The cheap wine guide

If you're like me, searching for low-cost wines at the liquor store can be a time-consuming event. Let's just say I have a hard time making up my mind.

For others, anything but ripple will do.

But if your taste buds are more discriminating but you're operating on a beer budget, there are choices.

The editors of ShopSmart, a magazine by Consumer Reports, have put their heads together and come up with a list of their favorite affordable wines. All are for around $20 or less. The complete list is in the January issue, which is on the newsstands.

Here's a sampling of favorites from the ShopSmart grapevine.

White
Pinot Grigio
Clos du Bois 2007, $14
Yellow Tail 2007, $8

Sauvignon Blanc
Mud House 2006, $14
Kim Crawford 2006, $17

Riesling
Covey Run Columbia Valley 2005, $8
St. Urbans-Hof 2005, $12

Red
Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2002, $11

Merlot
Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2004, $11

Shiraz
Jacob's Creek Reserve 2005, $13
Rosemount Diamond Label 2005, $12

Zinfandel
Seghesio Family Vineyards 2004, $20
Cellar No. 8 2004, $10