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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Vinous (91-93)
The 2021 Ruchottes-Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes Grand Cru is much more introspective on the nose compared to the Clos de la Roche or Mazy, displaying dark berry fruit, loam and blackcurrant pastilles. Maybe not quite the mineralité of previous vintages? The palate is medium-bodied with orange rind and allspice on the entry. Showing fine weight, there's a little sinew within this cuvée and a tobacco-tinged finish. Quite a "serious" 2021 from Rousseau - I am fascinated to see how this will show once in bottle.Inc. TAX€1,462.48 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90-93)
Cooler yellow peach and lemon aromas are lifted by a floral topnote. Suave on entry, then elegant and pliant in the middle, with a dominant flavor of crystallized lemon peel. Very firmly built wine, finishing with lovely lingering stony perfume.Inc. TAX€2,164.49 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Tasted blind, this was an exceptional showing for Ente's 2015 Meursault 1er Cru La Goutte d'Or, a beautiful wine that offers up a youthfully reserved bouquet of iodine, citrus oil and white flowers. On the palate, this Goutte d'Or is full-bodied, ample and layered, with terrific cut, concentration and length, its tension and vivacity lending it considerable drama despite its reticence in other respects.Inc. TAX€3,417.73 -
Vinous (89)
Subdued, pure aromas of citrus fruits and flowers. Supple, round and pure, with sweet stone fruit flavors that avoid coming off as exotic. Full, concentrated village wine with moderate complexity and good grip. (I found the 2006 Bourgogne Blanc to be pure but almost exotically ripe for a wine from Ente; the atypical sweetness of the 2006 vintage appears to have favored his Aligote.)Inc. TAX€1,100.53 -
Vinous (92)
The 2013 Meursault Village shows just a small reduction on the nose with light grapefruit, beeswax and pressed white flower scents emerging with time. I admire the delineation here. There is a superb line of acidity that runs straight through this Meursault, spicier than I anticipated yet still youthful with veins of lime on the aftertaste. Superb. Tasted at Chapon Rouge in Dijon.Inc. TAX€952.93 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-93)
Pale clear colour. A gentle fresh apple nose, this has notable tension on the palate, not a rich, ripe rounded Meursault – but that is not the intention anyway. The attack suggests that this is only just ripe, but the finish indicates that it was picked at a very good moment, otherwise you wouldn’t have this length of flavour. Fine tension to finish.Inc. TAX€1,117.33 -
Vinous (91+)
Pale yellow. Fresh nectarine and peach aromas sexed up by hazelnut. Dry but stuffed with ripe peach and citrus flavors. Classically styled Meursault, with a dry, brisk finish. Drink the basic village wine now and give this a few years in the cellar.Inc. TAX€1,068.13 -
Vinous (95)
You may raise an eyebrow at my score, but this note was taken under blind conditions where it could have been a Chardonnay from anywhere in the world. The 2014 Meursault Clos des Ambres has a killer reduction on the nose with intense mineralité. It almost shocks the senses. The palate is fresh and vivacious, so penetrating and razor-sharp that you might think it is a Grand Cru. The energy just bursts through on the finish. In fact, this ends up with my highest score in a tough blind tasting. I can understand why people pay top dollar. Tasted a the New World/Old World Chardonnay Challenge in London.Inc. TAX€1,166.09 -
Vinous (89-92)
(from vines planted in the early 1950s): Bright, pale yellow. Ripe, fruity aromas of yellow peach, orange juice and lemon. Sweet and opulent but with good inner-mouth tension; a seductive fruit bomb of a Meursault with a seamless texture. Round, broad and mouthfilling without heaviness, and considerably riper and larger-scaled than the basic village offering.Inc. TAX€1,929.73 -
The Arnaud Ente Meursault Clos des Ambres 2016, a masterstroke of viticulture, deserves a place in any discerning oenophile's cellar. This grand white Burgundy offers a symphony of flavors expertly crafted by the reputable Arnaud Ente from Meursault, a famous wine region in Burgundy, France. The production is meticulous, with the hand-picked grapes taken from a single plot of exceptional 'Clos' vineyard; a testament to the Ente's commitment to terroir expression. Born from the revered 2016 vintage, this wine has been vinified in a neutral oak, marrying tradition with an appreciation for the purity of Chardonnay. And the result is a rich-textured wine, imbued with unforgettable aromas of honey, yellow fruits and a signature nuttiness. With the inimitable Arnaud Ente Meursault Clos des Ambres 2016, experience a layered representation of the world-class Meursault terroir, an indulgence that is marked by its fine balance, profundity, and lasting finish.
