His summary of the recent vintage, thoughtful update on the wine glut and lists of potential classics, classics and super-classics as well as best buys and tips on cellaring, form a useful introduction to the descriptions and ratings of 3333 individual wines organised under variety - including new ones such as arneis, St Laurent and sauvignon gris.
Another indispensable wine guide for those exploring vineyard regions is Cuisine Wine Country 2011 ($17.90). Not only does it include information about cellar doors, restaurants and cafes, artisan food producers and farmers markets, it also includes suggestions about places to stay or visit, other things to do, and how to organise a short visit.
This year it includes a section on the Waitaki Valley as well as the usual extensive Central Otago guide.
