Rich’s book title has no caps… This isn’t an error, it’s a replication as he’s written it.

For me, Rich Hinkle is one of the most talented writers that we have in the wine business; and I say for me, because I honor that perspective is a very personal issue. We all have our favorite writers, because somehow that preferred writer’s style and delivery speaks to us individually… That’s what Rich is for me; someone whose style of writing is closely aligned with how I like to read and learn about anything.

“Good Wine” is a book about a life fully filled with delicate nuances, although, that’s not blatantly presented. It’s hidden between the layers of information. Each new discovery reveals that in order to have this information, it’s taken his entire career of learning about wine to reach such conclusions. Delivered in a most common denominator style, it remains fully engaging, from one page to the next.

The book is broken down in many segments of our wine world: Wines, Buying, Tasting, Pairings, Winegrowing, World’s Wines, and Wine Country. Each concept within those segments has glorious photography to enhance the reader’s experience. The modicum of humor throughout continues to drive each point home. The best way to help anyone remember anything is to add a bit of humor to the learning process. Rich slips into interesting closing thoughts that give his readers a moment to pause and ponder.

My favorite bit of humor is Hinkle’s Third Law. I always wondered what that segment of the wine world was like. Little did I know it was such a conundrum!

The book is a wonderful introduction for people just starting out in the fascinating world of wine, and a classic re-connect for those of us who have had similar experiences.

This is a highly recommended book, as it’s just a delightful read.