Chateau de Chantegrive 2000: A lovely bargain from the Graves

Back in 2003 Parker said of this wine: "The excellent 2000 displays aromas of scorched earth, ripe black cherry and currant fruit, tobacco, and cigar smoke. Ripe, medium-bodied, soft, and attractive, it will be drinkable young and last until 2012."

He gave it an 88. I'd give it an 86 personally. But what do I know?

It's certainly still going strong. A friend of mine had this bottle direct from the Chateau and had it well stored for a number of years.

It saw light of day this week, and whilst I didn't get the scorched earth part, the black cherry and hint of smoke, with a certain softness, means it is well worth a try.

It's not so easy to get though, according to wine-searcher.

However, if you can pick it up for less than £20-25, it qualifies as a bit of gem. It has aged well so far.