This is the story of how an American lawyer raised on Coca-Cola caused a revolution in the way wines around the globe are made, sold, and talked about.

The world's most influential wine critic, Robert M. Parker, Jr., has dominated the international wine community for the last quarter century, embodying the triumph of American taste. Using Parker's story as a springboard, author Elin McCoy offers an authoritative and unparalleled insider's view of the eccentric personalities, bitter feuds, controversies, and secrets of the wine world. She explains how reputations are made and how and why critics agree and disagree, and she tracks the startling ways wines are judged, promoted, made, and sold -- while painting a fascinating portrait of a modern-day cultural colossus who revolutionized the way the world thinks about wine.

Customer Review: Modern Tastes Have Changed Because of This Man

Wine is enjoying a modern rebirth in the psyche of popular society. Yet for all the diversity, much of what we are drinking has been crafted to appeal to a "mass market modern taste".

Robert Parker is to be praised and blamed. One of the greatest and most flawed wine critics, he helped to introduce the 100-point rating system and bring wine to North Americans attention. Sadly, despite touting himself a wine critic for the people, most of the wines he raves about and recommends in his "Wine Advocate" remain out of reach for the majority of everyday wine consumers. To be the Emperor of Wine is a dubious position.

If you read this book and "The Judgment of Paris" by George Taber, you'll get a great and deep understanding of the modern wine industry. I also recommend "Noble Rot". The three most accessible and stimulating books on the social aspects of wine drinking and the politics behind the glamour of the grape.

Customer Review: A great read for those who love wine

I loved this book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. If you are into wine and subscribe to Parker's website or newsletter this is a must read. A fasinating perspective on the world's most influencial wine critic.

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