What started out as a casualdinner turned into a late night full of anecdotes and casual banter. From a story about Kendall Jackson to pithy analysis of male/female relationships, we chatted until the wee hours.

All of this was fueled by an incredible Côtes du Rhône (2004 Domaine de Lavielle Julienne) I dug out of the pathetic excuse for wine cellar. Turned out the few years of aging did it justice and the timing of the corking was perfect. I think the good food had something to do with that too.

We later moved on a Malbec (2005 Melipal Reserve) which was absolutely incredible. The bouquet of chocolate and dark berry's complemented the assortment of rare cheeses and pears.

I think the Malbec is an up and coming wine much like the Syrah or Shiraz was a few years ago. South American Malbec is still relatively inexpensive and the taste is so unique; like a Bordeaux. Definitely time to stock up on a few bottles. I can't wait for the grapes to mature so that we'll see emergence of old wine vintages.