Monday, December 7 was my birthday. (Cue the “date that will live in infamy” jokes, I've heard ‘em all!) I didn't plan a big blowout bash or anything, because oddly enough when a million scientists all say it's a bad idea to have indoor gatherings, I take that seriously.

I'm quirky like that.

I did take the day off and chilled out. I had lots of Facebook messages and texts and calls, which were all super nice and made me feel connected. Then in the middle of the afternoon, my doorbell rang. I thought my long-suffering next-door neighbor was bringing over yet another misdelivered package. But no! One of my supper club friends was bringing me some homemade mousse cake and a bottle of wine!

Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Te Kahu is another pleasant surprise, classified as a red Bordeaux blend from New Zealand! It's primarily merlot and cab sauv. It's a bold wine with brambly blackberry on the palate. It's rustic and not too refined. This would be a great burger or meatloaf wine.

This is probably the quintessential lesson of 2020: keep your expectations reasonable, and you may be surprised. And gift wine almost always tastes better than ones you bought yourself.

‘Tis the season to start talking about wine gift-giving (and happy Hanukkah to all those who celebrate)! You got questions? Let's talk about it.