There is no reason for fine wine novices to be intimidated by a chateau Margaux or Haut Brion.

This is the view of Arnie Lewin, who owns a fine wine store in Hamilton, Indiana in the US, who advises people not to be put off by wines that they are unfamiliar with.

He told the Indy Star that variation between wine vintages offer endless possibilities to explore.

Having spent decades honing his taste, Mr Lewin's favourite is Chateauneuf-du-Pape, claiming that he favours the first-growth Bordeaux from Pauillac as well.

However, ensuring that particular wines are drunk in the correct way can be key to ensuring a quality experience, as Will Lyons of the Wall Street Journal recently learned.

Writing on the newspaper's blog, he explained how he had recently had the opportunity to taste a well aged Chateau L'Evangile 1979, which he claimed was worth the wait.

Mr Lyons noted how the tannins had mellowed to near non-existence, while the wine gave off distinctive mature, red fruit notes with hints of the dry flavour of tea.