Red Wines $10.00-$20.00

Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, California

MSRP $15.00

This is a fruit forward cab that's bouquet has notes of chocolate and raspberry. Dark chocolate and raspberry are obvious in this wine with a background of oak and pepper. There are moderate tannins that linger on the finish.

Value: at $15 a bottle, the 2003 Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon is a step above the $10 Cabs because of a nice finish. You decide if $5 extra is worth it for a better finish.

Chateau Haut Perthus 60% Merlot, 40% Cab Sav 2004, France, Bergerac region

MSRP $14.00

This wine comes from the Southwest of France where it is grown in limestone soil. It has the distinct aroma of strawberry jam on toast with a hint of oak. It hits the palate with silky tannins, red fruits and pepper. There are undertones of minerals and a light oakey flavor. This is a very well balanced wine that can use decanting.

Value: A good showing for a French wine at this price point. There were only 9,000 cases produced so if you can find this one it is worth a try.