Bargain-bin Burgundy, good idea or no?

I was at Parkhill's yesterday after work, and noticed in their close-out bin a couple of bottles of v. 1996 1er Cru Cote D'or Burgundy, discounted to $41.99 from $49.99. I don't remember the specific winery. I did not buy, but thought I'd ask if that vintage and price point would be worth taking a chance on. If so, I'll go back.

Really impossible to tell, sorry. To me, most important item on a Burgundy label is producer. For me, $42 might be a reasonable price to pay for a '96 village level wine from Roumier or Chevillon, but too steep for a 1er (or Grand!) Cru from a poor grower or negociant.

In addition, $42 would be steep if a Fixin 1er, but very cheap for a Chambolle 1er. Can you call the store and ask producer and vineyard? People could give more informed opinions.

As a gross generality, '96 was a very good vintage. But high acids and tannins, while making for some classic long aging wines, can also be problematic for less skilled winemakers. Others may disagree (this is Burgundy, after all).

Adding to Dales comments, I would also look for obvious signs of bad storage.

Robert,

I'm batting about .500 with bargain bin Burgs. I stumbled on to some excellent Jadot Clos Ursules a few years ago in the cut out section. I also picked up some undrinkable Volnay one time. If you can afford to gamble the $42, and there is not sign of storage cooties, give it a shot.

Agreed that you need some inside advice. I usually only buy from bargain bins if I know someone I can trust in the store who can assure me that the wines are sound and merely being discounted to make room for inventory. All too often bottles end up in the bargain bin because something is wrong with them.

I may make a trip back to ask about it then. I have purchased wines from that store's bargain bin before and have been pleased with them so far, but those were usually $9.99-$19.99 wines, and I have had nowhere near the exposure you guys have had with better quality wines, so what is fine to me may not pass muster with a more experienced palate.