My mom keeps telling me I need to try Two-Buck Chuck. ?! Mom, what is Two-Buck Chuck? How is it that you found a fad before me? ! Ah, Charles Shaw wine from Trader Joe's for $1.99. I'll have to pick some up the next time I'm at Trader Joe's. Right, I never go to Trader Joe's.

Slate has an article on Two-Buck Chuck today. The bottom of the page has some affordable, drinkable recommendations. T-BC doesn't quite make the author's drinkable list:

Having recently tried the Charles Shaw merlot, I can unequivocally state that I would switch to beer or go on the wagon before making a habit of this plonk.

I'm a wine newb (obviously, I don't even know what Two-Buck Chuck is), but this is still America. You get what you pay for. You want value? Wine in a box.