(FORTUNE Magazine) – We gave $100 to Keith Fergel, assistant sommelier at the much lauded French Laundry restaurant in Napa Valley, to see what he'd buy.

I looked for wines that are reflective of the season--that go well with a barbecue--and that are relative bargains. I probably spent an hour in one store looking at everything.

1999 Von Basserman-Jordan, Forst, Riesling; $11.99. It comes from the Pfalz, one of the major regions in Germany--you can get a good value there. It's nice by itself to start, something light.

1997 Domaine Emilian Gillet, Macon Vire, Jean Thevenet; $18.99. Thevenet is a stellar winemaker. I bought this bottle because it had his name on it. He's not afraid to get his grapes fully ripe.

1998 Dalla Valle, Pietre Rosse, Napa Valley, Sangiovese; $23.99. People say Dalla Valle wines are unattainable. The Sangiovese is a really small production, but it does find its way into some stores--rarely. When I saw it, I had to have it! It has a ripe cherry nose.

1995 Allegrini, Amarone della Valpolicella; $37.99. They take the best grapes from the region, dry them in baskets, and ferment them. This wine fills your mouth with bright, rich plums. I could see it with a sweet, gamy dish--squab or even baby-back ribs.

1999 Michele Chiarlo, Nivole, Moscato d'Asti; $6.99. Moscato d'Asti is a great, great dessert wine. The perfect end to a nice summer meal.