Cheap Good Red Wine

An upscale, but still affordable Pinot Noir, the Falcon’s Perch 2009 has strawberry and sweet herb notes and a live, earthy finish.

Winery: J. Lohr Estates
Vintage: 2009
Type: Red
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Central Coast, California
Ratings: Wine Enthusiast- 90 Points

This blend of bold Austrialian Shiraz and fruity Cabernet Sauvignon yields a deliciously smooth blackcherry wine with hints of spice.

Vintage: 2009
Type: Red
Variety: Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Region: South Eastern Australia

The Lagar Alto Tempranillo hails from La Mancha, of Don Quixote fame, and after enjoying a bottle of this earthy, blackberry and cherry wine you might be tilting at windmills yourself.

Vintage: 2008
Type: Red
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Spain

Dark, spicy and fruity on the nose with hints of pepper, this Malbec-Syrah blend is a good buy for under $15.

Winery: Dona Paula Estate
Vintage: 2009
Type: Red
Variety: Malbec-Syrah Blend
Region: Argentina
Ratings: The Wine Advocate – 88 Points

This smooth, dark almost oaky cab from Chile is perfect for grilled meat. Perhaps pair with some Greek takeout on a lazy Thursday night.

Winery: Sierra Batuco
Type: Red
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Chile

At $6.99 we are approaching bum wine territory, but this Syrah from the award winning Goose Ridge Vineyard in Washington is no 7-Eleven special. Pairs well with a heavy pasta and cheese meal, though I recommend a couple of hours in a decanter because this wine has a strong nose straight out of the bottle.

Winery: Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard
Vintage: 2005
Type: Red
Variety: Syrah
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington

Australian’s love their screw top wine, and who can really blame them? Sure it makes you look way less badass and not at all James Bond like, but you could open the bottle with your toes if necessary. Wolf Blass generally makes fantastic wines for the money and this is no exception, being probably the best screw top Shiraz around. Full bodied and pairs well with a big chunk of American red meat.

Winery: Wolf Blass
Vintage: 2006
Type: Red
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Australia

Great with grilled meat and mature cheeses, this Malbec comes from the highest vineyard in the world in Mendoza, Argentina. It has fruity, berry and licorice notes, and a strong body making it a terrific food wine.

Vintage: 2009
Type: Red
Variety: Malbec
Region: Argentina