The Wines of Burgundy: Revised Edition

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If you go back and look at the reviews for the first edition of this book, "Cote d'Or," you will see I could not heap enough praise on it. I awaited this revision to see a compendium of Mr. Coates' tasting notes for the years beyond 1996, where the original volume dropped off. A lot has happened in Burgundy in a decade, and I expected to see Clive's typically insightful comments on the new wave of young winemakers, the effect of global warming, the continued move toward organic and biodynamic methods, the move away from exaggerated use of new oak and so on. And I really wanted to see which domaines might find their way for the first time into the extended section of detailed domaine profiles; what new tidbits of news would be included about the old standbys, and whether any would be pulled because Mr. Coates believes they have lost their touch.

Well, the first book was a tough act to follow, and I'm not yet convinced this one lives up to its promise. I may get more comfortable with the new version with time, but I think the decision to abandon the detailed profiles of key domaines that took up about 350 pages of the first edition was not merely bad judgment, but a fatal error.

The introductory section was and remains a nice, succinct overview. The section on Chablis seems quite perfunctory. Biss & Smith's "Wines of Chablis" (Writers International 2000) has more to offer, albeit it is not as up to date. The section on the Cote Chalonnaise is short but seems quite useful, and I know of no single volume in English devoted to it that would compete.

But all in all, it seems the Lord taketh more than he giveth back in this revision.

One more quibble -- the tasting notes swallow up most of the volume, not because new vintages are added, but because they are now in a large type version. Being ten years on since the first edition myself, perhaps I should appreciate this. But it strikes me as padding. Had the notes in this book been done up in the original typeface, the new book would be perhaps 600 pages long, I'd guess, or about 250 pages shorter than the original. and at that, there would be plenty of room for the extended profiles of the great domaines. So why was this done? I'll state the cynical view here... it would have required a very considerable effort to update the original domaine profiles, so rather than attempt that daunting task, they were simply yanked.

All in all, it seems to me the book adds a tiny bit by reaching out beyond the Cote d'Or, but takes away a great deal by eliminating the fascinating domaine profiles that were the heart and soul of the original volume.

Don't get me wrong, it's still a very good book. But for my high expectations, based on the original, perhaps I would be raving about it here. But grading in context -- as Clive Coates would be the first to advocate -- it doesn't sing "grand cru."

I think I will find myself going back to the ten year old "Cote d'Or" more often than I will turn to this one.

This is the long-awaited second edition of Clive Coates' Cote d'Or book. It contains an amazing level of details on the Burgundy producers, regions, districts, and vineyards. This edition also covers vintages from 1959 forward, up to and including a brief review of the 2007 vintage. It's mind boggling how much information there is. And it's also envy-inducing to realize how much wines Mr. Coates has tasted over the years. :-)

The first chapter is fascinating reading for a wine newbie like me. It contains information on the wine making process, vineyard management, and how to best enjoy the bottles. I especially love the Vougeot map where each producer's plot is outlined. (See Maps: The Cote de Nuits page 15). And having tasted the 1997 Jean Grivot Vosne Romanee Beaux Monts and found it full of fruit and elegance (despite that vintage's reputation), I am very happy to see that Mr. Coates has elevated Domaine Jean Grivot to 3 stars. Of course prices for Jean Grivot's wines will be rising accordingly now that Mr. Coates has given the Domaine a higher rating but, c'est la vie, non?

Happy reading and tasting!

Clive Coates' previously published "Cote d'Or" is unsurpassed in its comprehensive research on Burgundy's vineyards, vintages, history, and profiles of Burgundy's domaines. He was a much younger man then, active in his profession and in better health, hence the gargantuan effort he poured into that epic volume is impossible to duplicate over a decade later by a man in retirement for several years now and in lesser health. I don't view his just published "The Wines of Burgundy" a "revised edition" as the subtitle states, but rather a sequel. In this sense he has published a fine volume that extends the reach of his first book on Burgundy. Both volumes should be on every Burgundy lover's desk.

Very disappointed to find just a listing of wines - thousands - with no commentary or interesting asides.

I was eagerly awaiting Clive Coates update to the wines of burgundy as I love red burgundy in particular. I will say from the outset that it is quite different and not as monumental an effort as volume one but what a hard act to follow!It was good to have the tasting review update on the wines over the last 10 years as a reference as well as the vintage assessments but I have the impression that it takes up too much of the new volume and somehow detracts from it.I would have loved more details on the domaine profiles that he has upgraded or included for the first time,especially the younger vignerons e.g. Fourrier.It would have added so much to the book.There's something about the typesetting I don't like compared to the old volume but perhaps I'm being too picky.The colour maps are very good and better than the black and white ones of the first volume.Overall still worth getting to have as a reference for burgundy lovers.

In-depth and judicious book about Burgundy wines.

A must for this wine type lovers

I much prefer his book Cote D'or as it contains more detailed domaine profile. I wish Clive had done more updates in that area. However the new chapter on Chablis was a welcome addition. I would recommend this to anybody who wants to get more in-depth information about Burgundy.

For newcomers to Burgundy, I would imagine the scant detail on the individual domaines could be frustating (compare the style of the Domaine overviews to Stephen Brook's similarly styled book covering Bordeaux). Nonetheless, an essential guide to the thoughts of 30+ years covered by one of the best Burg palates there is. The tasting notes are excellent for those with Burg's in the cellar, or shopping at auction. Further, I found the general descriptions of the various Cru's and climats most valuable.

This is the very best book on wines from this reagon that I have ever read.

If you are interested on wines from Burgundy - just get it. It is well worth the money.

A good example is that there is a very detailed section on wines from Chablis. Chablis is perhaps a small part of Burgundy and yet this book treats these wines in great detail... if it does this good a job on Chablis then imagine what a job is does on Cote d'or for example.

Written by a Master of Wine who's lived in Burgundy for decades, this is the most valuable book that I have found on the subject. It is consisely written, yet very comprehensive. In addition to the Cote d'Or, the book now includes sections on Chablis and Cote Chalonnaise. Vintage assessments and tasting notes are thourough and reliable. I highly recommend this book.

Burgundy is perhaps the most confusing wine region in the world. This book is THE BIBLE on burgundy. To anyone wanting to understand the differences between each climat or producer, this IS the book to read.

I find it pretty easy to read. Although one warning: This is not a book for the wine beginners. You'd be better off going for "Red and White" as an introduction, then THe World Altas of Wine as an intro to Burgundy (and other regions/countries) first. If you have conquered the burgundy section in the world altas and still yearns for more, this is the book to get.