This past holiday season I gave  my thousands of readers a guide to buying me a present. As we roll into August and my birthday fast approaches, I thought this would be a good time to refresh your memory of just how easy it is to buy a gift for wine lovers.

Same rules apply. You don't have to spend a lot of money. In fact I wish you wouldn't because then I'll feel like I have to reciprocate. The only thing I absolutely insist on is that you please do not buy my wine at the grocery store. The thought of my present rattling around a shopping cart with the kitty litter and laundry detergent just kills me. This on top of the fact that you will find a better selection at more competitive prices if you do your shopping in a store that specializes in wine.

Okay, enough of that. You probably want a few specific suggestions. Italian wine is always welcome, but despite what some may think, I do like variety in my life.

I love Pinot Noir, especially during the summer months. We recently acquired a new/old producer of California Pinot Noir. Francis Mahoney founded the Carneros Creek Winery in 1972. After a short retirement he recently reinvented himself and launched a new winery. Three price tiers of Pinot Noir can be purchased from Francis Mahoney: Redwood Empire, Fleur and his flagship wines, with the Mahoney name on the label. These Pinots have quickly won critical praise for being balanced and elegant with bright, focused fruit. These wines can be purchased for between $14 to $35 depending on your budget.

I never seem to have enough white wine on hand in the summer, so someone please get me a bottle of Domaine Serge Laloue Sancerre. This classic Sancerre has grapefruit and floral notes, a load of minerality from the soil and a long zesty finish. This gift will only set you back $17.99.

Another intriguing white I wouldn't mind receiving is the Shannon Ridge Roussanne. Roussanne is typically found in the Rhone Valley of France but this example from California's Lake County is full of tropical fruit flavors with a rich creamy finish. For $16.99 and a bow you have my birthday present! See how easy I am to shop for?

I know my truly loyal fans will want to impress me, so I have to go back to Italy. My two favorite producers of Brunello di Montalcino, La Gerla and Poggio Il Castellare have just released the classic 2006 vintage. These wines are destined to find their way into my wine cellar and be enjoyed in the future with best friends.

Thanks in advance for the gifts.

Paul Quaglini

Follow me on Twitter @abcwinepaulq