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 (92-93)
This is very tannic with a solid core of phenolics that frame the wine nicely and take you down to the center palate. Full and fruity, too, if a little austere. Should come around nicely with barrel aging.Inc. TAX€348.59 -
Inc. TAX€614.14
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92+)
Dark cherry, plum, lavender and violet are some of the notes that open up in the 2014 Grand Corbin Despagne. Medium in body, with a classic sense of structure and plenty of tannin, the 2014 is built for cellaring. It shows quite a bit more overall intensity today than it did as a barrel sample, which is quite positive for its long-term prospects.Inc. TAX€637.57 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92+)
Dark cherry, plum, lavender and violet are some of the notes that open up in the 2014 Grand Corbin Despagne. Medium in body, with a classic sense of structure and plenty of tannin, the 2014 is built for cellaring. It shows quite a bit more overall intensity today than it did as a barrel sample, which is quite positive for its long-term prospects.Inc. TAX€371.62 -
Wine Enthusiast (93-95)
Powerful tannins and ripe fruits are the main characters here. With a solid, foursquare character, it is generous and opulent. Tannins and concentration are all there, resulting in a wine with serious aging potential.Inc. TAX€285.18 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2019 Grand Corbin Despagne turned out beautifully. Readers will find a big, statuesque Saint-Émilion built on vertical energy. Black cherry, plum, graphite, spice, licorice and gravel lend nuance to this explosive, potent Saint-Émilion. Gravel, scorched earth, tobacco and incense lend gravitas on the substantial finish. This is an especially powerful, earthy Saint-Émilion. Quite simply, the 2019 is a flat out stunner.Inc. TAX€453.18 -
(12x75cl) 2023
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (92)
Dark plum colour, raspberry leaf, tomato leaf, fragrant and intense, dark berry fruits, full of charm and texture, with pumice stone and a feeling of light and shade. Packs a lot of flavour in, great stuff. 40% new oak for ageing, Despagne family estate, biodynamic farming.Expected Price Range€308 - €366 -
Wine Advocate (87)
The tell-tale dark ruby color, pronounced minerality, and pure black raspberry fruit are the hallmarks of most Grand-Mayne vintages. The 1997 possesses some tannin, but the overall impression is of an elegant, medium-bodied, slightly lighter than usual wine with sweet fruit, and the potential to drink well for 7-8 years.Inc. TAX€643.92 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (94)
Quite youthful as you would expect, still it is difficult not to be impressed by the concentration, ripeness, elegance, freshness and energy here. Parked on the corner of elegance, freshness and opulence, the fruit shows good purity, length and vibrance. Kuch of what the wine has to offer is held in reserve at the moment. The wine be best after 2026.Inc. TAX€701.96 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (94)
Quite youthful as you would expect, still it is difficult not to be impressed by the concentration, ripeness, elegance, freshness and energy here. Parked on the corner of elegance, freshness and opulence, the fruit shows good purity, length and vibrance. Kuch of what the wine has to offer is held in reserve at the moment. The wine be best after 2026.Inc. TAX€400.19 -
Wine Advocate (93-95+)
Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Grand Mayne slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal gorgeous notions of ripe black plums, dark chocolate-covered cherries and blackberry pie, plus hints of licorice, cracked black pepper and unsmoked cigars with a touch of tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of rich black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and beautifully perfumed.Inc. TAX€431.35 -
Wine Advocate (93-95+)
Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Grand Mayne slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal gorgeous notions of ripe black plums, dark chocolate-covered cherries and blackberry pie, plus hints of licorice, cracked black pepper and unsmoked cigars with a touch of tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of rich black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and beautifully perfumed.Inc. TAX€506.99 -
Wine Advocate (93-95+)
Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Grand Mayne slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal gorgeous notions of ripe black plums, dark chocolate-covered cherries and blackberry pie, plus hints of licorice, cracked black pepper and unsmoked cigars with a touch of tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of rich black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and beautifully perfumed.Inc. TAX€299.39 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92-94)
