Don’t Be Lazy.

We all do it. We listen to what the local store guy recommends. We look at what our friends like. We see what’s on sale at the supermarket. We may even pay attention to what professional critics say. All of these are valid ways to find something we like at a good price.

Miller Lite, Kendall-Jackson, Jack Daniels.

And once you find something that’s really good it’s easy to stick with it – you know what to expect and it will bring consistent pleasure.

Stop it. You deserve so much more.

Step out of your box and find and try alcoholic beverages – of all kinds – in all places – at all prices.

So let’s get started:

Three Great Chardonnays: I love Chardonnay. It’s so varied and versatile and made all over the world. It’s a prolific, neutral grape and responds well to all kinds of winemaking strategies. But it can also be so predictable – all oak and sugar.

Silver: Wente “Riva Ranch”. This one is big and full of delicious fruit, toast and vanilla. It’s great to drink by itself or with bread or crackers or nuts and buttery spreads. Plus it’s widely available on sale in supermarkets at about $15.

Gold: Catena "Alta". This is big, delicious "American-style" Chardonnay from one of the top producers in Argentina. You'll have to seek it out at a wine store. Delicious by itself or with seafood in cream sauce. High $20s to low $30s.

Platinum: "Meursault" by a good wine producer like Louis Jadot, Bouchard, Joseph Drouhin. Now we are in a different category altogether- White Burgundy from France. Full- bodied, often smoky, with a crisp acidity and mineral finish that really works with seafood and poultry. $40 on up.

If you have a favorite, please let me hear about it.

As always, good things get better in moderation.

Argentina, chardonnay, featured, France, white burgundy