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Top 100 Best Buys of 2020

Top 100 Best Buys of 2020
Photos and animation by Tom Arena and Eric DeFreitas Image by Tom Arena and Eric DeFreitas

Despite a world of constant uncertainty—a global pandemic, social unrest, increased tariffs and wildfires—the wine-drinking public nonetheless continues to make it a priority to have bottles on their tables. That said, while wine consumption is up, it’s clear that consumers are still watching what they spend per bottle.

Thankfully, Wine Enthusiast is here to help make sure your valued dollars go far. Each year, we assemble our Top 100 Best Buys list to help guide you to some of the highest-quality value wines on the market today. For 2020’s edition, we combed through more than 1,500 wines that earned our coveted Best Buy designation, wines that are $15 or less and fall within a specific price-to-score ratio.

While tariffs may have increased the prices on some bottlings from France, Germany and Spain, value can still be found in those regions. In fact, our number one wine is a Rioja red from an excellent vintage that’s widely available in stores for around $11.

This year’s list showcases selections from 16 countries and is rife with some of the world’s most popular grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. It also highlights plenty of varieties that are ripe for your discovery, like Bonarda from Argentina, Lemberger from Washington and Grüner Veltliner from Austria, along with a whole host of delicious blends.

Red, white, sparkling, rosé and even dessert wines are all well represented, and with an average price just over $13, this list is the ultimate guide to value pours to enjoy now.

Click here for a downloadable PDF of our Top 100 Best Buys of 2020.

Michael Schachner: A punchy, citric nose offers a hint of green herbs, while this blend of Viura and Malvasia is fresh and light in feel. White grapefruit and apple flavors end with... Full review

Mike DeSimone: Aromas of blackberry, toffee and clove set the stage for flavors of black plum, raspberry, caramel and licorice. It is bright at first sip, with soft tannins that dissolve into... Full review

Christina Pickard: This straightforward sipper opens on notes of black currant, chocolate, mint and oak spice. The palate is rich and round, with plump, fleshy fruit and leathery tannins. The oak sticks... Full review

Anne Krebiehl MW: Slight reduction tinges the vivid black-cherry notes on the nose but blows off quickly to let the fruit shine. A hint of juicy plum joins on the supple but easy... Full review

Michael Schachner: Haystack and golden apple aromas come with a whiff of sulfur. On the palate, malic acidity keeps this fresh and racy. Salty flavors of green apple and gooseberry finish short.... Full review

Lauren Buzzeo: Spicy notes of whole coriander and green peppercorn dance atop fruity tones of black plum and berry fruits on the nose of this red wine. The palate offers more astringent... Full review


What Is Blind Tasting?

All tastings reported in the Buying Guide are performed blind. Typically, products are tasted in peer-group flights of from 5-8 samples. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide context—vintage, variety or appellation—but never the producer or retail price of any given selection. When possible, products considered flawed or uncustomary are retasted.

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About The Scores

*Products deemed unacceptable (receving a rating below 80 points) are not reviewed.

98-100

Classic
The Pinnacle of quality

94-97

Superb
A great achievement

90-93

Excellent
Highly recommended

87-89

Very Good
Often good value; well recommended

83-86

Good
Suitable for everyday consumption, often good value

80-82

Acceptable
Can be employed


Kerin O’Keefe: Ripe black-skinned berry, wild mint and carob aromas take center stage in this round red. The aromas carry over to the juicy, smooth palate along with blackberry jam and a... Full review

Roger Voss: A blend of two of the most recognizable grapes in Vinho Verde, this wine combines richness with freshness. This winning combination comes with apple-skin crispness and grapefruit acidity. Drink this... Full review

Susan Kostrzewa: This wine is pert and pretty, with a good balance of salinity and citrus fruit. It's a style that sits nicely between overly austere or fruity. Easy-drinking and affordable, it's... Full review

Michael Schachner: Airy aromas are light and suggest pear and cider. This organic brut nature is lively and round in shape. Briny nectarine and green melon flavors finish mild and dry.

