I had my concerns when I decided to hold a bottle of 2007 Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne. I remember it wasn’t cheap — its a grand cru — and every year I pulled it from the rack only to put it back. But we were having a nice red snapper and I decided to open it. Could a 13-year-old chardonnay still be good?

It was. OMG, I wish I had a few more. Golden in color, luxurious and viscous texture, tropical fruit flavors and a heavy dollop of coconut. I cherished every sip and thought about it for hours after the last drop was consumed.

Not all chardonnays can stand the test of time. I’ve tasted 5-year-old California chardonnays that had oxidized or fell apart. But a grand cru from Burgundy can last decades. It’s what makes French Burgundy so collectible and it’s why no other chardonnay region can compare.

Today this wine costs close to $200 a bottle, which is well above what I’m willing to spend on wine. It’s worth it — but alas unaffordable.