Best wine under $12: Reviews

Updated June 2008

You can spend a small fortune on a bottle of wine, but you don't have to. Reviewers say there are good red and white wines to be had for $12 or less. ConsumerSearch consults expert and consumer reviews to recommend cheap wine that won't break the bank or wreck your palette.

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Best bargain red wine

Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha 2005

*Est. $11 Learn More

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… expandindicate that this Garnacha (also known as Grenache) is very well made, with a velvety mouthfeel and an excellent balance between fruitiness and tannins. collapse

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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 resist.

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 Wine Advocate's Robert Parker does.

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 point."

Corkd.com: This wine earns an average score of 89.3 out of 100 in six consumer reviews.

Wine.com: This wine e-tailer lets you sort wines by combined ratings in major wine publications.

Buy at Wine2Spirits.com

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… expandspice heightens its appeal. Reviews say it's the perfect summer white -- at a surprisingly low price. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

The Wine Trials: "The Wine Trials" is based on blind tastings of 540 wines.

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.

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for $3.99

Top budget red, suitable for aging

Yellow Tail The Reserve Shiraz 2005

*Est. $11 Learn More

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… expandthat'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. collapse

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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 Shiraz South Eastern Australia the Reserve 2005.

CellarTracker.com: This wine earns an average of 85.8 points out of 100 in 24 consumer reviews.

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.

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Best "box" white wine

Dtour 2004 Macon-Villages

*Est. $40 for three-liter cylinder Learn More

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… expandcomes 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. collapse

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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 "very authentic" light- to medium-bodied wine.

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

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

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

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