2007 Ojai Vineyard Rose

Adam Tolmach and his wife, Helen, have been making wine in the Ojai valley for more than 25 years. Known for their splendid Syrah, they also produce a very pretty rose. The 2007 on shelves now is a blend of mostly Grenache with some Mourvedre and Syrah and a touch of Sauvignon Blanc. A dry rose is such a versatile food wine that most of it goes to restaurants, but you can still find it in a handful of local shops.

The blend is seamless and delicious -- a little strawberry, a little raspberry, something earthy in there too. It’s brilliant with goat cheese, with frittatas and omelets, with salads and smoked fish. Serve it with a roast chicken or a piece of salmon. This is a wine that’s good to go with anything anywhere and a terrific example of California rose.

-- S. Irene Virbila

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Quick swirl

Region: Central Coast

Price: About $16

Style: Dry and feisty

Food it goes with: Pretty much everything: cheese, egg dishes, salads, smoked fish

Where you find it: Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, (949) 650-8463, www.hitimewine.net; Liquid Wine & Spirits in Chatsworth, (818) 709-5019; Wally’s Wine & Spirits in West Los Angeles, (310) 475-0606, www.wallywine .com; among others.