France - All White Wines
France is revered for its exceptional white wines, which showcase the country's rich winemaking heritage, diverse terroirs, and unwavering commitment to quality. Today, let us embark on a journey through the best white wines that France has to offer, exploring renowned vineyards and the regions that give birth to these extraordinary expressions.
In Burgundy, the appellations of Chablis, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet stand tall as the epitome of excellence in white wine production. Wineries such as Domaine Raveneau, Domaine Dauvissat, and Domaine Leflaive craft mesmerizing Chardonnays that capture the essence of the region's unique Kimmeridgian limestone soils. These wines exhibit precision, purity, and a remarkable balance of mineral notes, citrus flavors, and vibrant acidity.
Moving to the Loire Valley, the vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are celebrated for their exceptional Sauvignon Blancs. Domaine Vacheron, Domaine Didier Dagueneau, and Domaine Pascal Jolivet create expressive and terroir-driven wines that showcase the region's distinct flinty minerality, zesty citrus, and herbaceous undertones.
Further northeast in France, in the region of Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Domaine Trimbach, and Domaine Weinbach produce stunning white wines from varietals like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. These wines display remarkable depth, aromatic complexity, and a balance between sweetness and acidity, reflecting the region's unique microclimates and granite-rich soils.
In Bordeaux, the region of Graves is renowned for its white wines, particularly those crafted from the classic grape varieties of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Château Haut-Brion, Château Pape Clément, and Domaine de Chevalier are esteemed vineyards that produce rich and age-worthy white Bordeaux wines. These wines exhibit a beautiful interplay of tropical fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and a touch of toasty oak.
Finally, in the Rhône Valley, the appellation of Condrieu shines as a beacon of excellence in Viognier production. Renowned vineyards such as Domaine Georges Vernay and Domaine Yves Cuilleron create remarkable Viognier wines that seduce the senses with their exotic aromas of apricot, peach, and delicate floral notes. These wines showcase richness, elegance, and a silky texture that lingers on the palate.
France - All White Wines
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The Auvenay Auxey Duresses Les Clous Blanc 2001 is an exceptional masterpiece from the revered Domaine d'Auvenay in Burgundy, part of the portfolio of Lalou Bize-Leroy who is globally esteemed as a producer of divinely expressive and singular wines. This elegant Chardonnay is the product of meticulous chemical-free vineyard cultivation, and traditional vinification, matured distinctly in oak barrels which imparts a showroom shine onto the nose and palate.
"Les Clous" references the stony, limestone-rich vineyard where the wine originates bestowing it an unrivalled minerality. A well-defined vintage of 2001 has fostered precocious flavours hinting at ripe apples, honey, and utterly delightful toasted almond notes. Auvenay Auxey Duresses Les Clous Blanc 2001 is a testimony to Lalou Bize-Leroy's dedication to holistic viticulture, a paramount expression of white burgundy revealing a complete harmony of strength and finesse. It's a fetching choice for connoisseurs seeking the epitome of sophisticated white wine.
