Marktree Merlot / Cabernet / Syrah 2005

Quintessentially Australian, this offers appealing, up-front aromas of fresh, ripe berry fruit which  mingle with light spice and minty eucalyptus flavours in the mouth. Smooth and full on the palate with a nicely balanced structure, sweet, ripe fruit on the finish and a hint of spice. Predominantly produced from Merlot, with fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel retains the fresh fruit character of the wines. The Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon components are barrel aged in American oak which add a little richness and complexity to the blend. Great with barbeques or simple pasta and pizza dishes.Ref MMCS05

Domaine de Bastide Syrah Vieilles Vignes 2002

Originally destined for the American market (and hence the American back label with all the usual dire warnings from the surgeon general!) we have had the great good fortune to be offered this parcel of vieilles vignes syrah from the producers of our Corbieres l’Optimee (see below).  A delicious inviting vanilla nose, which in this case is a characteristic of the grapes as no oak has been used, gives way to a great concentrated mouthful of venerable syrah. A northern rhone style made in the southern rhone with the added bonus of a truly unbelievable price for a wine of this quality! Ref BSVV02

Vineyard website -
www.chateau-la-bastide.fr

Domaine de Malavieille Charmille 2005

 A great blend of 70% old vine Merlot topped up with Cabernet Franc and Mourvedre, this estate near Clermont - Herault in the Languedoc is only 35 hectares. M and Mme Bertrand are now 5th generation of the family to run the estate since it was replanted after the phylloxera outbreak of 1881 practically wiped out viticulture in France. The grapes used mean that it has to be classified as Vin de Pays d'Oc. The Bertrands practise organic viticulture and the wine is certified as organic. Beautifully balanced, with red fruit and spices the wine provides, as the French say, un excellent rapport qualité / prix! Ref DMC05

Vineyard website

Domaine Roc de Chateauvieux Pinot Noir 2005

Made entirely from pinot noir grapes grown on an estate near St Aignan in the little town of Chateauvieux in the Loire.  Aromas of cherry, blackberry and a twist of vanilla gives a hint of the velvety smooth flavours to follow. A fine backbone of acidity is balanced with rich fruit flavours. A wonderful modern Pinot Noir with classic Loire provenance, this wine nevertheless packs 13.5% ABV and would be ideal with braised chicken dishes, duck, or roast game. Don’t hesitate to serve slightly chilled.Ref. DRPN05

Vineyard website -
www.pierrechainier.com

Domaine de Bastide Plenitude 2002

Another great bargain from M Durand at Domaine de Bastide (see old vines Syrah above). The grapes used (Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir) mean that this cannot bear the Corbieres appellation one might expect as Pinot Noir and Merlot are not allowed within this appellation. The wine is therefore classified as a vin de pays: but what a vin de pays! The majority Syrah gives it power and massive bramble and liquorice flavours while the Merlot rounds it out and the Pinot Noir provides some real elegance. Supple, with great length, this is fantastic value. Ref BP02

Vineyard website -
www.chateau-la-bastide.fr

Chateau St Martin de la Garrigue Cuvée Reservée 2003

Garrigue is the aromatic scrub that covers much of this part of the Languedoc. A property near Montagnac that has seen heavy investment over the last ten years, Chateau St Martin has caught the eye of Robert Parker, who has written favourably of its wines. The property and its wines are also well established in the French domestic market, and you will find them in no fewer than 6 Michelin three starred restaurants there. The wine is a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Grenache with a nose of black fruits and a palate of blackberries, with well integrated tannins and good length. Drink now to 2010.Ref. CSMR03

Vineyard website -
www.stmartingarrigue.com

We have still some limited stocks of the 2003 Minervois from this producer. We don’t automatically import the “follow on” vintage from vignerons, but after tasting the 2004 we rapidly decided to take some of this as well. A blend of Grenache, which gives the blend some roundness and suppleness, and Syrah which provides some structure and tannins, it has like the 2004, cherries on the nose and a spicy mouthfeel with well developed tannins. Drinking well now through to 2009.Ref GM04

