Fabre Montmayou Malbecs

Originally Published in Vines On Pine Newsletter

In the interest of full disclosure, I should point out that I have a special relationship with Malbec. It is the wine that reminds me of my late father. He was from Buenos Aires and loved his fine wine, almost as much as I do. I was his only son and he and I were very close. For these reasons, I have shied away from reviewing Malbecs as I tend to be very critical of them, almost as though I subconsciously hold them to a higher standard than other varietals.

I remember Pop reminiscing at the kitchen table about his gorgeous homeland over a thick grass-fed steak and a rich glass of Malbec. He spoke of how organic farming techniques were always employed in Argentina, by law, but also out of respect for one’s craft, and how it was only logical and not a fad per se.

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Moncontour Cremant Rose

Now that we are in the festive home stretch of the holidays, I am feeling a bit nostalgic. Nothing gets me going quite like memories of New Years’ past. Every year had its own sensibility and underlying theme. I remember the first New Year’s Eve when I was allowed to go to a party without my folks. It was magic. That feeling of luxury coupled with celebratory abandon was encapsulated perfectly in the midnight toast. The anticipation, the count down, and the “POP” of corks was sublime. (In the name of good taste I wont take that metaphor any further.)

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