Oldman's suggestions and tips (such as #49 : Instead of Sauvignon Blanc, try Gewurztraminer). ( )

Surprisingly good and useful book. Not only good for beginners but likely to be useful to more experienced wine drinkers as well. ( )

A readable but cursory look at wine. Very US-centric, so probably best as an introduction to wine for someone who plans to drink mostly American wine. ( )