Inc. TAX€1,551.73 -
The Arnaud Ente Meursault Les Petits Charrons 2018 classic wine showcases the exceptional quality from the esteemed winemaker Arnaud Ente and the sublime terroir of Meursault in Bourgogne, France. Precision in vinification and unwavering devotion to natural principles has crafted an elegantly balanced wine. Fragrant notes of almond blossom, delicate hazelnut, and crisp apple are enhanced by a buttery richness and enduring minerality.
The grapes are entirely hand-harvested and fermented in oak barrels with limited lees stirring, thus preserving the delicate flavours and bringing forth a delightful complexity. This reserve reflects Arnaud Ente's commitment to showcasing purity and elegance, placing him amongst the greatest in the prestigious Meursault appellation. The Arnaud Ente Meursault Les Petits Charrons 2018 promises a transcendent experience for any fine wine aficionado.
Inc. TAX€2,092.49 -
Immerse yourself in the exquisite taste of Arnaud Ente Puligny Montrachet 2016, a prestigious white wine by one of Burgundy's most admired craftsman, Arnaud Ente. Produced in the renowned region of Puligny Montrachet, this Chardonnay impresses with a delicate yet enlightening aromatic bouquet of floral undertones and mineral-infused accents.
True to the traditional Burgundian wine making methods, Arnaud Ente Puligny Montrachet 2016 promises an intense flavour profile, saturated with layers of citrus, stone fruits, and a distinct note of hazelnut. It harmoniously marries smooth elegance with a refreshing, precise acidity, leading to a remarkably persistent finish.
The Ente estate meticulously hand-harvests from decades-old vines, ferments in seasoned oak barrels, and cautiously attenuates yield intensity, resulting in wines that eloquently express the intricacies of their terroir. An exceptional testimony of Ente's mastery, the Puligny Montrachet 2016 effortlessly personifies the legacy of Burgundy's prestigious vineyards.
Inc. TAX€1,383.73 -
Vinous (90-93)
(Ente's brother Benoit used to make this wine; from vines planted in 1957): Exotic pineapple and lichee scents are lifted by flowers, spices and noble herbs. Broad and round, conveying a strong impression of dry extract and old-vines reserve. The driest of this set of 2015s and very backward: this wine will need time to fill in and express itself. Tricky to taste today.Inc. TAX€2,386.49 -
Immerse yourself in the distinguished elegance of Arnaud Ente Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Gain 2016. This exquisite French white wine was meticulously crafted in Puligny-Montrachet, a famed appellation in the Burgundy wine region. Produced by the globally recognised winemaker, Arnaud Ente, it is a testament to his esteemed artisanal skill and steadfast dedication to the minutiae of winemaking.
As is characteristic of Ente's productions, this wine spends 12 months in French oak barrels acquiring complexity, then a further 6 months in stainless steel for a honed finish. Exhibiting pronounced minerality, an outcome of the vineyard's notable limestone-rich soil, helps Arnaud Ente Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Gain 2016 highlight its vibrant fruit characters. Its bright acidity ensures its ability to age extraordinarily well.
If you're in pursuit of a truly extraordinary bottle of wine exhibiting the authentic coupling of terroir and craftsmanship, the Arnaud Ente Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Gain 2016 is indeed a compelling choice.
Inc. TAX€2,062.49 -
The Arnaud Ente Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts 2017 is a truly exquisite fine wine, cultivated in the prestigious Burgundy region of France. Made by the respected vintner, Arnaud Ente, it showcases remarkable mastery in viticulture. Ente meticulously tends his vines to produce limited quantities of high-quality Chardonnay grapes. The 2017 vintage features an impeccable balance of minerality and hickory smoke undertones, complemented by the expressive richness of ripe pear and white peach. Detailed craftsmanship goes into every bottle, with careful harvesting by hand followed by meticulous, traditional fermentation in oak barrels. Matured on lees, the wine develops a textured mouthfeel and delivers a lingering, complex finish. This exceptional white Burgundy provides a defining taste of the Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts vineyard, necessitating its inclusion in any discerning wine connoisseur's collection. A fine choice, the Arnaud Ente Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts 2017 is a testament to the brilliance of Ente's growing and winemaking techniques.
