Best Inexpensive Wine

Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas of cumin, toasted walnut, marinated beef, and cedar with an fat body and an intricate, medium-long blackberry thicket, pink peppercorns, smoked tea, and minerals finish with leafy, woody, chewy tannins and moderate oak. A complex and substantial Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon with surprising depth, terroir and nuance; this could easily pass for a second growth Bordeaux.

Dark deep purple color. Fruity aromas and flavors of dried raspberry, toasted coconut, blackberry leaf, licorice, hot cherry wood shavings, and pink pencil eraser with a slightly chewy, crisp, fruity sweet medium body and a peppery, delightful, medium-long graphite, sun dried tomato, and lemon pepper finish with well-integrated, crunchy tannins and moderate oak. A delicious and balanced Lodi Zin that tantalizes the senses with elegant fruits and sophisticated spice.

Light straw color. Aromas of bouquet garni, crispy plantains, apple chutney, and wool with a round, vibrant, dry light-to-medium body and a smooth, complex, long wet stone, pineapple conserve, apricot skin, heirloom pear, jasmine, and white pepper finish with no oak. A round, lengthy, and poignant Muscadet fit for only the finest seafood.

Pale light ruby color. Savory aromas and flavors of marinated beets, crispy bacon, dried cherries, and baking chocolate and hint of wax with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long craisin, alpine herbs, roasted nuts, and hint of menthol mint finish with well-integrated, chewy tannins and moderate oak. A toothsome savory pinot noir with lots of nuances and great pairing potential.

Dusty dusty ruby color. Fruity aromas of charred green pepper, star anise, balsamic reduction, and fig paste with a slightly chewy, lively, dryish medium-full body and a medium-length chocolate covered espresso bean, fresh mint, rosemary, and black pepper and smoked vanilla finish with well-integrated, chewy tannins and light oak. A juicy wine that begs another sip.

Awards: 2017 Top 2 Best Chilean Red Wine

Yellow color. Fruity, umami aromas and flavors of green apple, lemon-lime, pear, and vanilla with a soft, bright, dry medium-to-full body and a warming, interesting, medium-long finish with a suggestion of oak. A full-bodied white food wine with excellent structure.

Awards: 2017 Best Chilean White Wine

Bright light ruby color. Aromas of spicy cranberry relish and pickled cherries and berries with a full body and a refreshing, long floral honey, tangerine, and chalk finish with chewy, earthy tannins. A clean, powerful and pure cranberry wine that will be great with desserts, cheeses and cocktails.

Bright ruby color. Clean, floral, fresh, fruity, herbal aromas and flavors of spray roses, dried cranberry, clove, and wild strawberry with a silky, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a tingling, refreshing, buoyant rose wood, raspberry, orange zest, and blueberry finish with silky, soft tannins and a suggestion of oak. A fresh, charming blend from Piedmont with lovely structure and pretty fruit and floral notes.

Medium color. Fruity, jammy, fresh, funky aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, and leather with a soft, dry medium-to-full body and a warming, stimulating, medium-long , and bacon finish with well-integrated tannins. A full-bodied, jammy, meaty Malbec with a delicate finish.

Dark ruby black color. Spicy aromas of wild raspberry preserve, fine leather, chocolate gelato, mint jelly, mesquite, rye, and garlic scapes with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium body and a peppery, elegant, long white balsamic, marinated strawberry, bergamot, nutmeg, and strawberry leaf finish with moderate oak. A wild, zingy, upstanding Lodi Zinfandel that makes a great match for rich steaks.