Anna Lee C. Iijima: Savory notes of earth and smoke dissipate with aeration, revealing pretty notes of fresh grapefruit and white peach. It's a juicy, approachably fruity wine balanced by sunny tangerine acidity. Best... Full review

Michael Schachner: Basic but clean aromas of underripe green melon and papaya are more subdued than lively. This Uco Valley Chardonnay offers a quality mouthfeel braced by more than adequate acidity, while... Full review

Alexander Peartree: Aromas of crushed, mentholated herbs, blackberry and black pepper are lifted and pure on the nose. This light-bodied Montepulciano offers a succulent core of cherry and blackberry flavors on the... Full review

Paul Gregutt: No frills here—the wine was put through all stainless-steel fermentation and no malolactic. The result is a clean and refreshing expression of crisp apple fruit, with a touch of white... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: Fresh, easygoing and utterly enjoyable, this easygoing red has vinous aromas of just pressed grapes, fresh red berry and violet. On the supple palate, bright acidity and relaxed tannins accompany... Full review

Michael Schachner: Initially, this blend of Tannat, Merlot and Cabernet Franc is closed, but airing allows berry fruit and spice notes to emerge. A crisply acidic palate is lively and tannic, while... Full review

Michael Schachner: Aromas of bubble gum, red plum and cherry lead to an easygoing palate that's in balance. Mild flavors of berries and red apple hold steady on a solid finish. This... Full review

Roger Voss: A generous burst of blackberry flavors sets the scene for this attractive, softly textured wine. With light tannins and juicy fruitiness, the wine is full, generous and ready to drink.

Michael Schachner: This Cab Franc punches above its weight (and price) class. While the nose is mostly made up of ripe berry aromas, there's a note of grilled meat that is appealing.... Full review

Fiona Adams: The nose of this wine combines black fruit, cement and tar. The juicy black-fruit tones carry to the palate and turn to tart black plum on the finish, while an... Full review

Michael Schachner: Fresh yet simple aromas of orange peel and lychee capture the good side of this aromatic variety. Bright acidity charges up and elevates the palate, while this blend of 85%... Full review

Alexander Peartree: Pale pink in the glass, this zesty rosé offers bright aromas of strawberry, lemon, crushed stone and white blossoms on the nose. The palate is light in feel but persistent... Full review

Michael Schachner: Earthy cherry and plum aromas come with a hint of rubber, while this is full on the palate. Dark plum, blackberry and vanilla flavors fall in line, while this feels... Full review

Christina Pickard: Like licking a popsicle, there's a refreshing and ultrafruity likability about this Sauvignon Blanc from a great vintage. Peach, lime and strawberry burst from the glass. Undercurrents of green pepper... Full review

Alexander Peartree: Showing the earthier side of the variety, this red starts off with aromas of turned soil, crushed black pepper and violet on the nose, yet there's plenty of added appeal... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: One of the best value whites coming out of Italy, this enjoyable wine has aromas of spring blossom and white stone fruit. Crisp and savory, the fresh palate offers yellow... Full review

Christina Pickard: D'Arenberg's cherry-hued Shiraz is a balanced, medium-bodied weeknight sipper. It's open and fragranced like a bowl of freshly picked cherries, raspberries and strawberries. There's a line of baking spices, dried... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: Aromas of white stone fruit and honeysuckle lead the way in this savory white. It's crisp and tangy, with a saline note accenting flavors of green apple and honeydew before... Full review

Jim Gordon: This dry and complex wine offers gentle aromas of white flowers, crisp celery and green apple followed by a tangy white-peach flavor. Lifted acidity lends great balance in this rather... Full review

Michael Schachner: This is a typical yet fresh Verdejo done well. Friendly apple, pineapple, pear and herb aromas carry to the juicy palate. A clean, fresh finish makes this right for simple... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: This wine is a 60-40 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Aromas of olive, smoke, mesquite, huckleberry and black raspberry are followed by plump, smoky blue- and red-fruit flavors, with... Full review

Paul Gregutt: Production keeps rising while the price stays the same and the quality is as good as ever. A blend of eight different white wine grapes, this wine is fragrant in... Full review

Christina Pickard: This is a fruity Pinot Grigio that leads with lime, pineapple rind, lychee and honeysuckle. It's a little on the candied side, but plenty will find it appealing. Acidity on... Full review

Jim Gordon: Smoke and sage aromas meld with cherry and wood-smoke flavors to make a savory combination in this medium- to full-bodied wine. It shows good balance and light tannins, making it... Full review

Roger Voss: Fruity, light and refreshing, this wine is crisply textured and bright in citrus acidity. Its tangy texture and edge of minerality gives it a light structure and a refreshing aftertaste.