Inc. TAX€2,193.73 -
Impeccably crafted by the revered winegrower Arnaud Ente, the Arnaud Ente Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots du Milieu 2018 is exquisite. Sourced from vines in the heart of Burgundy's Côte de Beaune, situated within the 'Volnay-Santenots' 1er cru appellation, Ente’s viticultural philosophy respects the inherent terroir, exuding a blend of expertise and patience. Threading the needle between traditional and modern winemaking techniques, Ente prefers biodynamic practices, hand-harvesting and natural fermentation to maintain each grape's authenticity. This stellar vintage presents an irresistible balance of red cherry and plum flavours accentuated by subtle nuances of spice. The plush fruit core is shaped by a robust, mineral-inflected structure, paving way for a tantalising, sensuous finish. Renowned for its scarcity and uncompromisingly high quality, the Arnaud Ente Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots du Milieu 2018 epitomises the beguiling allure of fine French Pinot Noir. A symphony for the senses, this laudable wine is a testament to Ente's hallmarks of excellence.
Inc. TAX€661.33 -
Vinous (87)
The 2019 Bourgogne Pinot Fin, half from Chambolle-Musigny and half from Bourgogne vineyard in Vosne-Romanée, matured in used barrels, has a very well-defined bouquet with brambly red fruit with light loamy aromas. The palate is medium-bodied, light tannins, a little leafy around the edges with a touch of spice towards the finish.Inc. TAX€657.73 -
Jancis Robinson (16.5)
Mealy nose and very fresh fruit. Good focus and some really charming fruit here before the charge of pronounced tannins kicks in.Inc. TAX€602.53 -
Vinous (90-92)
The 2017 Chambolle-Musigny Village comes from north-facing vineyards toward the upper slopes the last vines to ripen, as they can lie in the shade. Containing 80% whole bunch fruit, it has a well-defined, slightly tertiary bouquet with touches of black pepper and pencil lead. The medium-bodied palate presents fresh red fruit, lightly spiced with white pepper, sage and a touch of tobacco, perhaps a little Morey-like in structure, but with a very long finish. Excellent.Inc. TAX€849.73 -
Inc. TAX€982.94 -
Vinous (93+)
Good medium red. Very pure, deep, bright aromas of dark berries, black cherry and licorice. Sweet, sappy and seamless, offering a wonderfully pliant texture for young Clos Vougeot from a structured vintage. Primary dark fruit flavors are accented by herbs and licorice. The very long, mounting finish features firm but well-integrated tannins. Give this one at least five or six years in the cellar.Inc. TAX€1,020.13 -
Vinous (90-92)
(50% vendange entier; 70% new oak): Deep, bright red-ruby. Musky aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, licorice and dark chocolate are a bit inexpressive in the early going. The youthfully stunted palate is somewhat musclebound and dry today, with the wine's sweetness currently in the deep background. This powerfully tannic Clos-Vougeot is likely to need extended bottle aging.Inc. TAX€1,281.73 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2015 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru from Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux reveals a rich bouquet of plum, incense, creamy spice and smoked duck. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and layered, with a fine-grained but firm chassis of tannin which will demand some bottle age, and good depth at the core. Charles Lachaux observes that the Clos de Vougeot, which is not blessed with the domaine's best vine genetics, is one of the parcels which has demonstrated the greatest improvement with biodynamic farming.Inc. TAX€1,167.28 -
Inc. TAX€968.10 -
Vinous (92+)
Bright red-ruby. Reticent nose suggests dark fruits and licorice. Ripe and lively but tight in the mouth, not currently showing the sweetness or volume of the Chaumes. More strict and dominated by its structure today. But this youthfully closed and fairly tannic wine possesses terrific mineral reserves.Inc. TAX€604.50 -
Vinous (92-94)
(vinified with 80% whole clusters): Bright red. Complex aromas of red berries, spices, flowers and underbrush. Sappy and energetic, showing modest flesh but a distinctly tender quality to its flavors of redcurrant, raspberry, flowers and spices. Finishes long and floral, with a firm spine of tannins and a rocky character. Superb potential.Inc. TAX€1,014.13 -
Vinous (91)
