Finally, there is a little bit of magic, or for the realists, hope. Hope in a wine, as I mentioned before, means that it has potential, that there is something special about it that will unwind positively over time, making it even better than the day it was bottled. Sometimes these bottles live up to their youthful promises in a way that is haunting, almost mystical.

One must rent a car or have a driver to truly appreciate Burgundy. Trains can get you in and out of the major cities, but part of the charm of Burgundy lies in some of its dusty corners. One such place is Chablis, a place of charm and majesty, and I might I add, delicious wines.