France
The vast and diverse wine regions of France, each with its own unique terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques, are a treasure trove.
In Bordeaux, the birthplace of some of the world's most iconic wines, esteemed vineyards such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Haut-Brion produce exceptional red wines, showcasing the art of blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The region is also renowned for its exquisite white wines, with vineyards like Château d'Yquem and Domaine de Chevalier producing legendary sweet wines.
Moving to Burgundy, the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Armand Rousseau capture the essence of the region's revered terroir, crafting exquisite red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. Meanwhile, Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Coche-Dury are celebrated for their world-class white wines, predominantly made from Chardonnay.
The Champagne region, known for its sparkling wines, boasts illustrious houses such as Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Moët & Chandon, as well as grower-producers like Pierre Péters and Jacques Selosse. These vineyards create exceptional sparkling wines using the traditional method, offering a symphony of delicate bubbles, elegant flavors, and vibrant acidity.
In the Rhône Valley, iconic vineyards like Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Château de Beaucastel produce remarkable red wines in the northern appellations of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas, showcasing the elegance and power of Syrah. Further south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is celebrated for its rich and full-bodied red blends, with Château Rayas and Clos des Papes leading the way.
In Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and omaine Trimbach craft exquisite white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, expressing the region's unique terroir and varietal character.
These are just a few highlights among the diverse array of wines that France offers. From the Loire Valley's crisp whites and elegant reds to the Languedoc-Roussillon's bold and robust wines, each region presents its own vinous treasures.
France
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James Suckling (96)
Sharp and focused with very fine bubbles. Precise. Lots of almonds, lemon peel, crushed stones, white pepper and apricot stones, as well as white pears. This has captured so much energy, with a long and refined finish. 100% chardonnay. 3g/L dosage. Disgorged May 2022. Drink or hold.Inc. TAX€1,024.38 -
James Suckling (96)
Sharp and focused with very fine bubbles. Precise. Lots of almonds, lemon peel, crushed stones, white pepper and apricot stones, as well as white pears. This has captured so much energy, with a long and refined finish. 100% chardonnay. 3g/L dosage. Disgorged May 2022. Drink or hold.Inc. TAX€876.78 -
Inc. TAX€1,077.86 -
Inc. TAX€842.66 -
Vinous (96)
The 2013 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vénus is a gorgeous and eccentric wine. Sweet floral and minty overtones give the Vénus its distinctive high-toned profile. The richness and depth of this Chardonnay from a parcel planted in 1959 that has always been manually farmed, comes alive with a bit of time in the glass. The Vénus is such a special Champagne, as it is elusive and constantly changing in the glass as it shows a different side of its personality with each taste. I very much admire the sense of precision here. Vénus remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Champagne. No dosage. Disgorged: May, 2019.Inc. TAX€1,714.45 -
Vinous (95)
The 2015 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Vénus Grand Cru is sublime. Lemon confit, menthol, dried herbs and white pepper all meld together in the glass. More of a wine than Champagne, the Vénus is creamy and open-knit, with lovely freshness and plenty of character. No dosage. Disgorged: May, 2021.Inc. TAX€1,432.38 -
Wine Advocate (98)
From old vines in lieu-dit La Fosse that are planted at somewhat lower density (1.2 meters apart) but where there are consequently very few missing vines or replants, Agrapart's striking 2016 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vénus unwinds in the glass with scents of citrus oil, crisp stone fruit, toasted almonds, warm biscuits, orange zest and iodine. Full-bodied, concentrated and tightly wound, with terrific depth at the core, racy acids and a long, intensely saline finish, it's another brilliant wine from this benchmark grower-bottler.Inc. TAX€1,330.38 -
Inc. TAX€1,694.66 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2015 Aile d'Argent Blanc has a lively, quite fresh bouquet with scents of pear, melon and touches of yellow flowers; there is plenty of energy here. The palate is well balanced with a spicy, lemongrass-tinged opening, not deep or voluminous but displaying a pleasant sharpness toward the finish. Enjoy this over the next decade, or possibly more. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.Inc. TAX€1,048.38 -
