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.
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France
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Vinous (96-98)
The 2020 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru comes from 80-year old vines: 100% whole bunch with one-third new oak. This takes time to unfold on the nose when often this cuvée is quite medium. The aromatics say: Hold your horses. Then it unfurls to reveal slightly tertiary black fruit, tobacco and crushed limestone, almost flinty aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins. Silky texture, poised acidity, this might be the most elegant and refined Bonnes-Mares that Nicolas Groffier has produced. I confess, I could not resist swallowing my tasting measure. This is one of Nicolas Groffier's finest achievements to date.Inc. TAX€8,726.87 -
Vinous (93-95)
The 2021 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru, which is located 25% on Terres Blanches and 75% on Terres Rouges, is raised in 50% new oak and made with 100% whole bunches. This has a very delineated and pure bouquet. The stems are neatly assimilated; subtle scents of sous-bois and Earl Grey emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, taut and fresh, quite saline, like others, maybe missing the usual flamboyance and opulence on the finish, yet that is articulating the style of the growing season. I can see this gaining more weight after its final racking.Inc. TAX€5,980.42 -
Inc. TAX€3,190.54 -
Inc. TAX€2,314.54 -
Vinous (93+)
The 2011 Bonnes Mares needs time to fully come together. Today the whole clusters (80%) are a bit prominent. Savory herbs, tobacco, incense and orange peel all add layers of complexity to the dark fruit in a powerful, intense Burgundy that captures the essence of this site, albeit in a more medium-bodied style than is normal for this wine, but that is very much in line with the year. The 2011 is going to need at least another few years to be fully expressive. There is plenty of tannin and acidity to ensure years of fine drinking.Inc. TAX€2,590.38 -
Vinous (94)
Very good deep, healthy red. The most floral of these 2014s, conveying lovely perfumed lift to the aromas of black fruits, spices and honeysuckle. Communicates wonderful ripeness and detail without any impression of heaviness or weight. Really superb energy here, no doubt partly due to the vinification with 80% whole clusters. Most impressive today on the very long, fine-grained finish, where the savory red fruit and blackberry flavors build slowly and linger long. This should be long-lived.Inc. TAX€2,146.42 -
Vinous (95)
(from the last parcel before Morey-Saint-Denis, in a tiny clos, notes Vincent): Bright medium red. Sexy, almost exotic sweetness to the aromas of cherry, raspberry, wild herbs and stone. Wonderfully ripe but dry, conveying a rare combination of outstanding volume and great finesse without any impression of dryness--or easy sweetness, for that matter. A classic uncompromising young Bonnes-Mares but without the hardness of old-style wines from this long-aging grand cru. The spicy finish rises inexorably. As youthful as this is, its remarkably fine-grained texture gives it an easy digestibility. This protected site really seals in the heat, said Vincent, who brought in this fruit at close to 13% potential alcohol and did not chaptalize.Inc. TAX€1,487.94 -
Vinous (95)
The 2017 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has a generous bouquet, the discreet stem addition lending an attractive leafiness that complements the brambly red fruit. More undergrowth scents emerge with time. The palate is silky-smooth on the entry, very plush but controlled, and despite the opulence, terroir floods through this Bonnes-Mares, which fans out wonderfully on the finish. This is an impressive showing and one of the best from the domaine this vintage. A long-term prospect. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.Inc. TAX€1,406.95 -
Vinous (95)
The 2017 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has a generous bouquet, the discreet stem addition lending an attractive leafiness that complements the brambly red fruit. More undergrowth scents emerge with time. The palate is silky-smooth on the entry, very plush but controlled, and despite the opulence, terroir floods through this Bonnes-Mares, which fans out wonderfully on the finish. This is an impressive showing and one of the best from the domaine this vintage. A long-term prospect. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.Inc. TAX€2,476.42 -
Vinous (95)