Lauren Buzzeo: Opening scents of lightly toasted spice, brioche and wood-grilled apple lead the nose, with supporting roles from hints of orange blossom and star anise. The palate is bright and focused,... Full review

Paul Gregutt: This wine delivers a lovely core of black cherry-candy fruit accompanied by light, refined tannins and balanced acidity. It is a perfect choice for near-term drinking.

Alexander Peartree: The nose of this wine is stony and earthy in crushed limestone, with accents of citrus peels and bright spring blossoms rounding it out. The palate shows more ripeness in... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: The fruit for this wine comes from 40-year-old vines. It kicks off with fruit-forward aromas of boysenberry, blueberry and plum. The palate is soft, bringing a compelling sense of purity... Full review

Roger Voss: The grand château of this estate is surrounded by vines planted on clay and chalk soil. This wine, with its dense tannins in place, is young and shows some good... Full review

Roger Voss: Smooth and concentrated, this wine has ripe fruits with a fine balance of acidity and richness. There is a mineral element in this blend of four grapes, bringing an attractive... Full review

Anne Krebiehl MW: Lemon and hints of strawberry compote are appetizing on the nose. The palate comes in with zingy freshness that lifts and brightens the entire wine. The lemon finish is bone... Full review

Alexander Peartree: A flashy nose of orange zest, yellow apple, lemongrass and cherry blossom starts off this well-priced offering. It's cohesive and silky on the palate yet properly lifted by fresh acidity.... Full review

Roger Voss: A blend of Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro and Tinta Roriz, this red is warm, ripe and made to be enjoyed young. It succeeds with its soft texture and great fruitiness from... Full review

Jim Gordon: Thick, sweet flavors of black plum and cherry jam make this dessert-style wine a kind of guilty pleasure. It tastes ripe but vibrant, too, and is relatively low in alcohol.

Paul Gregutt: Loaded with fresh fruit flavors of peaches, apricots and pears, this is quite juicy, and the ripeness is nicely balanced by ample acidity. It's just sweet enough to serve with... Full review

Alexander Peartree: A slick nose of wet stone, papaya and watermelon starts off this well-balanced rosato. The flavors build on the palate, beginning with a melon tone that leads to crushed strawberry... Full review

Jim Gordon: Lively acidity keeps the ripe, luscious honeydew melon flavors in balance while a smooth, buttery texture is energized by citrus accents. This full-bodied, vegan wine has distinct, enjoyable parts that... Full review

Fiona Adams: Black currant, vanilla and coffee ground notes form the nose. Tart blackberry and black currant flavors are framed by mouthwatering acidity and coating tannins. The fruit stays juicy through the... Full review

Virginie Boone: Pretty in aromas of peach and strawberry, this is a sleek, energetic and nervy wine—bone dry, elegant and endlessly quaffable. It offers just enough complexity to keep it interesting without... Full review

Jim Gordon: This rich, soft and ripe-tasting wine folds peach, butter and almond flavors into a smooth texture and full body. It gives a nice sense of breadth and fullness for such... Full review

Michael Schachner: A tan-gold color and oily aromas of almond and walnut open this surprisingly refined Fino. Flavors of butter, peanut and baked apple turn smokier and huskier as this sits, while... Full review

Jeff Jenssen: Cherry-red in the glass, this Bulgarian Pinot Noir has aromas of black cherry, red raspberry, mocha and cocoa powder. In the mouth, there are flavors of fresh cherry, vanilla and... Full review

Fiona Adams: An effusive nose combines aromas of cherry and strawberry in this rosé. Cheerful and ripe, the palate offers more cherry and strawberry while juicy acidity makes for a quaffable pour.

Sean P. Sullivan: There's no question about the variety, with its opulent aromas of plum and blue fruits. Generous flavors follow, framed by pillowy, soft tannins, with plum, orange peel and herb notes... Full review

Jim Gordon: Lots of bright, ripe fruit flavors and great acidity give this full-bodied wine plenty of charm. Tangy citrus and apricot aromas meet zesty but rich flavors in this superconsistent wine.

