Best red wine under $20?

[Innkeeper]

All those brands have one or more of the words Roberto mentioned on the label. Not that they don't make ANY decent wine, and if you're just quaffing may work for you. Meridian Chardonnay is considered by some one of the best chardonnay values going. It is well laced with new oak, making it difficult to match with food other than something like a roast chicken dripping with butter. Kenwood and Kendall-Jackon also make some good stuff. Using the search function, you can find TNs on some of them here.

The answer to your question, "what is the best red wine for under the $20", is Chateau Les Fiefs De Lagrange, St Julien. This Bordeaux is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and cabernet franc. The only problem is you can't drink it for a while. Well, you can, but it won't be as good as it gets. Lower priced Bordeaux wines; those that say "Appelation Bordeaux Controlee" on the label and run $10 to $15, can be consumed right away, and almost always give you a better value that California Cabernet or Merlot at the same price.