Sean Minor Signature Series Nicole Marie Red Blend, North Coast

Sean Minor Signature Series Nicole Marie Red Blend is deep ruby, with dark cherry, cassis, and vanilla; big, rich, and spicy on the palate, black pepper and oak spice coating the mid-palate, soft tannins carrying a long finish. The wine is named for his wife, Nicole. Destemmed and gently crushed into stainless at warm temperatures, aged in French and American oak (20% new).

Sean Minor grew up in Kansas, studied finance, and came into wine through Beaulieu Vineyard in Napa before running King Estate in Oregon and then Renwood in the Sierra Foothills — the Zinfandel and Syrah experience shows here.

Food pairing: Grilled lamb chops — plus short ribs, burgers, prime rib, or a Tuesday pasta night with a heavy ragù.