Requesting suggestions for crowd-pleasing cheapies

Hey gang -

I need to buy 3 cases of red and 2 of white for a charity event. Sponsors want to keep total cost under $600.

I was hoping that the red could be the '07 Vacqueyras that's been selling for $12.99, but I fell asleep at the switch and it's pretty much gone. Any suggestions?

Past whites have been Dom du Tariquet Ugni Blanc and Domaine de Puouy. Perhaps the Colombelle Cotes du Gascogne? The price is certainly right.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts,
Kevin

I've had the Janasse several times and it is a wonderful juicy red. It will bust your budget but showing well.

Code: 20556
Description: Domaine de la Janasse Terre de Bussier 2007
Size: 750 ML
Price: $16.99

My goto white chard. Showing citrus lime a touch of minerals and hint of oak/vanilla.

Code: 6634
Description: CONCHA Y TORO CASILLERO DEL DIABLO CHARD
Size: 750 ML
Price: $10.99

For the red, I'd recommend the below - should appeal to a broad spectrum and a good price.

Mas Carlot Les Enfants Terribles, Costieres de Nimes 2007

Chairman's SelectionTM
Description from PLCB web site
PLCB Code: 15641
Size: 750ML
Price: $10.99

If you can wait a little longer, this is "supposed" to be in stores this month

Pillar Box Red,Padthaway, Australia 2007
90 Points in The Wine Advocate, February 2009
Quoted at $12.00... PLCB Price $6.99... Save $5.01
ETA February Code 15876

Aussie Shiraz, always a crowd pleaser.

Second the motion on the Mas Carlot.

They have 23 of these left at:

BILL GREEN SHOPPING CTR
10 OLD CLAIRTON RD
PITTSBURGH, PA, 15236-3905

27372 - STAETE LANDT CHARDONNAY 02, 750 ML 17.99

You can't beat it for the money (originally $23 and marked down). It also has some bottle age to it which may impress people.

Thanks - that was quick! I'll note these for myself as I'm always on the look-out for QPR. I've loved previous vintages of Mas Carlot and was considering that, but it seems to be available mostly in Western PA (I'm in SEPA). If I can avoid shipping fees on 3 cases I'd just as soon do so.

While I really want to please the crowd, I also can't help proselytizing just a bit - I'd like to find lower-alcohol, mineral-driven wines that bespeak a sense of place (dare I say terroir?), since these are what I prefer. I can't say that I won't serve Shiraz and Chard, but I'll try not to (bigot that I am!).

Thanks again

KevinP, give the CASILLERO DEL DIABLO CHARD a try sometime. I find it has the best balance of fruit, acid, and minerals for a chard in this price range. The oak and vanilla are there, but not overpowering the finish.

Had the Serge and Tony over the weekend, and it is another solid QPR from '07.

100% Grenache with some spice and earthy notes lingering through the cherry and raspberry fruit.

If you want to mix some AOC discussion with terroir, the owner/importer gives some good commentary.

Code: 18982

Description: Domaine Cabirau Grenache Serge and Tony 2007
Size: 750 ML
Price: $13.99

Thanks SteveD. I've previously heard Casillero De Diablo whites championed as great QPRs. I believe that it was Dan Kravitz of Hand-picked Selections who raved about the Sauv Blanc on the Parker board. I will give it a shot.

That's pretty funny - I'd composed that first part of my response before following your link for the Serge & Tony. Will check that out too.