Need a No-Fail Gift? Buy Red Wine
The idea of wrapping up a bottle of red wine to give someone special may seem easy enough. But then immediately comes a series of questions: Why is wine the right gift for this person? Which red wine of the thousands of red wines is the right choice? Are there budget-friendly options that still feel special?
While we can’t help you answer those personal questions, we can suggest highly-rated bottles that have been captivating our critics this year. To help narrow down your choices, we scanned through our buying guides from the entire year to pull out the best of the best—the wines that we at Wine Enthusiast would give to our friends, family, and anyone else deserving of a bottle.
So, whether the person you’re gifting loves cellar-worthy Napa Cabs, ethereal Pinot Noir, rich Rioja, chilled reds, or anything in between, we’ve got you covered with both splurge-y and budget-conscious bottles. Take a peek.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular—and widely planted—red wine grape in the world. People love its black fruit, spice, and herbal aromas, as well as its balanced acidity and noteworthy tannins. So, chances are a bottle of Cab is sure to please whomever you’re buying it for.
Chappellet 2021 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
Complexity and detail join power and poise. Alluring aromatics of desert sage and cedar cascade into dark fruit flavors in a juicy palate. Mouthwatering and sophisticated. Powder fine, abundant tannins prove palate cleansing leading into a long, mineral finish. Built to age. Cellar Selection. 97 Points — Elaine Chukan Brown
$310
Wine.com
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Budget-Friendly Cabernet Sauvignon
Looking for the world’s most popular wine without spending a fortune? Try this one (or any of these).
1924 2022 Double Black Cabernet Sauvignon (Lodi)
This wine offers bold, full-bodied aromas of baked black plum, red currant, creamy vanilla and cardamom spice. The palate conveys bright raspberry, boysenberry, orange zest and brown sugar. The finish is juicy, dry and mouthwatering. Pair with grilled hanger steak. Best Buy. 92 Points — Tonya Pitts
$10
Total Wine & More
Pinot Noir
Descended from Vitis vinifera, Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned black grape that produces elegant and complex wines that beautifully reflect the terroir on which it’s grown. Though Pinot Noir makes an excellent beginner grape for drinkers because of its softness, balance, and light- to medium-bodied expression, collectors also go crazy for it. The one below will suit just about anyone.
Wentworth 2023 Wentworth Vineyard Pinot Noir (Mendocino Ridge)
This wine is one of those moments when you inhale the aromatics in the glass and are transported back to the place. Well, at least I am every time I smell fruit from this vineyard. It is high above the Anderson Valley, 14 minutes from the Pacific Ocean. The scent of the ocean is suspended in the air along with Alpine aromas- cedar, pine, nettles wrapped around lingonberry, Bing cherry, White strawberry, citrus, and notes of sweet vanilla on the nose. The flavors on the palate are tension of red fruit, dried herbs, baking spices, and citrus all tethered together. Cellar Selection. 100 Points — T.P.
$135
Wentworth Vineyards
Budget-Friendly Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir can get pricey, but this bottle is a steal. (We also have a list of great Pinots under $20, if you want more options.)
Bishop’s Peak 2023 Pinot Noir (San Luis Obispo Coast)
As the Talley family’s entry-level brand, this is a very exciting indication of what to expect in the 2023 wines. This bottling offers crunchy raspberry, red currant, white pepper, sansho pepper and dewy sage on the dynamic nose. The palate is awash in a zippy acidity that enlivens the thyme, bay leaf and raspberry flavors. 93 Points — Matt Kettmann
$20
Wine.com
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Merlot
Two decades after it got bashed in Sideways, Merlot is no longer a punchline. From the gravel soils of Pomerol to the sun-drenched hills of California and Tuscany, winemakers across the globe are reimagining what the grape can be and showcasing why it deserves a fresh taste.
Masseto 2021 Merlot (Toscana)
Our entire adult lives are spent trying to reclaim the wonder of our childhood—the enchantment of Disney World, the legend of Santa Claus, the belief in miracles that is slowly eroded with age. Masseto is always a wine that brings back that magic, but Gaia allows you to get up out of your seat and watch her sleight of hand from a nose-length. I dare you to figure out how she does it, and I defy you not to gasp with delight at the reveal. Drink now or hold until you next feel your faith faltering. Cellar Selection. 99 Points — Danielle Callegari
$950
Wine.com
Budget-Friendly Merlot
If you don’t have hundreds (many hundreds) to dole out on a bottle, don’t fret—this one is sure to impress.