Vineyard website -
www.chateau-guery.com

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Lamothe-Vincent Merlot 2005

Actually a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, appellation rules allow this to be sold as a Merlot with the Cabernet Sauvignon relegated to the small print! Black in colour, with crimson tints, the nose is of blackcurrant, blackberry and liquorice. In the mouth it is full bodied, with ripe tannins and a long finish. This wine will continue to mature and develop, and is quite exceptional value at this price. Drink now to 2012. This wine has recently won a gold medal at the 2006 Concours des vins d’Aquitaine, and was awarded 17/20 by the prestigious La Revue des vins de France. Ref LVM05

Vineyard website
 

Villard Expresion Merlot 2005

The best of both worlds - great Chilean climate and fruit allied to the expertise and experience of French wine maker Thierry Villard. St Emilion lovers will adore this big, ripe, voluptuous wine. Low yields and subtle oak ageing have produced superb Merlot concentration and flavour and great length. An attractive nose of mint and juniper is followed by a palate that is rich, fruity, smooth and well-balanced. Ref VM05

Vineyard website -
www.villard.cl

Bodega de Sarria Cabernet Sauvignon no 9 2002

Sarria is a large and beautiful estate on the edge of Punta de la Reina, near Pamplona in Navarra. The winery and vineyards have enjoyed a sustained period of investment allowing mature vineyards to be revitalised, new vineyards to be planted and new equipment to be bought. This vintage was a gold medal winner in the 2006 International Wine Challenge.  A powerful aromatic nose of typical cabernet triggers, green pepper, cedar, spice and blackcurrant aromas, whilst the palate is one of super concentrated rich, smoky, dark berry fruit, with a firm structure of fine tannins and balanced acidity. Lengthy, savoury finish. Ref. BSCS02

Vineyard website -
www.senoriosarria.com

Chateau St Martin de la Garrigue Bronzinelle 2003

Owner Umberto Guida has invested heavily in both the vineyard and the winery since he bought the estate in 1992 and more is planned for the future. Even now the cellar is more Grand Cru Bordeaux than lowly Languedoc! This is an ambitious producer and, under the guidance of estate manager Jean-Claude Zabalia, he has established hallmarks of generous wines that offer consistency and fair pricing. The Bronzinelle is particularly excellent value for money.  A blend of 41% Syrah, 13% Grenache, 27% Carignan and 19% Mourvedre, the wine has forest fruit aromas followed by loads of cherry fruit and herb flavour. The tannins are well integrated. A complex wine, it has a lingering finish and best of all is great value. Bronzinelle was one of Wine Spectators top 30 wines of the year in 2001. Ref CSMB03

Vineyard website -
www.stmartingarrigue.com

Domaine de Bel Air,
Regnie “La Ronze” Jean-Marc Lafont 2005

Forget  the thin vapid “nouveau” of old, this is what Beaujolais is all about!  The Gamay vines are 60 years old with a yield of only 20hl/ha resulting in a wine that is a real treat from one of the top Beajolais Crus made by an award winning producer.  A delightful floral nose with hints of violets invites you into a mouthful of dark cherry and damson fruit supported by soft ripe tannins and lovely length. Summertime in a glass! Ref JMLR05

Vineyard website -

http://auroir.free.fr/lafont/chiffres_domaine.php

Norfolk Rise Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Norfolk Rise is one of the most significant wineries in Mount Benson (one of the better known Limestone Coast regions alongside Padthaway and Coonawarra in the south-east of Australia. Inky intensity and with an immense depth of flavour, this minty cool Cabernet with seductive blackcurrant fruit and a fine grained tannic structure is sure testament to the quality of the fruit from this up and coming cool climate region. What strikes one is the purity of flavour – Cab Sauv at its best! Great with rare seared steak, roast beef, filet mignon, baked aubergine with parmesan. If you’re a Robert Parker fan, hear what the great man says…'The cool climate 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Noolook spent 14 months in a combination of French and American oak. Its dark ruby/purple colour is followed by a clean, pure nose of black currants and smoke, medium-bodied, pleasant, easy-going flavours, and a soft seamless finish. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. 85/100 Points.'-Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, 31 October 2005. Ref NRCS04

