Wines in The Dallas Morning News Wine Competition are judged by grape variety and, in some large categories, by vintage. That's all the judges know when they are tasting the wines. So a $5 bottle or box of wine may be judged beside a $100 bottle.

No disrespect intended to those $100 bottles, which can be quite complex and in need of more time to come together in the bottle. The real finds each year, though, are the budget wines that are worthy of gold medals. These are wines meant to be poured today, so they are delicious today, and they get the attention of the judges. They deserve your attention, too. All the wines on these pages are available in the Dallas market for $12 or less.

Wyndham Estate, South Eastern Australia, Bin 555 Shiraz 2004

Wyndham Estate is located in one of Australia's famous wine regions, the Hunter Valley, but they gather the grapes for this syrah from throughout the southeastern part of the country. It's just what you want from an Aussie shiraz: juicy, black-pepper fruit made easy to drink with sleek tannins, perfect for a burger. Widely available, $10.99.

Mirassou, California, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Though this historic winery is now owned by Gallo, a sixth-generation Mirassou is the winemaker. The cabernet grapes came from cooler coastal areas and were blended with a bit of Sonoma County merlot to add complexity and smooth cabernet's edginess. The result is an amiable wine with plump black-cherry and berry fruit, and a whiff of chocolate and soft tannins. It's ready for drinking today, but with the structure to develop another couple of years. Available at selected Kroger and Tom Thumb stores, $8.99-$11.99

Corbett Canyon, California, Chardonnay NV

If you have resisted buying wine in a box, get over it. Boxed wines have been winning medals in this and other competitions for several years, which means the quality is there. And, packaged in a box, the quality lasts longer than it will in a bottle, because the wine is protected from oxygen. This wine is light-bodied with chardonnay's crisp apple, citrus and pear flavors. Enjoy it with light pasta dishes. You can always serve it from a carafe so your guests will never know it came from a box. Available at Beverage City and Sigel's, $10.99 per 3-liter box.

Columbia Crest, Columbia Valley, Grand Estates, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Columbia Crest, owned by Washington's Chateau Ste. Michele, has always made great value wines, and this 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. The Grand Estates wines are sourced from vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley to provide the structure to support the lush, ripe fruit. The black plum and cherry flavors, elevated by tangy acidity and unruffled tannins, pair well with a grilled steak. Widely available, $10.99

Beringer Founders' Estate, California, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

This wine is made by the historic Napa Valley winery where food and wine pairing is treated a little differently. Here they believe that seasoning the food properly will make it go with almost any wine you choose. The cabernet sauvignon is crafted to be affordable and "pair-able," with classic black currant flavors that are plush in the mouth. Available at selected Albertsons and Tom Thumb stores, $11.99

Barefoot Bubbly, California, Premium Extra Dry Chardonnay, Charmat Method NV

The Barefoot name is a nod to the days when wine was made by crushing grapes by foot, but there is nothing old-fashioned about this wine. Cheerful apple and lemon flavors are round and creamy in the mouth. Winemaker Jennifer Wall suggests serving this slightly sweet sparkler with appetizers. Available at Majestic Liquors. $9.45

Aquinas, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir 2006

The Aquinas wines from Napa Valley are made by Don Sebastiani and Sons, whose mission is high-quality, affordable wines. The 2006 Pinot Noir accents the cherry and berry fruit of the grape balanced with sustaining acidity and pinot's trademark silky tannins. Pinot is one of the most versatile wines for food, but works especially well with fish such as salmon, and meat with a bit of sweetness, such as pork. Available at Goody-Goody Liquors. $10.99