Inc. TAX€5,182.49 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2001 Clos Haut-Peyraguey has a relatively high-toned, showy bouquet, much more floral than its peers, featuring yellow flowers, dandelion, mirabelle and saffron scents. The palate is cohesive with a fine bead of acidity, delivering nectarine, apricot and hints of elderflower. Spice, ginger and lemongrass notes emerge toward the finish, which lingers wonderfully. After a slow start, this turns into quite a compelling Sauternes.Inc. TAX€925.57 -
Vinous (97)
I was blown away by the power, verve and soil-driven complexity of Coche-Dury's 2001 Corton-Charlemagne. Full yellow in color, it’s approaching maturity but shows every sign of a continuing graceful evolution in bottle. Its vibrant apple, citrus peel and brown spice aromas and flavors have been joined by deeper notes of brioche, white truffle and porcini. This wonderfully tactile, plush wine boasts compelling sweetness leavened by lively acidity, and the musky, minerally, slowly building finish begs for a side of crustaceans.Inc. TAX€7,198.49 -
Wine Advocate (92-94)
Peaches, apricots, and spices are found in the redolent aromatics of the 2001 Meursault Caillerets. A honeyed, feminine wine, its personality at this stage is reminiscent of a great Meursault-Charmes, satin-textured, deep, dense, and focused. Loads of pulp-laden pears and spices can be found throughout its exceptional personality and finish. Projected maturity: now-2013.Inc. TAX€2,673.73 -
LaRVF (95)
Un raffinement aromatique absolu et une richesse superlative en liqueur font de ce grand millésime à Coutet un modèle presque absolu de barsac dont deux générations de dégustateurs au moins auront à coeur de suivre le lent développement en bouteille. Je peux assurer qu'enfin avec des vins de ce type on retrouvera les émotions un peu perdues après 1959.Inc. TAX€865.57 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (100)
Just weeks after tasting the 2001 Château d’Yquem at the estate, another bottle was served at a lunch in London and it was perfection. The aromatics are practically identical and likewise the palate, but this bottle, which had been decanted, displays a scintilla more tension, perhaps more "vibrancy" that so effortlessly counterbalances the richness. Irrespective of points, it is simply one of the most magnificent wines of any kind that can pass your lips.Inc. TAX€4,474.38 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (100)
Just weeks after tasting the 2001 Château d’Yquem at the estate, another bottle was served at a lunch in London and it was perfection. The aromatics are practically identical and likewise the palate, but this bottle, which had been decanted, displays a scintilla more tension, perhaps more "vibrancy" that so effortlessly counterbalances the richness. Irrespective of points, it is simply one of the most magnificent wines of any kind that can pass your lips.Inc. TAX€5,794.38 -
Jancis Robinson (18)
Pale orangey gold. Seductive broad orangey freshness. Long and tangy and positive, great value! Long. Very engaging and spicy, even if it’s not as massive and sweet as some. So complete. VGVInc. TAX€575.52 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
Limpid gold in color, the 2001 Doisy-Védrines offers beeswax, honeysuckle and quince jelly on the nose; hints of gingerbread emerge with time. The oak comes through a bit here, which is odd after two decades. The palate is vibrant and tensile on the entry, delivering the weight one expects from this Barsac, allied with a fine bead of acidity that imparts tension. Tangy marmalade and quince notes appear toward the finish. This is a fine Doisy-Védrines that is à point.Inc. TAX€897.83 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93)
Bright, pale yellow color. Highly complex but subtle aromas of yellow plum, honey and vanilla. Fatter and fuller than the young 2002, with superb thickness of texture but also terrific definition and cut. Big, chewy wine, with an almost saline impression of extract. This really fills the mouth. Very long and gripping on the back.Inc. TAX€1,120.93 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93)
Bright, pale yellow color. Highly complex but subtle aromas of yellow plum, honey and vanilla. Fatter and fuller than the young 2002, with superb thickness of texture but also terrific definition and cut. Big, chewy wine, with an almost saline impression of extract. This really fills the mouth. Very long and gripping on the back.Inc. TAX€2,663.20 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93)
Bright, pale yellow color. Highly complex but subtle aromas of yellow plum, honey and vanilla. Fatter and fuller than the young 2002, with superb thickness of texture but also terrific definition and cut. Big, chewy wine, with an almost saline impression of extract. This really fills the mouth. Very long and gripping on the back.Inc. TAX€5,020.38 -
Vinous (90)
Peach and smoky oak on the reticent nose. Sweet, full and pure, with subtle floral and spice flavors. Offers a good chewy texture and solid underlying structure, but comes across as considerably less minerally than the young 2002.Inc. TAX€638.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90-93)
