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| The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine | 
 enlarge | Author: Benjamin Wallace
Publisher: Crown
Category: Book
List Price: $24.95
Buy New: $15.16
You Save: $9.79 (39%)
New (44) Used (17) from $13.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  43 reviews
Sales Rank: 868
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 336
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.3
Dimensions (in): 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.3
ISBN: 0307338770
Dewey Decimal Number: 641.2223
EAN: 9780307338778
ASIN: 0307338770
Publication Date: May 13, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 a great tipple July 23, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a gripping read. Hard some times to think its non fiction given the complexity and deviousness of the players
We need a new TV series: CSI Bordeaux July 14, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
As a wine writer for more than 30 years who knows some of the players mentioned in the book, I enjoyed the way Benjamin Wallace cleverly wove together history, the world of wine and France in particular and the hoax so many bought into. Not only does he chronicle an incredible array of details into understandable context with dexterity, he weaves in a steady thread of humor (Harry Waugh, the English wine merchant and writer, was once asked how often he confused Bordeaux with Burgundy. "Not since lunch," he replied."). The confusion and complicity of some of the world's best-known wine critics and auctioneers comes to light as the hoax unfolds. Some reputations are ruined because of seeming complicity.
One parallel that might have been pursued further: the brilliance of Bill Koch, the billionaire who exposed the fraud, and Thomas Jefferson, whose name was attached to the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold. Both were meticulous in their work and record-keeping. The fact that no records existed at Monticello of the so-called Jefferson bottles should have put the Rodenstock collection into question immediately. Then, with carbon dating and other modern technology, the Koch team exposed the fraud. A tale well told.
 A little disappointed July 9, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I was very interested when I had the sample sent to my Kindle. I read the sample and was intrigued. The story seemed to drift back and forth. It was somewhat confusing at times. I was disappointed by the ending of the story. I feel as though the author was confused himself with his telling of the events that took place. I had to force myself to continue reading until I finished.
Let the Mystery Continue July 9, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've seen some critiques stating that this book was premature in its publication, but I disagree. The essence of the book is the mystery of the bottle, so a definitive answer at the end would be disappointing (in my view). This is a fantastic book. I know very little about wine, but was intrigued by the thought of a 200+ year old bottle of wine formerly owned by Thomas Jefferson. The story is very well written and kept me turning pages longer after I should have gone to bed. I felt as though I really knew the characters and was a part of the experience. In all, a great book that I highly recommend, whether a wine aficionado or not.
Entertaining Read July 2, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
Very easy and entertaining read. Highly recommend for anyone interested in wine and it's history.
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