The 2021 Grand Mayne has a pure, sensual bouquet of perfumed red and blue fruit, quite floral in style. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit and fine tannins, and quite mineral-driven, leading to a poised, persistent finish. This is another excellent wine from Jean-Antoine and Damien Nony.Inc. TAX€533.35 -
Wine Spectator (94)
Blockbuster. Black color, with intense aromas of dried herbs, berries and blackberries. Full-bodied, rich and powerful, with big, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Superb. Almost classic. Greatest wine ever from this estate. Score range: 92-94Inc. TAX€1,022.84 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2014 Jean Faure is a powerful, authoritative wine. Mocha, savory herbs, mint and spiced notes provide aromatic topnotes. Plump and juicy on the palate, the 2014 has enough fruit and underlying tannin to drink well for at least a handful of years. This is an exotic wine with considerable Cabernet Franc aromatics, and yet it is quite striking.Inc. TAX€201.85 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2015 Jean Faure has a very pleasant, youthful bouquet, delivering plenty of raspberry, wild strawberry, melted tar and cedar notes that possess more complexity than the previous vintage. The medium-bodied, finely tuned palate offers fine-grained tannins, well-judged acidity and a silky-smooth, mineral-rich finish (in fact, this is the most mineral-driven Jean Faure that I have tasted). This is an excellent 2015 that is drinking beautifully now, but it will offer another decade of drinking pleasure.Inc. TAX€262.16 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2015 Jean Faure has a very pleasant, youthful bouquet, delivering plenty of raspberry, wild strawberry, melted tar and cedar notes that possess more complexity than the previous vintage. The medium-bodied, finely tuned palate offers fine-grained tannins, well-judged acidity and a silky-smooth, mineral-rich finish (in fact, this is the most mineral-driven Jean Faure that I have tasted). This is an excellent 2015 that is drinking beautifully now, but it will offer another decade of drinking pleasure.Inc. TAX€621.50 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2015 Jean Faure has a very pleasant, youthful bouquet, delivering plenty of raspberry, wild strawberry, melted tar and cedar notes that possess more complexity than the previous vintage. The medium-bodied, finely tuned palate offers fine-grained tannins, well-judged acidity and a silky-smooth, mineral-rich finish (in fact, this is the most mineral-driven Jean Faure that I have tasted). This is an excellent 2015 that is drinking beautifully now, but it will offer another decade of drinking pleasure.Inc. TAX€312.25 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2016 Jean Faure is a gorgeous wine endowed with considerable near and medium-term appeal. Raspberry jam, leather, smoke, espresso and exotic floral/savory notes all race through this perfumed, expressive Saint-Émilion. The Cabernet Franc is particularly expressive here.Inc. TAX€252.26 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2016 Jean Faure is a gorgeous wine endowed with considerable near and medium-term appeal. Raspberry jam, leather, smoke, espresso and exotic floral/savory notes all race through this perfumed, expressive Saint-Émilion. The Cabernet Franc is particularly expressive here.Inc. TAX€139.33 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2016 Jean Faure is a gorgeous wine endowed with considerable near and medium-term appeal. Raspberry jam, leather, smoke, espresso and exotic floral/savory notes all race through this perfumed, expressive Saint-Émilion. The Cabernet Franc is particularly expressive here.Inc. TAX€335.22 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2016 Jean Faure is a gorgeous wine endowed with considerable near and medium-term appeal. Raspberry jam, leather, smoke, espresso and exotic floral/savory notes all race through this perfumed, expressive Saint-Émilion. The Cabernet Franc is particularly expressive here.Inc. TAX€646.19 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-91)
The 2017 Jean Faure is highly unusual in this vintage. Frost damaged all the Merlot and led to a blend of 95% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. Today, the 2017 is very tannic and shut down. Time in the glass brings out an attractive element of floral and red-toned brightness. I am not sure where the 2017 will go, but it is certainly very interesting. Production is down to just 10,000 bottles from around 70,000 that is typical.Inc. TAX€95.69 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-92)
