Wine Spectator's Smart Buys — A Dozen Value-Priced California Reds

Wines from throughout the Golden State can offer plenty of flavor and character for $20 or less per bottle. From Cabernet Sauvignon to Petit Sirah, these are some solid choices to search out.

Rocking Horse Zinfandel
Napa Valley 1999; $20
Intense, with rich, complex, beautifully focused Zinfandel flavors, brimming with sage, wild berry, juniper and cedary oak, and finishing with a touch of anise. Drink now through 2006. 2,700 cases made.  

Bogle Petite Sirah
California 1999; $11
Very nice red, concentrated and ripe, with chunky flavors of dried blueberry, black cherry, raspberry and pepper. A lot of wine for the money, and availability should be good. Drink now through 2006.  

Navarro Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley Méthode à l'Ancienne 1999; $19
Wonderful balance and intensity, serving up a medley of berry fruit, with well-focused cherry, plum, blackberry and raspberry, accented by a minty spiciness. Drink now through 2006.  

Belvedere Merlot
Sonoma County Healdsburg Ranches 1999; $18
Ripe and chewy, with plum, jammy black currant, fresh sage and plenty of toasty oak that integrates nicely with firm, dusty tannins. Drink now through 2007.  

The Hess Collection
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Hess Estate 1997; $20
Minty and ripe, with black cherry and chocolate flavors that carry through the firm tannins of the finish. Drink now through 2006.  

Qupé Los Olivos Cuvée
Santa Barbara County 1999; $20
Firm and rich, with complex, concentrated cherry rhubarb, and a peppery, beefy edge. Turns to cherry on the finish. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache. Drink now through 2006.  

Renwood Syrah
California Sierra Series 2000; $12
This Syrah is firm, offering beef, spice, black cherry, currant and chocolate flavors, while tannins, toasty oak and herbal notes linger in the finish. Drink now through 2005.  

Gallo of Sonoma Merlot
Sonoma County 1999; $11
Restrained and compact in style, with mineral, currant and herbal flavors and earthy tannins, finishing with notes of coffee and green bean. Gallo keeps an eye on value. Drink now through 2005. -- J.L.  

Rancho Zabaco Syrah
Sonoma County 1999; $18
Chocolate, spice, black cherry and toasty oak flavors start with intensity, pick up herbal flavors and firm tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2004.  

Mirassou Pinot Noir
Central Coast Coastal Selection 1999; $14
Round and soft, with black cherry, strawberry, dried currant and earthy notes nicely framed by toasty oak and subtle herbal flavors. Drink now through 2005.  

Monterra Syrah
Monterey County 1999; $13
Smooth and ripe up-front, with sweet flavors of creamy black cherry, cola and herbs, wrapped within modest tannins and lively acidity. Drink now through 2004.  

Pepperwood Grove Merlot
California 1999; $8
Jammy and round, with black cherry, chocolate, spice and subtle black licorice flavors, underscored by modest tannins. Drink now through 2006.