The wines of Chateauneuf du Pape may not be the "screaming bargains" they once were, but there are still many vintages that offer an affordable, quality alternative to Bordeaux and Burgundy, it is claimed.

Chateauneuf du Pape used to be terribly under-appreciated, wine critic Michael Brenton writes in the Lansing City Pulse.

Although wine enthusiasts are now paying more attention to the region, produce such as the 2006 Perrin La Gille is "concentrated, balanced and complex", without the Bordeaux price tag.

Also worthy of note, Mr Brenton suggests, is the 2007 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape.

The wine is "big and powerful, yet more approachable than I expected it to be at this youthful stage in its life", he claims.

The Huddersfield Examiner recently told those who have not yet tried Chateauneuf du Pape that now is the perfect time to start, as experts claim that the 2007 vintage is one of the best in decades.