In the Dec. 15, 2011 Issue

The Malbec Boom

Cover Story

Southern Siren - How Malbec from Argentina became an international star is a tale of luck, talent and persistence. And big, bold flavors in the bottle

Aging Malbec - While most versions are best drunk young, some of the country’s top bodegas are proving that their wines can benefit from short-term cellaring

ABCs of Argentina - The winemaking heritage of this vast country comprises four centuries of history and a multitude of grape varieties

Alphabetical Guide to Argentine Wines

WineSpectator.com: BONUS VIDEO: Coming soon: Compare the terroir of Argentina with that of Chile and Spain. O. Fournier produces wines in a number of exciting regions, and owner José Manuel Ortega Gil-Fournier contrasts them and their wine styles.

Features

Tasting Reports

Argentina’s Power - Malbec and more offer plenty of excitement from the 2009 vintage

Evergreen Quality - A wave of newcomers adds to the rising tide of quality from Washington state

FREE: Washington Alphabetical Listing

WineSpectator.com: More than 700 wines were reviewed for this report. A free alphabetical list is available. WineSpectator.com members can access complete reviews for all the wines tasted using the online Wine Ratings Search.

New Faces in Washington Wine

Gifts

Caviar’s New Allure - Once strictly an expensive indulgence, delicious roe is now available at various price points

People

Swiss Seeker - Donald Hess has traveled the globe in search of great terroir. In the wilds of northern Argentina he found his biggest adventure

Wine

Terroir Frères - Bordeaux-born brothers Thierry and Philippe Germain pursue quality Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley

A Serbian Revival - One vintner’s quest to rebuild his family winery in a war-torn countryside

Grapevine

People

Spago Sommelier Christopher Miller - Christopher Miller beefed up the wine list at Wolfgang Puck’s California flagship

Science

Resveratrol Findings Questioned

Whisky Advocate Is Launched

Health Group Calls Red Wine’s Heart Benefits a ‘Myth’

Coffee

Understanding Kona

WineSpectator.com: Members can reference our full archives of Mark Pendergrast’s columns, and other articles on coffee.

Spirits

Japanese Whisky

WineSpectator.com: Members can reference our full archives of Jack Bettridge's columns, and other articles on spirits.

Cellars / Collections

Rocker Nathan Followill - The Kings of Leon drummer fills his cellar with wines he finds on tour

Departments

This Issue/Marvin R. Shanken

This Issue - Marvin R. Shanken

Letters

Letters

Savvy Shopper

Bargain Reds and Distinctive Whites

Columns

James Laube - The Chinese riddle

WineSpectator.com: In his latest blogs, James Laube shares updates from his most recent tastings and visits with winemakers, and he discusses hot-button issues in the wine industry. WineSpectator.com members can join the conversation.

Matt Kramer - One cheese, one wine

WineSpectator.com: Don't miss Matt Kramer's web-exclusive essays and lively online discussions. (Only members may post comments, but all visitors may read them.)

Collecting

Selling Wine at Auction - Insider tips to save money when you put your wine up for sale

V Foundation Charity Auction Nets $1.37 Million

WineSpectator.com: Research before you buy or sell at auction. Website members can check the latest auction highlights and track prices for more than 10,000 collectible wines in our Auction Price Database.

A Perfect Match

Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli’s Braised Rabbit With Valpolicella - Chefs Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli, Frankies 570 Spuntino, New York

The Buying Guide

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The Buying Guide for this issue is available here.