Cheap Good Red Wine

This medium-bodied French Pinot Noir opens with delicious aromas of cherry, red berries, and a touch of mint. On the palette it is well-balanced with bright cherry & ripe plum flavors. Pairs brilliantly with grilled veggies and chicken. Drink it now or store up until to 2009.

Winery: Puech Cocut (Domaine de Raissac)
Vintage: 2006
Type: Pinot Noir
Region: The Languedoc (Pays d’Oc), Southern France
Ratings: THE WINE MESSENGER: 91 points
Price: $12.50

I know it’s April Fools, but this wine is no joke. The $12.99 Hogue Cabernet Sauvignon was actually rated a staggering 94 points by Wine News Magazine. Along with a 90 point rating from the Connoisseurs’ Guide, this full-bodied Cab is a must-try. Perfect for the next time you cook steak or just want to snack on some cheese or chocolate.

Winery: The Hogue Cellars
Vintage: 2003
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Ratings: WINE NEWS: 94 points
Price: $12.99

The full-bodied 2003 Alexander Valley Vineyards Syrah opens with beautiful aromas of ripe black cherry, boysenberry and black pepper. The same dark fruit flavors fill the palate and follow through to a long finish. An excellent accompaniment to red meats such as roasted lamb and steak.

Winery: Alexander Valley Vineyards
Vintage: 2003
Type: Syrah
Region: Sonoma County, California
Ratings: SILVER MEDAL, 2006 California State Fair Wine Competition
Price: $19.99

The 2002 Kunde Estate Zinfandel is a blend of 88% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Grenache, and 2% Mourvedre. This well balanced Zin boasts flavors of dark cherry jam, caramel and spice. Try pairing it with summer barbeque or some good old fashioned mac ‘n cheese!

Winery: Kunde Estate Winery
Vintage: 2002
Type: Zinfandel
Region: Sonoma County, California
Ratings: WINE & SPIRITS: 90 points
Price: $14.99

Centine is an Italian wine, made of a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of plum and raspberries, low tannins, and great structure make the 2004 Banfi Centine very well-balanced and enjoyable. If you haven’t tried Centine before, at this price and rating the Banfi ’04 is the perfect place to start.

Winery: Castello Banfi
Vintage: 2004
Type: Centine
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Ratings: THE WINE ENTHUSIAST: 89 points
Price: $9.99

The Chalone Vineyards 2005 Pinot Noir is mixed with a small amount of Petite Sirah, adding to its distinct dark color and providing additional body. Flavors of strawberry and dark cherry follow aromas of clove and nutmeg; pairs brilliantly with meaty fish such as salmon or swordfish.

Winery: Chalone Vineyard
Vintage: 2005
Type: Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey, California
Ratings: WILFRED WONG: 90 points
Price: $17.79

Deep flavors of dark cherry and red plums bring this velvety Chilean Merlot to life. And with a lasting peppery finish that pairs well with many meats and fine cheese, you won’t want to miss out on this Wine Enthusiast Editor’s Choice!

Winery: Vina Concha y Toro
Vintage: 2004
Type: Merlot
Region: Puemo, Chile
Ratings: WINE ENTHUSIAST: 90 points
Price: $18.29

With grapes harvested from small clusters on vines as old as 80 years, the Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel boasts rich flavors of raspberry and plum, supported by a spicy mix of oaks. Pairs well with many foods including pizza, pasta, steak and grilled chicken.

Winery: Gnarly Head Cellars
Vintage: 2005
Type: Zinfandel
Region: Lodi, California
Ratings: CLUB BEV: 93 points, SILVER MEDAL, 2006 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR WINE COMP
Price: $10.99