2008 Clos La Coutale Cahors

Malbec wines have really increased in popularity over the past five years mainly due to the explosion of wine production in South American countries, such as Argentina where Malbec is widely produced. Since Malbec has become so popular, I thought it would be nice to introduce the origin of Malbec. Cahors is a AOC located in South Western France, where vines have been cultivated since 50 B.C. by the Ancient Romans. The dominant grape produced here is, of course, Malbec and the wines produced from this region were known as the "black wine of Lot" during the Middle Ages. This particular Cahors is 80% Malbec blended with 20% Merlot and offers a great reddish plum color. The palate is elegant with red and dark fruit flavors with a touch of spice. This wine is better drunk young but also has the aging potential of 10-20 years and goes well with red meats, duck and robust cheeses.

Rating: 92 points!

Price: $16.49 750ml

Great Divide 16th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA

I sat down last night with some great company and decided to crack open this tasty beer to accompany my amazing plate of Mexican food. Talk about heaven! Based on Great Divide's famous Denver Pale Ale this copper colored beer embodies everything that Great Divide does best. The nose was loaded with floral notes followed by citrus, pine and vanilla. The palate was well balanced with malty sweetness hitting you in the beginning followed by the earthy bitterness from the English and American hops that start to show through in the mid palate but really comes together in the finish. The oak is noticeable but not the defining character of this beer due to the use of French and American oak which rounds out the edges and just adds a touch of vanilla. Overall I thought this beer was great, virtually the same beer as last year's but with a more refined touch.

Rating: 94 points!

Price: $7.99 22 oz. Bomber