Daniel Johnnes's search for value wines led him to start an import company, Jeroboam Wines, in 1993. He describes three of his favorite French selections from Jeroboam:

1997 André Bonhomme Mâcon Viré ($16). This was the first wine that I ever imported, and it's still a favorite of mine and my customers. It has great balance and finesse and a nose of almonds and apples.

1998 Domaine Hubert Lamy Les Frionnes St-Aubin ($28). Olivier Lamy, who's now at the helm of the famed Hubert Lamy estate, is one of St-Aubin's stars; this is a rich and full-bodied wine.

1998 Gilles Robin Crozes-Hermitage ($19). Robin's Crozes-Hermitage is dense and opaque with a rich aroma of ripe black fruits, spice and violets and a soft, velvety texture.