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

Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, cherry tobacco, cocoa, and vintage leather with a tannic, racy, dry full body and a warming, very long finish revealing notes of cranberry sage jam, rose hip, cured meats, and juniper with firm, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. Complexity abounds in this Brunello; easily pair with show-stopping meals or allow it to unfold in the glass over long conversations.

Awards: '2021 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 Red Wine $15 and Under' Best Value Tuscan Red

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

White gold color. Green, grassy aromas and flavors of tropical flowers and leaves, peach-pear compote, and honeyed herbs and spice with a round, vibrant, effervescent, sweet medium body and a sleek, nuanced, very long finish displaying notes of tropical fruit salad, orange and apricot sorbets, and wet sandstone. A robust, concentrated Moscato d’Asti with great fruity flavor and length.

Awards: '2019 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 5 Sparkling Wine $20 and Under' Best Value Italian Wine Exceptional Value

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.