(70% vendange entier; 100% new oak): Bright, dark red. The nose offers a sexy amalgam of redcurrant, rose petal, iron, smoky oak and truffley underbrush. Quite silky and plush for the year but the ripe red fruit and soil flavors are accented by an element of peppery herbs. Finishes ripe, smooth and long. Deceptively approachable today, but has the stuffing for a graceful evolution in bottle. I like the stem influence here.Inc. TAX€1,020.13 -
Vinous (92-94)
(60% vendange entier; 80% new oak; according to Pascal Lachaux, 90% of the vines here run north-south): Bright, deep red. Wonderfully elegant, expressive nose combines redcurrant, raspberry, iron, tobacco and underbrush complemented by sweet smoky oak. Suave and fine-grained, with the red fruit flavors lifted by a peppery topnote. This very silky, smooth wine finishes with terrific rising length and solid tannic grip. A lovely showing today: seems clearly better than the Clos-Vougeot in 2014. These iron-rich soils generally yield relatively tender wines in a Chambolle style, noted Charles Lachaux.Inc. TAX€1,014.17 -
Wine Advocate (94+)
The 2015 Echezeaux Grand Cru is very pretty, opening in the glass with notes of sweet cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, rose and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and sappy, with an ample chassis of fine-grained tannin, bright acids, good depth and length, and a solid core. Like most of Charles Lachaux's 2015s, this is shutting down, but it should be exceptional in the fullness of time. This is produced from a parcel in Rouges du Bas: one of the steeper, higher-altitude parts of Echézeaux, where the soil is thinner and the wines tend to be more tensile.Inc. TAX€1,166.53 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2018 Echezeaux Grand Cru is also showing extremely well, soaring from the glass with aromas of raspberries, cherries, blood orange, incense, spices and peonies. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied, deep and ample, with a strikingly vibrant, dynamic core of fruit that's structured around fine, powdery tannins, concluding with a long and expansive finish. To produce such an energetic Echezeaux in such a warm vintage is quite an achievement.Inc. TAX€4,011.70
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Vinous (91-93)
The 2021 Ruchottes-Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes Grand Cru is much more introspective on the nose compared to the Clos de la Roche or Mazy, displaying dark berry fruit, loam and blackcurrant pastilles. Maybe not quite the mineralité of previous vintages? The palate is medium-bodied with orange rind and allspice on the entry. Showing fine weight, there's a little sinew within this cuvée and a tobacco-tinged finish. Quite a "serious" 2021 from Rousseau - I am fascinated to see how this will show once in bottle.In Bond€1,215.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90-93)
Cooler yellow peach and lemon aromas are lifted by a floral topnote. Suave on entry, then elegant and pliant in the middle, with a dominant flavor of crystallized lemon peel. Very firmly built wine, finishing with lovely lingering stony perfume.In Bond€1,800.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Tasted blind, this was an exceptional showing for Ente's 2015 Meursault 1er Cru La Goutte d'Or, a beautiful wine that offers up a youthfully reserved bouquet of iodine, citrus oil and white flowers. On the palate, this Goutte d'Or is full-bodied, ample and layered, with terrific cut, concentration and length, its tension and vivacity lending it considerable drama despite its reticence in other respects.In Bond€2,845.00 -
Vinous (89)
Subdued, pure aromas of citrus fruits and flowers. Supple, round and pure, with sweet stone fruit flavors that avoid coming off as exotic. Full, concentrated village wine with moderate complexity and good grip. (I found the 2006 Bourgogne Blanc to be pure but almost exotically ripe for a wine from Ente; the atypical sweetness of the 2006 vintage appears to have favored his Aligote.)In Bond€914.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2013 Meursault Village shows just a small reduction on the nose with light grapefruit, beeswax and pressed white flower scents emerging with time. I admire the delineation here. There is a superb line of acidity that runs straight through this Meursault, spicier than I anticipated yet still youthful with veins of lime on the aftertaste. Superb. Tasted at Chapon Rouge in Dijon.In Bond€791.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-93)
