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Thirsty Work
Matt Skinner
Hardie Grant Books, RRP $34.95
For those who have never heard of Matt Skinner, prepare to be amazed, amused and enthralled. At only 30, Matt has produced a book about wine that is incredibly easy to read while being informative and funny all at once. His anthropomorphic wine descriptions are witty and engaging and his conversational tone makes the complex story of wine a breeze to read. For example, his take on Gewürztraminer (also known as just traminer): “Like an oversized drag queen with too much make-up, way too much perfume, mega high heels, and very little shame, this variety is the flamboyantly camp member of the white grape family!” is evocative. He goes on to say, “If Gewürztraminer were an outfit it would be socks, sandals, and a camel brown safari suit.” Another way of saying it’s very unfashionable; downright daggy, in fact.
I love the contemporary design of the book. Each page catches your eye with its bold headings and clever photography. It’s a mix of mono and colour, magazine and book, puns and cliches.
Thirsty Work is perfect for anyone who has a feeling of dread each time the wine list is passed their way or when dropping into the local liquor store on the way to a wine-savvy friend’s dinner party.
With Matt Skinner’s aid, you’ll be able to pronounce the rarest of wines, like Mourvèdre, and know that it should taste like plums, mushrooms, tobacco, animals and roast lamb!
-R.B. | 
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THE WINE DRINKER’S GUIDE TO THE VINEYARD
Dunmore Press, Rrp $29.95
Do you enjoy a glass of good wine? Are you interested in knowing more about what you’re drinking? This informative guide lets you in on the secrets of an industry with far more to it than most fathom. Covering issues ranging from cloning grapes to a discussion on the human influence on grape growing, even the most serious wine expert is sure to learn a lot. Find out how a wine adopts its colouring, or what makes up its aroma — you’ll be surprised to learn just how many terms there are to describe different fragrances of wine. A real conversation starter, this guide is a fascinating read for any serious wine enthusiast.
-R.B. | 
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THE REALLY USEFUL POCKET WINE BOOK:Indispensable advice for the curious wine drinker
Max Allen
Hardie Grant Books, Rrp $9.95
They say that looks can be deceiving and in this case it’s true. This book appears tiny, but the amount of information, really useful information, is huge! Author Max Allen provides a practical guide to wine drinking as well as many interesting wine facts. Did you realise that the way a wine is stored can influence its flavour? Has working out which wines go with what food always confused you? Have you always wanted to know how to spot the good wines from the bad? These questions and many more are answered in a straightforward and comprehensive manner by one of Australia’s most distinguished wine experts. Although the book doesn’t go into a lot of detail (which may be better for the less wine-savvy among us), it will expand your knowledge and tell you what each Australian wine region does best and how the different kinds of wines are made. From safely opening a bottle of sparkling to cooking with wine, The really useful pocket wine book covers a lot of bases.
-R.B | 
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THE LIQUID KITCHEN - PARTY DRINKS
Hayden Wood
Murdoch Books, Rrp $29.95
Whether you’ve been mixing cocktails for years, or are just starting out, The Liquid Kitchen - Party Drinks is an invaluable resource in any home bar. With his easy-to-follow instructions, author Hayden Wood will soon have you mixing like a pro. Not limited to cocktails, the book also contains recipes for ‘mocktails’, which will be sure to keep even the most tame drinker pleased. From tonic water to a Tom Jones, Wood has covered all bases to ensure a successful gathering, whatever the occasion, and the bright, colourful photography gives the book a vibrancy that will make you look for excuses to have a cocktail party.
-R.B. | 
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The Juice 2006
Matt Skinner
Hardie Grant Books, RRP $19.95
Matt Skinner doesn’t look like the average sommelier. Shaggy hair and skate-park-style clothes make this young man look like he has more casual things on his mind than writing up winelists for one of the world’s most famous chefs, Jamie Oliver, or penning articles for The Australian Magazine and Wine International. But that’s exactly what he does for a living.
The Juice started out as a weekly email from Skinner to his office colleagues as a way of letting the whole company know the best wines available — rather than being intermittently asked for wine advice. Once he worked out the average spent on wine by workmates, where they bought it and the most common uses for it, he was able to collate a weekly list of three wines to recommend.
The Juice 2006 is a compilation of the best emails from 2004 and 2005 and the best 100 wines of the year, grouped into four categories of 25 wines: Skint, Brownie Points, TV Dinners and Bling. So, no matter what the occasion — a cheap night in front of the telly or a classy dinner to impress — Matt Skinner’s got it covered. Included is a list of the recipients of The Juice 2006 awards for Wine of the Year, Producer of the Year and Best Value Wine of the Year.