Precise, expressive aromas of lemon, peach, mint and wet stone, with a cool, steely aspect. Dry, intensely flavored, focused and penetrating. Classy and quite long. The best of these premier crus today by a wide margin.Inc. TAX€1,014.13 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (87-89)
Pale, bright yellow. Steely aromas of apple, spices and mint. Fat and peachy in the mouth, with complicating notes of spice and butter. Offers very good fruit and length for village wine.Inc. TAX€2,183.98 -
Vinous (87+)
Pale gold color. Peach and citrus hints on the nose, with strong oak notes of smoke and vanilla. Chewy with extract but a bit youthfully aggressive; showing less obvious fruit and sweetness today than the Raymond Roure Crozes bottling, or is it simply a bit overwhelmed by its wood element? With aeration, this showed notes of licorice and Thai basil and the dried nut character of classic traditionally styled white Hermitage.Inc. TAX€677.27 -
Vinous (91+)
Reticent, very pure aromas of citrus skin, apple, wet stone, spearmint and spices. Spicy, quite dry and uncompromising; dense, fat, full and minerally. Not higher in sugar than the foregoing samples but more glyceral in texture. Finishes long, classically dry and minerally. This really transcends the vintage.Inc. TAX€2,239.45 -
Wine Spectator (98)
Gorgeous aromas of honey, passion fruit, mango and candied lemon rind. Full-bodied and ultraconcentrated, yet balanced and refined. It lasts for minutes on the palate. This has just about everything in the right place. Stunning. Best after 2009. 6,665 cases made. -JSInc. TAX€438.40 -
Wine Spectator (98)
Gorgeous aromas of honey, passion fruit, mango and candied lemon rind. Full-bodied and ultraconcentrated, yet balanced and refined. It lasts for minutes on the palate. This has just about everything in the right place. Stunning. Best after 2009. 6,665 cases made. -JSInc. TAX€775.98
-
The Auvenay Auxey Duresses Les Clous Blanc 2001 is an exceptional masterpiece from the revered Domaine d'Auvenay in Burgundy, part of the portfolio of Lalou Bize-Leroy who is globally esteemed as a producer of divinely expressive and singular wines. This elegant Chardonnay is the product of meticulous chemical-free vineyard cultivation, and traditional vinification, matured distinctly in oak barrels which imparts a showroom shine onto the nose and palate.
"Les Clous" references the stony, limestone-rich vineyard where the wine originates bestowing it an unrivalled minerality. A well-defined vintage of 2001 has fostered precocious flavours hinting at ripe apples, honey, and utterly delightful toasted almond notes. Auvenay Auxey Duresses Les Clous Blanc 2001 is a testimony to Lalou Bize-Leroy's dedication to holistic viticulture, a paramount expression of white burgundy revealing a complete harmony of strength and finesse. It's a fetching choice for connoisseurs seeking the epitome of sophisticated white wine.
In Bond€4,315.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2001 Clos Haut-Peyraguey has a relatively high-toned, showy bouquet, much more floral than its peers, featuring yellow flowers, dandelion, mirabelle and saffron scents. The palate is cohesive with a fine bead of acidity, delivering nectarine, apricot and hints of elderflower. Spice, ginger and lemongrass notes emerge toward the finish, which lingers wonderfully. After a slow start, this turns into quite a compelling Sauternes.In Bond€734.00 -
Vinous (97)
I was blown away by the power, verve and soil-driven complexity of Coche-Dury's 2001 Corton-Charlemagne. Full yellow in color, it’s approaching maturity but shows every sign of a continuing graceful evolution in bottle. Its vibrant apple, citrus peel and brown spice aromas and flavors have been joined by deeper notes of brioche, white truffle and porcini. This wonderfully tactile, plush wine boasts compelling sweetness leavened by lively acidity, and the musky, minerally, slowly building finish begs for a side of crustaceans.In Bond€5,995.00 -
Wine Advocate (92-94)
Peaches, apricots, and spices are found in the redolent aromatics of the 2001 Meursault Caillerets. A honeyed, feminine wine, its personality at this stage is reminiscent of a great Meursault-Charmes, satin-textured, deep, dense, and focused. Loads of pulp-laden pears and spices can be found throughout its exceptional personality and finish. Projected maturity: now-2013.In Bond€2,225.00 -
LaRVF (95)
Un raffinement aromatique absolu et une richesse superlative en liqueur font de ce grand millésime à Coutet un modèle presque absolu de barsac dont deux générations de dégustateurs au moins auront à coeur de suivre le lent développement en bouteille. Je peux assurer qu'enfin avec des vins de ce type on retrouvera les émotions un peu perdues après 1959.In Bond€684.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (100)
