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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Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-97)
Gorgeous full yellow with lots of green reflections. A tiny bit of toast on the nose, which is one of the more reserved bouquets on show today, but suggests potential. Fabulous in the mouth here, retaining discretion, clinging to its toast, really very good all the way through and exceptionally long with a growth of minerals through the flesh.Inc. TAX€739.46 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-97)
Gorgeous full yellow with lots of green reflections. A tiny bit of toast on the nose, which is one of the more reserved bouquets on show today, but suggests potential. Fabulous in the mouth here, retaining discretion, clinging to its toast, really very good all the way through and exceptionally long with a growth of minerals through the flesh.Inc. TAX€1,666.38 -
Burghound (96)
(Outstanding) This is perhaps the most floral-suffused nose in the range with its aromas of essence of pear and plenitude of spice and citrus elements. Once again, the mid-palate mouthfeel of the medium-bodied flavors is absolutely gorgeous, which contrasts noticeably with the cuts-like-a-knife finish that remains ultra-refined, balanced and persistent. This is most impressive, particularly for the remarkably fine volume and power that is delivered with grace and class.Inc. TAX€806.65 -
Burghound (96)
(Outstanding) This is perhaps the most floral-suffused nose in the range with its aromas of essence of pear and plenitude of spice and citrus elements. Once again, the mid-palate mouthfeel of the medium-bodied flavors is absolutely gorgeous, which contrasts noticeably with the cuts-like-a-knife finish that remains ultra-refined, balanced and persistent. This is most impressive, particularly for the remarkably fine volume and power that is delivered with grace and class.Inc. TAX€1,774.38 -
Burghound (94)
Outstanding. Cool, airy and very pretty aromas of the essence of pear, exotic tea, spice and acacia blossom are trimmed in an admirably discreet touch of oak. Much like the Pucelles, the texture of the slightly bigger and more mineral-driven flavors is wonderfully refined and even more powerful on the explosively long, graceful and bone-dry finale. This is also highly recommended.Inc. TAX€1,648.21 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (95-97)
5 Star Wine. Mid yellow, with a biscuity touch. Seems unsubtle until you get to the palate which is super powerful but also with subtlety. This Monopole vineyard comprises four distinct terroirs though they are always assembled. An electric backbone stops the power overturning the balance. Yellow fruit, and then an extraordinary, indeed grand cru, weight. Incisive white fruit finish. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted: December 2023.Inc. TAX€1,490.66 -
Inc. TAX€569.06
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Inc. TAX€1,774.38
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Vinous (91-94)
More oaky and less open on the nose than the Combettes: always the least exuberant of these premier crus, notes Boillot. Dense but tightly wound, showing terrific energy to its chewy flavors of lemon oil, flowers and salty minerals. The slowly building, chewy, gripping finish suggests that this wine will blossom with time in bottle. The pH here is 3.19 and the acidity relatively high at 4.7 grams per liter, according to Boillot.Inc. TAX€1,414.42 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Boillot's 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles reveals aromas of orange oil, white flowers and peaches, complemented by classy top notes of nutmeg and warm bread. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and vibrant, with quite a tensile, tight-knit core for this typically enveloping premier cru. But looking back through my notes, that often seems to be the case chez Boillot.Inc. TAX€735.86 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Boillot's 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles reveals aromas of orange oil, white flowers and peaches, complemented by classy top notes of nutmeg and warm bread. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and vibrant, with quite a tensile, tight-knit core for this typically enveloping premier cru. But looking back through my notes, that often seems to be the case chez Boillot.Inc. TAX€1,098.55 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles exhibits aromas of orange oil, toasted nuts, pear and white flowers, framed by a deft touch of new oak. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, with an ample core of fruit and bright girdling acids, it concludes with a precise, mouthwatering finish.Inc. TAX€1,666.38 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet Village is superb, unfurling in the glass with aromas of white peach, clear honey, citrus oil and fresh pastry. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and textural, with lively acids and a long, precise finish. As I noted last year, it's derived from the superior lieux-dits of Les Houlières, La Rousselle, Les Charmes and Les Enseignères.Inc. TAX€1,270.38 -
