How to buy good red wine under $25?

Question

I found several scoring systems, and I made a list of Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and other red wines scoring >90% and priced under $25; but when I go to buy I never find what's on the list.

Answer 1

I've run across the same problem, or I'll go to a restaraunt and try a wine that I can't find anywhere else. I've found two ways that are successful almost every time:

1) If you have a Total Wine, or other large scale wine/liquor distributor nearby check there. If you can't find what you're looking for, ask. Many of these places will be able to order anything you want.

2) Contact the vineyard directly. This can usually be done easily through their website. They will tell you where their wines can be purchased, and in some cases, you can buy right off the website.

Good luck.

Answer 2

We drink quite a bit of wine and we rarely spend more than $15 a bottle unless it's out to eat or a special occasion. You can find quality reds from nearly any state or country. Chile, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, New Zealand....for real decent prices.
Penfold's, Yellow Tail, Charles Shaw......some real bargains.
Mix up your selections and try not to be married to one type....If you stay on the cheaper side, you can afford to sample a lot more variety, too. Many high priced wines get their asses kicked in competitions with value priced wines all the time. Pay for the wine..not the name.

Try some good websites regarding this.
Cooking Light and Food TV websites have pretty good wine sections to them if you're looking for reds or whites across the board.

Answer 3

Check tasting notes available on line. The reviewer will give descriptions of the flavours, the tannins and the alcohol level. As well as personal opinion on the wine but as you learn what flavours you like you can use that as a guide.

A couple of free sites that you can search wines from.

http://www.gismondionwine.com/index.php

http://www.wineontheweb.com/

http://www.decanter.com/

Also check out the websites of wineries and distributors. Although they won't tell you if a bottle is poorly made they will give you taste profiles And at the price range you are looking most wineries get it right.

Edit:
Sorry misread your question. Where are you shopping, region, state, province?????

Answer 4

OK! I LOVE RED WINE!!!! Here are some of my all time favorites and they are all easy to find and under $20!!!

Penfold's Rawson's Retreat Cabernet ( Aust)
Menage a Trois Red (Calf)
Firefly Shiraz (Aust)
Red Diamond Merlot ( Wash)
7 Deadly Zins - Red Zinfandel ( Calf)
Murphy Goode Cabernet

Try them!! I am anxious to hear your feedback!!!

Answer 5

If you have a Trader Joe's nearby, I'd pay them a visit. Joe's has an extensive collection of reds, whites and dessert wines, most of which range from moderately priced ($15 - $25) to down right inexpensive ($3 - $10).

Answer 6

American $? Canadian$? Australian$?

In any case, go to the May, 2006, issue of "Decanter" - considered the world's best wine magazine. It includes an article listing its tasters and authors opinion of the world's best wine values.

Answer 7

Try Yellow Tail. Any of the reds they offer are wonderful. Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot etc. They even make a Shiraz Cabernet etc.

Answer 8

This is difficult if you go to a grocery store...you need to go to a beer and wine shop with a large variety of wines. I have also had success going to World Market...not sure if you have one in your area or not. You can always go straight to the vineyards website and buy it there.

Answer 9

Wild Irish Rose, Maddog 20/20 M/D 20/20.

Answer 10

franzia merlot. good and not so bitter