Skinner’s laid-back style of writing is sometimes hilarious and comprehensive at the same time. For example, his take on English wine: “The very thought of English wine is about as attractive to me as, say, accidentally walking in on Josh Frost and Mr T, naked, and flapping about in an inflatable wading pool full of custard.”
With short histories of some of the wine producers mentioned and a rundown on the aromas and flavours of each of the 100 wines included, Skinner keeps wine writing animated and entertaining.
Now do excuse me, I’m off on a “skint” to seek out the Geoff Merrill Grenache Rosé 2004 vintage — cheap, Australian, summery and pink.
— R.B. | 
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The Cocktail Keys
Rob Cassels
Murdoch Books
This cleverly conceived book is a unique but useful reference for making the most common cocktails. Over the past year, various cocktail books have hit my desk but none has looked at only six cocktail styles. That’s not to say there are just six actual cocktails within; quite the opposite. Author Rob Cassels focuses on six classic cocktails – the Daiquiri, Margarita, Caipirinha, Tom Collins, Mojito and Dry Martini – and fills each chapter with many creative variations of each.
At the beginning of each chapter is the recipe and instructions for properly preparing the cocktail. Following that, each page lists the ingredients of a featured cocktail without the need for a step-by-step recipe for every variation. Instead, there are helpful hints and suggestions on how to create each cocktail by manipulating and adding to the main ingredients.
A handy section is the glossary explaining the history and flavour of the main liqueurs used. A chapter on the equipment needed for mixing up the cocktails is also quite useful, covering the martini glass, the old-fashioned, highball and champagne flute, all discussed in terms of their aesthetic qualities, capacity and design.
Now to the important stuff. How do you make a Pineapple Daiquiri? What’s in a Cuban Honey? A frozen Strawberry Margarita sounds appealing, but how about a Gin Daisy? Will you have a Madison Avenue or a Manhattan? The list is seemingly endless.
— R.B. | 
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The Cocktail
Jane Rocca
Hardie Grant Books, RRP $29.95
This is one for the girls. Author of The Cocktail and freelance music journalist Jane Rocca is more likely to be found in a concert hall rockin’ it with the crowd than sipping cocktails in a ritzy bar. But here she has created a trendy book oozing femininity and boasting 200 cocktail recipes featuring everything from champagne to sake.
The contemporary drawings by Kat Macleod conjure thoughts of high heels, glitter, masquerades and suave nights in your best dress. Each is of a woman dressed to resemble the featured cocktail. For example, the Pina Colada is represented by a woman with large green spiky hair wearing a dress with a triangular pineapple pattern, while the 42 Flying Mules is depicted by a lady sporting donkey earrings and a donkey necklace.
The book is a virtual scrapbook of artwork with feathers, fabrics, sequins, beads, origami, crepe paper, water paint and many other materials used to make up the amusing illustrations.
With a chapter dedicated to 54 recipes for vodka cocktails, 10 of which are martinis, and one for champagne cocktails, there’s bound to be something for every woman in this little book. For more hardcore types, whisky and bourbon are given a workout. How about Kentucky Bluebird, consisting of blueberries, caramel syrup, bourbon, blueberry liqueur, vanilla liqueur, cabernet sauvignon, lemon juice and apple juice? Certainly spins a feminine touch to a drink more often favoured by men.
Then there’s a Dolly Parton, Marilyn Monroe, Ginny Hendrix or Mick Jaggard. Turn to the back of the book to find out how to make a drink in honour of your fave celebrity.
— R.B. | 
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THE AUSTRALIAN WINE ANNUAL 2005
Onwine, Rrp $25.95
After 18 years in the wine industry, Jeremy Oliver has seen the best and worst of wines throughout Australia. Today, he is one of the most reputable critics in the business and shares his expert knowledge through The Australian Wine Annual. Jeremy advises on the best way to cellar your wine to maintain quality and value, and also lets you in on the secrets of what to look for when investing in wine. Included in this year’s edition is a 2004 vintage report outlining the developments in the Australian wine industry, state by state. Alphabetically arranged by winery, the Australian Wine Annual is easy to navigate to find the tasting notes on the winemaker you’re after. One of the most notable features of this book is the inclusion of a colour image of each wine’s label. This will surely make your selection easier to find on the crowded shelves of the local liquor store, but if you can’t find it there, winery details are also listed, including region, wine maker, viticulturist and chief executive. The guide shows and ranks the best Australian wines for over and under $20 and will prove useful the next time you’re looking to buy a bottle or stock up with a dozen or two.
