Hand picked in the Rhône

OK, folks. It's time to turn to a French wine region that offers great wine at less-than-great prices – and one which only rarely attracts the attention of speculators.

The excellent UK importer Vine Trail, which hand picks the wines it offers on the basis of detailed research in French cellars and vineyards, showed off many of its current offerings from the Rhône valley recently and below are my enthusiastic notes.  The picture shows Gilbert Clusel – husband of Brigitte Roch. Their 2005 Côte Rôtie showed particularly well.  

I already made the most obvious bargain a wine of the week but...