[Aerkuld]

I know with Single Malts, so I assume the same is true for wine, that rarity is a major driver of high prices. You can often find a VERY nice budget priced bottle that is easily as good, if not better, than a high dollar one. I think that you will find that there is a price band over which quality probably increases, whether the average consumer can actually tell the difference is another matter.
By the "...too big for you" comment, I think he is refering to the flavor profile. The very oaky wines are often very complex in taste and may need a lot of tasting experience to be fully 'appreciated' otherwise they do just come across as bitter. I understand that the two buck chuck stuff, and I'm thinking particularly about the Trader Joes (was it Charles Shaw?) was actually highly acclaimed and offered exceptional value for money.