What did I do today? I played hooky.  That’s right, a good ol’ fashioned day of cuttin’. A weekend spent at my folks’ house (full of relatives) ignited the desire for some much needed alone time. Oh sweet, sweet nectar of the gods, to what shall I surrender my sobriety this fine day?

I look into my wine fridge to see… two bottles.  Shit! TWO bottles!?! Not just any two bottles- both are from our trip to Sonoma County a couple years back. I’m not breaking into the $28 bottle of Cline’s Mouvedre nor B.R. Cohn’s Cabarnet that I bought for a cool $55! [Don’t ask. Well, if you must know, it was the last winery stop of the day. I was D-runk and D-vorced from all acumen; I thought nothing of it when I slapped down that plastic.] I ain’t drinking these on a Wednesday afternoon.

Alas, it’s off to Costco. We “need” a new microwave and I need a fix. I spent roughly $60 and came home with seven bottles.  Not too shabby.

I cozy up with the dog, a wine glass, a corkscrew and the ever so classic Malbec from Conquista. What’s this? I don’t even need the corkscrew?  Just screw the top off, baby, and watch it gush.  No shame here: screw top wines are perfect for when you’re camping/tailgating/lazy.  Function equates to quick consumption, kiddies!

Mendoza, Argentina is where many bang-for-buck wines are coming out of lately. Malbecs are generally pleasing, and this little number was like easy-listening music. I don’t hate it but I ain’t crankin’ up the radio, either. That said, with a price-point of $4-$6, right now I’m loving this “Air Supply”.

I bought this bottle at Costco for $5.59.  However, I’ve seen it at many other liquor stores for $5.99 (or once in a while a 2/$10 deal can be found). Don’t bring this to a dinner party or as a hostess gift, though.  They’ll probably know it’s inexpensive and you don’t care to spend much on them. DO drink this during the week when you are home, it’s 2:30 in the afternoon and you’re looking for a cohort to play hooky with.