What's droner drinking tonight?....

[droner]

Thanks for asking!

Orin Swift Cellars Mannequin  (2013)$30.00)

This is a delicious white blend of mostly Chardonnay but also Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Muscat and Roussane. It's oaked but not overdone. The other grape varietals temper the oakiness of the Chardonnay and add that crisp acidity that I like in a white wine. Don't expect the usual oaky buttery Chardonnay when drinking this wine. It has a lot going on and would be a nice way to expand your horizons in white wine.

Enjoy!

[Black Diamond Vol]

I'm drinking my newfound cheap "everyday" wine: 19 Crimes.  It's an Aussie red blend that you can find pretty much anywhere for 10 bucks or so.  It's probably some nasty swill to a connosuier like yourself, but I like it.

[droner]

What year is it? According to Wine Spectator, that wine has been rated 85 points or higher in the last four years. That's an excellent rating for a wine that costs ten bucks. And it's still a good rating even if it cost more.

You're drinking better wine than you thought. 

[Black Diamond Vol]

What year is it? According to Wine Spectator, that wine has been rated 85 points or higher in the last four years. That's an excellent rating for a wine that costs ten bucks. And it's still a good rating even if it cost more.

You're drinking better wine than you thought. 

This particular bottle is a 2016.  Probably late December.

[droner]

Wine Spectator hasn't reviewed the 2016 yet but everything I found with my expert Google skills showed good ratings. And Total Wine has it for $8.99.

[Black Diamond Vol]

Wine Spectator hasn't reviewed the 2016 yet but everything I found with my expert Google skills showed good ratings. And Total Wine has it for $8.99.

Honestly, I didn't even check the year when I put it in the cart.  I think I usually get 2014 at Costco or Wal-Mart.  I can't tell the difference.

[volzfan]

Well, I'm probably with BDV when it comes to experience and price points, but I just finished a bottle of Apothic Dark, and really enjoyed it.  At the local Ingles, it was on sale at about $11, so I may go back a get a couple more!