Dare we say it, great value Burgundy and Barbaresco

While Burgundy prices climb and climb and a price tag of $100+ on a bottle of Bourgogne Rouge becomes the norm, it's nice to wind back the clock to pre-covid days with something like this from Philippe le Hardi. We tried this recently and while it's not the most complex wine you'll try from the Cote d'Or, it's a delicious example of the reds from this region and all the things we like about French Pinot Noir. This is light in colour with distinct prettiness on the nose (red cherry, red florals). The mid-palate has a generosity to it which is balanced by a slight twang to the acid line which brings freshness and length. Grippy fine tannins bring structure and book-end the wine nicely. At this price it's a wine to have on hand at home for enjoyable drinking over the months ahead. - Ches Cook, Five Way Cellars.

Like the Bourgogne Rouge offered above, this represents exceptional value with pricing that is a distant memory for most producers in the region. This is Ca' del Baio's entry-level Barbaresco which blends fruit from a few different sources across the region. As a producer, they are based in the sub-region of Treiso and as a wine, I actually prefer this to some of the cuvees up the chain which when tasted recently, had some new oak poking out. This on the other hand is beautifully pure with dehydrated red floral and red petal aromatics. The palate is pleasantly austere being true to the Nebbiolo grape, with flavours of cherry pip and orange rind. Tannin is fine and silty and the warmth of the 2022 vintage has led to a Barbaresco that is approachable and ready to enjoy. - Ches Cook, Five Way Cellars.