Here are some notes on my favorites from that evening: (2000) Françoise Bedel Champagne Dis, Vin Secret , about $60. It is 100% Meunier, mostly from the ripe and forward 2000 vintage, with about 10% reserve wines. 2008 Michel Delhommeau Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie Cuvée Harmonie , about $15. Silly me. MORE >>

Indeed, the Live-ex aanalysis describes the 2008 and 2006 as 'remarkable value for money under 300 pounds per case.'. This compares to a Liv-ex price for a second growth (2000 - 2009) of 740 pounds. The 2005 and 2009 are trading at around 450 pounds each. News Spain brane-cantenac drinks business MORE >>

2008 Jean et Gilles Lafouge Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru La Chapelle, $30, Imported by Fruit of the Vines. 2008 Reinhard & Beate Knebel Riesling trocken, $14, Imported by Mosel Wine Merchant. 2000 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape, price and importer unknown. Can you get geared up for a laundry list post? Yes, I do. MORE >>

2008 Pierre Gonon St. 2008 Albert Boxler Edelzwicker Reserve , $16, Robert Chadderdon Selections. 2000 López de Heredia Rioja Rosado Viña Tondonia Gran Riserva , $24, Imported by Polaner Selections. Some of my favorite wines have just been released in new vintages. Buy the wines and drink them. Don't miss it. Will this age well? MORE >>

Now the California wine conversation was interesting, because we were just served two wines, a Merryvale Chardonnay 2008 and a Domaine Roumieu Bonnes Mares 2000. Of course, everyone loved the Roumieu -- the 2008 Merryvale raised eyebrows as some asked "is this new vintage 'fine wine' and what is a good definition of fine wine.'". MORE >>