James Suckling (97-98)
A very exotic Aile d’Argent with dried-mango, fresh-pineapple, and sliced-lemon aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very ripe, yet it’s framed by bright acidity. Tangy and vivid with a long, intense finish. Exciting. Contrastive. 38% semillon and the rest sauvignon blanc and gris.Inc. TAX€1,048.38 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This is full-bodied with layers of fruit. Ripe and flavorful. Lots going on with a fleshy feel. No malolactic this year. Sweet peach, honeysuckle and citrus. Contrastive. 52% sauvignon blanc, 14% sauvignon gris and 34% semillon.Inc. TAX€778.38 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)
Beautiful intensity and grip through the palate, this shows white pear, juicy citrus, and slate-filled salinity on the finish. Great stuff, with teasingly drawn out flavours, lift and tension, and hidden depths. Some frost meant the yields were lower than normal at 32hl/h. 15% malolactic fermentation to soften the acidities, with Sauvignon Gris vines included within the Sauvignon Blanc count, and no Muscadelle in the blend as the vines have now been uprooted, giving a slight break in style (for the better in my opinion). 3.25ph, 45% new barrels for ageing. First year with Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy as director from beginning to end of the growing season, after Philippe Dhaulluin's retirement.Inc. TAX€998.87 -
(6x75cl) 2023Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)
This château makes a fabulous white. Their 2023 Château Mouton Rothschild Aile D'Argent Blanc is based on 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 44.5% Semillon, and a splash of Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle, raised in 45% new oak. Ripe pineapple, crushed citrus, white flowers, and hints of toast all emerge from this beauty. A richer, medium-bodied, vibrant white that will shine on the dinner table, it should also have well over a decade of prime drinking.Expected Price Range€616 - €732 -
Inc. TAX€684.47 -
Inc. TAX€126.58 -
Inc. TAX€289.15 -
Inc. TAX€128.05 -
Inc. TAX€128.05 -
Vinous (92-94)
(one new barrel out of three and a half; from Pierre Damoy fruit): Healthy medium red. Very late-harvested aromas of ripe black cherry, red licorice and spices, complicated by nuances of honeysuckle, menthol, mint and leather. At once tightly wound and seamless, massive yet light on its feet, conveying terrific energy to its intense flavors of black cherry, raspberry and cinnamon. Finishes with suggestions of medicinal red cherry and licorice and excellent lift.Inc. TAX€2,084.63 -
Experience the exquisite Alain Burguet Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Champeaux 2016, a classic expression of Burgundy's finest Pinot Noir. Sourced from the renowned Gevrey-Chambertin region and meticulously crafted in the Burguet family winery, this award-winning vintage speaks volumes of its heritage. Alain Burguet, a legend of organic viticulture, has an uncompromising commitment to quality which is reflected in every bottle. His signature low-intervention style allows the unique terroir of the Champeaux vineyard to shine through, resulting in a wine of intense complexity and longevity. Both ripe and refined, the palate offers an intriguing interplay between dark fruits and earthier undertones. Aged in French oak, layers of spice add depth to this wine’s rich structure. The Alain Burguet Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Champeaux 2016 is indeed a storied wine that beautifully demonstrates the powerful elegance of Burgundy.
Inc. TAX€1,568.76 -
Vinous (90-92)
The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin "Symphonie" (tasted with classical piano tinkling away on the radio as I sat in their office!) has a delightful red cherry and bergamot bouquet that unfolds seductively in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Very harmonious on the finish, which feels caressing. This comes highly recommended.Inc. TAX€865.16 -
Hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Montpeyroux in Languedoc-Roussillon, Southern France, Alain Chabanon l'Esprit de Font Caude 2013 is a masterful blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre. Renowned vigneron, Alain Chabanon, employs biodynamic farming methods and endorses minimal intervention to craft this exquisite red wine that exudes deep, complex flavours. The wine undergoes traditional fermentation then ages for 24 months in French oak to mature its opulent character.
This enchanting vintage exudes a dark, ruby hue and offers a symphony of black fruit, spice, and smoky undertones, revealing an impressive structure on the palate. Alain Chabanon l'Esprit de Font Caude 2013 is an elegant representation of the producer's refined winemaking skills and passion for creating top-tier wines. One sip of this elegantly smooth, full-bodied vintage unveils a magical interplay of fruit and spice that mere words cannot fully encapsulate.