Lava Cap 2023 Estate Grown Merlot (El Dorado)
Opulent and rich with aromatics of ripe Bing cherry, boysenberry, dried cranberry, and notes of orange marmalade, potpourri, and vanilla on the nose, the flavors on the palate are red currant coulis, raspberry jam, dried coriander, black olive, baking spice and layers of mineral throughout the fruit. This is an excellent example of Merlot as another alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon. 92 Points — T.P.
$27
Wine.com
Syrah
Syrah, which ranges from spicy and full-bodied to delicate and floral, doesn’t nearly get the credit it deserves. This 98-point bottle proves it.
Peay Vineyards 2021 Les Titans Syrah (West Sonoma Coast)
Lifted aromas of concentrated raspberry, violet and anise dominate the nose of this silky textured cool climate Syrah. The palate brings concentrated flavors of blackberry coulis, floral mélange, orange peel and black pepper with seamless tannin-acid integration and a lively, energetic finish that goes on for ages. Cellar Selection. 98 Points — Tom R. Capo
$70
Peay Vineyards
Budget-Friendly Syrah
This Editors’ Choice selection is “downright delicious,” according to Wine Enthusiast Writer-at-Large Christina Pickard. It’s also a steal at under $30.
Tyrrell’s 2021 Rufus Stone Shiraz (Heathcote)
From a historic Hunter Valley-based producer, fruit for this wine comes from over 650 miles away in central Victoria. Swirl in glass or decanter for it to reveal distinctive succulent fruit aromas of black cherry, blueberry and plum, backed by violet, oregano and fresh chocolate mint. There’s a seamlessness to the palate: integrated power and freshness, silky fruit and spice. Characterful, balanced and, most importantly, downright delicious. Editors’ Choice. 94 Points — Christina Pickard
$22
Total Wine & More
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Tuscan
Tuscany has long been the center of the Italian wine universe. Why? It produces world-class wines like this stunning Brunello.
Sesti 2019 Sangiovese (Brunello di Montalcino)
Edmond Halley became famous for his astronomical research, but he was equally interested in what was happening inside our planet, and proposed that our earth was hollow and filled with gases and light, like the Aurora Borealis. Sesti tastes just like this—something luminous and powerful, trapped deep inside the earth. 97 Points — D.C.
$105
Merchant of Wine
Budget-Friendly Tuscan
Another great thing about Tuscan wine? You don’t need to break the bank to find an incredible bottle, like this under-$20 pick.
San Felo 2021 Lampo Sangiovese (Morellino di Scansano)
A layered, profound nose oscillates between floral and fresh, then juicy and warm, then savory and saline. The palate similarly reveals a lot of depth, as very approachable fruit receives savory contour, before a lingering finish that pays dividends on the complexity of the nose. Best Buy. 92 Points — D.C.
$14
Fine Wine & Good Spirits
Malbec
While known for its rich jammy fruit and silky mouthfeel, Malbec expressions can range widely—from rustic and savory to velvety and oak-kissed, depending on where it’s grown. This Cellar Selection from Mendoza skews toward the elegant, floral side of the spectrum.
Catena Zapata 2021 Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec (Gualtallary)
This is a beautifully balanced Malbec, with an elegant character and polished tannins. Floral aromas are followed by soft notes of leather and berries. The palate is very expressive, offering layers of blackberries, raspberries, cassis, licorice and jarilla. It has a silky texture and features optimal acidity, suggesting it will age gracefully. Drink now through 2035 and beyond. Cellar Selection. 96 Points — Jesica Vargas
$230
Wine.com
Budget-Friendly Malbec
Hailing from Malbec’s homeland in Southwest France, this Best Buy bottle is guaranteed to earn you some cool points—without causing financial stress.
Château Famaey 2020 Prestige Malbec (Cahors)
Vines up to 50 years old have produced a firm, solid and beautifully juicy wine. It is well balanced, with has good fruit concentration and a polished wood character. It is likely to be ready to drink from 2026. Best Buy. 92 Points — Roger Voss
$20
Wardman Wines
Grenache
Thanks to its naturally low tannins and lighter color extraction, Grenache shines in fresh, vibrant reds, like this handpicked Editors’ Choice selection from the Pacific Northwest.