Vineyard website
www.kreglingerwineestates.com.au

£7.75

Chateau Lamothe-Vincent Bordeaux Superieur 2004

Established in 1920, this estate has consistently produced award winning wines, and the 2004 vintage was no exception. It has won three prestigious gold medals, at the London International Wine Challenge 2006, at the French International Wine Challenge and also at the Concours des vins d’Aquitaine 2006. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cab Sauvignon, it’s deep cherry red in colour, with a complex bouquet of blackberry, black cherry, crushed strawberry, vanilla and cedar notes. Rich and elegant, with well-integrated tannins and a long velvety chocolate-and-vanilla finish. An ideal match for red meats, lamb and roast duck, it will also accompany pasta and cheese. Serve from 16 to 18°C. Drink now through to 2009.  Ref LVH04

Vineyard website -
http://www.lamothe-vincent.com/

Chateau Lamartine Cahors 2005

Alain Gayraud at Soturac in the Lot Valley is a dedicated wine maker producing relatively small quantities of great wine. Made from the characteristic Malbec (Cot) grape (80%) and Merlot, this beautifully presented wine has a aromatic nose with a touch of liquorice and red fruits. Strong and powerful this wine is drinking well now but has considerable ageing potential. Silver medal winner in the regional South West France annual wine competition. Ref CLC05

Vineyard website -
www.cahorslamartine.com/

Quinta da Garrida Dao 2001

You may not have come across the grapes used to make this wine (Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional for the record) which are often used in making port. This gives a clue as to the style of this classic – and classy - Portuguese red. From the Dao region, the wine is rich, ripe and intense, despite a ABV of only 12.5˚ with powerful black fruit balanced with vanilla characters from 12 months in American oak and finishes harmonious and full. An excellent wine equally at home with barbeques or robust stews. Dense, concentrated, developed fruit. Intense, rich, sweet black cherry aroma and firm, juicy tannic structure, balanced by high acidity. A barbecue red.'
Decanter, Best New Releases, June 2005. Ref QGC01

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Clos Malverne Pinotage 2004

A great example of this famous South African grape variety, produced by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault, this is a beefy red at 14% ABV. Starting life as an Accountant, Seymour Pritchard purchased Clos Malverne in 1969 and began production under the estate name in 1986. Clos Malverne produce wines of unwavering quality, especially Pinotage, which makes up almost 60% of the estate’s total production. Set in the rolling hills of the Devon Valley, 50km from Cape Town, Clos Malverne benefits from winter rainfall and cool sea breezes coming in from the cold Atlantic ocean. The resulting summer temperatures of only 20ºC, allow Clos Malverne to produce fruit of an elegant and restrained character. The wine has a dark plum colour. On the nose it shows full ripe fruit with plums, berries, spices and oak overtones. On the palate it is rich, fruity and well balanced with lingering flavours of tangy berries. Ready to drink but will age well for 3 - 5 years. Fantastic with spicy sausages or chops marinated in rosemary! Ref CMP04

Vineyard website -
www.closmalverne.co.za

Domaine de Bastide Corbières l’Optimée 2005

Between the towns of Narbonne and Carcassonne stands the imposing Château la Bastide. Often Corbières are flawed by a certain rusticity that dries out the month when they are drunk. Not this one. The blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache from vines with average age of 50 years produces a concentrated wine with great length. The yield is low (35 hl / ha) and it is aged in oak barriques for 12 months. A spicy nose, with tastes of blackberry, cherry, blackcurrant Inviting minty aromas give way to a hugely complex mouthful of raspberries and menthol. Enjoy! Ref BCO05

Vineyard website -
www.chateau-la-bastide.fr

Bodegas Langa Reyes de Aragon - vino ecologico (organic wine) 2003

This stunning wine is made from a blend of merlot and syrah (shiraz) grapes. Among other criteria, organic cultivation means that other crops (or sometimes just grass and flowers) are planted in between the rows of vines. This means that the vines have to compete for water, leading to lower grape yields from the vines, and a hugely concentrated taste when made into wine. The grapes are hand-selected and once made, the wine is aged for 3 months in oak casks. The wine has an intense and complex aroma, smoky and spicy over a background of ripe fruit. To taste, it is beefy and full bodied but still elegant, with toasty notes and a long finish. We’re able to import with the original label - when Bodegas Langa wanted to export this wine to the States, guardians of public morality there insisted on a new label with the three characters on the front bizarrely clad in pants! Ref LO03

