San Pedro 1865 Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Cabernet can be a difficult, even one-note pairing option — but not when it's as savory as the San Pedro 1865 Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 ($19). Emanating from a Chilean winery founded in the year cited in the brand name, this robust red starts — and finishes — with vibrant red- and blue-fruit notes, but works in some spice and cocoa flavors along the way. Spot-on tannins and a titch of racy acidity bring pure harmony to every sip. And of course, it's well-suited for the traditional cab matchup with grilled or roasted beef or lamb. But I'd have no problem letting it play with root vegetables, almost anything with mushrooms or eggplant and mildly spicy Tex-Mex or South American dishes.

Available at Thomas, Marketplace and Top Valu.

Bill Ward