Best red wine under $20?

[Danielle]

Hello~ i am truly glad i found this site. i am trying to buy my boyfriend a nice red wine for a romantic evening... his favorite types of wines seem to be Chardonnay & Merlot... he favors Mondavi, but i want to pick out something a little more elegant & sophisticated, you know, so i can show what good taste i have? i have never picked out wine before & i am not too familar with popular wineries. so any help in helping me choose a nice, full-bodied Merlot or Chardonnay would be excellent! thanks.