2003 Domaine Du Chateau Vieux Saint-Joseph - $24.99

Old vines. Had this at a Denver restaurant the other night.   Serious Syrah with some age, and a bargain. What a find! Get out the lamb chops!

BURGUNDY

2012 Rene Michel Macon Viré-Clessé - $24.99

You do not often see this AOC:  A specialty from this producer in the Mâconnais subregion of Burgundy in central France.  Great alternative to those who struggle to afford a bottle of Corton Charlemagne! Great "old vines" Chardonnay at a great price... you should try.

2009 Pelletier-Hibon Givry - $24.99

Great value Burgundy from the Givry appellation (known for values). Here we have the last the of the great riper style 2009 vintage. Small family winery.

2009 Pelletier-Hibon Vigron 1er Cru - $34.99

We were able to procure one case only of the 2009 vintage (ripe, deep fruit) from this value region we like. A "premier Cru" for a reasonable price. A relative bargain.

2009 P. Roty Cotes de Nuits-Village - $45

These vines, in a vineyard next to Philippe's house just outside the Gevrey appellation near Les Evocelles, are high up on the hill, under the woods. Good deep red. Black cherry and smoky minerality on the nose. Sweet, lush and very ripe, boasting good texture and personality and a hint of game. The fruit here was much riper than in 2008, notes Roty. The wine's lush tannins should make this a sexy early drinker. I'd happily throw it into a blind tasting of premier crus from Gevrey.  ROTY IS A TOP PRODUCER.

CHAMPAGNE

2005 Michel Genet "Millesimé" (October disgorge) - $60

From Chouilly, his basic bottling's are fantastic and usually cost about this price. Here you have 2005 vintage that sees extra aging time. Millesimémeans best vintage, and is usually reserved for the top bottlings. This is a Grand Cru... just stunning champagne, and just recently late-disgorged, so a very rich blanc de blancs, indeed.  And try finding it!

CRU BEAUJOLAIS 

Bright, sexy Gamay that never sees wood. You know we have the best Cru Beaujolais (and Rhone and Burgundy) selections around. Here is one to try from a great producer. Floral, seamless clarity.

45-80 year-old vines, another superb producer, this time from the Chenas cru. It's deceptively deep, and simply alive with raspberry, strawberry, and very attractive tannin. A pleasure.

Sold out before, it's back. Bright purple.  Fresh dark berry and cherry scents are complemented by candied flowers and succulent herbs.  Juicy and incisive in the mouth, offering mineral-tinged black raspberry and cherry flavors that become sweeter with air.  Closes on a suave floral note, with very good energy and length.