No Girls 2021 La Paciencia Vineyard Grenache (Walla Walla Valley (OR))
This fantastic Grenache could reunite America if served everywhere with beef stew and crusty bread. Garrigue-like aromas of rosemary and thyme unite with the salinity of a Mediterranean sea breeze and a dollop of black cherries. Boysenberry, barbecued pork and white-button mushroom flavors join with a clean mouthfeel and crisp acidity. Editors’ Choice. 98 Points — Michael Alberty
$140
Ludwig’s Fine Wine & Spirits
Budget-Friendly Grenache
Meanwhile, this bottle from Spain offers all the dark berry, spice, and floral notes for less than $20.
Volver 2020 Quinta del 67 Garnacha (Almansa)
Deep garnet in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of cassis, fennel pollen and lavender. Flavors of blackberry, cherry, clove, dark chocolate and rose petals are wrapped in a layer of plush tannins. Touches of chocolate and aniseed endure on the palate. 93 Points — Mike DeSimone
$17
Universal Fine Wine & Spirits
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Rioja
Unlike other wine regions, where hierarchy is exclusively built around terroir, Rioja’s system centers around how long a wine ages in barrel and bottle before it is released to the market. The aging framework, which ranges from the Crianza label’s two total years to Gran Reserva’s five, is a promise to the consumer that each bottle meets the region’s standards for excellence. Buy this for someone special.
La Rioja Alta 2010 Gran Reserva 890 Tempranillo Blend (Rioja)
Beautiful, refined, finessed and filled with complexity, this is an example of wine worth waiting for. Flavors of tobacco, licorice, mixed fruits and an aromatic, floral lift. Ample while melting tannins pleasantly coat the mouth then carry into a long, stimulating finish. Impressive. 97 Points — E.C.B.
$209
Saratoga Wine
Budget-Friendly Rioja
For someone a little bit less special—or if you can’t afford to shell out hundreds of dollars on a bottle of wine in general—this Best Buy is a fantastic example of a well-made Crianza.
Altanza 2020 Crianza Tempranillo (Rioja)
Firm berries and dark chocolate lift from the glass, and carry into a mouthwatering palate. Stimulating acidity provides a fresh, lengthy finish, and refreshing depth of flavor. Best Buy. 92 Points — E.C.B.
$20
Cellar.com
Chilled Reds
Technically any wine, red or white, can be chilled. But some styles are better than others. Higher acid wines with lower abv and tannins and/or carbonically macerated bottlings tend to do better with time in the fridge. These two are particularly good.
Cave du Château de Chénas 2023 Coeur de Granit (Chénas)
This is a gorgeous wine. Plump black raspberry brushes up against red cherry and bruised alpine strawberry on the fragrant nose along with pomegranate and cranberry skin. The midpalate is juicy with chalky, mineral elements that lengthen and extend the taste that goes on and on. Freshness bottled. 94 Points — Reggie Solomon
$16
The Wise Old Dog
Kristinus Borbirtok 2022 Siller Zweigelt (Balatonboglár)
Crunchy and dynamic, this biodynamic, minimal-intervention from Hungary’s Lake Balaton region has minerally notes alongside raspberries, currants, and cranberries. It’s a light-bodied red that could easily be mistaken for a rosé, and its slightly earthy undertone keeps things not only balanced, but also endlessly interesting. Serve it with a slight chill and watch glass after glass disappear. Best Buy. 96 Points — Emily Saladino
$17
Fine Wine & Good Spirits
More Wine Gift Coverage
- For the best advice and top picks of every kind of wine to give, take a look at these expert-curated lists.
- Whether you want to give white wine, a bottle of Champagne, or non-alcoholic wine and spirits, we’ve got you covered.
- Or, consider something out of the ordinary: buy someone special one of these sweet wines instead.
- If you’d prefer to give something that will last longer than an evening, take a look at these great gifts for wine lovers.
From the Shop
Find Your Wine a Home
Our selection of red wine glasses is the best way to enjoy the wine’s subtle aromas and bright flavors.
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