Click here for more information on Bodegas Langa

Vineyard website -
www.bodegas-langa.com

Bodegas Langa Reyes de Aragon Cepas Viejas Garnacha 2003

The wine is made from 100% Garnacha grapes (the same grape variety known as Grenache in France). The “cepas viejas” refers to the old vines, which as they age produce a lower yield, but with grapes of a hugely concentrated flavour. Once picked (in this case in October 2003), the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks (another encouraging sign of quality) and then matured for a few months in oak barriques before being bottled. Like its organic sibling above, the wine has a smoky and spicy nose, with red fruits on the palate. The finish is long. It is the perfect partner for robust stews, meat dishes and full flavoured cheeses. Ref LCV03

Click here for more information on Bodegas Langa

Vineyard website -
www.bodegas-langa.com

Guery Esprit d'Eloi 2005

Vineyard website -
www.chateau-guery.com

La Sauvageonne Pica Broca 2004

La Sauvageonne is located in the heart of the Terrasses du Larzac in a truly stunning site of great natural beauty. The domaine was cleared and planted almost thirty years ago and covers 31 hectares at an altitude of 150-400m. Gavin Crisfield was once a sommelier in the UK before training as a winemaker in the UK and France. He spent 18 months searching for an estate in the Coteaux du Languedoc region and bought La Sauvageonne in August 2001.Since that date Gavin and his young team have been expanding and adapting the range of wines produced. Today he is as optimistic as ever about the great potential of La Sauvageonne and we are sure his prices will rocket once the world has discovered La Sauvageonne. Although the vineyard is not certified as organic, Gavin uses only organic methods. He is skilful with his vines and manages to get the best out of them even in challenging years.  Pica Broca is a blend of Syrah (60%) and Grenache (40%), and a jammy nose gives way to a fruity palate with hints of liquorice and cocoa and a long finish. Ref LSPB04

Vineyard website -
www.lasauvageonne.net

Fonty’s Pool Shiraz 2003

From Pemberton in Western Australia this is a much more classy and elegant Shiraz than some of the more commercial versions you may have tasted. This is as a result of the (relatively) cool climate that prevails in this part of Australia. Elegant minty aromas give way to a classy mouthful of concentrated shiraz fruit and hints of peppermint reminiscent of a top quality French syrah, with a great finish which goes on and on! This wine will keep and continue to improve until 2012 - not that you will be able to keep it that long !! Ref FP03

Vineyard website - Click Here

Ninth Island Pinot Noir 2005

This sensational wine comes from Tasmania, where the relatively cooler climate is ideal for the pinot noir grape. The wine is bottled early, without extended maturation, to attain a style which is intensely perfumed and with silky tannins. This makes a vibrant pinot noir; ruby in colour with aromas of strawberries, red and black currants and dark cherries, with a faint background of spicy cloves and rosemary. The palate is concentrated and long, with the characteristic hallmark of good pinot noir – a sensual, velvety mouth-feel. Sweet fruit on the mid-palate is balanced by satisfyingly integrated tannins on the finish. This wine impressed the judges at the International Wine Challenge who said, 'Clear and vibrant, this wine's a luxuriant jumble of raspberry and strawberry fruit, Bourbon vanilla and touches of cinnamon spice.' The wine has also caught the eye of Andrew Catchpole, the Daily Telegraph’s wine critic who wrote that,  'The cooler Antipodean vineyards of New Zealand, along with Victoria and Tasmania in Australia, produce pure, generous wines. Under £10, wines such as Tasman Ninth Island Pinot are among the best value Pinots in the world.' Drink now till 2009. Ref NIPN05