Just weeks after tasting the 2001 Château d’Yquem at the estate, another bottle was served at a lunch in London and it was perfection. The aromatics are practically identical and likewise the palate, but this bottle, which had been decanted, displays a scintilla more tension, perhaps more "vibrancy" that so effortlessly counterbalances the richness. Irrespective of points, it is simply one of the most magnificent wines of any kind that can pass your lips.In Bond€3,710.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (100)
Just weeks after tasting the 2001 Château d’Yquem at the estate, another bottle was served at a lunch in London and it was perfection. The aromatics are practically identical and likewise the palate, but this bottle, which had been decanted, displays a scintilla more tension, perhaps more "vibrancy" that so effortlessly counterbalances the richness. Irrespective of points, it is simply one of the most magnificent wines of any kind that can pass your lips.In Bond€4,810.00 -
Jancis Robinson (18)
Pale orangey gold. Seductive broad orangey freshness. Long and tangy and positive, great value! Long. Very engaging and spicy, even if it’s not as massive and sweet as some. So complete. VGVIn Bond€457.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
Limpid gold in color, the 2001 Doisy-Védrines offers beeswax, honeysuckle and quince jelly on the nose; hints of gingerbread emerge with time. The oak comes through a bit here, which is odd after two decades. The palate is vibrant and tensile on the entry, delivering the weight one expects from this Barsac, allied with a fine bead of acidity that imparts tension. Tangy marmalade and quince notes appear toward the finish. This is a fine Doisy-Védrines that is à point.In Bond€703.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93)
Bright, pale yellow color. Highly complex but subtle aromas of yellow plum, honey and vanilla. Fatter and fuller than the young 2002, with superb thickness of texture but also terrific definition and cut. Big, chewy wine, with an almost saline impression of extract. This really fills the mouth. Very long and gripping on the back.In Bond€931.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93)
Bright, pale yellow color. Highly complex but subtle aromas of yellow plum, honey and vanilla. Fatter and fuller than the young 2002, with superb thickness of texture but also terrific definition and cut. Big, chewy wine, with an almost saline impression of extract. This really fills the mouth. Very long and gripping on the back.In Bond€2,210.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93)
Bright, pale yellow color. Highly complex but subtle aromas of yellow plum, honey and vanilla. Fatter and fuller than the young 2002, with superb thickness of texture but also terrific definition and cut. Big, chewy wine, with an almost saline impression of extract. This really fills the mouth. Very long and gripping on the back.In Bond€4,165.00 -
Vinous (90)
Peach and smoky oak on the reticent nose. Sweet, full and pure, with subtle floral and spice flavors. Offers a good chewy texture and solid underlying structure, but comes across as considerably less minerally than the young 2002.In Bond€528.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90-93)
Precise, expressive aromas of lemon, peach, mint and wet stone, with a cool, steely aspect. Dry, intensely flavored, focused and penetrating. Classy and quite long. The best of these premier crus today by a wide margin.In Bond€842.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (87-89)
Pale, bright yellow. Steely aromas of apple, spices and mint. Fat and peachy in the mouth, with complicating notes of spice and butter. Offers very good fruit and length for village wine.In Bond€1,805.00 -
Vinous (87+)
Pale gold color. Peach and citrus hints on the nose, with strong oak notes of smoke and vanilla. Chewy with extract but a bit youthfully aggressive; showing less obvious fruit and sweetness today than the Raymond Roure Crozes bottling, or is it simply a bit overwhelmed by its wood element? With aeration, this showed notes of licorice and Thai basil and the dried nut character of classic traditionally styled white Hermitage.In Bond€542.00 -
Vinous (91+)
Reticent, very pure aromas of citrus skin, apple, wet stone, spearmint and spices. Spicy, quite dry and uncompromising; dense, fat, full and minerally. Not higher in sugar than the foregoing samples but more glyceral in texture. Finishes long, classically dry and minerally. This really transcends the vintage.In Bond€1,860.00 -
Wine Spectator (98)
Gorgeous aromas of honey, passion fruit, mango and candied lemon rind. Full-bodied and ultraconcentrated, yet balanced and refined. It lasts for minutes on the palate. This has just about everything in the right place. Stunning. Best after 2009. 6,665 cases made. -JSIn Bond€356.00 -
Wine Spectator (98)
Gorgeous aromas of honey, passion fruit, mango and candied lemon rind. Full-bodied and ultraconcentrated, yet balanced and refined. It lasts for minutes on the palate. This has just about everything in the right place. Stunning. Best after 2009. 6,665 cases made. -JSIn Bond€628.00