The Billionaire’s Vinegar

by: Benjamin Wallace

Published by: Crown Publishers

Reviewed by Maria Hoeffer

Pour yourself a glass of wine, preferably an aged vintage, and prepare to savor this mysterious tale in one long, unhurried sitting. Part wine discourse, part historical adventure, part suspenseful tale, The Billionaire’s Vinegar exposes the world of wine, both past and present, displaying its idiosyncrasies and colorful characters. Of particular interest is the portrayal of Thomas Jefferson as a man with more devotion to a bottle of fine wine than to his own family. His human side, often lost in history textbooks, is a delightful addition.

Is the 1787 bottle of Château Lafite Bordeaux really worth $156,000 or is it an extremely well-crafted counterfeit? Benjamin Wallace exhaustively researched this issue and presents all sides, points and minutiae. He writes with wit and occasionally a tongue placed firmly in cheek, which keeps the reader weaving through the controversy. Once in a while, bordering on too tangential and focusing on details concerning only the most devout of wine connoisseurs, Wallace provides the reader a generally impartial view with only a few glimpses of his personal thoughts on the matter.

The Billionaire’s Vinegar is an exciting tale of intrigue highlighting the frenzy, madness and competition of the elite and often-absurd world of wine collecting.

Armchair Interviews says: Wine, wine and more wine.

Author’s Web site: http://www.BenjaminWallace.net