Romans also has a big selection and many inexpensive options. Don't think the staff is all that well versed but good prices.

Etude Pinot Noir is $35 but worthy of a splurge. There are more expensive ones, but that one is delicious. FWIW I'm typically a 10 - 20 drinker.

I also like Layer Cake's Primitivo. I really enjoy J Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley.

Anonymous wrote:I'm also a big red lover and recently fell in love with primitivo's. Recently had Tormaresca Torcicoda Primitivo and thoroughly enjoyed. For a less heavy read my go-to is the Coastline Paso Robles merlot. Both wines are under $25. I've always had good luck at Total Wine looking through their sections that the staff has chosen.

I also like layer cake's primitivo (np).

I'm also a big red lover and recently fell in love with primitivo's. Recently had Tormaresca Torcicoda Primitivo and thoroughly enjoyed. For a less heavy read my go-to is the Coastline Paso Robles merlot. Both wines are under $25. I've always had good luck at Total Wine looking through their sections that the staff has chosen.

Weygant is in the Sam's Park and Shop. It is where the Blockbuster used to be. It is in the same shopping center with Petco and Palena.

For ideas:
http://franklywines.blogspot.com/

Most recent posts are holiday related - but if you read a little earlier there are some interesting suggestions.

For inexpensive, really good reds try Malbecs as well. At the 15.00 - 20.00 price point, there are some great ones.

Cal-Woodley guys and gal are great. Those Pinot Noirs from Willamette Valley OR have been yummy lately.

Thanks for both suggestions. We are in close-in Silver Spring, so Cleveland Park is not too far. We used to live in Woodley Park. Is Weygant's the place on Connectict on the east side that has been there forever? We used to go there a lot...Liked Joshua Wesson's website, too.

Joshua wesson on Splendid table

If you are in DC or close, go to Weygant in Cleveland Park. They have a great selection and have wines that you literally cannot get anywhere else in the city. Peter Weygant is an importer as well as the owner of the store. The guy that manages the place, Tim, is excellent. He can give you great advice. We've never gotten a bad selection. Over the holidays we probably spent 250 in wine for ourselves and hostess gifts there.

My husband and I are wine enthusiasts, but have fallen into a rut with our usual brands. Being the parents of two, we don't have a lot of time and money to experiment with new labels. Anyone have any value wines they can recommend? We rarely spend more than $15-20 per bottle. We are partial to big reds--cabs, bordeaux, Spanish reds, but also really enjoy pinot noir. Also, any good wine blogs? I am searching on the internet, but coming up with ones that are really old.