Pale clear colour. A gentle fresh apple nose, this has notable tension on the palate, not a rich, ripe rounded Meursault – but that is not the intention anyway. The attack suggests that this is only just ripe, but the finish indicates that it was picked at a very good moment, otherwise you wouldn’t have this length of flavour. Fine tension to finish.In Bond€928.00 -
Vinous (91+)
Pale yellow. Fresh nectarine and peach aromas sexed up by hazelnut. Dry but stuffed with ripe peach and citrus flavors. Classically styled Meursault, with a dry, brisk finish. Drink the basic village wine now and give this a few years in the cellar.In Bond€887.00 -
Vinous (95)
You may raise an eyebrow at my score, but this note was taken under blind conditions where it could have been a Chardonnay from anywhere in the world. The 2014 Meursault Clos des Ambres has a killer reduction on the nose with intense mineralité. It almost shocks the senses. The palate is fresh and vivacious, so penetrating and razor-sharp that you might think it is a Grand Cru. The energy just bursts through on the finish. In fact, this ends up with my highest score in a tough blind tasting. I can understand why people pay top dollar. Tasted a the New World/Old World Chardonnay Challenge in London.In Bond€968.00 -
Vinous (89-92)
(from vines planted in the early 1950s): Bright, pale yellow. Ripe, fruity aromas of yellow peach, orange juice and lemon. Sweet and opulent but with good inner-mouth tension; a seductive fruit bomb of a Meursault with a seamless texture. Round, broad and mouthfilling without heaviness, and considerably riper and larger-scaled than the basic village offering.In Bond€1,605.00 -
The Arnaud Ente Meursault Clos des Ambres 2016, a masterstroke of viticulture, deserves a place in any discerning oenophile's cellar. This grand white Burgundy offers a symphony of flavors expertly crafted by the reputable Arnaud Ente from Meursault, a famous wine region in Burgundy, France. The production is meticulous, with the hand-picked grapes taken from a single plot of exceptional 'Clos' vineyard; a testament to the Ente's commitment to terroir expression. Born from the revered 2016 vintage, this wine has been vinified in a neutral oak, marrying tradition with an appreciation for the purity of Chardonnay. And the result is a rich-textured wine, imbued with unforgettable aromas of honey, yellow fruits and a signature nuttiness. With the inimitable Arnaud Ente Meursault Clos des Ambres 2016, experience a layered representation of the world-class Meursault terroir, an indulgence that is marked by its fine balance, profundity, and lasting finish.
In Bond€1,290.00 -
The Arnaud Ente Meursault Les Petits Charrons 2018 classic wine showcases the exceptional quality from the esteemed winemaker Arnaud Ente and the sublime terroir of Meursault in Bourgogne, France. Precision in vinification and unwavering devotion to natural principles has crafted an elegantly balanced wine. Fragrant notes of almond blossom, delicate hazelnut, and crisp apple are enhanced by a buttery richness and enduring minerality.
The grapes are entirely hand-harvested and fermented in oak barrels with limited lees stirring, thus preserving the delicate flavours and bringing forth a delightful complexity. This reserve reflects Arnaud Ente's commitment to showcasing purity and elegance, placing him amongst the greatest in the prestigious Meursault appellation. The Arnaud Ente Meursault Les Petits Charrons 2018 promises a transcendent experience for any fine wine aficionado.
In Bond€1,740.00 -
Immerse yourself in the exquisite taste of Arnaud Ente Puligny Montrachet 2016, a prestigious white wine by one of Burgundy's most admired craftsman, Arnaud Ente. Produced in the renowned region of Puligny Montrachet, this Chardonnay impresses with a delicate yet enlightening aromatic bouquet of floral undertones and mineral-infused accents.
True to the traditional Burgundian wine making methods, Arnaud Ente Puligny Montrachet 2016 promises an intense flavour profile, saturated with layers of citrus, stone fruits, and a distinct note of hazelnut. It harmoniously marries smooth elegance with a refreshing, precise acidity, leading to a remarkably persistent finish.
The Ente estate meticulously hand-harvests from decades-old vines, ferments in seasoned oak barrels, and cautiously attenuates yield intensity, resulting in wines that eloquently express the intricacies of their terroir. An exceptional testimony of Ente's mastery, the Puligny Montrachet 2016 effortlessly personifies the legacy of Burgundy's prestigious vineyards.
