Warm up this winter with a nice red wine

Wine preferences seem to change with the seasons, and as we head toward winter most people invariably drink more red wines.

This makes perfect sense, when you think about it. In the summer, a chilled bottle of, say, rosé or sauvignon blanc, makes a terrific beverage on a hot day; but in the winter, we want to warm up, not cool down.

Most red wines are recommended for serving at 60 to 65 degrees, so they make a good winter choice and can add a nice touch to a variety of hibernal activities, such as reading a book or just cuddling under a blanket in front of the fire.

 Now that I've set the mood, let me recommend a few reds from Washington to enjoy this winter.

From the Red Mountain Appellation, the Terra Blanca 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (about $20) is a stunning, well-priced red wine that is really hitting its stride. Beautiful aromas and flavors of wild berries and dark plum melt into a silky finish with traces of chocolate and spice. Outstanding!

Omnipresent winemaker Charlie Hoppes has another nice effort with his Gamache Vintners 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (about $28). It's fairly fruity, with plenty of plum and black cherry flavors and soft tannins that make it perfect for wintertime sipping.

If you prefer your reds to be less fruit-forward, try the Brian Carter Cellars 2005 Byzance (about $30), a southern Rhone-style blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre grapes from Columbia Valley. It's quite savory, with just a bit of reserved, dark fruit flavors and a finish that hints at licorice and spice. This extremely food-friendly wine should pair well with pork, duck and hearty soups.