Best red wines 2024 uk

Score: 90/100

Bold and very fruity with distinct notes of black cherry along with notes of blackcurrant and plum, testers felt this wine had lovely depth.

With rich flavors of black olives and tobacco, it was enjoyable and satisfying in taste. A great choice to accompany roast beef.

Score: 89/100

Aged for 20 months in American oak, and an additional two years in bottle, this elegant tankard is a beautiful example of fine Rioja.

Packed with black fruits, a touch of smoke and a hint of licorice, it was a favorite of our test panel, and a safe choice in storage.

Score: 89/100

Coming from one of Argentina's oldest family-owned wineries, this medium-bodied Malbec reflects the desert nature of the vineyard, with a smooth taste dominated by sweet red fruit, soft spices and balanced tannins.

Score: 89/100

Malbec is a certified crowd pleaser, and this organic drop is perfect for Christmas. As a medium-bodied red, it is excellent with dark turkey, pork and lamb, as well as mushroom and blue cheese sauces. Expect fruits of the forest, a touch of black pepper and subtle spices.

Score: 87/100

This wine avoids a specific region, instead using grapes from all over France to create easy-drinking, well-priced red wines for everyday use. On the nose, there is a lovely herbal element, with tart red currants and raspberries emerging from the palate. Try it with stews, steaks, and soft cheeses.

Score: 86/100

Swap your beloved Aussie Shirazek and bet on this stunning Portuguese instead. There's no denying the intense black fruit and jam, but this full red also benefits from a refreshing coastal breeze.

Four months in oak adds complexity, through notes of black olive, leather, black pepper and vanilla. amazing!

Score: 86/100

Rich, velvety and spicy, Kabali is made with fruit from old vines for a concentrated flavour. Although it's pomegranate-dominated and spicy, there's also a little carrageenan in the blend, which adds intense black fruit to complement the lighter red currants. Overall, it's a great match for herbed roasted lamb.

Score: 86/100

Chianti is a classic Italian wine with a loyal following, and for good reason. This tough, complex red is full of raspberries, cherries, and a lick of warm spice. Pair it with tomato-based dishes or grilled meats.

Score: 86/100

With pronounced cherries, hints of black currants, and spicy black pepper, this is a more youthful style of Rioja. The vibrant acidity keeps every sip fresh, making it a good table wine for midweek meals.

Score: 85/100

Made from the strong-smelling Graciano grape, testers loved the rich, fruity scent of this tankard. This complexity builds further on the palate, with initial notes of berries and leather, supported by sweet spices and vanilla that come from oak aging.

Score: 85/100

This impressive red is a steal (the previous vintage was named 'Best Malbec in Argentina' at the Wines of Argentina Awards). With layers of black fruit, oak, vanilla, a hint of smoke and black pepper, if beef is on the menu, this is the wine to pair with it.

Score: 85/100

The Ponarda grape may not be as well known as the Argentinian Malbec grape, but it is definitely one you should put on your radar. You'll find a similar fruity taste—think cherries, redcurrants, and blackcurrants—but with more spicy complexity.

Score: 84/100

Part of the Tesco Finest range, The Trilogy is made by Catena (widely regarded as one of the best producers in Argentina), so you know you're in good hands here. This bold, full-bodied red will see you through the seasons with warm spices and a hint of sweet maraschino cherry.

Score: 82/100

With jammy black fruit on the nose and aromas of spice and forest floor, this Italian Merlot blend is a great example of the “appassimento” style of winemaking. The grapes are only picked when very ripe, then left to dry, resulting in a more concentrated flavour.

A true, full-bodied beauty with a long, silky finish, we pair it with roasted meat or slow-cooked ragu.

Score: 81/100

Dominated by damson and dark cherries, if you're looking for a dry, fruity red, this is it. Black pepper, anise, licorice and oak keep things moody and interesting. Overall, it is well balanced and full-bodied with a smooth finish.

Score: 81/100

Opening this shiraz takes some time, but once it does, you'll be rewarded with a blend of chocolate, ripe dark fruit, oak, leather, and plenty of spice. With depth and complexity, this is a foodie's one.

Score: 81/100

A flavor bomb of intense, jammy fruit, our team praised this wine's balance of intense black currants and sticky black cherries. It's perfect to accompany everything from roasted meats to a Sunday roast.

Score: 75/100

Looking to avoid a hangover? The answer to this question may be the organic bottle of red. This lively vineyard follows a hands-off approach, allowing nature to take its course. The result is an aromatic wine with a hint of spice, juicy red cherries and a touch of chocolate.

Score: 74/100

Containing a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from across South Australia, Penfolds has created a smooth, herbal and fruity red full of vanilla, plum, star anise and a hint of smoke. Bring out that smokiness and pair it with roast beef and all the trimmings.

Score: 74/100

There's something slightly heady about the nose of this complex French Merlot, with notes of licorice, sweet cherry, cranberry and plum. Medium tannins and a warm finish make it the perfect choice for cool evenings.