I have a question for those days when I'm just wandering around the wine shop looking to try a new everyday wine (in the $10-20 range, perhaps extended up to $30 if I know it's good).

If I'm poking around and see a brand I recognize to be favorably rated, what vintages for the given region are generally good ones and which should I in general stay away from? (I know it varies a lot by winery and specific AVA/appellation, but I'm just looking for general guidelines).

For example, 2005 was a gorgeous summer for Eastern Washington wineries. 2007 was, according to many in the wine community, even better (though most are too young to appreciate yet). From my wine tastings in the area, I know I like Hogue, Hedges, Bookwalter, Donitelia, and Barnard Griffin. Therefore, if I see a 2005 or 2007 from one of those wineries in a varietal I like (Cab or Syrah, or Sangio or Barbera [Donitelia makes some phenomenal ones]), I am fairly confident that it will be a good purchase.

So, I know which Washington wines I like. I'm less familiar with other regions, though. Can anyone post vintage years to seek (and to shy away from) for other regions?

My focus tends to be on the following regions:

• Central Coast, California--Paso Robles area (born and raised there, so I tend to gravitate towards that side of the wine shop )
• Barossa Valley (I like Shiraz, and I hear so much about how good these are and how much of a value they can be)

But I'm willing to explore:

• Mendoza (I like Malbec, and I'm willing to try some of these, even though I'm unfamiliar with the region)
• Tuscany (I love Sangio and have never had a bad Chianti, so even though I'm unfamiliar with the region, I might be willing to grab one if it appears to be a good value and is of a good vintage)
• Bordeaux (I like Cabs and Bordeaux-style blends, though, again, I'm unfamiliar with wines from this region)

Of course, feel free to post about other regions!