The 2021 Jean Faure is a wild, eccentric wine. The high percentage of Cabernet Franc yields a Saint-Émilion built on aromatic intensity and savory drive. Rose petal, crushed raspberry, blood orange, mint and cinnamon linger. Bold and beautiful, Jean Faure has a ton to offer.Inc. TAX€493.75 -
Wine Advocate (90)
With a medium dark ruby color, and a complex, kirsch, pain grille, smoky, deliciously complex and fruity nose, this fragrant wine offers a wealth of raspberry, currant, and cherry-like fruit. It is not a blockbuster, but rather, an elegant, multi-dimensional, round, velvety-textured wine with a lushness and sweetness of fruit that makes it irresistible. This is one of the more seductive wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: Now-2012.Inc. TAX€222.13 -
Wine Advocate (90)
With a medium dark ruby color, and a complex, kirsch, pain grille, smoky, deliciously complex and fruity nose, this fragrant wine offers a wealth of raspberry, currant, and cherry-like fruit. It is not a blockbuster, but rather, an elegant, multi-dimensional, round, velvety-textured wine with a lushness and sweetness of fruit that makes it irresistible. This is one of the more seductive wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: Now-2012.Inc. TAX€691.79 -
Wine Advocate (87)
A tightly-knit, closed wine, the 1996 l'Arrosee has not yet begun to put on weight, or reveal its true character. It possesses a medium dark ruby color, and muted aromatics which, with airing, offer notes of dusty minerals mixed with black cherries and raspberries. Subtle high quality toasty oak makes an appearance along with black raspberry and cherry fruit. This firmly-knit, sinewy, austere, elegant wine displays some positive potential, but I would appear to have over-rated it based on cask tastings. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016.Inc. TAX€1,066.12 -
James Suckling (92)
Intense aromas of sliced meat, with tobacco and flowers as well as ripe fruit. Full body, with soft and silky tannins and a juicy finish. A little short hollow in mid-palate. But outstanding all the same. Try in 2018.Inc. TAX€1,046.36 -
Wine Spectator (92)
A structured, weighty style, with dark blueberry, fig and blackberry fruit. There's ample toast, but it's well-embedded. Big but polished. Score range: 89-92Inc. TAX€950.84
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James Suckling (92-93)
This is very tannic with a solid core of phenolics that frame the wine nicely and take you down to the center palate. Full and fruity, too, if a little austere. Should come around nicely with barrel aging.In Bond€272.00 -
In Bond€493.00
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92+)
Dark cherry, plum, lavender and violet are some of the notes that open up in the 2014 Grand Corbin Despagne. Medium in body, with a classic sense of structure and plenty of tannin, the 2014 is built for cellaring. It shows quite a bit more overall intensity today than it did as a barrel sample, which is quite positive for its long-term prospects.In Bond€494.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92+)
Dark cherry, plum, lavender and violet are some of the notes that open up in the 2014 Grand Corbin Despagne. Medium in body, with a classic sense of structure and plenty of tannin, the 2014 is built for cellaring. It shows quite a bit more overall intensity today than it did as a barrel sample, which is quite positive for its long-term prospects.In Bond€291.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (93-95)
Powerful tannins and ripe fruits are the main characters here. With a solid, foursquare character, it is generous and opulent. Tannins and concentration are all there, resulting in a wine with serious aging potential.In Bond€219.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2019 Grand Corbin Despagne turned out beautifully. Readers will find a big, statuesque Saint-Émilion built on vertical energy. Black cherry, plum, graphite, spice, licorice and gravel lend nuance to this explosive, potent Saint-Émilion. Gravel, scorched earth, tobacco and incense lend gravitas on the substantial finish. This is an especially powerful, earthy Saint-Émilion. Quite simply, the 2019 is a flat out stunner.In Bond€359.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (92)
Dark plum colour, raspberry leaf, tomato leaf, fragrant and intense, dark berry fruits, full of charm and texture, with pumice stone and a feeling of light and shade. Packs a lot of flavour in, great stuff. 40% new oak for ageing, Despagne family estate, biodynamic farming.Expected Price Range€308 - €366 -
Wine Advocate (87)
