Quantitative analysis of 2-methoxy-3-isobutylpyrazine (MIBP) in grapes and wines was developed, using a stable isotope dilution assay. This was applied to red grapes and wines from the Bordeaux region. The grapes and the wines of the 1995 and 1996 vintages came from the three most frequently used varieties of the region, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes exhibited levels of MIBP (mean concentration, 12 ng l-1 for 1996 vintage and 13 ng l-1 for 1995 vintage) close to or higher than its odour threshold in wines (10 ng l-1) and slightly higher than the amounts found in the Merlot wines (mean concentration, 8 ng l-1 for 1996 vintage and 4 ng l-1 for 1995 vintage), especially those of the 1996 vintage. The variation in the levels of MIBP in grape samples and in their corresponding wines was monitored at four different stages towards the end of maturation. MIBP was present in all grapes and wines analysed, even in surmaturation. A linear trend was observed between grapes and wines of the three cultivars during maturation.