Lauren Buzzeo: There's pronounced brightness to the nose of this pale coppery-pink rosé. A refreshing sea-breeze aroma partners with delicate scents of white cherry, melon rind, white currant and rhubarb leaf. The... Full review

Michael Schachner: Plum, cherry and earthy spice notes make up a classic Rioja nose, while this crianza from a hot, dry year feels fleshy and ripe. Dark berry flavors push toward the... Full review

Matt Kettmann: Aromas of dark red berry and crumpled hibiscus make for a delicious entry to the nose of this blend of 69% Grenache, 29% Syrah and 2% Mourvèdre. The palate is... Full review

Michael Schachner: Ripe blackberry aromas are reduced at first and then expand on a saturated nose. Ripeness continues on the palate, with flavors of lush berry fruits, cassis and chocolaty oak. While... Full review

Paul Gregutt: This unoaked, no-malolactic wine doesn't lack for flavor. It's bright, spicy and nicely textural, with suggestions of citrus zest, green apple, lemongrass and bracing minerality. The grapes are sourced from... Full review

Anna Lee C. Iijima: Fresh blackberry and plum are edged by fragrant notes of violet and garrigue in this Syrah-dominant blend. While full bodied and opulent, it's a fruity, elegant wine, with a bold,... Full review

Jim Gordon: This dry and extremely flavorful wine offers rose petal and prosciutto aromas on the nose, with vivid grapefruit and luscious pear flavors on the palate. A rather full body and... Full review

Michael Schachner: A bold purple color and spunky wild-berry aromas offer a clear look into this lush Bonarda. Dark plum and berry flavors are lusty and fresh, and while this doesn't evolve... Full review

Roger Voss: Light aging on lees has given this organic wine depth as well as an attractive spicy character. It is ripe in white fruit flavors, lifted by a citrus edge. It... Full review

Michael Schachner: Spicy berry aromas are accented by black tea and leafy scents that create an ideal Carmenère nose. A tightly concentrated palate offers mixed berry flavors touched up by the right... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: Generous aromas of fig, kiwi and freshly spun cotton lead to a full, flavorful palate that brings a sense of texture and richness. It stretches out on the long, warm... Full review

Roger Voss: Vines over 35-years-old offer concentration in this wood-aged wine. Its fine tannins are still firm, a solid base for the aromatic black-fruit flavors. Drink this blend of Touriga Nacional and... Full review

Matt Kettmann: This is a screaming deal of a Bordeaux-style red blend. Light aromas of cherry, oregano, marjoram and black pepper lead into a complex palate of blackberry and more dried herbs.... Full review

Paul Gregutt: An astonishing value, this all-Pinot rosé is scented with luxurious rose petals and piercing citrus rind. The palate cascades through watermelon and strawberry flavors, not sweet but round and full... Full review

Michael Schachner: Lean red-fruit aromas are fit and clean, lifted by citric accents. This blend of 75% Garnacha and 25% Tempranillo feels healthy and fresh, but not overly full. Plum and currant... Full review

Anne Krebiehl MW: Moss, crushed sage and yarrow play alongside green pear in this fresh, vivid wine. The slender, crisp palate adds a note of salty yeast and boosts the flavors with lemony... Full review

Jim Gordon: This is a brawny, full-bodied and firmly tannic wine that's nevertheless seductive, complex and layered. A dark color and impressions of tobacco, black currant and sage make it delicious to... Full review

Jim Gordon: This richly textured wine has gorgeous aromas of toast and fig that lead into flavors of just-ripe Pippin apple and Bosc pear on the palate. Partially barrel fermented, it has... Full review

Anna Lee C. Iijima: Pristine pink grapefruit and blossom notes extend from nose to finish in this fantastic value Riesling. Zesty and spry, it offers concentrated citrus and guava flavors filigreed by crystalline cuts... Full review

Matt Kettmann: A roasted red-plum aroma meets with savory leather and dried beef jerky on the nose of this Zin-based bottling. There's a decent grip right away on the palate, and those... Full review

Jim Gordon: This is a relatively light-bodied wine, showing great balance, a lithe texture and lip-smacking red-cherry and cranberry flavors. It would be a versatile pour at the dinner table.