In Bond€1,150.00 -
Vinous (90-93)
(Ente's brother Benoit used to make this wine; from vines planted in 1957): Exotic pineapple and lichee scents are lifted by flowers, spices and noble herbs. Broad and round, conveying a strong impression of dry extract and old-vines reserve. The driest of this set of 2015s and very backward: this wine will need time to fill in and express itself. Tricky to taste today.In Bond€1,985.00 -
Immerse yourself in the distinguished elegance of Arnaud Ente Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Gain 2016. This exquisite French white wine was meticulously crafted in Puligny-Montrachet, a famed appellation in the Burgundy wine region. Produced by the globally recognised winemaker, Arnaud Ente, it is a testament to his esteemed artisanal skill and steadfast dedication to the minutiae of winemaking.
As is characteristic of Ente's productions, this wine spends 12 months in French oak barrels acquiring complexity, then a further 6 months in stainless steel for a honed finish. Exhibiting pronounced minerality, an outcome of the vineyard's notable limestone-rich soil, helps Arnaud Ente Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Gain 2016 highlight its vibrant fruit characters. Its bright acidity ensures its ability to age extraordinarily well.
If you're in pursuit of a truly extraordinary bottle of wine exhibiting the authentic coupling of terroir and craftsmanship, the Arnaud Ente Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Gain 2016 is indeed a compelling choice.
In Bond€1,715.00 -
The Arnaud Ente Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts 2017 is a truly exquisite fine wine, cultivated in the prestigious Burgundy region of France. Made by the respected vintner, Arnaud Ente, it showcases remarkable mastery in viticulture. Ente meticulously tends his vines to produce limited quantities of high-quality Chardonnay grapes. The 2017 vintage features an impeccable balance of minerality and hickory smoke undertones, complemented by the expressive richness of ripe pear and white peach. Detailed craftsmanship goes into every bottle, with careful harvesting by hand followed by meticulous, traditional fermentation in oak barrels. Matured on lees, the wine develops a textured mouthfeel and delivers a lingering, complex finish. This exceptional white Burgundy provides a defining taste of the Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts vineyard, necessitating its inclusion in any discerning wine connoisseur's collection. A fine choice, the Arnaud Ente Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts 2017 is a testament to the brilliance of Ente's growing and winemaking techniques.
In Bond€1,825.00 -
Impeccably crafted by the revered winegrower Arnaud Ente, the Arnaud Ente Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots du Milieu 2018 is exquisite. Sourced from vines in the heart of Burgundy's Côte de Beaune, situated within the 'Volnay-Santenots' 1er cru appellation, Ente’s viticultural philosophy respects the inherent terroir, exuding a blend of expertise and patience. Threading the needle between traditional and modern winemaking techniques, Ente prefers biodynamic practices, hand-harvesting and natural fermentation to maintain each grape's authenticity. This stellar vintage presents an irresistible balance of red cherry and plum flavours accentuated by subtle nuances of spice. The plush fruit core is shaped by a robust, mineral-inflected structure, paving way for a tantalising, sensuous finish. Renowned for its scarcity and uncompromisingly high quality, the Arnaud Ente Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots du Milieu 2018 epitomises the beguiling allure of fine French Pinot Noir. A symphony for the senses, this laudable wine is a testament to Ente's hallmarks of excellence.
