The Lost Vintage

With her mother having been born and raised on the family's vineyard in France, Kate has never wavered in her interest in wine. In an effort to improve her professional sommelier standing, she's begun seriously pursuing the elite Master of Wine credential. Returning to Burgundy to study, Kate comes across her great-aunt Helene's diary written during World War II and gains a new perspective on her family history. A core group of characters in the present and from the past are thoughtfully connected, increasing the impact of old secrets later resolved. The historical portion has the feel of an authentic personal narrative while still providing an understanding of rural French life during the war. Family drama and romantic relationships abound among the contemporary protagonists. Food and wine writer Mah's detailed descriptions of life on a family vineyard, how wine is produced, and how subtle differences in taste are discerned are so robust that a novice wine drinker may progress to aficionado status by the end.