Wine Enthusiast reviewers sipped their way through a dizzying array of wines this year. Over the past 12 months, they blind-tasted more than 23,000 bottles. While many of the highest-scoring picks boast a price tag to match their lofty ratings, our team of experts also discovered plenty of affordable picks that won’t break the bank.
All of the selections highlighted below scored 90 or more after these rigorous tastings, and 11 of them were selected as Editor’s Choice picks. The special designation indicates that “this is something [our reviewers] would buy for their own cellar,” says Wine Enthusiast Tasting Director Anna-Christina Cabrales.
How do our tasters make such a call? Reviewer Christina Pickard describes one of these well-priced favorites—a silky, mid-weight Grenache from South Australia—as “a sexy wine” right now. But it “could gain savory complexity over the next few years,” she says. “The best part? It’s a stellar bang for buck.”
The following list also includes a top-rated Lambrusco, an excellent New World brut made in the traditional method, a killer old-vine Grenache from South Australia, some outstanding rosés from France and Italy as well as a couple of Beaujolais that could change the tune of even the most diehard skeptics.
Whether you’re seeking a sparkler for an impromptu celebration, a rosé to keep chilled in the fridge or an elegant red to elevate a dinner party—we’ve got you covered. Here are the budget-friendly bottles under $30 that made this year’s Enthusiast 100: The Best Wines of 2023.
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Vigneto Saetti 2021 Rosso Viola Lambrusco Salamino (Lambrusco dell’Emilia)
100% Salamino grown organically in the hills north of Modena this wine is the personification of the Saetti family’s dedication to their craft. Aromas of blackberries, mulberries and tamarind share the glass with violets, dried roses and wild herbs. The palate is lush and vibrant at the same time with rich ripe black-hued fruits balanced with crunchy acidity. The wine has a long and refined finish highlighted by the well-crafted perlage. 95 Points — Jeff Porter
Thistledown 2021 Thorny Devil Old Vine Grenache (McLaren Vale)
Elegance and ease are the name of the game on this silky, mid-weight Grenache. Succulent cherry and blueberry, with vanilla, florals and a gentle spice make for a nose you could dive into. There’s lovely freshness to the slinky palate. It’s tugged gently by savory, sand-textured tannins. A sexy wine right now, it could gain savory complexity over the next few years. The best part? It’s stellar bang for buck. Editor’s Choice. 94 Points — Christina Pickard
Kunde 2021 Estate Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)
Absolutely delicious, fruity and mouthcoating, this full-bodied and gentle-textured wine is easy to drink and enjoy on its own or with cheesy, meaty proteins. Pure raspberries, blackberries and plum jam flavors flow on a broad texture backed by light tannins. Editor’s Choice. 93 Points — Jim Gordon
El Enemigo 2020 Semillon (Agrelo)
Sémillion old vines are being rescued in Argentina to make high-end wines with complexity. This is the case of this white from 50-year-old vines in Luján de Cuyo with a small percentage aged under flor. The nose shows subtle almond and acacia aromas that complement its citrus and saline notes. The medium-weight palate offers almond, grapefruit, pear and elevated acidity, finishing with light smoky notes. Editor’s Choice. 92 Points — Jesica Vargas
Moulin de la Roque 2022 Les Hauts de Vallon Rosé (Bandol)
This Bandol, with its ripe Mourvèdre, is full of red-berry fruits and spice and pepper. The wine is rich and complex; drink it from later this year. Editor’s Choice. 92 Points — Roger Voss
Henry of Pelham NV Cuvée Catharine Brut Sparkling (Niagara Peninsula)
This traditional method blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir has brilliant aromas of green apple, strawberry sorbet and warm Hawaiian sweet bread. Crisp acidity and frothy bubbles escort flavors like peach, lemon and honeycomb. Editor’s Choice. 92 Points — Michael Alberty
Emilio Vada 2022 Camp Bianc Moscato (Moscato d’Asti)
This superfresh Moscato d’Asti pops out of the glass with fresh wildflowers, lemon candy and juicy nectarine. The fleshly palate is like biting into a superripe peach sprinkled with thyme while holding flowers. Yum! Editor’s Choice. 93 Points — J.P.
Maison L’Envoyé 2021 Chateau Vivier Monopole Gamay Noir (Fleurie)
This Fleurie has a distinctive aroma silhouette that immediately communicates something good is about to happen in your glass. Black raspberry leaps out on the nose followed by black plum, black tea, forest floor, red cherry and rosehip. On the palate well-integrated black fruit is in lockstep with ripe tannins. Editor’s Choice. 92 Points — R.S.
Gilles Copéret 2022 Morgon
Deep purple in color, this wine has an aromatic nose of blackberry, blueberry and hints of hibiscus. This vintage shows Morgon’s strength and aging potential in a way that is accessible now but can be enjoyed later. Robust fruit makes this an excellent partner with beef and heavier dishes. This is a beautiful Morgon! Editor’s Choice. 92 Points — R.S.
Manzanos 2021 111 Graciano (Rioja)
In this wine, aromas of black cherry, black currant and licorice prepare the palate for flavors of Chambord, cherry preserves, anisette and violet. Silky tannins dissolve into a long, spicy finish. 91 Points — Mike DeSimone
Raats Family 2019 Dolomite Cabernet Franc (Stellenbosch)
The winery specializes in Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. This well-crafted red is a result of that work. Aromas of cherry, mint and a light note of licorice rise from the glass. It’s fresh and savory, with herbs balancing sweet notes of berries. It has vigorous acidity and gripping tannins providing a good structure. Drink now through 2029. 90 Points — J.V.
Pietro Beconcini 2021 Fresco di Nero, Rosé of Tempranillo Rosé (Toscana)
A rare example of a 100% Tempranillo rosato produced in Italy, this wine has a nose of cranberry iced tea and cooked strawberries. The palate suggests raspberries, wet slate and red pepper. Tension between savoriness and fruit holds through a substantial finish. 90 Points — Danielle Callegari
Sipwell 2021 Tiny Victories Sparkling Albariño (Lodi)
This canned wine clicks the right buttons, offering baked apple and dough aromas on the nose. There’s ample mousse to the sip, where apple and pear flavors prove crisp. Editor’s Choice. 90 Points — Matt Kettmann
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