Instead of picking up the same old boring Merlots and Chardonnays this fall, look for these six bottles that are currently hot in wine circles. All of them are steals. Three reds: From Australia, the rich Penfolds Old Vine Shiraz-Grenache-Mourvedre ($19). From Argentina, Bodegas Weinert Carrascal ($14), as good as a Bordeaux that costs twice as much. And the powerful Dry Creek Old Vines Zinfandel from California ($19), which is sure to garner a knowing nod from your wine seller. Three whites: The creamy Adelsheim Vineyard Pinot Blanc from Oregon ($13), Hugel Gentil ($10) from Alsace, France, which is excellent with spicy dishes. And, finally, Mumm Cuvee Napa Blanc de Noirs ($23), a festive sparkling wine. If it's connoisseurship you aspire to, a great place to begin learning more is The Wine Bible, by Karen MacNeil, $20, www.amazon.com. Read up and pretty soon people will be asking you for recommendations.