Cellar stocking

I am stocking my very small cellar (2 mixed cases as of now). I am really heavy on French with a bit of Italian. For many years I have stayed away from Cal Cabs/Merlot (I do have some Zin). I am interested in getting some good American wines in there but have lost my familiarity with them. Can y'all suggest some good, readily available American wines? I don't have a whole lot of $$$ so the $9-$20 range is great.

I lean toward the Languedoc in terms of flavor. Where chardonnay is concerned, I like the leaner style over the butteroakpear style.

rwj

While not Languedoc in style, I think the Chateau Souvereign Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is very nice at under $20. It's not a fruity oak bomb and has some structure. I also think some of the Sebastiani family wines are great QPR. They make a Sonoma Cab called Aquinas that is very nice.

Dry Creek Vineyards Chenin Blanc. Like Vouvray.
Foppiano Petite Sirah. Earthy.

Thanks fellas! I have had the Dry Creek Chenin Blanc. It was good so thanks for the reminder. I'll pick one up. I have also had the Foppiano in the past and liked it. Again, thanks for the reminder.

For what it's worth, I second Brian's Sebastiani recommendation - their Pinot has been consistently near-great since 2000 or 2001 and it's been a bargin at well under $20, at least here in Da Capital.

For what it's worth, I second Brian's Sebastiani recommendation - their Pinot has been consistently near-great since 2000 or 2001 and it's been a bargin at well under $20, at least here in Da Capital.

Thanks Jon and Brian. I'm putting them on my list.

rwj

Just for clarification, the Aquinas doesn't have a "Sebastiani" label. There was a "dispute" in the family, and "The Other Guys" went their own way to focus on High QPR wines. They make Skrew Kappa Nappa and a couple of others, too. If you are willing to spend more, The Other Guys also make an outstanding high end Bordeaux Blend called, believe it or not, Used Automobile Parts

If you are willing to spend more, The Other Guys also make an outstanding high end Bordeaux Blend called, believe it or not, Used Automobile Parts

I may have to spend more just for the name. That's great.

rwj