Anne Krebiehl MW: Notes of lemon and red currant are beautifully aromatic on the nose of this lively sparkler. That red currant note is intensified on the palate by a fine line of... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: Green apple skin, honeysuckle, ripe pear and jasmine aromas mesmerize. The just off-dry palate brings vibrant acidity to its lime and lemon flavors. It's absolutely delicious and will shine at... Full review

Matt Kettmann: This widely available wine carries aromas of ripe berry, plum, violet and lavender that lead into a palate loaded with flavors of black currant and purple flowers. Polished tannins and... Full review

Roger Voss: Partially aged in wood, this reserva has great richness. Its textured tannins, while firm, allow plenty of space for the ripe black fruits and generous juiciness that is present. The... Full review

Michael Schachner: Plum and berry tones are pure and fruity on the nose. The mix of dark fruit and spice notes makes for a solid flavor profile, while this Monastrell offers hints... Full review

Virginie Boone: This blends together 67% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. It offers a wealth of full-bodied flavor and complexity within thick, dense walls... Full review

Christina Pickard: This young Chardonnay bursts with aromas of freshly sliced lemon, lime and peach, with an underlying oyster shell saltiness. The palate is well-balanced in elements of chalk, zingy acidity and... Full review

Jim Gordon: Sleek, sophisticated and understated, this full-bodied wine is keeping plenty of concentrated blackberry and blueberry flavors in reserve for the future. Fine-grained tannins support a surprisingly supple mouthfeel. Best through... Full review

Roger Voss: This is a rich blend that is solid in both juicy black fruits and ripe tannins. With bright acidity and a succulent texture, it's approachable now.

Paul Gregutt: There isn't another estate-based winery in Oregon that delivers such excellent wines at attractive prices. This textural, mineral-drenched wine hints at honeysuckle, lemongrass and fresh spring herbs. The fruit centers... Full review

Jim Gordon: This full-bodied wine shows excellent depth of flavor and great structure. Rich blackberry and plum notes ring clear as a bell, accompanied by light shades of oaky spices.

Sean P. Sullivan: There's a lovely sense of purity to the blue fruit aromas of this wine, which are accented by notes of herb, whole green pepper, coffee and cherry. The palate delivering... Full review

Anna Lee C. Iijima: Elegant notes of cut stone, smoke and cherry blossoms perfume the nose of this peachy, pale-pink rosé made from Syrah (70%) and Grenache (30%). Silken on the palate, it offers... Full review

Jim Gordon: This deep-colored and concentrated wine packs in ample black-fruit flavors and supports them with firm tannins. Baking spices and cedar add complexity to the core of tasty berries.

Kerin O’Keefe: Made with organically farmed grapes, this opens with enticing aromas of citrus blossom and Bartlett pear. The bright palate delivers white peach, lemon zest and almond alongside crisp acidity and... Full review

Matt Kettmann: Light raspberry, delicate cotton candy, brisk melon and a hint of citrus show on the nose of this pale rosé. There's great zip and a tense texture to the sip,... Full review

Christina Pickard: Yalumba's everyday reds tend to have a brightness and approachability about them, and this latest Cab doesn't disappoint. The nose is a lovely combo of currant and red berry backed... Full review

Matt Kettmann: There's a vibrant sense of crisp Asian pear, citrus blossom and mint on the nose of this attractively priced bottling. The palate is tightly wound in flavors of melon rind,... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: Crisp and savory, this refreshing white has lovely aromas of white stone fruit and wild flowers. Showing classic varietal flavors, the tangy palate doles out ripe pear, apple and citrus... Full review

Michael Schachner: Plum and berry aromas are intense, which is fair given that this is a young blend of Malbec and Syrah. A tight, juicy palate is fueled by bold acidity, while... Full review

Roger Voss: The Beaune négociant house has produced a ripe and structured wine. It offers plenty of black-cherry flavors from the ripe Gamay as well as lifted acidity and a touch of... Full review

Jim Gordon: Nicely concentrated, crisp fruit flavors give this medium-bodied wine a lot to like. Tangy white-peach and Pippin apple flavors are lightly accented by lemon, adding to the vibrant mouthfeel.

Michael Schachner: Fresh berry and red plum aromas are lifted by complementary notes of oak grain and vanilla. This value-priced crianza from a very good year feels flush but primed by punchy... Full review