Inc. TAX€665.83 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93)
Slightly the deepest in colour and the richest nose of the four premier crus. Some lemon notes and light plum, then white fruit. This has the most assured texture of the four. Good grip, as Clive Coates would have said, stretching out very nicely in a fine long finish.Inc. TAX€637.98 -
Jancis Robinson (17)
Cask sample. Top-quality premier cru Puligny. Concentration and power on the nose/palate. Savoury edge, plenty of citrus keeping the palate fresh. Should age very well. Stony finish with an intriguing zesty character. GV.Inc. TAX€1,331.74 -
Indulge your senses with a rare taste of the Alain Graillot La Guiraude Crozes-Hermitage 1990. A superb vintage from an esteemed producer, this French delight is beautifully matured in oak barrels, boasting complex aromas of ripe fruit and spices that give way to subtly earthy undertones. Hailing from the prestigious Crozes-Hermitage appellation in Northern Rhone Valley, the wine features Syrah grapes that are meticulously hand-harvested.
This stimulating vintage is a testament to Alain Graillot's exceptional winemaking methodology. Founded in 1985, Graillot's winery quickly gained acclaim for producing high-quality, distinctive wines. This offering, the Alain Graillot La Guiraude Crozes-Hermitage 1990, truly embodies the Graillot house style - it is robust yet approachable, with elegant tannins and fullness of flavour.
Painstakingly vinified and patiently aged, the Alain Graillot La Guiraude Crozes-Hermitage 1990 is indeed a luscious specimen, deserving a place in the finest of cellars.
Inc. TAX€1,475.94 -
Vinous (94)
Opaque ruby. Powerful, mineral-accented black and blue fruit, olive and allspice aromas are energized by a suave floral overtone. Fleshy, juicy and broad in the mouth, offering concentrated black currant, cherry liqueur, fruitcake and floral pastille flavors that tighten up with aeration. Densely packed yet energetic as well, finishing with sharp delineation, steadily building tannins and excellent persistence.Inc. TAX€877.02 -
Vinous (94)
Inky ruby. Heady blackberry, cherry and olive scents show excellent definition and a smoky mineral flourish. Densely packed but energetic black and blue fruit liqueur flavors are complemented by a candied violet flourish; an exotic spice nuance emerges with air. Shows excellent concentration and no excess weight, finishing with bright mineral cut, harmonious tannins and floral-driven persistence.Inc. TAX€868.04 -
Vinous (94)
Inky ruby. Heady blackberry, cherry and olive scents show excellent definition and a smoky mineral flourish. Densely packed but energetic black and blue fruit liqueur flavors are complemented by a candied violet flourish; an exotic spice nuance emerges with air. Shows excellent concentration and no excess weight, finishing with bright mineral cut, harmonious tannins and floral-driven persistence.Inc. TAX€965.24 -
Vinous (95)
Glass-staining ruby. Cassis, cherry-cola, olive paste, exotic spices and pungent flowers on the highly expressive nose. Shows impressive depth as well as energy to its sweet black and blue fruit, allspice, salty olive and candied violet flavors, which take on a mineral aspect with air. Youthfully chewy tannins add grip to an impressively long and focused finish that emphatically repeats the floral and mineral notes. I've no doubt that this wine will reward patience, and my drinking window is probably overly conservative.Inc. TAX€989.40 -
Inc. TAX€900.18
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James Suckling (96)
Sharp and focused with very fine bubbles. Precise. Lots of almonds, lemon peel, crushed stones, white pepper and apricot stones, as well as white pears. This has captured so much energy, with a long and refined finish. 100% chardonnay. 3g/L dosage. Disgorged May 2022. Drink or hold.In Bond€835.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Sharp and focused with very fine bubbles. Precise. Lots of almonds, lemon peel, crushed stones, white pepper and apricot stones, as well as white pears. This has captured so much energy, with a long and refined finish. 100% chardonnay. 3g/L dosage. Disgorged May 2022. Drink or hold.In Bond€712.00 -
In Bond€876.00
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In Bond€680.00
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Vinous (96)
The 2013 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vénus is a gorgeous and eccentric wine. Sweet floral and minty overtones give the Vénus its distinctive high-toned profile. The richness and depth of this Chardonnay from a parcel planted in 1959 that has always been manually farmed, comes alive with a bit of time in the glass. The Vénus is such a special Champagne, as it is elusive and constantly changing in the glass as it shows a different side of its personality with each taste. I very much admire the sense of precision here. Vénus remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Champagne. No dosage. Disgorged: May, 2019.In Bond€1,410.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2015 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Vénus Grand Cru is sublime. Lemon confit, menthol, dried herbs and white pepper all meld together in the glass. More of a wine than Champagne, the Vénus is creamy and open-knit, with lovely freshness and plenty of character. No dosage. Disgorged: May, 2021.In Bond€1,175.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
