I prefer Rioja (Spain) reds and Argentina's red, especially Cabernet and Malbec. I don't care much for Shiraz or Merlot.

In Miami I can find diiferent brands from the Rioja region (Spain) for under $10 (US). I can find Argentina's Norton (a good everyday Cabernet) for $8 and there is a place that every so often they have a lot of Argentina's Trapiche (a very decent Cabernet) on sale at $4.99. Try them.

I don't know enough about California or French wines. I favor Spain and Argentina and sometimes Chile.