Reviews for Best Wines Under $12: Best Budget Wines

Best bargain red wine

Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha 2005

Reviews say that Las Rocas Garnacha is an excellent value. Critics say that its bouquet of strawberries gives way to flavors of black cherry, licorice and black pepper, and there's even a whisper of white truffle. Experts… indicate that this Garnacha (also known as Grenache) is very well made, with a velvety mouthfeel and an excellent balance between fruitiness and tannins.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Wine Advocate: Robert Parker writes that this wine "has a splendid perfume of spice box, lavender, kirsch and blueberry" and is difficult to ...

Wine Library Webcast: Gary Vaynerchuk says that this wine is exceptionally blended and very well made, although he doesn't like it quite as much as the ...

Dr. Vino.com: Tyler Colman reviews an earlier vintage of Las Rocas and finds it complex, with an "impressive finish for a wine at this price ...

Corkd.com: This wine earns an average score of 89.3 out of 100 in six consumer reviews. Reviewers say it's a great wine for the price, ...

Wine.com: This wine e-tailer lets you sort wines by combined ratings in major wine publications. Las Rocas Garnacha has earned a high ...

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Best bargain white wine

Aveleda Vinho Verde Quinta da Aveleda

*Est. $6 Compare Prices

This slightly effervescent Portuguese white wine wins praise from critics for its freshness and complexity. Experts say it's relatively dry, with flavors of melon, green apple and peach. An undercurrent of minerals and… spice heightens its appeal. Reviews say it's the perfect summer white -- at a surprisingly low price.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

The Wine Trials: "The Wine Trials" is based on blind tastings of 540 wines. Editors call this wine "one of the great steals of this book." "Citrus ...

Wine Spectator: Kim Marcus calls this wine "bright and zesty" and recommends drinking it immediately.

MainStreet.com: David Critchell calls this wine "the perfect companion to those long, languorous summer days."

Corkd.com: Eight reviewers give this wine an average of 88.9 points out of 100. Several reviewers say it's perfect for summer nights, even ...

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WineChateau- .com

for $5.99

ShopRite Liquors Lincoln Park

for $6.79

Top budget red, suitable for aging

Yellow Tail The Reserve Shiraz 2005

*Est. $11 Compare Prices

According to reviews, this easy-to-find Yellow Tail Shiraz is that rare budget wine that earns the approval of discerning wine critics and casual drinkers alike. Critics say that this is a fine-grained, well-balanced red… that's full of fruit and spice. If you're an aspiring wine collector, you can age this wine for several more years. If you have difficulty finding the 2005, the 2006 is nearly as good, say critics.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Wine Spectator: A number of wines costing $13 or less appear in this roundup of the magazine's top 100 wines of 2007, including Yellow Tail ...

CellarTracker.com: This wine earns an average of 85.8 points out of 100 in 24 consumer reviews. Some reviewers say it's too sweet, while others say ...

Wine.com: The three reviews posted here are mostly positive, with one reviewer saying it's a better wine than most in this price class.

Corkd.com: Four consumers give this an average rating of 83.2 stars out of 100. One says it tastes artificial, but three are happy with it.

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Best "box" white wine

Dtour 2004 Macon-Villages

*Est. $40 for three-liter cylinder Compare Prices

If you're looking for a crisp white wine to take to a barbecue or picnic, critics say the Dtour Mâcon-Villages is your best bet. Not only is it leak-proof, it doesn't require a corkscrew, and the cylinder-shaped tube it… comes in is attractive. The vacuum-sealed bag inside, which keeps wine fresh for up to a month after opening, holds 3 liters (the equivalent of four standard bottles). This Chardonnay-only white is crisp and lively according to reviews, with flavors of honeysuckle, green apple, lemon and a touch of yeast.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

RobertParker.com: Robert Parker, the world's most influential wine critic, pronounces the Dtour Mâcon-Villages to be a "refreshing," "tasty" and ...

Wine Spectator: Bruce Sanderson says the Dtour Mâcon-Villages "shows good regional character, exhibiting fresh, crisp-apple and mineral flavors ...

Slate.com: Mike Steinberger samples box wines and praises the Dtour 2004 Mâcon-Villages for its gentle spiciness and notes of grapefruit ...

Vogue: Lawrence Osborne is somewhat dismissive of the Dtour 2004 Mâcon-Villages, which he calls "a basic, very apple-flavored table ...

EatingWell.com: Editors say that this wine is crisp and redolent of vanilla and green apple.

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Best wine under $12: Reviews

Best bargain red wine

Best bargain white wine

Top budget red, suitable for aging

Best "box" white wine