The trouble with wine is that every bottle feels like a gamble. Unless you’ve got the privilege to only buy what you’ve tasted, the contents of a bottle are elusive. That leaves most of us gaping at shelves and menus like zombies, left guessing what bottle will best satisfy the mood of an evening or food pairing. Add in elements like vintage variation, winemaking style, and blending, and even brand-name wines challenge the most educated consumers.