The 2017 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has a generous bouquet, the discreet stem addition lending an attractive leafiness that complements the brambly red fruit. More undergrowth scents emerge with time. The palate is silky-smooth on the entry, very plush but controlled, and despite the opulence, terroir floods through this Bonnes-Mares, which fans out wonderfully on the finish. This is an impressive showing and one of the best from the domaine this vintage. A long-term prospect. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.Inc. TAX€2,080.38 -
Burghound (93-96)
A much more subtle though not invisible touch of oak surrounds the even more floral-inflected aromas of blue berry liqueur, anise, tea and newly turned earth. There is outstanding volume and mid-palate concentration thanks to the abundant dry extract that imparts a seductive quality to the mid-palate that contrasts considerably with the very, very structured and hugely long and powerful finish. This is an absolute knockout and would be a candidate for the Bonnes Mares of the vintage.Inc. TAX€897.86 -
Burghound (93-96)
A much more subtle though not invisible touch of oak surrounds the even more floral-inflected aromas of blue berry liqueur, anise, tea and newly turned earth. There is outstanding volume and mid-palate concentration thanks to the abundant dry extract that imparts a seductive quality to the mid-palate that contrasts considerably with the very, very structured and hugely long and powerful finish. This is an absolute knockout and would be a candidate for the Bonnes Mares of the vintage.Inc. TAX€1,484.95 -
Burghound (93-96)
A much more subtle though not invisible touch of oak surrounds the even more floral-inflected aromas of blue berry liqueur, anise, tea and newly turned earth. There is outstanding volume and mid-palate concentration thanks to the abundant dry extract that imparts a seductive quality to the mid-palate that contrasts considerably with the very, very structured and hugely long and powerful finish. This is an absolute knockout and would be a candidate for the Bonnes Mares of the vintage.Inc. TAX€1,129.60 -
Vinous (92-94)
The 2020 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has 100% whole bunch, though stems neatly enmeshed on the nose with hints of blueberry and cassis infusing the red fruit. A little timid at the moment, it will open with bottle age. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, fine acidity, just a little chewiness on the entry. Structured on the finish, this is quite a "serious" Bonnes-Mares that just needs to muster more charm on the finish.Inc. TAX€1,345.43 -
Vinous (92-94)
The 2020 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has 100% whole bunch, though stems neatly enmeshed on the nose with hints of blueberry and cassis infusing the red fruit. A little timid at the moment, it will open with bottle age. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, fine acidity, just a little chewiness on the entry. Structured on the finish, this is quite a "serious" Bonnes-Mares that just needs to muster more charm on the finish.Inc. TAX€2,774.87 -
Vinous (88-90)
The 2021 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru includes 100% whole bunches this year, and those stems are conveyed strongly on the nose, not unattractive and yet obscure a bit of the terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannins. I feel the whole bunches risk overwhelming this Bonnes-Mares because there isn't sufficient fruit to soak them up. Let's see how this evolves.Inc. TAX€1,291.25
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Vinous (96-98)
The 2020 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru comes from 80-year old vines: 100% whole bunch with one-third new oak. This takes time to unfold on the nose when often this cuvée is quite medium. The aromatics say: Hold your horses. Then it unfurls to reveal slightly tertiary black fruit, tobacco and crushed limestone, almost flinty aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins. Silky texture, poised acidity, this might be the most elegant and refined Bonnes-Mares that Nicolas Groffier has produced. I confess, I could not resist swallowing my tasting measure. This is one of Nicolas Groffier's finest achievements to date.In Bond€7,250.00 -
Vinous (93-95)
The 2021 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru, which is located 25% on Terres Blanches and 75% on Terres Rouges, is raised in 50% new oak and made with 100% whole bunches. This has a very delineated and pure bouquet. The stems are neatly assimilated; subtle scents of sous-bois and Earl Grey emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, taut and fresh, quite saline, like others, maybe missing the usual flamboyance and opulence on the finish, yet that is articulating the style of the growing season. I can see this gaining more weight after its final racking.In Bond€4,965.00 -
In Bond€2,640.00
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In Bond€1,910.00
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Vinous (93+)