In Bond€548.00 -
Vinous (87)
The 2019 Bourgogne Pinot Fin, half from Chambolle-Musigny and half from Bourgogne vineyard in Vosne-Romanée, matured in used barrels, has a very well-defined bouquet with brambly red fruit with light loamy aromas. The palate is medium-bodied, light tannins, a little leafy around the edges with a touch of spice towards the finish.In Bond€545.00 -
Jancis Robinson (16.5)
Mealy nose and very fresh fruit. Good focus and some really charming fruit here before the charge of pronounced tannins kicks in.In Bond€499.00 -
Vinous (90-92)
The 2017 Chambolle-Musigny Village comes from north-facing vineyards toward the upper slopes the last vines to ripen, as they can lie in the shade. Containing 80% whole bunch fruit, it has a well-defined, slightly tertiary bouquet with touches of black pepper and pencil lead. The medium-bodied palate presents fresh red fruit, lightly spiced with white pepper, sage and a touch of tobacco, perhaps a little Morey-like in structure, but with a very long finish. Excellent.In Bond€705.00 -
In Bond€816.00
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Vinous (93+)
Good medium red. Very pure, deep, bright aromas of dark berries, black cherry and licorice. Sweet, sappy and seamless, offering a wonderfully pliant texture for young Clos Vougeot from a structured vintage. Primary dark fruit flavors are accented by herbs and licorice. The very long, mounting finish features firm but well-integrated tannins. Give this one at least five or six years in the cellar.In Bond€847.00 -
Vinous (90-92)
(50% vendange entier; 70% new oak): Deep, bright red-ruby. Musky aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, licorice and dark chocolate are a bit inexpressive in the early going. The youthfully stunted palate is somewhat musclebound and dry today, with the wine's sweetness currently in the deep background. This powerfully tannic Clos-Vougeot is likely to need extended bottle aging.In Bond€1,065.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2015 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru from Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux reveals a rich bouquet of plum, incense, creamy spice and smoked duck. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and layered, with a fine-grained but firm chassis of tannin which will demand some bottle age, and good depth at the core. Charles Lachaux observes that the Clos de Vougeot, which is not blessed with the domaine's best vine genetics, is one of the parcels which has demonstrated the greatest improvement with biodynamic farming.In Bond€969.00 -
In Bond€803.00
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Vinous (92+)
Bright red-ruby. Reticent nose suggests dark fruits and licorice. Ripe and lively but tight in the mouth, not currently showing the sweetness or volume of the Chaumes. More strict and dominated by its structure today. But this youthfully closed and fairly tannic wine possesses terrific mineral reserves.In Bond€500.00 -
Vinous (92-94)
(vinified with 80% whole clusters): Bright red. Complex aromas of red berries, spices, flowers and underbrush. Sappy and energetic, showing modest flesh but a distinctly tender quality to its flavors of redcurrant, raspberry, flowers and spices. Finishes long and floral, with a firm spine of tannins and a rocky character. Superb potential.In Bond€842.00 -
Vinous (91)
(70% vendange entier; 100% new oak): Bright, dark red. The nose offers a sexy amalgam of redcurrant, rose petal, iron, smoky oak and truffley underbrush. Quite silky and plush for the year but the ripe red fruit and soil flavors are accented by an element of peppery herbs. Finishes ripe, smooth and long. Deceptively approachable today, but has the stuffing for a graceful evolution in bottle. I like the stem influence here.In Bond€847.00 -
Vinous (92-94)
(60% vendange entier; 80% new oak; according to Pascal Lachaux, 90% of the vines here run north-south): Bright, deep red. Wonderfully elegant, expressive nose combines redcurrant, raspberry, iron, tobacco and underbrush complemented by sweet smoky oak. Suave and fine-grained, with the red fruit flavors lifted by a peppery topnote. This very silky, smooth wine finishes with terrific rising length and solid tannic grip. A lovely showing today: seems clearly better than the Clos-Vougeot in 2014. These iron-rich soils generally yield relatively tender wines in a Chambolle style, noted Charles Lachaux.In Bond€842.00 -
Wine Advocate (94+)
The 2015 Echezeaux Grand Cru is very pretty, opening in the glass with notes of sweet cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, rose and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and sappy, with an ample chassis of fine-grained tannin, bright acids, good depth and length, and a solid core. Like most of Charles Lachaux's 2015s, this is shutting down, but it should be exceptional in the fullness of time. This is produced from a parcel in Rouges du Bas: one of the steeper, higher-altitude parts of Echézeaux, where the soil is thinner and the wines tend to be more tensile.In Bond€969.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2018 Echezeaux Grand Cru is also showing extremely well, soaring from the glass with aromas of raspberries, cherries, blood orange, incense, spices and peonies. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied, deep and ample, with a strikingly vibrant, dynamic core of fruit that's structured around fine, powdery tannins, concluding with a long and expansive finish. To produce such an energetic Echezeaux in such a warm vintage is quite an achievement.In Bond€3,340.00
