2005 Rancho Arroyo Grande ‘Deep Sea Red’

This fabulous Rhone-style wine from the Central Coast is every bit as smoky and wild-tasting as a Cornas or Côte-Rôtie. Deep in color, with lots of pepper and herbs jumping out of the glass, the 1005 Rancho Arroyo Grande “Deep Sea Red” is a smooth, alluring blend of 51% Syrah, 46% Mourvedre and a last soupçon of Counoise.

Break out a bottle for something with big bold flavors -- maybe Julia’s boeuf bourguignon, say? Or a Provençal-style daube or a simple roast. A roast duck or goose would be a brilliant match too.

-- S. Irene Virbila

Region: Central Coast, California

Price: About $28

Style: Rich and full-bodied

What it goes with:boeuf bourguignon, daube, duck or game

Where to find it: 55 Degree Wine in Atwater, (323) 662-5556, www.55degreewine.com; Carlsbad Wine Merchants in Carlsbad, (760) 804-9994, www.carlsbadwinemerchants.com; Heritage Wine and Spirits in Pasadena, (626) 844-9333; Los Olivos Tasting Room in Los Olivos, (805) 688-7406; San Diego Wine Co. in San Diego, (858) 535-1400; Vino Divino in Santa Barbara, (805) 682-7484, www.vinodivinosb.com; and Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454, www.winex.com. Also available from the winery at www.ranchoarroyograndewines.com.