Food Pairing Notes: A wine like Malbec that provides big, full flavors without overbearing tannins offers many ideal pairings. Draw on the ripe, dark fruit by bridging meat dishes to the wine with blueberry sauces, cherry demi-glaces and sun-dried tomato rubs. Take advantage of the lighter tannins by pairing with spicier foods like a hearty chili or southwestern style crepes and sausages. Alternately, let the wine shine on it’s own by serving alongside a simple charcuterie plate during holiday gatherings.

Tasting Notes The 2008 Columbia Valley Malbec is a rich, purple color, true to it’s grape. It offers plenty of heavily perfumed aromas including blueberry, plum, tobacco and allspice. The palate is luscious with vibrant fruit and smooth, subtle tannins, filled with flavors of marionberry, raspberry, cedar and dried thyme. Drink now through 2015.