-R.B | 
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Quaff 2006
Peter Forrestal
Hardie Grant Books, Rrp $19.95
Back again for 2006 is Peter Forrestal with his renowned wine guide, Quaff. Once more, he has produced a book dedicated to revealing the cheapest wines giving the most pleasure. He’s swirled, sipped and sniffed over 3000 wines, both Australian and imported, to seek out those giving the best value. The wines tasted and noted in this book are commonly found in supermarkets and liquor stores everywhere.
As a consumer of wine, it can be difficult to find a retailer who has not only decent prices but also consistently varied stock. Quaff includes a list of recommended retailers sourced by wine producers, wholesalers, distributors and Forrestal himself. There are also tips on how to seek out the best bargains, bulk buying and mail ordering.
All wines tasted are given a rating of “bloody good”, “good” or “pretty good”. The Quaff awards include Fillet Steak and Chips (red wine of the year), Platinum Pillow (cask wine of the year), Bubbly that Launched a Thousand Ships (sparkling wine of the year) and Whooshable (white wine of the year).
As the wine industry continues to grow and the harvests thrive, we’re bound to have an ever-growing selection at reasonable prices. A copy of Quaff is a handy addition to your bar or glovebox when you’re up for something new or you’ve been nominated to be the runner to the bottle-o.
— R.B. | 
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Modern, Stylish, Chic
If you’re interested in hitting the town, but aren’t interested in the noise and fuss of dance clubs, try the warm, sophisticated tone of Zachary’s in Kings Cross. This stylish establishment, only recently opened, caters to the need for a casual bar and eatery in the Cross, offering gourmet pizza and pasta to accompany your drinks. After your meal, adjourn to the lounge bar where you can sit back, relax and watch sport with a beer in hand, or make a selection from the copious cocktail list. There’s no need to hurry, as the kitchen is open until close.
Zachary’s, 28-30 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross, Ph 9380 4500
-R.B. | 
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JAMES HALLIDAY'S WINE COMPANION 2005 & JAMES HALLIDAY'S POCKET GUIDE TO WINES OF AUSTRALIA
Harper Collins, Rrp Wine Companion $29.95, Pocket Guide $24.95
Not only is James Halliday one of Australia's most respected wine writers, he's also one of the most senior wine judges in the country, with over 40 book titles under his belt and an array of wine-related awards. His two latest releases, Pocket Guide to Wines of Australia and Wine Companion are handy references to Australian vineyards and the wines they produce.
The Pocket Guide to Wines of Australia contains a brief history of the Australian industry with a glimpse at what it could be in the future, with a look at the shift and changes in winemaking and harvests in the past 50 years. The vintage chart awards a ranking out of 10 to the wines produced between 1993 and 2003, listing red and white wines by region.
This book is brimming with annotations on wineries countrywide. With information such as addresses, opening times, contact numbers and whether or not the winery does tastings, you'll be set for a wine-tasting expedition. Each vineyard is given a star rating out of five, letting you in on which vineyard is the best for what varieties of wine.
Wine Companion overflows with profiles of 1865 wineries and tasting notes for over 3100 wines. Each winery's details are included, along with their product range and summary. Wine Companion features a section on the 'best of the best' that includes a region-by-region listing of the top five wineries, the top 10 best reds and whites under $10 and 10 of the best new wineries. There's a short section on what wines go with what food, arranged by season for the best culinary result.
Purchased singly or as a set, James Halliday's latest releases serve separate purposes. Keep a copy of Pocket Guide to Wines of Australia handy for road trips and those just-in-case scenarios; and a copy of Wine Companion in your home bar for choosing your next wine purchases.
-R.B | 
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James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion 2006
James Halliday
Harper Collins Publishers RRP $29.95
You only have to Google this writer’s name to realise how highly regarded he is. Winemakers throughout Australia happily post his reviews of their wines on their website.
James Halliday has helped establish two wineries, Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley and Coldstream Hills in the Yarra Valley, and has experience in making wine in France, having been Group Winemaker for seven wineries back in 1996. That’s on top of writing or contributing to over 50 books on wine — all in the space of about 35 years.
Halliday has outdone himself this year, adding an extra 172 winery entries to pump out more than 2000 winery listings all up, making this issue of Australian Wine Companion 2006 the biggest yet. Add to that more than 4400 winetasting notes (that’s about 1000 more than last year) and you’ve got yourself a brick of a book on wine.
A further addition to the book is the inclusion of wineries’ website addresses, handy resources for more information.
As usual, there’s an analysis of the past year’s growth in the industry, the best of the best Australian wines for 2006, a top 10 of new wineries and a guide to the best wines for under $15. There’s a list of the wineries that have excelled over the past year and helpful advice on what wines go with what foods.
In fact, there’s not much missing from this book — except, perhaps, a more appealing cover.
-R.B. | 
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