In Why the French Hate Us he (Mattinson) demolishes the myth of corporate Wine Australia with all sorts of riveting tales of idiosyncratic individuals. Jancis Robinson on jancisrobinson.com:
 
It is indisputable that Mattinson is the most literate author Australia has had since Walter James dominated the scene from the late 1940s and ’50s. Reading the book, you might well picture Mattinson as a blue singleted, aggressive, macho Aussie male who just happened to be able to conjure up landscapes with a few well chosen words. In fact he is distinctly reticent and quietly spoken, still coming to terms with the fact that, literary skills to one side, he has rapidly become a very good wine taster and industry observer. This is a book full of entirely new insights into Australian wine, the way it is made, the way it is marketed (or mis-marketed), and where it should head. And you don't have to be a wine-nerd to enjoy every page. JamesHalliday in The Australian:
 
What I'd been looking for is someone who can write about wine but do so in a fun and entertaining way. I think I've finally found him - the guy's name is Campbell Mattinson. Mattinson is the author of a new book called Why the French Hate Us - even the title is entertaining ... reading the book it's clear Mattinson knows how to tell a story. He's a writer who just happens to write about wine - and he does so in a way that clearly shows his enthusiasm for the subject ... If you've got a wine lover on your Christmas list and you're wondering what to get them as a gift - buy this book. Glen Humphries in the Illawarra Mercury

The best read of the new (wine book) crop is Mattinson’s Why the French Hate Us. Mattinson is a terrific writer, passionate about his subject and tells the story of how the Australian wine industry forged a formidable international reputation ... it’s compelling stuff. Winsor Dobbin in the Syndey Sun Herald

Mattinson's title is provocative, but it's also tongue in cheek crack; he's not really having a go at the French, but rather is referring to the strength of Australian wine exports. Understanding this title is the key to understanding Why The French Hate Us, which is simply a celebration of Australian wine. Eating Out Hong Kong