(FORTUNE Magazine) – I was trying to avoid buying white, because I knew it wouldn't make it through the weekend. Around here the reds get looted a lot less quickly.

$39.99. Alban Vineyards, 1998 Syrah, Reva, Edna Valley, Calif. It's a single-varietal. John Alban has been doing Burgundy-style reds in the Central Coast for a while. I haven't tested this one yet, but I think it would be great with game birds. Good for the season we're coming into, when food starts to richen up. It's nice to have reds that aren't so intense--wines that aren't meals in themselves.

$53.99. Siduri, 1999 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. I like pinots that have a little more going on in them. This one has a lot more fruit. I like that it's an unfiltered wine--it leaves a lot of the original grape intact. I generally go toward big zins, and this gives me similar satisfaction.

Chadwick, 267 S. Beverly Dr.; 310-205-9424.

John & Pete's Fine Wines & Spirits, 621 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood; 310-657-3080.