With Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Special Occasion Red of the Year (Columbia Valley, $43; available to winery mailing list)

Perfect pairing:  Salt- and Herb-crusted Prime Rib with Fresh Horseradish Sauce

Why it works:  The firm structure of a great Walla Walla Cabernet thrives in partnership with a well-marbled cut of beef to cushion the tannins just a little. Think of it as a feathertop on a firm mattress.

We’ve added earthy herbs to this beef to lock into Cabernet’s foresty quality. And fresh horseradish punches up its mint factor. Christmas menu solved.