Budget wines for after holiday spending spree

Did holiday overspending motivate you to take on a frugal mindset? The good news is that you can still score great wine, even though you’ve disposed of your disposable income. Here are five budget wines, $20 and under, that are turning heads.

Saint Gregory, 2013 Mendocino County Pinot Noir, 13.5%, $20. This Burgundian style wine has notes of cherry, plum and toast. Bright acidity. Nice length. Elegant.

Bogle, 2013 California Pinot Noir, 13.5%, $12. This is a tasty pinot noir with bold red cherry and strawberry fruit, leather and spice. Great balance. Nice length.

The Lost Colony, 2014 Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County Red Wine, 13.5%, $18. A fruit-forward red with notes of toast and sandalwood. Concentrated. Bright acid. Tasty.

Peachy Canyon, 2014 California Zinfandel, 14.5%, $15. A tasty zin with notes of black cherry, smoke and toffee. Hint of vanilla. Balanced. Spot on.

Cycles Gladiator, 2014 Central Coast Petite Sirah, 15%, $11. A hefty petite sirah with boisterous fruit and spice. Aromas and flavors of blueberry, plum, toasty oak and cracked black pepper. This is a feisty petite sirah, with plenty of pepper to give it kick.