Vineyard website -
www.kreglingerwineestates.com

Valpolicella Classico Capitel della Crosara Ripasso 2004

With over 100 hectares of high quality vineyard, this long established Veronese family firm produces modern classy wines. For those interested, this is a blend of Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara. More importantly, it’s a medium to full bodied red in a deep ruby red colour with deeply inviting aromas of rich fruit, almond and cinnamon and a smooth velvety palate, with hints of raisin and a long, complex finish underpinned by notes of tangy cherry and liquorice - simply outstanding.  Made by the Ripasso (literally 'repassed') method, which involves adding the unpressed skins from the dried grapes which were used to make an Amarone to a young Valpolicella wine. This helps to add extra flavour and alcohol to the wine (causing it to start re-fermenting) and gradually the luscious flavours of Amarone are imparted to the wine. After this the wine is aged for 16 months in French and American oak casks along with some small barriques. Try with chicken cordon bleu, calf's liver or a mushroom pasta dish. Also particularly good with dried and smoked meats, the inherent acidity working well with the natural fattiness of the meats. In the region it is a fairly common partner to 'Bollito misto' which is an assortment of boiled scrag ends and offal - o.k. if you like that sort of thing! Ref VC04

Bodegas Langa Reyes de Aragon 1998 Reserva

The undisputed star of the Langa range. To qualify for Reserva status, the wine must have been matured for a minimum of 36 months, with at least one year in cask and at least one year in bottle. For this wine, Langa have opted for 20 months maturing in oak barriques, with a further 16 months in bottle. The wine is made from a judicious mixture of Merlot and Garnacha grapes from the excellent 1998 harvest. Slightly lighter in colour than the two wines above as befits its age, this is a well-structured wine with a nose of blackberries and raspberries. It has a silky mouthfeel and a long finish. Cesar Langa, the Production Director, is understandably proud of this wine and believes that it will keep and improve, well-cellared, for 10-15 years. Ref LR98

Click here for more information on Bodegas Langa

Vineyard website -
www.bodegas-langa.com

Rive Barbera “Il Cascicone” 2005

A deep garnet hued Barbera with vibrant aromas of black cherries and prunes with chocolate and toasty oak undertones and a touch of mint. An abundance of vibrant red currants, black cherries and a touch of spice show through on the palate, which has a rich, voluptuous texture balancing taught acidity and fine oak tannins. The Cascinone project began in 1999. Thanks to the good intuition of Claudio's father, Livio Manera, Araldica purchased one of the jewels of the Monferrato area. Cascinone’s vineyards had been hard to maintain because of the steepness of the slopes and over the last 20 years many vines were lost. Now, with modern equipment and tractors it has been possible to make these steep slopes productive again, 70 hectares of the 102 have been reclaimed and are in full production. The winery has also been restored and this is where the ‘Il Cascinone ‘ range is produced and aged. What to eat with it? Try mature hard cheeses, pepperoni pizza, gnocchi with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes or smoked gammon with onion mash. Ref RBIC05

Vineyard website -
www.araldicavini.com/

 £9.95

Domaine Colinot Irancy Les Cailles 2002

Pinot noir is a thin-skinned and temperamental grape, requiring constant care from a nurturing and patient grower. But when it succeeds - when the vintage, the vineyard, and the vigneron all hit their marks - pinot noir is as good as wine get. These next few wines are all great examples of this. Vinified from a single “lieu dit” (a specific vineyard that does not have a Premier or Grand Cru appellation) this  2002 vintage is 100% pinot noir with a classic pinot nose of cherries and strawberries leading into an elegant and well structured wine.  Ref DCLC02

Click here for more information on Domaine Colinot

  £10.95

Domaine Colinot Irancy Les Mazelots 2002

Our second wine from this producer, this wine allows you to sample the effect of terroir arising from a slightly different location. This wine has 5% Cesar along with 95% pinot noir. To the nose, there are aromas of sweet fruit with an intriguing smoky overlay. On the palate it is structured, with lovely strawberry fruit and mineral flavours.  Ref DCLM02

Click here for more information on Domaine Colinot

Vieilles Vignes 2005  AC Irancy

Following on from the clean and pure 2002s and deliciously concentrated 2003s we are delighted to be able to present this 2005 which  is made predominantly from Pinot Noir with 3% César, from 80 year old vines.  2005 is being hailed as a classic Burgundy vintage with a huge en primeur demand.  This Vielles Vignes 2005 has  a beguiling fragrant nose, with violets and subtle background hints of smoked game. On the palate there is beautifully restrained and elegant classic berry fruit, mainly strawberries and raspberries, lovely concentration and ripeness, bound in a classy integrated package of good acidity and ripe tannins. This is truly refreshing example of delicacy and elegance. It is perfect for drinking now but will age well for a good 5 years. Ref DCVV05

