1998 Cha^teau de Segries Lirac “Cuvee Reservee,” Southern Rho^ne

This soft, ripe, easy-drinking Lirac is among the first wave of wines to arrive from the Southern Rho^ne’s extraordinary 1998 vintage. Raspberry in color, Chateau de Segries’ Cuvee Reservee is a well-made Rho^ne red with some character--and in this price range ($10 and under), that’s often hard to find.

It would do anyone proud as a house wine.

About $10. Available at fine wine shops.