From old vines in lieu-dit La Fosse that are planted at somewhat lower density (1.2 meters apart) but where there are consequently very few missing vines or replants, Agrapart's striking 2016 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vénus unwinds in the glass with scents of citrus oil, crisp stone fruit, toasted almonds, warm biscuits, orange zest and iodine. Full-bodied, concentrated and tightly wound, with terrific depth at the core, racy acids and a long, intensely saline finish, it's another brilliant wine from this benchmark grower-bottler.In Bond€1,090.00 -
In Bond€1,390.00
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Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2015 Aile d'Argent Blanc has a lively, quite fresh bouquet with scents of pear, melon and touches of yellow flowers; there is plenty of energy here. The palate is well balanced with a spicy, lemongrass-tinged opening, not deep or voluminous but displaying a pleasant sharpness toward the finish. Enjoy this over the next decade, or possibly more. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.In Bond€855.00 -
James Suckling (97-98)
A very exotic Aile d’Argent with dried-mango, fresh-pineapple, and sliced-lemon aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very ripe, yet it’s framed by bright acidity. Tangy and vivid with a long, intense finish. Exciting. Contrastive. 38% semillon and the rest sauvignon blanc and gris.In Bond€855.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This is full-bodied with layers of fruit. Ripe and flavorful. Lots going on with a fleshy feel. No malolactic this year. Sweet peach, honeysuckle and citrus. Contrastive. 52% sauvignon blanc, 14% sauvignon gris and 34% semillon.In Bond€630.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)
Beautiful intensity and grip through the palate, this shows white pear, juicy citrus, and slate-filled salinity on the finish. Great stuff, with teasingly drawn out flavours, lift and tension, and hidden depths. Some frost meant the yields were lower than normal at 32hl/h. 15% malolactic fermentation to soften the acidities, with Sauvignon Gris vines included within the Sauvignon Blanc count, and no Muscadelle in the blend as the vines have now been uprooted, giving a slight break in style (for the better in my opinion). 3.25ph, 45% new barrels for ageing. First year with Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy as director from beginning to end of the growing season, after Philippe Dhaulluin's retirement.In Bond€810.00 -
(6x75cl) 2023
Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)
This château makes a fabulous white. Their 2023 Château Mouton Rothschild Aile D'Argent Blanc is based on 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 44.5% Semillon, and a splash of Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle, raised in 45% new oak. Ripe pineapple, crushed citrus, white flowers, and hints of toast all emerge from this beauty. A richer, medium-bodied, vibrant white that will shine on the dinner table, it should also have well over a decade of prime drinking.Expected Price Range€616 - €732 -
In Bond€508.00
-
In Bond€93.00
-
In Bond€216.00
-
In Bond€88.00
-
In Bond€88.00
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Vinous (92-94)
(one new barrel out of three and a half; from Pierre Damoy fruit): Healthy medium red. Very late-harvested aromas of ripe black cherry, red licorice and spices, complicated by nuances of honeysuckle, menthol, mint and leather. At once tightly wound and seamless, massive yet light on its feet, conveying terrific energy to its intense flavors of black cherry, raspberry and cinnamon. Finishes with suggestions of medicinal red cherry and licorice and excellent lift.In Bond€1,715.00 -
Experience the exquisite Alain Burguet Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Champeaux 2016, a classic expression of Burgundy's finest Pinot Noir. Sourced from the renowned Gevrey-Chambertin region and meticulously crafted in the Burguet family winery, this award-winning vintage speaks volumes of its heritage. Alain Burguet, a legend of organic viticulture, has an uncompromising commitment to quality which is reflected in every bottle. His signature low-intervention style allows the unique terroir of the Champeaux vineyard to shine through, resulting in a wine of intense complexity and longevity. Both ripe and refined, the palate offers an intriguing interplay between dark fruits and earthier undertones. Aged in French oak, layers of spice add depth to this wine’s rich structure. The Alain Burguet Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Champeaux 2016 is indeed a storied wine that beautifully demonstrates the powerful elegance of Burgundy.
