When I think of Bordeaux, I'm usually dreaming of getting my hands on a first-growth Premier Cru such as Château Margaux or Château Haut-Brion. But alas, my pocketbook can't often handle that kind of opulence. Luckily, you don't have to mortgage the house to drink decent Bordeaux. There are a number of solid, dependable, everyday Bordeaux bottles with price tags that won't break the wine budget. Here's a trio of my favorites. 

I'm especially fond of the price ($11.99) of Château de Juge, a well-balanced Bordeaux with silky tannins, and one you don't have to put away for years before drinking. Ditto Château Damase Bordeaux Superieur ($14.99), which has been a go-to everyday Bordeaux in our household for years. One more: Château Monbadon Côtés de Castillon ($17.99) has mature fruit flavors, a little smokiness, and I found it to pair very nicely with a charcuterie platter.