90 $10 Paringa, Shiraz South Australia Individual Vineyard 2001: This good-value Shiraz (a.k.a. Syrah) is one of Australia’s best–smooth, generous and fruity.
88 $10 E. Guigal, Cotes du Rhone 2000 From Guigal, one of the Rhone Valley’s best producers, comes this powerful blend, with distinctive flavors of minerals and earth.
87 $11 Casa Lapostolle, Merlot Rapel Valley 2001: Chile’s known for its good yet inexpensive wines. If you like raspberries and cocoa, this luscious merlot is for you.
87 $7 Marques de Riscal, Rueda 2000: Spain’s bargain indigenous wines are distinctive and alluring–like this smooth white with pear and almond flavors.
87 $11 Meridian, Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2000: From California’s cooler central coast region, this one’s ripe yet elegant, with just enough oak for balance.