Burghound (91)
Outstanding A subtle but not invisible application of wood sets off cool aromas of various flowers, pear, apple and orange peel. There is very good volume to the succulent, intense and agreeably textured flavors that culminate in a bone-dry, palate coating and lingering finale where a hint of youthful austere slowly emerges. This is a very impressive and age worthy Puligny villages.Inc. TAX€761.58 -
Burghound (91)
Outstanding Moderate reduction is enough to push the underlying fruit to the background. By contrast, there is excellent freshness and intensity to the solidly concentrated medium weight flavors that coat the palate with dry extract while delivering impressive length on the balanced, youthfully austere and citrus-tinged finale. This is a really good Puligny villages and even though it's more powerful than usual, it remains stylish and refined. One to buy plus it should age gracefully.Inc. TAX€1,039.81 -
Vinous (93)
The 2020 Puligny-Montrachet Les Tremblots Haut Densité has a fresh apple blossom, white tea and light chalky scents that gains intensity with aeration. The palate is very focused, with fine delineation and mineralité. It is tightly-wound towards the finish with a twist of bitter lemon lingering on the aftertaste.Inc. TAX€1,444.48 -
Vinous (90-92)
The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet Les Tremblots Vieilles Vignes contains some fruit from the "Haut Densité" vines. It took almost a year to completely ferment. The nose offers well-defined scents of crushed limestone and apple blossom, taut and quite focused. The palate is well balanced with a saline entry, fine weight in the mouth and good density toward the finish. This shows a lot of potential.Inc. TAX€2,456.98 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Les Tremblots Vieilles Vignes had just completed its malolactic when I visited at the end of October. It has a pithy, pear and red apple scented bouquet with a light sea spray note. The palate is well balanced with sour lemon, orange zest and a long saline finish. This is a tremendous Puligny that should age with style.Inc. TAX€3,605.74 -
Inc. TAX€344.04
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Vinous (89)
(bottled in March): Slightly reduced, soil-driven scents of peach, truffle and porcini. Nicely balanced and ripe but with lovely lemony cut to its saline mineral and apple flavors. I find this more energetic than its 2015 sibling.Inc. TAX€912.52 -
Wine Advocate (89-91)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Village offers up aromas of fresh pear, orange zest, white flowers and pastry cream. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and flavorful, it's generous and enveloping, with lively acids and a fragrant finish.Inc. TAX€1,232.77 -
Vinous (89)
The 2020 Puligny-Montrachet Village, a blend of several parcels, has a light Granny Smith and wet limestone-scented bouquet. It could benefit from more intensity. The palate is well balanced with more depth than expected, fine acidity though it just misses a little complexity and tension on the finish.Inc. TAX€907.98 -
Burghound (90-92)
Outstanding Top value. A strikingly fresh, cool and pretty nose combines notes of citrus, acacia blossom and green apple. There is excellent underlying tension to the beautifully textured medium weight flavors that exude a subtle minerality that adds a sense of lift to the already complex, lingering and well-balanced finish. Lovely.Inc. TAX€1,271.83 -
Burghound (90-93)
A ripe, fresh, elegant, expressive and classy nose of green apple, pear and a hint of honeysuckle trimmed in a bit of wood toast leads to rich, full and impressively concentrated flavors that possess palate staining intensity on the opulent, powerful and explosive finish. This is a big but balanced effort.Inc. TAX€1,450.49 -
Tim Atkin MW (94)
Made entirely in barrels with 30% new oak, this exemplifies the delicate flair of Puligny. Starting off with dried white flowers, tree blooms, baking spice and orchard fruit, the aromas are very diverse. The mid-palate is focused with good density and the flavors finish with a pleasant, mouth-coating richness. This is enticingly accessible already. 2022-35Inc. TAX€1,031.27 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-94)
13 barrels from one hectare. A full primrose yellow. The nose shows a touch more ripeness than Clos de la Pucelle. Ripe pears, and just a touch of the mandarin notes that you get attached to Sauternes, without suggesting any rot however. Juicy and long. Drink from 2026-2032. Tasted: October 2022Inc. TAX€1,328.66 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet les Folatières 1er Cru has a crisp bouquet of white peach, orange pith and subtle flinty aromas that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is fresh and taut on the entry, and strict at the moment, displaying an almost Chablis-like reserve toward the finish, but you can feel the salinity lingering in the mouth long afterwards. Good potential, but it will deserve three or four years in bottle.Inc. TAX€2,015.26 -
