There are several ways to define “value” when it comes to wine: One is a bottle that tastes great and is exceptionally well-priced for its category–which is exactly what we offered a couple of days ago with our sub $30 Bourgogne Rouge. Another is to find a wine that offers so much more complexity and pedigree than its humble category suggests–and that is precisely the story with today’s offer. Hauts-Côtes de Beaune is not a historically “sexy” or lauded appellation in Burgundy, mostly because these high elevation vineyards are much cooler than the Premier and Grand Crus. Well, climate change has rectified that. And this particular wine comes from a single vineyard of old Pinot vines, and is made by a highly regarded winemaker in the cellars of a historic Burgundy Maison. Throw in five years of age and I will gladly put this bottle up next to blue chip Premier Crus any day of the week!

Established in 1865, Camille Giroud distinguished itself as a respected Burgundy négociant specializing in "vins de garde"–wines crafted for graceful aging–for over a century. Under the leadership of Lucien Giroud's sons, the company expanded its reputation, carefully selecting vineyard sites and developing a portfolio synonymous with exceptional terroir-driven wines. In 2002, the Giroud family sold to a group of American investors led by winemaker Ann Colgin and her husband Joe Wender (one of this country’s most impressive wine collectors). Ann and her team made the inspired decision to hire the very young and very talented winemaker David Croix, known for his minimalist approach and focus on terroir transparency. Under his guidance the wines became even more acclaimed. In 2016 David left t