Everybody is looking for for value these days...but they try to balance price with quality.  Great BUT  I haven't seen too many people moving the $12.99 steak to the $4.99 "mystery meat" section.  So why compromise when it comes to your wine selection ?  You know the kind of taste you like, the kinds of foods which console your soul during these weird economic times...don't compromise.  Use a lower grade of gas, or use your noodle at the grocery store...when its reg. $3.99 each or 2 for $5.00   buy ONE...that is still only $2.50.  You may end up throwing the rest away anyway ! ( I did that with zucchni last week...I loaded up because it was "cheap" and threw out the rest.

So here are my top 25 picks for red wines from around the world.  CAUTION.  There are not a lot of French or Australian wines listed, and a lot of Italian and California.  WHY ?  French wines have consistantly kept their prices HIGH and have not really tried to filter in on the realities of our economic malaise.  Sure, I see $12.99 plonk stacked at the grocery store...but consider this: its probably tastes similiar to a $6.99 California blend like "Fred's Red" passable at half the price.  Australia has just about fallen off the eonological map ! There are a ton of $5.99-$8.99 wines with screw caps...if you want a high alcohol, non impressive beverage...that is where you should be looking.  Prices are right...but the over all experience will be lack luster !

These reds are not in any kind of order or based on region.I just grouped them within price categories which, as you know, can change.

$10-$25.00 

B.R. Cohn Cabernet,  Joel Gott Cabernet  Oberon , Pozzan Knight's valley, St. Francis Cabernet and Merlot, Alexander Valley Cabernet, Murphy Goode, Shingleback Shiraz, Marquis de Caceres red, Banfi Centine, Frescobaldi Nipozzano chianti, Allegrini Rapasso, Clos la Chance Meritage, Guigal Cotes du Rhone, Betrand Pinot Noir, Boisson Clos de la Brussiere, BV Reserve pinot Noir, Mark West Pinot noir, cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel, Klinkerbrick Zinfandel,Marietta Old Vine Red, High Note Malbec,La Posta Melbac..... (to be continued)