learning on a low budget

[GLSuperfly1211]

I have been a fan of the Merlot for a while now, the last I had was a 2005 yellowtail, but I am looking at other types of wine (Shiraz, chardonnay, cabernet-sauvignon etc.) are there any good vineyards that make a decent budget wine ($20 or less)? I recently tried a 2004 Louis Latour Chameroy and I was not impressed. Any suggestions for an aspiring coinsure?