Merry Generic Winter Day-Off With No Religious Content

[Anne Elk]

I need a wine recommendation for a hostess gift. I know nothing about wine and don't drink the stuff (allergies again). Looking for something in the $30 range.

And another wine recommendation for something to be used with mulling spices.

Lastly, I need to get something for the asshole secret BIL. He's obnoxious, pretentious, and impressed by designer labels. I don't want to spend more than $25. I'd like to stiff him, but that would cause more family drama and isn't worth it. Ideas so far: bottle of wine that has a good rep but isn't all that tasty, one of those slick looking business card holders, gift certificate to a book store.

Can ya help an Elk out?

[Tyrone Slothrop]

Originally posted by Anne Elk
I need a wine recommendation for a hostess gift. I know nothing about wine and don't drink the stuff (allergies again). Looking for something in the $30 range.

White or red?

A Ridge 2003 Pagani Ranch zinfandel is in that neighborhood and would be a solid choice for someone who goes red.

And another wine recommendation for something to be used with mulling spices.

I have no earthly idea, but Penske knows about the stuff that comes in boxes.

Lastly, I need to get something for the asshole secret BIL. He's obnoxious, pretentious, and impressed by designer labels. I don't want to spend more than $25. I'd like to stiff him, but that would cause more family drama and isn't worth it. Ideas so far: bottle of wine that has a good rep but isn't all that tasty, one of those slick looking business card holders, gift certificate to a book store.

Go to the wine store where you're going to get (1) and (2) and ask them for a bottle of $25 (or less) wine with an impressive label that isn't very good, to give to an asshole.

[taxwonk]

Originally posted by Anne Elk
And another wine recommendation for something to be used with mulling spices.

Can ya help an Elk out?

For mulled wine, you want a bold palate. I would go with something like a Zinfandel or a Rosso di Montalcino. You don't need to worry about it being too dry, because the spices will undercut that, but you want a wine with strong fruity elements.

[ltl/fb]

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
I was about to finalize my air tickets to Mexico when I read the "used to wax" part of this post.

Turns out I've gotta work.

your reading comprehension sucks. The past tense related to the endorphin rush (perhaps the nerves have given up?) not to the waxing. Silly toad.

[Tyrone Slothrop]

• O proud left foot, that ventures quick within
  Then soon upon a backward journey lithe.
  Anon, once more the gesture, then begin:
  Command sinistral pedestal to writhe.
  Commence thou then the fervid Hokey-Poke.
  A mad gyration, hips in wanton swirl.
  To spin! A wilde release from heaven's yoke.
  Blessed dervish! Surely canst go, girl.
  The Hoke, the poke -- banish now thy doubt.
  Verily, I say, 'tis what it's all about.

[Hank Chinaski]

Originally posted by ltl/fb
your reading comprehension sucks. The past tense related to the endorphin rush (perhaps the nerves have given up?) not to the waxing. Silly toad.

your pubic nerves are dead? you think that makes the trip more attractive?

[ltl/fb]

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
your pubic nerves are dead? you think that makes the trip more attractive?

you win. No Mexico trip for you.

[Tables R Us]

You are The Chariot
Triumph, Victory, Overcoming Obstacles.

The chariot is one of the most complex cards to define. On its most basic level, it implies war, a struggle, and an eventual, hard-won victory. Either over enemies, obstacles, nature, the beasts inside you, or to just get what you want. But there is a great deal more to it. The charioteer wears emblems of the sun, yet the sign behind this card is the moon. The chariot is all about motion, and yet it is often shown as stationary. It is a union of opposites, like the black and white steeds. They pull in different directions, but must be (and can be!) made to go together in one direction. Control is required over opposing emotions, wants, needs, people, circumstances; bring them together and give them a single direction, your direction. Confidence is also needed and, most especially, motivation. The card can, in fact, indicate new motivation or inspiration, which gets a stagnant situation moving again.

[Tables R Us]

Originally posted by Anne Elk
I need a wine recommendation for a hostess gift. I know nothing about wine and don't drink the stuff (allergies again). Looking for something in the $30 range.

And another wine recommendation for something to be used with mulling spices.

Lastly, I need to get something for the asshole secret BIL. He's obnoxious, pretentious, and impressed by designer labels. I don't want to spend more than $25. I'd like to stiff him, but that would cause more family drama and isn't worth it. Ideas so far: bottle of wine that has a good rep but isn't all that tasty, one of those slick looking business card holders, gift certificate to a book store.

Can ya help an Elk out?

robert talbott chardonnays are nice and cost around $15.

Get the guy some calling cards. Buy some fancy paper, and pay some high school chick that's into calligraphy to write his name and number on them.

[Hank Chinaski]

Originally posted by ltl/fb
you win. No Mexico trip for you.

2. Dearest, just come to Detroit.

I've already got 4 tentative bookings.

You do know how to do a blumpkin, right?

[ltl/fb]

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
2. Dearest, just come to Detroit.

I've already got 4 tentative bookings.

You do know how to do a blumpkin, right?

I'm sure your daughter can demonstrate it with you.

[tmdiva]

I didn't bother to save it, because I was sure I wouldn't be the only one to get it, but I am The Lovers. Not what I would have guessed--wonder which answer steered me in that direction?

tm

[Fugee]

Originally posted by taxwonk
For mulled wine, you want a bold palate. I would go with something like a Zinfandel or a Rosso di Montalcino. You don't need to worry about it being too dry, because the spices will undercut that, but you want a wine with strong fruity elements.

But cheap. You're going to be simmering this with spices -- you don't want a $20 bottle of wine.

[notcasesensitive]

Originally posted by Anne Elk
Lastly, I need to get something for the asshole secret BIL. He's obnoxious, pretentious, and impressed by designer labels. I don't want to spend more than $25. I'd like to stiff him, but that would cause more family drama and isn't worth it. Ideas so far: bottle of wine that has a good rep but isn't all that tasty, one of those slick looking business card holders, gift certificate to a book store.

Can ya help an Elk out?

Could you get him some ggucci or armanie sunglasses from a street vendor? I would have way too much fun with a cheap passive aggressive gift for a relative that I don't like.

However I had even more fun with the gift exchange gift for my pseudo sil (only not the "in law" part technically), who is my best buddy in Mr. Man's family. Got her all sorts of silly stuff that she would like. But we get hours of entertainment out of matching mood rings, so it was too too easy.

[LessinSF]

Originally posted by Fugee
But cheap. You're going to be simmering this with spices -- you don't want a $20 bottle of wine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunello_di_Montalcino

ETA: I will provide my Argentinian and Chilean opinions in a couple of months.