Takes a genuine wine-lover to gift another

On the table within arm’s reach [mistake!] sit a classic French burgundy and an alluring bordeaux, gifts from niece Sherry’s oenophile husband, Ron.

I don’t (yet) know these particular wines but I can tell from their labels they are noteworthy. I will share my impressions but — in the case of the the bordeaux, especially — not necessarily soon, because it will age nicely for several years.

Meanwhile, let me share bits of information from the labels.

Champagne Andre Robert Grand Cru blanc de blancs — 100 percent chardonnay, actually. “An artisanal grower-producer, the Robert family has made champagne for more than 150 years. The vineyards are in the hallowed, pure chalk soils of Mensil-sur-Oger, the most famous of all the Grand Crus for chardonnay.

“Vinification without malolactic fermentation and aging in oak casks adds to the complexity and depth. Rich, with a long finish and full of unmistakable minerality.”

Yum, yum! I’m a provincial-peasant type cook, so maybe I’ll need to take it to someone else’s house? Stay tuned, I’ll let you know.

Chateau Haut Selve 2011 graves grand vin de Bordaux, estate-bottled and a Paris gold medal winner in 2014.

Fifty-five percent merlot and 45 percent cabernet sauvignon — a typical blend from this area where a good deal of merlot mellows out a powerful cabernet, whose grapes offer distinctive terroir, aided by 12 months of aging in French oak.

It’s said to be ready to drink now, but the label gives it 10 to 12 more years.