My holiday season kicked off the weekend before Thanksgiving and included a birthday dinner bash for my friend Denise. Beautifully hosted by Maureen and Roberto, aka the cutest couple ever (seriously, they are inspiringly cute), it was a “super Frenchie” menu that ranged from an opening assortment of radishes and patés, to a big basket of homemade gougères, to a gorgeous leg of lamb and more. The guests were almost all wine-industry types, so the wines were amazing. There was plenty of Champagne and a lineup of Guigal “La-La” wines, if that gives you a feel for things.

I had received a magnum of Prieuré de Montézargues 2010 Tavel ($50, 1.5L) earlier in the year and immediately earmarked it for this milestone birthday. It was delish. All tart red berry playing against smooth peach, with dashes of peppery spice and drying mineral notes. It was a lovely match for the patés, and if we hadn’t completely polished it off before the main course, it would have had the stuffing to stand up to heartier fare as well. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Prieuré de Montézargues is owned by the Richard family who are also proprietors of the renowned Château La Nerthe, from Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Domaine de La Renjarde from Côtes du Rhône Villages. The wine is imported into the U.S. by Pasternak. If anyone out there is already thinking about Valentine’s Day plans, this would be a great, appropriately-hued choice! Learn more about Prieuré de Montézargues at their website.