Cheap Good Red Wine

The 2004 Veramonte Primus is a dry, medium bodied blend of Carménère, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Casablanca Valley in Chile. Dark cherry notes are backed by hints of chocolate and oak.

Winery: Veramonte Vineyards
Vintage: 2004
Type: Red
Region: Casablanca Valley, Chile
Ratings: WINE & SPIRITS: 90 points
Price: $12.99

Boasting bright red fruit flavors along with spicy, peppery notes, the 2004 Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect wine to accompany a big barbecued steak this summer.

Winery: Estancia Estates
Vintage: 2004
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Central Coast, California
Ratings: WILFRED WONG: 90 points
Price: $12.99

Don’t be fooled by the cheap price, as a gold medal winner in the 2007 California State Fair Wine Competition, the 2005 Smoking Loon Syrah definitely deserves a try. This mouth-filling, well rounded wine goes great with any type of barbeque, especially spicy dishes like Teriyaki Chicken.

Winery: Smoking Loon
Vintage: 2005
Type: Syrah
Region: California, USA
Ratings: THE WINE NEWS: 90 points
Price: $8.99

The 2002 Vina Robles Estate Syrah has an earthy nose supported by intense black fruits, with a dash of white pepper and vanilla. Spicy flavors of boysenberry, currants, and candied fruits are sure not to disapoint. Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, portabella mushrooms, and strong cheeses.

Winery: Vina Robles Winery Estate
Vintage: 2002
Type: Syrah
Region: Paso Robles, California
Ratings: SILVER MEDAL, 2006 Florida State Fair International Wine and Grape Competition
Price: $17.99

The grapes used in the 2005 De Martino Organic Cabernet Sauvignon are organically grown in their own “Isla de Maipo” estate. For vinification, they have used only the grapes own yeasts during fermentation and a minimum of sulphur. Pairs well with red meats and pasta.

Winery: De Martino Estate
Vintage: 2005
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Maipo Valley, Chile
Ratings: WINE & SPIRITS: 91 points
Price: $11.99

Tempranillo is the most important red wine varietal for both everyday and world-class Spanish wines, and some studies have shown that it is actually a relative of Pinot Noir. Aromas of blackcherry and blueberry, with a silky texture and soft tannins, this excellently balanced Spanish red can be enjoyed over the next 3-5 years.

Winery: Bodegas Arrocal
Vintage: 2005
Type: Tempranillo
Region: Ribera del Duero, Spain
Ratings: ROBERT PARKER, JR: 90 points
Price: $16.79

The Mendoza region is the most important region in Argentina’s wine industry. The 2004 Valentin Bianchi cab is medium-to-full bodied and opens with beautifual aromas of chocolate, pepper, and dark berries. Rich, spicy, berry flavors follow on the mouth and end in a long, smooth finish. Perfect for the next time you barbeque steak or cook lamb.

Winery: Bianchi Vineyards
Vintage: 2004
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Ratings: WINE SPECTATOR: 90 points
Price: $16.79

Ever since the movie Sideways, the many great and inexpensive wines of Southern California have become very highly regarded. And although the movie may imply that you should avoid Merlot, that is anything but the case! The Kinderwood ’03 is a great dry red wine, boasting rich flavors of current and just a touch of oak. Pair it with hamburger, steak, or even pizza. Enjoy until 2009.

Winery: Kinderwood Winery
Vintage: 2003
Type: Merlot
Region: Paso Robles, California
Ratings: THE WINE MESSENGER: 91 points
Price: $9.75