Wine Advocate (89-91)
The 2017 Puligny-Montrachet Village reveals pretty aromas of white peach, spring flowers and pastry cream, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample palate that's the most pure and elegant of Chartron's communal appellations this year. It will be well worth seeking out.Inc. TAX€617.58 -
Crafted in the heart of Burgundy, the Jean Louis Chavy Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres 2021 is a superlative expression of Chardonnay. This stellar offering from a venerable, family-run domain in Puligny-Montrachet is steeped in French winemaking tradition. Minerality is the essence of this Premier Cru, emanating from meticulously tended vineyard parcels on the Les Folatières slope. Slow-fermented in oak barrels to nurture complex, profound flavours, this wine offers layered nuances of green apple, ripe pear, and lemon zest tempered by an undercurrent of toasted almond and vanilla. The 2021 vintage, grandly speaks of its unique terroir, embodying a harmonious balance between vibrant freshness and an indulgent creaminess that lingers in a persistent finish. Decoding the wine's beautiful portfolio of aromas and flavours is a testament to the skill and artistry of Jean Louis Chavy. A veritable gem, the Jean Louis Chavy Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres 2021 is a magnificent treat for discerning oenophiles.
Inc. TAX€903.01 -
The Jean Pascal et Fils Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres 2022 is the epitome of elegance, showcasing the artistry of expert winemakers. Located in Burgundy, the Pascal family has mastered the art of growing Chardonnay, and this wine truly reflects their commitment and passion.
Notably, the Folatieres vineyard provides a perfect terroir - the unique blend of limestone and clay producing concentrated flavours of citrus, green apple, and honeysuckle. This wine sees light oak treatment, retaining its natural finesse and minerality whilst adding a delicate layer of complexity.
Since the1960s, Jean Pascal et Fils has gained a reputation for producing exquisitely balanced, age-worthy Puligny Montrachets. The 2022 vintage of their premier cru, Les Folatieres, is no exception - it perfectly captures their mastery of subtlety and power. This is a prestigious offering from one of Burgundy's standout producers - an excellent addition to any serious wine cellar.
Inc. TAX€936.59
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Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-97)
Gorgeous full yellow with lots of green reflections. A tiny bit of toast on the nose, which is one of the more reserved bouquets on show today, but suggests potential. Fabulous in the mouth here, retaining discretion, clinging to its toast, really very good all the way through and exceptionally long with a growth of minerals through the flesh.In Bond€610.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-97)
Gorgeous full yellow with lots of green reflections. A tiny bit of toast on the nose, which is one of the more reserved bouquets on show today, but suggests potential. Fabulous in the mouth here, retaining discretion, clinging to its toast, really very good all the way through and exceptionally long with a growth of minerals through the flesh.In Bond€1,370.00 -
Burghound (96)
(Outstanding) This is perhaps the most floral-suffused nose in the range with its aromas of essence of pear and plenitude of spice and citrus elements. Once again, the mid-palate mouthfeel of the medium-bodied flavors is absolutely gorgeous, which contrasts noticeably with the cuts-like-a-knife finish that remains ultra-refined, balanced and persistent. This is most impressive, particularly for the remarkably fine volume and power that is delivered with grace and class.In Bond€666.00 -
Burghound (96)
(Outstanding) This is perhaps the most floral-suffused nose in the range with its aromas of essence of pear and plenitude of spice and citrus elements. Once again, the mid-palate mouthfeel of the medium-bodied flavors is absolutely gorgeous, which contrasts noticeably with the cuts-like-a-knife finish that remains ultra-refined, balanced and persistent. This is most impressive, particularly for the remarkably fine volume and power that is delivered with grace and class.In Bond€1,460.00 -
Burghound (94)
Outstanding. Cool, airy and very pretty aromas of the essence of pear, exotic tea, spice and acacia blossom are trimmed in an admirably discreet touch of oak. Much like the Pucelles, the texture of the slightly bigger and more mineral-driven flavors is wonderfully refined and even more powerful on the explosively long, graceful and bone-dry finale. This is also highly recommended.In Bond€1,355.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (95-97)