The tell-tale dark ruby color, pronounced minerality, and pure black raspberry fruit are the hallmarks of most Grand-Mayne vintages. The 1997 possesses some tannin, but the overall impression is of an elegant, medium-bodied, slightly lighter than usual wine with sweet fruit, and the potential to drink well for 7-8 years.In Bond€514.00 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (94)
Quite youthful as you would expect, still it is difficult not to be impressed by the concentration, ripeness, elegance, freshness and energy here. Parked on the corner of elegance, freshness and opulence, the fruit shows good purity, length and vibrance. Kuch of what the wine has to offer is held in reserve at the moment. The wine be best after 2026.In Bond€548.00 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (94)
Quite youthful as you would expect, still it is difficult not to be impressed by the concentration, ripeness, elegance, freshness and energy here. Parked on the corner of elegance, freshness and opulence, the fruit shows good purity, length and vibrance. Kuch of what the wine has to offer is held in reserve at the moment. The wine be best after 2026.In Bond€315.00 -
Wine Advocate (93-95+)
Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Grand Mayne slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal gorgeous notions of ripe black plums, dark chocolate-covered cherries and blackberry pie, plus hints of licorice, cracked black pepper and unsmoked cigars with a touch of tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of rich black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and beautifully perfumed.In Bond€347.00 -
Wine Advocate (93-95+)
Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Grand Mayne slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal gorgeous notions of ripe black plums, dark chocolate-covered cherries and blackberry pie, plus hints of licorice, cracked black pepper and unsmoked cigars with a touch of tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of rich black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and beautifully perfumed.In Bond€404.00 -
Wine Advocate (93-95+)
Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Grand Mayne slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal gorgeous notions of ripe black plums, dark chocolate-covered cherries and blackberry pie, plus hints of licorice, cracked black pepper and unsmoked cigars with a touch of tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of rich black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and beautifully perfumed.In Bond€231.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92-94)
The 2021 Grand Mayne has a pure, sensual bouquet of perfumed red and blue fruit, quite floral in style. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit and fine tannins, and quite mineral-driven, leading to a poised, persistent finish. This is another excellent wine from Jean-Antoine and Damien Nony.In Bond€422.00 -
Wine Spectator (94)
Blockbuster. Black color, with intense aromas of dried herbs, berries and blackberries. Full-bodied, rich and powerful, with big, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Superb. Almost classic. Greatest wine ever from this estate. Score range: 92-94In Bond€815.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2014 Jean Faure is a powerful, authoritative wine. Mocha, savory herbs, mint and spiced notes provide aromatic topnotes. Plump and juicy on the palate, the 2014 has enough fruit and underlying tannin to drink well for at least a handful of years. This is an exotic wine with considerable Cabernet Franc aromatics, and yet it is quite striking.In Bond€157.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2015 Jean Faure has a very pleasant, youthful bouquet, delivering plenty of raspberry, wild strawberry, melted tar and cedar notes that possess more complexity than the previous vintage. The medium-bodied, finely tuned palate offers fine-grained tannins, well-judged acidity and a silky-smooth, mineral-rich finish (in fact, this is the most mineral-driven Jean Faure that I have tasted). This is an excellent 2015 that is drinking beautifully now, but it will offer another decade of drinking pleasure.In Bond€211.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2015 Jean Faure has a very pleasant, youthful bouquet, delivering plenty of raspberry, wild strawberry, melted tar and cedar notes that possess more complexity than the previous vintage. The medium-bodied, finely tuned palate offers fine-grained tannins, well-judged acidity and a silky-smooth, mineral-rich finish (in fact, this is the most mineral-driven Jean Faure that I have tasted). This is an excellent 2015 that is drinking beautifully now, but it will offer another decade of drinking pleasure.In Bond€493.