Best Inexpensive Wine

Minutely hazy old gold color. Aromas and flavors of honey roasted apples and nuts, dried pear, and strawberry jam with a supple, bright, finely carbonated, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, interesting, long finish with suggestions of apple and pineapple shrub, baking spices, and fallen trees in the forest. A delightfully deep and flavorful French Cider for all occasions.

Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of black currant, black olive , dark chocolate, fresh violet, and fennel with a velvety, lively, dry full body and a peppery, elegant, very long finish with notes of baked blackberry, fig, eucalyptus, and cedar with heavy oak flavor. A lush and mighty Napa Cabernet that broods with dark fruits while still showing nuance of purple flowers and herbs.

Awards: '2021 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 Red Wine $20 and Under' Best Value US Cabernet Sauvignon

Dusty ruby color. Aromas of raspberry thumbprint cookies, grilled ladyfingers, redwood, and pimento with a round, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long chocolate mousse and baklava finish with heavy oak flavor. A decadent and distinctive Cabernet Franc that assuages the palate with creamy oak and enlivens with snappy fruit and charming terroir.

Awards: 2021 Best Cabernet Franc

Black violet color. Floral aromas of spiced plum, blackberry and jasmine tea with a lightly tannic, lively, fruity full body and a warming, thought-provoking, very long toasted stollen, hints of rose, apricot, and chocolate-covered raspberry jam finish with firm tannins and heavy oak flavor. The boldest Columbia Valley Cabernet; unrelenting flavor and structure here to last a long cellaring, though this is undeniably delicious right now.

Awards: '2021 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 Red Wine $8 and Under' Exceptional Value

Steely pink coral color. Aromas of cherry candies, strawberry rhubarb pie, and hibiscus with a supple, bright, dryish light body and a graceful, intriguing, agreeable lavender candies, sweet raspberry, and strawberry buttercream finish. Rose lovers will appreciate this fruit forward gem from Provence.

Brilliant straw color. Aromas of peach puree, fresh apricot, yellow apple, lime zest, and lemon candy with a satiny, lively, fizzy, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and an interesting, relaxed lemon curd, honeycomb, pineapple cola, mineral, and peach syrup finish with no oak flavor. An ethereal, delicious, and precisely balanced Sparkling Moscato; ready to pair with a fresh fruit and cream dessert - or replace dessert entirely.

Awards: 2021 Best Asti Spumante

Black garnet color. Aromas of blistered berries, grilled root vegetables, green bell pepper, fava beans, and earth with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, medium-long mixed berry tart, tomato leaf, caramel, white peppercorn, and tobacco finish with moderate oak flavor. A charmingly green and smoky Merlot with great body and lengthy finish.

Garnet black color. Aromas of fine leather, tiramisu, roasted cherries, and fine black pepper with a round, vibrant, dryish medium body and a smooth, very complex, very long pickled plums, suede, and roasted nuts in chocolate finish with moderate oak flavor. A decadent Merlot with the varietal’s hallmark plushness; delicious depth of flavor.

Awards: '2021 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 Red Wine $20 and Under' Best Value US Merlot

Golden straw color. Aromas and flavors of honey, caramel, rum-soaked apricot, candied pineapple, and suede with a round, tangy, very sweet medium-to-full body and a subtle, long finish imparting shades of honey-roasted macadamia nuts, brown butter, allspice, and salted pecans. A divine, Sauternes-esque Late Harvest wine that delights the senses.

Brilliant yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of pez candies, pear, mango skin, and ginger with a silky, lively, light body and a seamless, captivating, medium-length finish that shows accents of grapefruit, sweet banana, and pineapple with fruit tannins and no oak flavor. Hallmark peach and petrol notes and a long acid-driven finish will keep one coming back sip after sip.

Awards: 2021 Top 2 Riesling '2021 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 5 White Wine $20 and Under' Best Value Australian Riesling