A Secret Source for White Burgundy.

St-Aubin is the insider’s white Burgundy. While writers spill most of the ink on the great wines from Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, savvy drinkers know of the treasure that lies three minutes to the west, in a valley between the two famous towns. The wines from the tiny, hidden village of St-Aubin may lack the aging power and depth of Chassagnes and Pulignys, but they remain what Rajat Parr calls “some of the best-value Chardonnay in the world.”

Mixed Case: Roger Belland Sampler

Like many in Burgundy, the Domaine Roger Belland isn’t flashy. There’s just a small sign next to the door on the street, and you have to enter the cellar before seeing any of their many winemaking awards. But the Bellands have made wine since 1839, and Master of Wine Clive Coates calls them “among the best sources in Santenay.”

Uncomplicated Pleasure: New Côtes-du-Rhône

Some things take some getting used to before you can enjoy them. Coffee may be one of the world’s most popular drinks, but is bitter and astringent to children taking a first sip. At first, many wine drinkers dislike the petrol notes in old German Riesling, or the barnyard in old red Burgundy. But many eventually spend years seeking out those elusive characteristics.

Smoke and Minerals: 2010 1er cru Red Burgundy

The town of Morey-St-Denis is typical of the tiny scale of Burgundy. Home to fewer than 700 souls and boasting less than half a square mile of vineyards, the town has long played second fiddle to its more famous neighbors Chambolle-Musigny and Gevrey-Chambertin. But in fact Morey holds five Grand Cru vineyards and produces excellent red Burgundies that age beautifully.

Everday Cabernet. $15

Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most widely planted grape. Best known for its starring role in the great wines of California and Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross, likely spontaneous, between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon blanc — a fortunate gift from the winemaking gods. Its potential for aging is unrivaled.

Mixed Case: a New Year’s Feast

We’ve always found it hard to get too excited about New Year’s celebrations — but we’ll take any excuse to gather family and friends for a fancy dinner. So we’ve put together a mixed case of four wines for a complete New Year’s Feast. Whether you’re celebrating the end of this year or the beginning of the next, this case will help the transition.

Mixed Case: Tour de France

Each region in France has its own distinct identity. To drive across the country is to pass through a remarkable diversity of cuisines, traditions, accents, history, and, of course, wines. Each winegrowing region offers a different set of grapes and flavors, and we think there’s no better expression of a particular corner of France than its wines.

Chambolle, with extra Musigny.

It’s easy to forget just how small the scale of winemaking is in Burgundy. The entire town of Chambolle-Musigny, for instance, has a population of 320 and covers about 430 acres, less than a square mile. But the wines from this tiny town have been highly sought after since the 15th century.