2006 Spicerack Syrah ‘Punchdown’ Quick swirl

What a little beauty of a Syrah from Jonathan and Susan Pey of Spicerack Vineyards. Their “Punchdown” Syrah comes from two cool-climate sites on the Sonoma Coast. Rich and spicy with scents of cassis, black pepper and wild herbs, this is an elegant, moderately priced Syrah, a great buy for the price and a California Syrah that plays well with food.

Open a bottle for some grilled or sauteed calves’ liver, a pasta with chicken liver or gizzard sauce, some lamb chops or a simple roast chicken.

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Quick swirl

Region: Sonoma Coast

Price: From $20 to $25.

Style: Lush and spicy.

What it goes with: Calves’ liver, chicken liver or gizzard pasta, lamb or roast chicken.

Where to find it: K&L; Wine Merchants in Hollywood, (323) 464-9463, www.klwines .com; Mission Wines in South Pasadena, (626) 403-9463, www.missionwines.com; the Wine Country in Signal Hill, (562) 597-8303, www.thewine country.com; and Artisan Cheese Gallery in Studio City, (818) 505-0207, www .artisancheesegallery.com. And also directly from the winery at www.spicerack vineyards.com, with free shipping on a half-case or more.