In Bond€1,270.00 -
Vinous (90-92)
The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin "Symphonie" (tasted with classical piano tinkling away on the radio as I sat in their office!) has a delightful red cherry and bergamot bouquet that unfolds seductively in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Very harmonious on the finish, which feels caressing. This comes highly recommended.In Bond€684.00 -
Hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Montpeyroux in Languedoc-Roussillon, Southern France, Alain Chabanon l'Esprit de Font Caude 2013 is a masterful blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre. Renowned vigneron, Alain Chabanon, employs biodynamic farming methods and endorses minimal intervention to craft this exquisite red wine that exudes deep, complex flavours. The wine undergoes traditional fermentation then ages for 24 months in French oak to mature its opulent character.
This enchanting vintage exudes a dark, ruby hue and offers a symphony of black fruit, spice, and smoky undertones, revealing an impressive structure on the palate. Alain Chabanon l'Esprit de Font Caude 2013 is an elegant representation of the producer's refined winemaking skills and passion for creating top-tier wines. One sip of this elegantly smooth, full-bodied vintage unveils a magical interplay of fruit and spice that mere words cannot fully encapsulate.
In Bond€510.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93)
Slightly the deepest in colour and the richest nose of the four premier crus. Some lemon notes and light plum, then white fruit. This has the most assured texture of the four. Good grip, as Clive Coates would have said, stretching out very nicely in a fine long finish.In Bond€513.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17)
Cask sample. Top-quality premier cru Puligny. Concentration and power on the nose/palate. Savoury edge, plenty of citrus keeping the palate fresh. Should age very well. Stony finish with an intriguing zesty character. GV.In Bond€1,065.00 -
Indulge your senses with a rare taste of the Alain Graillot La Guiraude Crozes-Hermitage 1990. A superb vintage from an esteemed producer, this French delight is beautifully matured in oak barrels, boasting complex aromas of ripe fruit and spices that give way to subtly earthy undertones. Hailing from the prestigious Crozes-Hermitage appellation in Northern Rhone Valley, the wine features Syrah grapes that are meticulously hand-harvested.
This stimulating vintage is a testament to Alain Graillot's exceptional winemaking methodology. Founded in 1985, Graillot's winery quickly gained acclaim for producing high-quality, distinctive wines. This offering, the Alain Graillot La Guiraude Crozes-Hermitage 1990, truly embodies the Graillot house style - it is robust yet approachable, with elegant tannins and fullness of flavour.
Painstakingly vinified and patiently aged, the Alain Graillot La Guiraude Crozes-Hermitage 1990 is indeed a luscious specimen, deserving a place in the finest of cellars.
In Bond€1,215.00 -
Vinous (94)
Opaque ruby. Powerful, mineral-accented black and blue fruit, olive and allspice aromas are energized by a suave floral overtone. Fleshy, juicy and broad in the mouth, offering concentrated black currant, cherry liqueur, fruitcake and floral pastille flavors that tighten up with aeration. Densely packed yet energetic as well, finishing with sharp delineation, steadily building tannins and excellent persistence.In Bond€686.00 -
Vinous (94)
Inky ruby. Heady blackberry, cherry and olive scents show excellent definition and a smoky mineral flourish. Densely packed but energetic black and blue fruit liqueur flavors are complemented by a candied violet flourish; an exotic spice nuance emerges with air. Shows excellent concentration and no excess weight, finishing with bright mineral cut, harmonious tannins and floral-driven persistence.In Bond€686.00 -
Vinous (94)
Inky ruby. Heady blackberry, cherry and olive scents show excellent definition and a smoky mineral flourish. Densely packed but energetic black and blue fruit liqueur flavors are complemented by a candied violet flourish; an exotic spice nuance emerges with air. Shows excellent concentration and no excess weight, finishing with bright mineral cut, harmonious tannins and floral-driven persistence.In Bond€767.00 -
Vinous (95)
Glass-staining ruby. Cassis, cherry-cola, olive paste, exotic spices and pungent flowers on the highly expressive nose. Shows impressive depth as well as energy to its sweet black and blue fruit, allspice, salty olive and candied violet flavors, which take on a mineral aspect with air. Youthfully chewy tannins add grip to an impressively long and focused finish that emphatically repeats the floral and mineral notes. I've no doubt that this wine will reward patience, and my drinking window is probably overly conservative.In Bond€787.00 -
In Bond€705.00