Click here for more information on Domaine Colinot

Palotte 2005   AC Irancy

Palotte is  95% Pinot Noir with 5% César. The nose is all crushed strawberries and cherries. The palate is rich and concentrated with delicious rich red berry fruit and cherry flavours in an elegant structure with finesse and length. The name Palotte signifies that all the grapes in this wine have come from a specific small area of vineyard (a  lieu dit)  Both Palotte and Vielles Vignes wines have been made in exactly the same way allowing us to experience the effect of what the French refer to as terroir. Comparing the two wines you will notice differences explained by the differences in soil structure, sun exposure and microclimate that the grapes have been exposed to on the vine.  As with the Vielles vignes this wine is delicious now but will improve over the next 5 years. Ref DCP05

Click here for more information on Domaine Colinot

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Domaine Chenu Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru
“Aux Clos” 2003

Domaine Chenu is now run by Louis Chenu, together with his wife and daughters.  Louis is the great grandson of the Louis Chenu who first planted vines in the area in 1914.  As with a lot of family producers that we know, the daughters have qualified in oenology and are bringing their new expertise to bear on the whole winemaking process from vineyard to bottle.  Domaine Chenu grow their own grapes and make their own wine from these grapes allowing them full control over the whole process – another important factor. In the words of one American wine critic, “Domaine Chenu promote luxury and femininity in all their wines”.  This first of the two premier cru reds is made from pinot noir grown on a south facing slope next to the village on a mixture of red earth and stony ground forcing the vine roots to go deep extracting real terroir flavours.  The nose is of violets with a faint smoky aroma and wonderful pinot noir fruit flavours in a smooth elegant and long mouthful. This wine is made for delicious drinking over the next few years. Ref DCAC03

Vineyard website -
www.louischenu.com/

£12.95

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Domaine Chenu Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru “Haut Jarrons” 2003

Our second wine red wine from Chenu – see “Aux Clos”, above - this premier cru vineyard is in the middle of the slope under the Mont Battois hill and has deep sandy soil similar to that found in some of the Beaune vineyards.  With refined aromas of pinot noir this wine is surprisingly full bodied with rich ripe fruit flavours and elegant mineral terroir characteristics all packaged in lovely ripe tannins which means that although delicious now it will reward careful cellaring for several years to come. Ref DCHJ03

Vineyard website -
www.louischenu.com/

Bodegas Langa

Made by Bodegas Langa, a family owned business outside Calatayud, near Zaragoza in Spain. They're passionate about the wine they make, and these are great examples of their craft. They have about 50 hectares of vineyards spread in different locations in the locality allowing them to make a variety of wines and styles. We spent three days in the region in March 2005, and visited eleven producers who we had researched and identified as potential sources of high quality, good value wine. We tasted some good wines, but Bodegas Langa stood out as the one  we wished to partner and import from. They’re also notoriously  selective about who they work with, but fortunately they seemed to like us as well

Domaine Colinot Irancy

Granted AC status in 1999, Irancy (above) is a small red wine appellation in northern Burgundy where white wine dominates.  Made from pinot noir with an allowed addition of up to 10% cesar (a grape variety dating back to 11^th century Roman plantings), the newly granted AC status recognises much improved character and quality.  It is virtually unheard of outside Burgundy because production quantities are so small.

Within this small appellation Domaine Colinot is a very small family vineyard of 11 hectares and is recognised locally as one of the best two producers. The daughter of the house has recently qualified in oenology from Beaune University and the family make separate wines from each of the vineyard slopes maximising the ‘terroir’ characteristics of each wine.

In a world of increasing conformity, it is a breath of fresh air to find wines of such individuality, and each wine expresses its own character.  Red Burgundy will always be expensive - the difficulties in growing pinot noir, the marginal climate, and the increasing world demand in the face of tiny quantities will always see to that.  However, in the scale of burgundy prices these wines represent truly remarkable value for money and if carefully cellared will continue to improve for the next 5 – 10 years.