Okay...I've been reviewing some rather hoi polloi wines which are well past most people's pricepoint so let's bring the suggestions back into reality:

If you haven't visited the Livermore Valley yet, I strongly recommend it. It can be a quick trip to taste some nice wines. Tesla Road hosts most of the heavy hitters with Wente leading the pack. There have definitely been some additions as new wineries and tasting rooms open up. Off the beaten path though is Eckert Estate Winery. They weren't tasting this wine but four bottles remained so I bought one strictly because you don't see it too often: Charbono! Only 80 acres of this grape are planted in the entire state but it's a wonderful red that's a nice compliment with Italian foods. Chameleon Cellars in St. Helena has makes a Charbono so if you see it, give some a try.

Back to Eckert, I enjoyed their 2001 Livermore Merlot for $18 a bottle. It's 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet. It won a Silver and Bronze at the the California State Fair and Eldorado Fair. Definite plum/black cherry with a hint of tannin. You can age it for three to five years but it's ready now too.