The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Peite Verdot and Malbec was again delightful. Tonight was one of them nights when Shirley did not feel like cooking, I was not hungry and the NCAA Basketball National Championship was being played. game I have not missed in 38 years. This one was another blend called Mercury Rising. MORE >>

Basically, I found that this dish would pair well with just about any red wine and even a few white wines, but they all seemed to agree on Zinfandel, Syrah or Malbec. Sometimes Shirley just picks the wrong time to do one of her signature dishes. Tonight it was her Southern style BBQ pork ribs. quick check of my wine supply found neither. MORE >>

Pineau can be red when it is made from Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and/or Cabernet Franc, but in the USA it is far more common to see white Pineau, made from a host of grapes including Colombard, Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc, and Semillion. What on earth are you thinking, pal?!? Maybe they order apricot schnapps over there. MORE >>

Two Malbecs followed, Killka Malbec 2008 and the Reserve Malbec, with the Reserve having a fuller mouthfeel and more intense concentration of fruit. By 2008, Killka had earned the International Gold Medal in the “art and culture” category in the Best of Wine Tourism Competition, presented by Great Wine Capitals Network. MORE >>

Yet eleven years ago, Pierre Lurton, then Director of Chateau Cheval Blanc, became intrigued by the renaissance of Malbec in Argentina and the prospect of establishing a New World presence that would represent the best of the Old and New World, and also produce greater quantities of quality wine at more affordable price points. Messrs. MORE >>