Top-Rated Red Wines of 2024: Best Buys from $20 to $300

Light-Bodied Red Wine


Light reds are prized for their subtle tannins, bright fruit flavors, and delicate balance. Think notes of red berries and cherries with a touch of earthiness. Ideal companions for poultry, salmon, or roasted vegetable dishes.


Top Picks to Try


Pinot Noir and Gamay lead the pack. Discover hidden gems like Frappato or Cinsault for a fresh twist.


MeiomiPinot Noir ~20$

 



Ratings: 170,000+
Average Score: 4.4/5
Produced by Meiomi Wines, this Pinot Noir is celebrated for its vibrant red fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and velvety texture.

 


Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2022 ~45$

 



Ratings: 18,000+
Average Score: 4.3/5
This medium-bodied wine offers a harmonious balance with bright acidity and a long, satisfying finish. Its rich aroma features notes of dark cherries, nutmeg, caramelized apple, cinnamon, and clove. On the palate, enjoy layers of plum, spice, cherry, strawberry, and vanilla oak.

 


DioraLa Petite Grace Pinot Noir 2022 ~20$

 



Ratings: 9,000+
Average Score: 4.1/5
This wine boasts a deep, intense garnet hue with inviting aromas of black cherries, brown sugar, and mocha. The palate is round, soft, and full-bodied, offering excellent mid-palate weight.

 


Belle GlosBalade Pinot Noir 2023 ~29$

 



Ratings: 4,000+
Average Score: 4.3/5
A truly exceptional Pinot Noir with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and vanilla. Dense on the palate, featuring smooth tannins, low acidity, and a perfectly rounded finish.


More Choices Await


The Four GracesPinot Noir 2023 ~28$
Belle GlosDairyman Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 ~38$
Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020 ~39$
Belle GlosClark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 ~42$
Patz & HallSonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 ~44$
Belle GlosLas Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019 ~57$

 


Medium-Bodied Red Wine

 


The perfect balance of richness and acidity defines medium-bodied reds, with layers of red and black fruits, herbs, and spices. Their versatility shines with pizza, pasta, grilled meats, or robust salads.


Top Picks to Try


Grenache, Sangiovese, Merlot, Zinfandel, Montepulciano, Cabernet Franc, and Barbera offer excellent choices for a variety of meals.

 


Golan Heights Winery Yarden Merlot 2021 ~48$

 



Ratings: 5,000+
Average Score: 4.1/5
Aromas of red and black fruits interwoven with hints of fresh herbs, orange blossom, and chocolate. This full-bodied Merlot delivers concentrated flavors and a lingering, elegant finish.

 


Northstar Columbia Valley Merlot 2021 ~38$

 



Ratings: 5,000+
Average Score: 4.0/5
Showcases ripe plum, black cherry, and cocoa notes, complemented by velvety tannins and balanced acidity. With a smooth, lingering finish, it pairs beautifully with roasted meats or hearty pasta dishes.

 


W. & J. Graham's10 Year Old Tawny Port N.V. ~39$

 



Ratings: 18,000+
Average Score: 4.2/5
Offers a rich blend of caramel, dried fruits, and toasted nuts. Silky and complex, its long, warm finish makes it a perfect companion for desserts or cheese plates.

 


Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2021 ~20$

 



Ratings: 4,000+
Average Score: 4.2/5
Delivers vibrant red fruit, subtle spice, and balanced acidity. Its smooth tannins and lively character make it an approachable yet elegant Tuscan classic, perfect for pairing with pasta or grilled meats.

 


The Prisoner Saldo Zinfandel ~28$

 



Ratings: 37,000+
Average Score: 4.2/5
A bold ruby-red blend showcasing dark berry aromas enhanced by cardamom and autumn spices. The finish is rich with lasting notes of chocolate and coffee bean.


More Choices Await


J. Lohr Vineyards & WinesLos Osos Merlot 2022 ~17$
AntinoriPèppoli Chianti Classico 2021 ~20$
Murphy-GoodeLiar's Dice Zinfandel 2021 ~22$
AvignonesiVino Nobile di Montepulciano 2022 ~23$
El EnemigoCabernet Franc 2020 ~24$
BressiaMonteagrelo Cabernet Franc 2018 ~27$
AntinoriVilla Antinori Rosso 2020 ~28$
San Marzano60 Sessantanni Old Vines Primitivo di Manduria 2018 ~29$
AntinoriPèppoli Chianti Classico 2020 ~30$
TextbookMerlot 2022 ~35$
CigliutiVigna Serraboella Barbera d'Alba 2022 ~34$
El EnemigoCabernet Franc 2021 ~35$
NorthstarColumbia Valley Merlot 2021 ~38$
Olivier CousinPur Breton 2023 ~39$
Bruno GiacosaBarbera d’Alba 2022 ~43$
Chateau MontelenaZinfandel 2018 ~50$
AmpeleiaCosta Toscana 2021 ~55$
Rombauer VineyardsMerlot 2022 ~60$
MontepelosoEneo Toscana 2022 ~64$
Tenuta CastelGiocondoBrunello di Montalcino 2018 ~70$

 


Full-Bodied Red Wine

 


Deep and intense, full-bodied reds feature bold tannins and rich flavors of dark berries, chocolate, and spices. Their structured profile makes them perfect for pairing with ribeye steaks, lamb dishes, or aged cheeses.


Top Picks to Try


Syrah/Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Pinotage are quintessential choices for those who love bold, powerful wines.

 


Château de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes-du-Rhône 2022 ~40$

 



Ratings: 20,000+
Average Score: 4.0/5
Dark garnet with a pink rim, this wine is full-bodied and smooth-textured with excellent structure. It improves with aeration, revealing sweeter, richer fruit notes and an extended finish.

 

MollydookerBlue Eyed Boy Shiraz 2022 ~65$

 



Ratings: 16,000+
Average Score: 4.3/5
Bursting with flavors of creamy vanilla and vibrant blueberries, this wine offers a luscious mouthfeel. Layers of dark berry fruits, plum, chocolate, spice, and coffee create a silky, seamless finish that lingers endlessly.


More Choices Await


Liberty SchoolCabernet Sauvignon 2022 ~16$
BonanzaCabernet Sauvignon Lot N.V. ~17$
Casillero del DiabloReserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ~19$
Francis Ford Coppola WineryDiamond Collection Claret 1997 ~40$
CoursodonSaint-Joseph Silice 2023 ~47$
EldertonCommand Single Vineyard Shiraz 1994 ~100$
Stags' LeapCabernet Sauvignon 1988 ~195$
E.GuigalCôte-Rôtie La Landonne 2020 ~530$

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