[.ca] Red, White, and Drunk All Over: A Wine Soaked Journey ... (ISBN 038566155X)

The Adventures of a Wine Anti-Snob!:
I imagine that it must be more than a little difficult to be the person who writes those little blurbs describing wines on the backs of the labels and in the weekend papers. Having said that, I suppose it's even more difficult to write a comprehensive book on the subject. Being the sort of reader and information junkie that Natalie Maclean makes fun of at the beginning of her book who actually likes to read the Oxford Companion for so much intoxicating information, I'm glad of the occasional pieces of work of writers like his who can offer up so much information while at the same time writing and weaving it into so many thoughtful, witty and charming stories about the subject. Natalie Maclean writes like the love child of Peter Mayle and Jancis Robinson, who has trained as a stand-up comic. It's fun, funny, humble and very informative. I've always wondered as to the origins of the Kir Royale and what makes Riedel the leader in wine glass technology (I figured that if it didn't leak from the bottom, it'd do!). The author clearly has not only the talent of the palette, but that wonderful sommelier's vocabulary that is so different from mine that allows her to communicate what she's tasting, when she slows down to taste it :-)

A triumph for the vintage:
Natalie MacLean's elegant prose allows us to lose ourselves in a world that any aspiring sommelier or the most casual of wine drinkers can appreciate. Her book is an inspired passion through rich and engaging language and emotion that is at one stage, humourous, and another, comforting. It is a triumph and a must for those of us whose evenings may be seduced by a fine wine.

Drunk all over...a great read:
Wine a dry subject? Often, yes. But not this book. No wine snobs prattling on here. It's a thoroughly entertaining read and a great way to learn more about wine and regions without feeling like you're plowing through a textbook. I really liked the way it's written as a series of personal experiences, rich with characters, anecdotes and geography. Natalie's writing style pulls it all together into a humourous informing blend that makes it hard to put down.

Red, White, and Drunk All Over: A Wine Soaked Journey:
Natalie MacLean has really created something here. Her book addresses many questions and issues I was too timid to ask of an "expert". She doesn't talk over my head; however, the more-informed wine drinker will have plenty to think about when reading. The best part is, Red, White, and Drunk All Over is funny and entertaining as well as informative. What more could you ask?

As an enjoyable as a fine cabernet:
Just enough information to add texture, and the added personal notes give a bountiful body.