What kind of wine does he like?

Turley zinfandels are $40ish-$70ish and always crowd pleasers but are also fruit bombs, which not everyone likes. https://www.turleywinecellars.com/

Freeman Pinot is a great price ($40-up) for the quality in California Pinot noir. . https://www.freemanwinery.com/

Beaux Frères is my favorite US Pinot noir ($80 and up), and my oenophile friend agrees. https://beauxfreres.com/