This is the only practical tasting text on the market. You can read this book, follow the step-by-step tasting exercises and really call yourself an experienced wine taster. Over 15 years ago I bought this book and was thrilled that I wasn't just getting a shopping list of 90+ point wines. This is a textbook. This is an interactive class in the privacy of your own home. This book was a revelation to me. I was a software programmer who loved to cook and this book set me on a path to become a successful member of the wine trade. Five years ago I was privileged enough to attend one of Mr. Schuster's Master Tasting workshops in London and his teaching style was as clear as this text. After a decade of success in the wine trade I still return to this book to polish my tasting and suggest to new students of wine as a solution to mastering their own tasting skills.