Today, and for the forseeable (spelling? Can't even think right now) future, I am completely buried under a mountain of research pertaining to my Masters program in Communications. But, there's always time for great red wine, right? Greg and I cracked open a bottle of 2004 Mendel Malbec from Mendoza, following up on last week's Argentinean wine tasting in downtown LA. I have to say, this is a darn good wine - especially for the price. I see it listed on K&L Wines right now for $19.99, but I swear I paid $16.99 for this wine a month or so ago. Perhaps those wine critic scores bumped the price up a bit -- Wine Spectator 90, Wine & Spirits 91. Not bad for a region no one in the northern hemisphere had even heard of ten years ago! And even at $19.99, what a deal! This Malbec would be a great alternative to California Cabernets of the juicier, fruit-forward style. Given the insane winds blowing outside my window tonight, it's the perfect wine for snuggling up in a furry blanket with a little piece of dark chocolate and a cat.
And while you're enjoying this luscious, chocolate-cherry wine, keep winemaker Roberto de la Mota in your thoughts and prayers (if you do that sort of thing). He was seriously injured in a car accident in August, and is still in pretty bad shape. Decanter magazine says the accident left him "with seven broken ribs, lung damage and a spinal cord injury. The extent of the latter damage is not yet clear, although it appears that three vertebrae have been affected. De la Mota reportedly lost feeling in his lower body following the accident." I don't think De la Mota would want you to stop enjoying his fabulous wine, but I do think he would appreciate you taking a moment to send him some good vibes.