5 great reds for $15 and under

December 3, 1:26 AMBoston Wine ExaminerJulia Timakhovich

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December is here. Holidays are upon us, meaning (government hopes) a great surge in consumer spending which you hope won't ruin your budget. It's tiring to hear recommendation upon recommendation about what to do and how to spend. Yet the excitement--and anxiety over both cash and thoughtful gifts-are here.

Ease up. If there is one thing you don't have to stress out about, it's wine. There is so much good wine out there that tastes equal or better than its retail price that it's almost impossible to cram too many on a list like this. So I'll try just a few--please send me your thoughts.

Here is a list of five reds where the taste overwhelms the price, in my opinion. (These have all been tasted by me and are my personal observations—this way my arguably unsophisticated palate can have a liability waiver.)

1. Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, $14.

Variety and origin: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley, California

Can be found at: major wine stores

As mentioned in my previous article, this wine strikes with powerful red fruit and beautifully balanced oak flavors that are harmonious on the palate. It would work great as a bottle to bring to a party, as an everyday glass of wine, or as pairing for dishes of red protein variety.

2. Domaine Roger Perrin 2005, $15.

Variety and origin: Grenache-based blend, Southern Rhone, France

Can be found at: Winestone, select wine stores

Grenache is a workhorse red grape that thrives in hot regions. This baby from Southern Rhone makes a wonderful bedfellow for chicken wings or pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces. It is quaffable, easy-going, and very consistent. Check out a more detailed review here.

3. El Chaparral, Vega Sindoa, Old Vines Grenache, 2006 ($12)

Variety and origin: Grenache, Navarra, Spain

Can be found at: Bin Ends, select wine stores

A Spanish version of 100% Grenache. This grape takes on so many forms and tastes. Navarra is famous for its roses, but it delights here with sour-cherry, wood-like aromas and flavors that beg for comfort food (or takeout) to go with it. It's an honest good wine that definitely tastes much better than priced. Check out the detail here.

4. Copertino Riserva 2005, $14.

Variety and origin: 95% Negroamaro, 5% Malvasia Nera, Puglia, South Italy

Can be found at: Cambridge Wine & Spirits, Deluca's on Charles St, Beacon Hill, select wine stores

This is my all-time favorite "drinkable" Italian wine that doesn't need a mandatory complementing meal to go with it. Dark in color, velvety in texture, yet coarse and deep in flavor, this red from Southern Italy gives a run for the money for the region's more famous and more expensive Aglianico grape-based wines. And it's one of the few great-tasting Italian wines for the price. A jewel of a wine for the region. Really.

5. Columbia Crest "Two Vines" Cabernet Sauvignon, $11

Variety and origin: Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washinton

Can be found at: major wine stores

This is one of those happy-go-lucky beverages you can pick up mindlessly and be pleasantly surprised. The volume of production rivals Australian Yellowtail. Except this is a wine of quality for the price. It's fruity, happy, properlhy alcoholic (nothing jumps out as overly done), and fun. Excellent party wine, or an everyday quaff you won't regret leaving some of--because you can always throw it in a sauce for cooking. For being inexpensive and so mass-produced, it's that good due to its consistency of flavor. It's like a good BigMac with fries--you know what you are getting every time. Check out a more detailed review here.

Cheers and happy hunting! December is all about deals. Don't miss out.