Red wine guy here....though I don't drink nearly as many as I used to. I live near Napa...so I'm spoiled....I can't drink a crummy red anymore.
There are some excellent wines available at good prices....you just have to know how to find them.
First, you need to know the flavor profile your wife likes. So for example, does she like Pinot, Cab etc...and then you need to know her preferences- bold/ light, fruit forward...that type of thing.
For example; I prefer Cabs that are bold...with a flavor profile of dry with Cassis flavors. I don't like light weak Pinots. So I look for my flavor profile and am rarely disappointed.
Once you know all that, download the Vivino App for your phone. Then go to the discounters; Costco, Sams, or the discount liquor and you snap a pic of the label and it gives you an instant rundown on ratings, flavor profile etc. You can find wines that are in the top 5% in the world...for under $20....sometimes $12-$14.
I could give you specifics wines...but this^ is the best strategy.
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