Wines that taste expensive, but aren't

With the new year firmly under way, the Hired Belly is taking a hard look at his wallet, still intact even if somewhat battered by the festive storms.

We also took another look at last year's tastings -- and in the spirit of frugality thought it a good to time to recap some budget picks old and new: wines that taste way more than they cost -- and which in this case always leave you change from a twenty.

Here's a hint that will help you make the most of your budget buys: always use a decent glass, especially for reds. Letting a wine breathe in a big bowl -- even decanting it -- can work miracles for even the most humble bottle.

CALONA ARTIST SERIES SOVEREIGN OPAL 2007

This may well be B.C.'s most under-valued bottle, especially when it comes to looking for wines that pair well with Asian plate. Clean on the palate, with layers of tropical notes and pronounced grapefruit plus plenty of zing in the end. From the only planting of its kind, in the Okanagan, or anywhere. A steal at BCLS $13.99.

- STONELEIGH RIESLING 2006

Good value Kiwi Riesling with citrus and peach notes and crisp acidity. Think oysters, or anything fishy. Always fresh, in a fail-safe screw cap. BCLS New Zealand $15.45.

- VINA CARMEN CLASSIC SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007

Clean and crisp with just enough grassy and herbaceous aromas to let you know what it is before lively bursts of citrus and a touch of mineral to end. Also in screwcap and an eco-friendly, lighter bottle. BCLS Chile $13.99.

- PAUL MAS 2007 ESTATE SYRAH VIOGNIER

Looking for something a little different from your typical new world shiraz? Try this well made, estate grown Languedoc salute to Rhone. Deep garnet in the glass with aromas of blue fruit and spicy, rustic and gently earthy, almost mineral notes on the palate, before a lengthy end. BCLS France $16.99

- CARABAS CHARDONNAY 2006

Baronne Philippe de Rothschild's new Languedoc entry is an intriguing, quite beguiling Chardonnay with tropical and floral notes on the nose, followed by a well structured palate of citrus and mineral before a clean finish. BCLS France $14.95.

- DAO MEIA ENCOSTA 2006.

Portugal is becoming increasingly well known for its food-friendly table wines and this gently rustic, nicely spiced, cherry and cinnamon toned, medium bodied red is worth every penny of its $11.99 (BCLS) tag.

- EXCELSIOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005

Stony, calcareous Robertson Valley yields some of the Cape's more interesting wines and this is no exception. Soft and approachable with plum and cassis notes, some gently herbal notes and appealing toasty oak. BCLS South Africa $15.99

- CASA DE CAMPO MALBEC SHIRAZ 2006

Unblended Malbec can be a little too straightforward but things get more interesting when 30 per cent Shiraz is blended in. Black fruit and vanilla notes with good backbone, moderate tannins and a long close. BCLS Argentina $15.99

- SEGURA VIUDAS

Just because it's January doesn't mean you have to give up bubble. This perennially good cava with lively mousse and good mouthfeel lends itself very well as a food wine, with just about any plate you choose but especially cold cuts and roast chicken. BCLS Spain $14.99 -- and perfect for Champagne tastes on a beer budget!