8 Red Wines $15 and Under Rated 90+
Updated: Jan 28, 2022
Amazingly, these 8 Red wines are going for $15 and under and they’ve even got a 90+ rating. That’s not always easy to find because these types of noble grape reds can command high prices.
These chilly days and nights make you want to curl up on the couch with a nice glass of red wine. And it always tastes better when you get it at a value. Am I right? Well, friends, I’ve got a great line up for you. I’ve found 8 quality red wines $15 and under for you to try out.
And wine critics love these wines! All of them are rated in the 90-94 range! On a scale of 0-100, the 90-94 range is classified as “Outstanding” which is defined as “a wine made of superior character and style.”
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Pinot Noir
Grapes are sourced from the best Pinot Noir regions in the state of California. Harvesting from the warmer Central Coast can mean riper fruit flavors, while harvesting from the foggy cool Northern Coast can mean higher acidity. The combination means great quality and deliciousness.
The winemaker and wine critic describe this wine as having cherry, strawberry, and cranberry notes. It’s fresh with lively acidity and smooth tannins. Flavorful and fruit forward.
Rating: JS 91 (James Suckling)
This wine uses Pinot Noir grapes from prime central California vineyards to create this outstanding Pinot. The Pinot Project started in 2009 with the goal of producing top-quality wine at a value. I’d say they’ve done just that.
This wine is described as having notes of raspberry, cherry, and strawberry with moderate tannins and acidity. It is lightly oaked with 20% of the wine maturing in French oak barrels while the other 80% matures in stainless steel tanks and then blended together. Wine Enthusiast calls it a Best Buy.
Rating: WE 90 (Wine Enthusiast Magazine)
Merlot
Columbia Crest winery has helped make Washington state a world-class wine region. It specializes in small-lot wines that have superior quality while remaining affordable. Thank you! Isn't that what we all want -- great quality at an affordable price?
The winemaker and wine critic, James Suckling, describe the wine as rich with notes of chocolate, dark cherries, and plum. It's full bodied with firm tannins (aka bitterness and dryness - best with fatty foods).
Rating: JS (90)
Here is a real find! A wine from Bordeaux for $14 and rated 91!! This is rare. Snatch it up before it's gone. Usually Bordeaux wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. This one is 100% Merlot. Keep in mind the label will say Bordeaux and not Merlot.
The winemaker and wine critic, Jeb Dunnuck, describe this wine as having notes of cherry, raspberry, and blackcurrant. It is medium to full body. It's a soft, fresh wine with balanced texture. Drink over the next 7-8 years. (Most wines are meant to be consumed within the first couple of years, but this one you can hold onto. At this price, buy one to drink now and hold one to see how it develops.)
Rating: JD 91 (Jeb Dunnuck)
Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine combines grapes from Lake and Sonoma County, the William Hill Estate Winery touts its incredible wine as "Napa Valley that's off the beaten path."
This California cabernet has dark fruit flavors with a medium- to full-body and silky tannins.
Rating: JS 90
Cabernet commands prices well over $15 in Napa Valley because they can. So, we’ll hop next door to Sonoma County for a Cabernet that flies a little under the radar. This winery is not new on the scene, Geyser Peak Winery was founded in 1880 and sources its grapes from prime vineyards around Sonoma County.
This wine is easy drinking for a Cabernet with blackberry and black cherry notes.
Rating: JS 90
Shiraz
The northern portion of the Limestone Coast is a warm climate region known for producing high-quality Shiraz. In 1996 Bob Berton established Berton Vineyards after having a successful career working for leading wineries in Australia. Bob decided to build his winery from the ground up, literally. He planted his own vines on a plot of land in the coveted Limestone Coast and has been producing high-quality wines using both grapes from his own vineyards, as well as, grapes sourced from top-rated vineyards within the Limestone Coast.
The winemaker describes this Shiraz as bold with deep colors and juicy notes of blackberries, plum, and vanilla. Recommended pairing with beef eye fillet and roasted vegetables.
Rating: TP 92 (Tasting Panel)
This wine is made from grapes of old vines that were planted in 1908. Wow! You can expect grapes from old vines to have a combination of concentrated, complex, and bold flavors.
The winemaker and wine critic tasting notes describe this wine with the typical characteristics you would find in a Shiraz. Deep purple color and full body with big bold dark fruit flavors.
Rating: WS 91 (Wine Spectator)
8 Red Wines $15 and Under
This scrumptious line up of red wines $15 and less will keep you stocked up for a while. Enjoy these wines with your favorite stews and steaks. Or get that fireplace going and snuggle up on the couch with a good book and a quality, affordable glass of red. Enjoy!
