Best Inexpensive Red Wine

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

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

Dark garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of eucalyptus, boysenberry, and rosemary with a tannic, tangy, dry full body and a warming, intricate, long finish with notes of black cherries, raspberry jam, black olives, and cured meats with drying tannins and heavy oak flavor. A robust Cabernet that brings herbal nuance, savory meatiness, and dense fruit to the table.

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

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

Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of rosehips, orange peel, tobacco, mocha mousse, caramelized onion, and hints of apricot with a tannic, vibrant, dry medium-to-full body and a nuanced, long finish with notes of spiced latte and plum with drying tannins and moderate oak flavor. While youthful, this Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion promises a rich, satisfying and layered experience after some cellar time; if drinking now, be sure to decant.

Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate blueberry and nuts bar, cassis compote, and buttercream with a satiny, vibrant, fruity full body and a sleek, appealing, long finish with overtones of blueberry cobbler a la mode, spiced dried berries, nuts, and hint of leather with well-integrated, fine, chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A remarkably plush and elegant Napa Cabernet with almost irresistible fruit, spice, and creaminess.

Garnet color. Aromas and flavors of dried violet, fennel seed, and black cherry with a lean, crisp, dry light body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish that exhibits elements of cranberry, tomato leaf, suede, and vanilla with well-integrated tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. An elegant balance of fine tannic grip and juicy acidity make this a wine to return to throughout a meal.

Awards: '2021 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 5 Red Wine $10 and Under' Best Value US Pinot Noir