2019 Zuccardi Concreto ($34)
This violet-scented, plummy, concentrated red is a fine example of a new style of higher altitude Argentine malbecs. It’s fermented and aged in concrete tanks.
2018 Tablas Creek Vineyard Grenache ($35)
Soft and generous, with exuberant fruit, this red from California’s underappreciated Paso Robles is ideal with grilled meat.
2016 Château Siran ($45)
This up-and-coming Bordeaux château in the Margaux appellation produced an intense, sensual wine with velvety tannins in this great vintage.
2018 The Hilt Estate Pinot Noir ($45)
This is a luscious style of California pinot noir that explodes with red berry flavors and has a long, lingering finish. (To purchase, you have to sign on to the mailing list.)
2018 Virgen del Galir A Villeira As Ermitas ($50)
The first vintage of a serious Spanish red is from a grand cru-quality vineyard in Valdeorras. With notes of wild herbs, flowers, licorice, and smoke, it’s a stunner right at our price limit.
2017 Quinta de la Rosa La Rosa ($50)
Concentrated and structured, this intense, powerful Douro red is made with traditional varieties used in vintage port. It’s a collectible to age. And worth bending the rules slightly on this list.
Geek Wines
When you want something cutting-edge and unusual
2018 Montinore Estate L’Orange ($35)
Intriguing orange zest and apricot flavors make this biodynamic skin-fermented blend from Oregon’s Willamette Valley an easy intro to orange wines.
2018 Cambridge Road Vineyard Naturalist Pétillant Naturel ($25)
I discovered this natural-wine producer on a trip to New Zealand, and at last the wines are in the U.S. This subtle cider-y sparkler is a must for fans of orange wines.
Sweet Stuff
Ideal after-dinner sipping during the holidays—or whenever