Great Reds Under $10

There are several excellent Zinfandels on the market that sell for less than $10, and many of these are often discounted between 10% and 20%, making the wines some of the best values on the shelf.

In particular, the following inexpensive Zinfandels are much better than almost any comparably priced Cabernet Sauvignons:

* 1992 Seghesio Winery ($7.50): This is a stunning wine at any price. In a double-blind tasting of 19 Zinfandels, it finished second, ahead of 15 wines priced $12 and above. The aroma is faintly of jam and spice, but with ample blackberry and blueberry notes. The taste is full and rich without excessive alcohol, tannin or oak. When seen at less than $7, this is one of the best red wine values today.

* 1992 Fetzer Vineyards “Barrel Select” ($9): An aroma of strawberry, chocolate and a trace of jam and toast; fairly concentrated fruit and a gutsy finish.

* 1991 Beringer Vineyards ($8): More delicate in terms of fruit than the above--more like claret--but with excellent balance and charming fruit.

* 1991 Chateau Souverain ($8): Toast and jam, raspberry notes on the tongue and an elegant texture. Top-flight wine. The 1992 version of this wine is more oaky and not as fruity.

* 1993 Santa Barbara Winery “Beaujour” ($8.50): This is a delicious Beaujolais-style version of Zinfandel, with oak nuances in the aroma to confuse the wine snob. The strawberry/cherry aroma is appealing and the texture is light. Serve chilled.