cosjobs
Footballguy
I think the best $10 reds are Malbec, Zin, Garnacha (Grenache slips above $10), and Syrah/shiraz. And of those I think Syrah pack the most flavor/value, although a good SPanish Garnacha is awfully agreeable to me. Its one of the few reds I'll drink quite a bit in the summer.
Malbec- I don't remember ever having a bad one, but I've also never been very impressed with the expensive ones. I usually get Los Alamos, but I find I hardly ever open it. Always reach for something else in the cellar
Zin - Several good sub-10s and lots more if you go to 12-14. I used to love Zin, but they just started getting so "big" with such high alcohol content I've drifted away. That said Cline and Gnarly Head and several others have really nice $10 or less offerings
Garnacha/Grenache - I love it. The spanish is usually cheaper, but also a lot more inky, in your face, while French is usually at least a couple bucks more (or much, much more) and more approachable. Try Borsao Lurra, Evodia, Las Rocas, or spend a couple bucks more for the Tres Picos (usually worth it). For the French, I see a LOT of different Domaines ship great cheap juice over here, Domaine Durieu, Ch. Pesquie, Jaboulet Parallele 45 and many, any others. Don't be afraid to go back five years, as they usually hold up well, although they don't really develop much (unless you get up in price like a Chateaunuf du Pape). Some years some of the cheapos hit home runs. I think it was 06 Las Rocas was as good as any $30 bottle around. But they are all quite solid and reliable overall. Australia also does some good grenache, but usually in blends with syrah or syrah/mouvedre. Bolder and pricier than SPain, but not quite as good IMO (at least the value ones, Penfold's knocks a few out of the park- but you pay)
Syrah/Shiraz - Australia rack up lots of great wines at a low price. No problem finding a lot of good quality at value pricing. Penfolds, Lehman, D'Arenberg, Rosemount, quite a few more. My fave is Ballbuster, but its more like $14. CAlifornia and Washington also have their fair share of Syrahs at a good price. BOth have gotten really proud of them lately and the best ones are big bucks, but from California, Montevina, Cline and KJ are all great values. From Washington, Columbia Vy and Ch S Michelle are good and reliable. Freaking great reds for a bbq
Malbec- I don't remember ever having a bad one, but I've also never been very impressed with the expensive ones. I usually get Los Alamos, but I find I hardly ever open it. Always reach for something else in the cellar
Zin - Several good sub-10s and lots more if you go to 12-14. I used to love Zin, but they just started getting so "big" with such high alcohol content I've drifted away. That said Cline and Gnarly Head and several others have really nice $10 or less offerings
Garnacha/Grenache - I love it. The spanish is usually cheaper, but also a lot more inky, in your face, while French is usually at least a couple bucks more (or much, much more) and more approachable. Try Borsao Lurra, Evodia, Las Rocas, or spend a couple bucks more for the Tres Picos (usually worth it). For the French, I see a LOT of different Domaines ship great cheap juice over here, Domaine Durieu, Ch. Pesquie, Jaboulet Parallele 45 and many, any others. Don't be afraid to go back five years, as they usually hold up well, although they don't really develop much (unless you get up in price like a Chateaunuf du Pape). Some years some of the cheapos hit home runs. I think it was 06 Las Rocas was as good as any $30 bottle around. But they are all quite solid and reliable overall. Australia also does some good grenache, but usually in blends with syrah or syrah/mouvedre. Bolder and pricier than SPain, but not quite as good IMO (at least the value ones, Penfold's knocks a few out of the park- but you pay)
Syrah/Shiraz - Australia rack up lots of great wines at a low price. No problem finding a lot of good quality at value pricing. Penfolds, Lehman, D'Arenberg, Rosemount, quite a few more. My fave is Ballbuster, but its more like $14. CAlifornia and Washington also have their fair share of Syrahs at a good price. BOth have gotten really proud of them lately and the best ones are big bucks, but from California, Montevina, Cline and KJ are all great values. From Washington, Columbia Vy and Ch S Michelle are good and reliable. Freaking great reds for a bbq
