The latest Wine Spectator Vintage Chart arrived recently as the first snow of winter was accumulating in my front yard. Given that we had a few feet of snow by this time last year, the flakes reminded me of how the weather changes from year to year.

I have always told my children that hate is a useless emotion. Frankly, I am far too lazy for the effort it requires—an effort that is especially wasted when directed at a bottle of wine.