The best bargains among West Coast wines, in my view, are red blends.
Many winemakers just seem to have a knack for concocting the right flavors and textures from what used to be called field blends (think Gallo "Hearty Burgundy," only much better).
So it is with Home Grown Red ($10), which contains about a third each of petite sirah, barbera and syrah. This friendly offering is (alliteration alert!) light and lush, with nice layers and length.
It's soft enough to quaff on its own, but bold enough to pair well with roasted meats or winter veggies and pizza.
BILL WARD
