[Don Plumley]

Okay, not so flippant this time.

If you like Merlot and Cabs, try to find a meritage style blend. Lots of time they'll just say "red wine", and look for a blend of Cab, Merlot and Cab Franc. "Meritage" is a branded name that the winery pays to use, so it's just a brand. So blends are good. If you want to splurge, Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepage...

For cold nights and hearty foods try a Syrah (Cline makes a nice one for <20). Nothing goes better with a burger than a nice Zin (but cheap ones can be kinda hot - which means heavy on alcohol).

I'm a Pinot Noir drinker (and vintner), and it is my personal favorite. Over time, your palette will change/evolve, and what tasted bad n years ago may now taste good.

Leaving the US, on a hot day get a New Zealand Sauv Blanc, Marlborough region. Cheap and quaffable White.

Try Spanish reds, Priorat is my preference. Southern/Rhone reds from France are wonderful wines - easy drinking and many good values. The labels are just confusing as heck.

Argentina has some amazing reds, I think Auzzie reds are overrated.

I'm not a fan of wine scoring systems, but they make wine buying a no-brainer. 90+ point wines make an easy, safe buy.

Anytime you are up in the Sonoma area, happy to take you around...