Five budget reds to drink with Mexican food

Busted.

It’s 4:52 p.m., and you haven’t started dinner. Where did the day go?

If your resident chef is off duty for the night, conjure up some Mexican takeout magic.

Spice it up the tastiest zinfandels and syrahs, ferocious wines that can roar as loudly as the dishes, all priced at $20 or less and available locally.

Smart wine picks always make you look good.

7 Deadly Zins, Lodi Zinfandel, $16. A back talking zin with plenty to say. Weighted to black fruit, with a hint of dark chocolate and spicy cracked black pepper. Sassy spice on the finish.

Easton, 2013 Amador County Zinfandel, $20. A smoky, meaty zin with notes of blackberry and black pepper. Tangy, upfront fruit plays well with its zesty spice.

Gnarly Head, 2013 Old Vine ?Zinfandel, $12. A smart zin. ?Aromas and flavors of plum, vanilla and pepper. But what makes this ?zin a standout is its feisty layers of spice.

Cline, 2014 California Classic Sonoma County Syrah, $12. Cracked black pepper holds its own with tangy black cherry. An uncomplicated, yet bold syrah.

Montevina NV Amador County Syrah, $11. A smoky syrah with notes of black cherry, plum and pepper. Its full-on smoke and spice marry well with Mexican fare.