Current sip: 2008 Robert Hall Rhone de Robles, Central Coast, California

This Rhone-style red blend is a definite people-pleaser. The nose is full of juicy red fruit, earth and hints of spice. On the palate, the wine offers up flavors of cherry, black raspberry and light oak and spice. On tannin and body, it comes in slightly heavier than a pinot noir, but would still be enjoyable for those who prefer a bolder wine.

The wine is a Rhone-style red blend of grenache, syrah, cinsaut and counoise. We poured this wine at a recent Swirl Up at Russell’s Blue Water Grill and it was a highlight of the night.

Pair it with: This wine paired beautifully with a roasted loin of lamb in pomegranate reduction. It would also be a great match for duck or pork loin.

Price: $21.99, available through Drew Feinberg, yourwinesage.com