Agree with most if not all of the suggestions above, but many are mailing list only. For a widely available wine that is both pleasing to the non-geek and geek, I recommend 2009 Descendientes de José Palacios Bierzo Pétalos.
Only downside is I think it tastes best with some air.
Alan
Agree with all who suggest that the topic is over-broad, but Le Macchiole’s Rosso (usually under $20) always seems like a crowd pleaser when we put a few bottles out at family gatherings.
Thanks so much for all of the recommendation!! Overwhelming and hopefully this post will help narrow down the answers. I have Foley Griffin, just received in my Rivers Marie allocation (thinking of letting rest for a year) and waiting on Turley, but wanted to find some really good wines to drink during the week. I prefer a good cab but also enjoy other varietals. Here is my quick list but love trying new wines: I’ll find Jordan on sale @ $35, Honig, Whitehall Lane, Hall, and Prisoner. I think if I had to narrow it down I would keep it in Napa.
Was just about to order a couple of cases of Abeja (I know that it’s WA) but shipping $ made me second guess.
If I could find a Merlot that could compete with Robert Foley (@ $50) for under $35 that would be great.
Foillard Morgon Cote du Py
Was able to snag a few bottles of Robert Craig Affinity 2008 for $35, killer juice.
agree, it is all about finding the right sale.
Ridge Lytton Springs and Geyserville
If you dont mind a lot fo fruit and oak (or even like it), some of the Orin Swift wines
Jaffurs Syrah Santa Barbara County
Ridge Geyserville and Lytton Springs
Ridge SC Cabernet
Baudry, Breton and Raffault
Cecile Tremblay 2009 Bourgogne Rouge
Jadot 2007 SLB Narbontons
Pavelot SLBs
Chandon des Briailles SLB or PV
Produttori Barbaresco
Chermette Moulin a Vent
Desvignes Morgon