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2015 Jean Faure has a very pleasant, youthful bouquet, delivering plenty of raspberry, wild strawberry, melted tar and cedar notes that possess more complexity than the previous vintage. The medium-bodied, finely tuned palate offers fine-grained tannins, well-judged acidity and a silky-smooth, mineral-rich finish (in fact, this is the most mineral-driven Jean Faure that I have tasted). This is an excellent 2015 that is drinking beautifully now, but it will offer another decade of drinking pleasure.In Bond€249.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2016 Jean Faure is a gorgeous wine endowed with considerable near and medium-term appeal. Raspberry jam, leather, smoke, espresso and exotic floral/savory notes all race through this perfumed, expressive Saint-Émilion. The Cabernet Franc is particularly expressive here.In Bond€204.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2016 Jean Faure is a gorgeous wine endowed with considerable near and medium-term appeal. Raspberry jam, leather, smoke, espresso and exotic floral/savory notes all race through this perfumed, expressive Saint-Émilion. The Cabernet Franc is particularly expressive here.In Bond€113.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2016 Jean Faure is a gorgeous wine endowed with considerable near and medium-term appeal. Raspberry jam, leather, smoke, espresso and exotic floral/savory notes all race through this perfumed, expressive Saint-Émilion. The Cabernet Franc is particularly expressive here.In Bond€270.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2016 Jean Faure is a gorgeous wine endowed with considerable near and medium-term appeal. Raspberry jam, leather, smoke, espresso and exotic floral/savory notes all race through this perfumed, expressive Saint-Émilion. The Cabernet Franc is particularly expressive here.In Bond€520.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-91)
The 2017 Jean Faure is highly unusual in this vintage. Frost damaged all the Merlot and led to a blend of 95% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. Today, the 2017 is very tannic and shut down. Time in the glass brings out an attractive element of floral and red-toned brightness. I am not sure where the 2017 will go, but it is certainly very interesting. Production is down to just 10,000 bottles from around 70,000 that is typical.In Bond€76.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-92)
The 2021 Jean Faure is a wild, eccentric wine. The high percentage of Cabernet Franc yields a Saint-Émilion built on aromatic intensity and savory drive. Rose petal, crushed raspberry, blood orange, mint and cinnamon linger. Bold and beautiful, Jean Faure has a ton to offer.In Bond€389.00 -
Wine Advocate (90)
With a medium dark ruby color, and a complex, kirsch, pain grille, smoky, deliciously complex and fruity nose, this fragrant wine offers a wealth of raspberry, currant, and cherry-like fruit. It is not a blockbuster, but rather, an elegant, multi-dimensional, round, velvety-textured wine with a lushness and sweetness of fruit that makes it irresistible. This is one of the more seductive wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: Now-2012.In Bond€182.00 -
Wine Advocate (90)
With a medium dark ruby color, and a complex, kirsch, pain grille, smoky, deliciously complex and fruity nose, this fragrant wine offers a wealth of raspberry, currant, and cherry-like fruit. It is not a blockbuster, but rather, an elegant, multi-dimensional, round, velvety-textured wine with a lushness and sweetness of fruit that makes it irresistible. This is one of the more seductive wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: Now-2012.In Bond€558.00 -
Wine Advocate (87)
A tightly-knit, closed wine, the 1996 l'Arrosee has not yet begun to put on weight, or reveal its true character. It possesses a medium dark ruby color, and muted aromatics which, with airing, offer notes of dusty minerals mixed with black cherries and raspberries. Subtle high quality toasty oak makes an appearance along with black raspberry and cherry fruit. This firmly-knit, sinewy, austere, elegant wine displays some positive potential, but I would appear to have over-rated it based on cask tastings. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2016.In Bond€851.00 -
James Suckling (92)
Intense aromas of sliced meat, with tobacco and flowers as well as ripe fruit. Full body, with soft and silky tannins and a juicy finish. A little short hollow in mid-palate. But outstanding all the same. Try in 2018.In Bond€835.00 -
Wine Spectator (92)
A structured, weighty style, with dark blueberry, fig and blackberry fruit. There's ample toast, but it's well-embedded. Big but polished. Score range: 89-92In Bond€755.00