regarding the cru bourgeois classification, it applies to only the Medoc. Prior to the revisions, this classification and its derivations still applies only to the Medoc.
here's my 2 cents from personal experience: don't look too much into equating classifications/labelling to quality. Being a Grand Cru doesn't mean the wine will be awesome and I have had vin de pays that blew my mind before. don't pay too much attention to wine scores either, they can be a 'guide' of sorts but not an exact science. So what do I do? I research online before purchasing, find out about the producer, the winemaking techniques and processes, past successes/failures, online opinions on the wine etc...
similarly don't overlook the Languedoc, there are many gems and treasures to be found in that region. They tend to have that big bold flavours yet refined due to the grenache, cinsault and syrah, which go excellent with many types of food. In addition, they are usually undervalued and thus more affordable even though they provide high quality wines if u noe where to look. many of the producers there have old vines and have invested in better wine making equipment and techniques to produce quality stuff. not everything there is table wine. I am going to do a review of a languedoc wine this week, we'll see how it goes.
as for the rhone valley, that is a very good place for wine. actually my fave wine regions in france that suit my personal palate is the Loire Valley and Rhone Valley, followed by Bordeaux & Languedocs. I haven't touched Burgundy as much due to its high price points...maybe later when I have access to more cash. the rhone is divided by north and south rhone. your hermitage comes from the north where it is cooler. Last december I enjoyed two Crozes Hermitage Syrahs that reflected the cooler climate through its elegance. South rhone has the famous chateauneuf-du-pape (or CdP for short); the 2007 vintage in the rhone (especially in the south) have been stellar and naturally this is reflected in the increased prices; i managed to get my hands on an affordable 2007 CdP last month when I was in US, it will be sleeping for the next 8 years before i drink it.
the rhone is really a great place but can get a little pricey at the premium regions; but u can find great value in various producers' "Cotes du Rhone" wines which can be extremely good even for an 'entry level' wine.
