Allen Meadows' Book

Curious as to everyone's thoughts on "The Pearl of the Cote". The first pre-order offer just came out... $71 with shipping. A lot of money, but I can't see how this won't be worth every cent for those who enjoy the wines of Vosne-Romanee.

For what's it's worth, I'm sure the costs of making a 350page small production book with maps and photos are very high and there is not a lot of profit being made on this.

[Robin Garr]

No question that Allen is the go-to guy for Burgundy, and you have to give him a heck of a lot of credit for getting in there and quietly establishing himself as THE expert in a difficult region that clearly stymied The Big Guy and his minions.

The price point clearly places the book as one for serious enthusiasts, but if you fit that category, I'll say simply from knowing Allen over quite a few years that your money won't be wasted.

[David M. Bueker]

Burgundy has not stymied RP's latest "minion" Mr. Schildknecht. Wow it's amazing how easy it is for people to take shots with generalities.

[Robin Garr]

Burgundy has not stymied RP's latest "minion" Mr. Schildknecht. Wow it's amazing how easy it is for people to take shots with generalities.

With all respect to David, with whom I've tasted many a wine in his days at Vintner Select and for whom I have considerable respect, I think he'd be the first to say that his forte is in Germany, although I absolutely agree that he's strong on France in general as well.

I don't think he's achieved Allen's stature for Burgundy, though. And let's face it, when we think of Parker (or Parker & Co.) and Burgundy, it's hard not to recall the guru's banishment, or the apparent disparity between classic Burgundy and his seeming preference in wine styles.

[David M. Bueker]

David is an enormously talented taster, and his reviews of Burgundy & the Languedoc have been first rate.

His liability is speed (or lack thereof), usually due to the fact that he spreads himself so thin.

[Robin Garr]

David is an enormously talented taster, and his reviews of Burgundy & the Languedoc have been first rate.

His liability is speed (or lack thereof), usually due to the fact that he spreads himself so thin.

I don't see that we have any real disagreement here, David. These statements are true, and they do not conflict with my assertion that Allen has carved himself a niche as the Burgundy guy.

Allen's reviews are also MUCH more comprehensive, as his entire publication is devoted entirely to Burgundy. It's always interesting to get multiple reviews though. It's too bad Clive Coates has stopped publishing "The Vine", which also did quite comprehensive Burgundy reviews.

[David M. Bueker]

My disagreement is that in your usual glee to have a cheap shot at RP you cast your buckshot a tad too wide.

I agree that Meadows has done a commendable job. I completely disagree that Burgundy has stymied (your word) Mr. Schildknecht.

[Robin Garr]

My disagreement is that in your usual glee to have a cheap shot at RP you cast your buckshot a tad too wide.

I agree that Meadows has done a commendable job. I completely disagree that Burgundy has stymied (your word) Mr. Schildknecht.

Look, David. I was tasting with David back when he was the wine guy at the best local wine shop in Louisville. I know him reasonably well and have a lot of respect for him. Perhaps for that reason, I still don't think of him in connection with Wine Advocate. Do you really think it's a cheap shot to point out that RMP burned a LOT of bridges in Burgundy, and left a problematic surrogate to cover it for him for quite a while before David came along?

Don't get so fixated on my occasional wish to point out the Emperor's near nudity that you miss the point: Meadows' book will be good, very good. Whether it's $71 worth of good depends on how much the reader cares about Burgundy.

[David M. Bueker]

I have not missed the point that the book will be very good. I am planning to buy it.

I just see that you're a little thinly veiled as well.

Whilst I think Robin's original comment didn't give fair dues to one of the better Parker employees (Mr S), let's not get into a slanging match between moderators. I do expect moderators to set the example for the rest of us to follow (quite the reason I never joined that other forum).

Please take it to PM if there's any mileage left in the discussion.

regards

Ian

[David M. Bueker]

D'oh!

Yes, sir.