5 Star Wine. Mid yellow, with a biscuity touch. Seems unsubtle until you get to the palate which is super powerful but also with subtlety. This Monopole vineyard comprises four distinct terroirs though they are always assembled. An electric backbone stops the power overturning the balance. Yellow fruit, and then an extraordinary, indeed grand cru, weight. Incisive white fruit finish. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted: December 2023.In Bond€1,220.00 -
In Bond€468.00
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In Bond€1,460.00
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Vinous (91-94)
More oaky and less open on the nose than the Combettes: always the least exuberant of these premier crus, notes Boillot. Dense but tightly wound, showing terrific energy to its chewy flavors of lemon oil, flowers and salty minerals. The slowly building, chewy, gripping finish suggests that this wine will blossom with time in bottle. The pH here is 3.19 and the acidity relatively high at 4.7 grams per liter, according to Boillot.In Bond€1,160.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Boillot's 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles reveals aromas of orange oil, white flowers and peaches, complemented by classy top notes of nutmeg and warm bread. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and vibrant, with quite a tensile, tight-knit core for this typically enveloping premier cru. But looking back through my notes, that often seems to be the case chez Boillot.In Bond€607.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Boillot's 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles reveals aromas of orange oil, white flowers and peaches, complemented by classy top notes of nutmeg and warm bread. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and vibrant, with quite a tensile, tight-knit core for this typically enveloping premier cru. But looking back through my notes, that often seems to be the case chez Boillot.In Bond€903.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles exhibits aromas of orange oil, toasted nuts, pear and white flowers, framed by a deft touch of new oak. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, with an ample core of fruit and bright girdling acids, it concludes with a precise, mouthwatering finish.In Bond€1,370.00 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet Village is superb, unfurling in the glass with aromas of white peach, clear honey, citrus oil and fresh pastry. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and textural, with lively acids and a long, precise finish. As I noted last year, it's derived from the superior lieux-dits of Les Houlières, La Rousselle, Les Charmes and Les Enseignères.In Bond€1,040.00 -
Burghound (91)
Outstanding A subtle but not invisible application of wood sets off cool aromas of various flowers, pear, apple and orange peel. There is very good volume to the succulent, intense and agreeably textured flavors that culminate in a bone-dry, palate coating and lingering finale where a hint of youthful austere slowly emerges. This is a very impressive and age worthy Puligny villages.In Bond€616.00 -
Burghound (91)
Outstanding Moderate reduction is enough to push the underlying fruit to the background. By contrast, there is excellent freshness and intensity to the solidly concentrated medium weight flavors that coat the palate with dry extract while delivering impressive length on the balanced, youthfully austere and citrus-tinged finale. This is a really good Puligny villages and even though it's more powerful than usual, it remains stylish and refined. One to buy plus it should age gracefully.In Bond€848.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2020 Puligny-Montrachet Les Tremblots Haut Densité has a fresh apple blossom, white tea and light chalky scents that gains intensity with aeration. The palate is very focused, with fine delineation and mineralité. It is tightly-wound towards the finish with a twist of bitter lemon lingering on the aftertaste.In Bond€1,200.00 -
Vinous (90-92)
The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet Les Tremblots Vieilles Vignes contains some fruit from the "Haut Densité" vines. It took almost a year to completely ferment. The nose offers well-defined scents of crushed limestone and apple blossom, taut and quite focused. The palate is well balanced with a saline entry, fine weight in the mouth and good density toward the finish. This shows a lot of potential.In Bond€2,010.00 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Les Tremblots Vieilles Vignes had just completed its malolactic when I visited at the end of October. It has a pithy, pear and red apple scented bouquet with a light sea spray note. The palate is well balanced with sour lemon, orange zest and a long saline finish. This is a tremendous Puligny that should age with style.In Bond€2,960.00 -
In Bond€283.00
-
Vinous (89)
(bottled in March): Slightly reduced, soil-driven scents of peach, truffle and porcini. Nicely balanced and ripe but with lovely lemony cut to its saline mineral and apple flavors. I find this more energetic than its 2015 sibling.In Bond€738.00 -
