The Drops of God Volume 2 continues directly from Volume 1. The plot and knowledge of wine on which it is based builds carefully and the series really must be read in order from the beginning.In the previous volume Shizuku Kanzaki, estranged son of a world famous wine critic, has his first glass of wine in his life following his father's death. Finally beginning to appreciate his father's obsession, Shizuku sets out to learn enough to accomplish the challenge laid out in his father's will: beat a wine expert in a competition to identify thirteen wines from only descriptions written in the will. This volume continues the wonderful balance of story and presentation of wine lore shown in Volume 1. Shizuku and Miyabi continue to be likable, energetic characters that are fun to follow and learn with. We see discussion of pairing wine complementarily with food and an interesting quest to find quality inexpensive wines, all leading to a competition between French and Italian wines. As with the first volume the art and secondary characters really shine, elevating this engaging read even further. The pace is deliberate, but captivating all the same.Not missing a step from the first volume, The Drops of God continues to be an amazing series that anyone with even a small interest in wine shouldn't miss. Not quite as fully realized as the first one, but I was turning pages pretty thirstily by the end! It made me want to drink wine, but I have a cold and so abstained. Perhaps the lack of wine accompaniment is the reason I only gave this volume 3 stars. (The meeting between a critic and a book is never totally pure.) This series should come with its own cheese and cracker board, its own wine list!
What do You think about The Drops Of God 2 (2011)?
If you want to get a beginner into wine I'd recommend this series. Fantastic.
—Rohit
I am going wine shopping today and see if I can find any of these wines....
—John
