Those days are long gone unfortunately. However there are many great and reasonably priced Loire reds (Cabernet Franc) such as Bernard Baudry, Languedoc Roussillon, Rhone, Beaujolais and other areas but you have to know your producers and importers.
Too true...have given up on the top Bordeaux wines years ago.
I concentrate now on wines from lesser French regions particularily from Languedoc-Roussillon such as those from Lionel Maurel. Excellent natural growths...