Wine Advocate (89-91)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Village offers up aromas of fresh pear, orange zest, white flowers and pastry cream. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and flavorful, it's generous and enveloping, with lively acids and a fragrant finish.In Bond€990.00 -
Vinous (89)
The 2020 Puligny-Montrachet Village, a blend of several parcels, has a light Granny Smith and wet limestone-scented bouquet. It could benefit from more intensity. The palate is well balanced with more depth than expected, fine acidity though it just misses a little complexity and tension on the finish.In Bond€738.00 -
Burghound (90-92)
Outstanding Top value. A strikingly fresh, cool and pretty nose combines notes of citrus, acacia blossom and green apple. There is excellent underlying tension to the beautifully textured medium weight flavors that exude a subtle minerality that adds a sense of lift to the already complex, lingering and well-balanced finish. Lovely.In Bond€1,015.00 -
Burghound (90-93)
A ripe, fresh, elegant, expressive and classy nose of green apple, pear and a hint of honeysuckle trimmed in a bit of wood toast leads to rich, full and impressively concentrated flavors that possess palate staining intensity on the opulent, powerful and explosive finish. This is a big but balanced effort.In Bond€1,190.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (94)
Made entirely in barrels with 30% new oak, this exemplifies the delicate flair of Puligny. Starting off with dried white flowers, tree blooms, baking spice and orchard fruit, the aromas are very diverse. The mid-palate is focused with good density and the flavors finish with a pleasant, mouth-coating richness. This is enticingly accessible already. 2022-35In Bond€837.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-94)
13 barrels from one hectare. A full primrose yellow. The nose shows a touch more ripeness than Clos de la Pucelle. Ripe pears, and just a touch of the mandarin notes that you get attached to Sauternes, without suggesting any rot however. Juicy and long. Drink from 2026-2032. Tasted: October 2022In Bond€1,085.00 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet les Folatières 1er Cru has a crisp bouquet of white peach, orange pith and subtle flinty aromas that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is fresh and taut on the entry, and strict at the moment, displaying an almost Chablis-like reserve toward the finish, but you can feel the salinity lingering in the mouth long afterwards. Good potential, but it will deserve three or four years in bottle.In Bond€1,635.00 -
Wine Advocate (89-91)
The 2017 Puligny-Montrachet Village reveals pretty aromas of white peach, spring flowers and pastry cream, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample palate that's the most pure and elegant of Chartron's communal appellations this year. It will be well worth seeking out.In Bond€496.00 -
Crafted in the heart of Burgundy, the Jean Louis Chavy Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres 2021 is a superlative expression of Chardonnay. This stellar offering from a venerable, family-run domain in Puligny-Montrachet is steeped in French winemaking tradition. Minerality is the essence of this Premier Cru, emanating from meticulously tended vineyard parcels on the Les Folatières slope. Slow-fermented in oak barrels to nurture complex, profound flavours, this wine offers layered nuances of green apple, ripe pear, and lemon zest tempered by an undercurrent of toasted almond and vanilla. The 2021 vintage, grandly speaks of its unique terroir, embodying a harmonious balance between vibrant freshness and an indulgent creaminess that lingers in a persistent finish. Decoding the wine's beautiful portfolio of aromas and flavours is a testament to the skill and artistry of Jean Louis Chavy. A veritable gem, the Jean Louis Chavy Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres 2021 is a magnificent treat for discerning oenophiles.
In Bond€730.00 -
The Jean Pascal et Fils Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres 2022 is the epitome of elegance, showcasing the artistry of expert winemakers. Located in Burgundy, the Pascal family has mastered the art of growing Chardonnay, and this wine truly reflects their commitment and passion.
Notably, the Folatieres vineyard provides a perfect terroir - the unique blend of limestone and clay producing concentrated flavours of citrus, green apple, and honeysuckle. This wine sees light oak treatment, retaining its natural finesse and minerality whilst adding a delicate layer of complexity.
Since the1960s, Jean Pascal et Fils has gained a reputation for producing exquisitely balanced, age-worthy Puligny Montrachets. The 2022 vintage of their premier cru, Les Folatieres, is no exception - it perfectly captures their mastery of subtlety and power. This is a prestigious offering from one of Burgundy's standout producers - an excellent addition to any serious wine cellar.
In Bond€758.00