As I begin to near The Lush Life’s 2020 Best Value Wines list, here are five more to consider, depending on the event, including one that will definitely make this year’s edition.

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône (Southern Rhone, France) $20.95
This old reliable, full-bodied blend of Syrah (50%), Grenache (40%) and Mourvèdre (10%) always makes an excellent gift for red drinkers, given its strong quality/price ratio and almost universal appeal among red wine fans. Aged for 18 months in huge oak foudres (more than five times the size of regular barrels) means the oak is more there for softening the tannins and adding texture, while still allowing the fruit to shine. The 2016 vintage is quite plush: a dark red/brambleberry sort of mix with some cedar, pepper (thanks Syrah!) and leather notes that all come together harmoniously on the palate. Long finish. 90

Comuna Shiraz-Malbec 2018 (Mendoza, Argentina) $9.95
The label design of this 85% Shiraz/15% Malbec blend pays homage to the birthplace of the tango, Buenos Aires, while the Comuna name is a nod to the 15 distinctive communes that make up the Argentine capital. This vegan-friendly, sustainably harvested wine saw one week of stainless steel fermenting, followed by just three months of aging in 50% French and 50% American oak chips. Despite the rapid turnaround, there aren’t really many faults to find. It’s a juicy red blend but with a little pepper and herbs on the nose. Light and simple but fairly well rounded. This one grew on me a bit. 86

Comuna 2019 Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio (Mendoza, Argentina) $9.95
You got the Comuna backstory in the previous review, so let’s get right to the wine. It’s a 70% Chardonnay/30% Pinot Grigio blend, but only 10% of the Chardonnay was fermented in medium-toasted French oak, with the remainder fermented in stainless steel for 21 days. So expect a lively freshness to this dry, officially vegan wine. Tropical fruit on the nose begins with banana and leads to pineapple, with some white flowers owing to the Pinot component. At 13% alcohol, it’s also not a complete pushover. Fine for the summer patio. A little short on the finish, but hey, for $9.95, what do you expect? 86

Castaño Hecula 2017 Monastrell (Yecla, Spain) $14.95
A 100% Monastrell (Mourvèdre in France), this is a vegan-friendly, medium+ bodied red. Think smoked, stewed plums, dried red fruit and red licorice. Six months of aging in predominantly French barrels has helped integrate the concoction and soften the tannins. 87.5

Michele Chiarlo Le Orme 2016 BarberA d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) $15.95
A great vintage for this ruby red and violet-hued Barbera from northwest Italy’s Michele Chiarlo Winery. Gathered from a selection of four vineyards, the grapes are steel-fermented with a minimum of 16 months of aging. Dried, earthy fruits including dark cherry and currants ride the line between red and dark fruit. There’s a Cab Franc-like richness here, with medium tannins at most and a nice acidity. This is going to be a lock for my 2020 Best Value list. 90