The 2011 Bonnes Mares needs time to fully come together. Today the whole clusters (80%) are a bit prominent. Savory herbs, tobacco, incense and orange peel all add layers of complexity to the dark fruit in a powerful, intense Burgundy that captures the essence of this site, albeit in a more medium-bodied style than is normal for this wine, but that is very much in line with the year. The 2011 is going to need at least another few years to be fully expressive. There is plenty of tannin and acidity to ensure years of fine drinking.In Bond€2,140.00 -
Vinous (94)
Very good deep, healthy red. The most floral of these 2014s, conveying lovely perfumed lift to the aromas of black fruits, spices and honeysuckle. Communicates wonderful ripeness and detail without any impression of heaviness or weight. Really superb energy here, no doubt partly due to the vinification with 80% whole clusters. Most impressive today on the very long, fine-grained finish, where the savory red fruit and blackberry flavors build slowly and linger long. This should be long-lived.In Bond€1,770.00 -
Vinous (95)
(from the last parcel before Morey-Saint-Denis, in a tiny clos, notes Vincent): Bright medium red. Sexy, almost exotic sweetness to the aromas of cherry, raspberry, wild herbs and stone. Wonderfully ripe but dry, conveying a rare combination of outstanding volume and great finesse without any impression of dryness--or easy sweetness, for that matter. A classic uncompromising young Bonnes-Mares but without the hardness of old-style wines from this long-aging grand cru. The spicy finish rises inexorably. As youthful as this is, its remarkably fine-grained texture gives it an easy digestibility. This protected site really seals in the heat, said Vincent, who brought in this fruit at close to 13% potential alcohol and did not chaptalize.In Bond€1,225.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2017 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has a generous bouquet, the discreet stem addition lending an attractive leafiness that complements the brambly red fruit. More undergrowth scents emerge with time. The palate is silky-smooth on the entry, very plush but controlled, and despite the opulence, terroir floods through this Bonnes-Mares, which fans out wonderfully on the finish. This is an impressive showing and one of the best from the domaine this vintage. A long-term prospect. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.In Bond€1,160.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2017 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has a generous bouquet, the discreet stem addition lending an attractive leafiness that complements the brambly red fruit. More undergrowth scents emerge with time. The palate is silky-smooth on the entry, very plush but controlled, and despite the opulence, terroir floods through this Bonnes-Mares, which fans out wonderfully on the finish. This is an impressive showing and one of the best from the domaine this vintage. A long-term prospect. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.In Bond€2,045.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2017 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has a generous bouquet, the discreet stem addition lending an attractive leafiness that complements the brambly red fruit. More undergrowth scents emerge with time. The palate is silky-smooth on the entry, very plush but controlled, and despite the opulence, terroir floods through this Bonnes-Mares, which fans out wonderfully on the finish. This is an impressive showing and one of the best from the domaine this vintage. A long-term prospect. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2017 tasting.In Bond€1,715.00 -
Burghound (93-96)
A much more subtle though not invisible touch of oak surrounds the even more floral-inflected aromas of blue berry liqueur, anise, tea and newly turned earth. There is outstanding volume and mid-palate concentration thanks to the abundant dry extract that imparts a seductive quality to the mid-palate that contrasts considerably with the very, very structured and hugely long and powerful finish. This is an absolute knockout and would be a candidate for the Bonnes Mares of the vintage.In Bond€742.00 -
Burghound (93-96)
A much more subtle though not invisible touch of oak surrounds the even more floral-inflected aromas of blue berry liqueur, anise, tea and newly turned earth. There is outstanding volume and mid-palate concentration thanks to the abundant dry extract that imparts a seductive quality to the mid-palate that contrasts considerably with the very, very structured and hugely long and powerful finish. This is an absolute knockout and would be a candidate for the Bonnes Mares of the vintage.In Bond€1,225.00 -
Burghound (93-96)
A much more subtle though not invisible touch of oak surrounds the even more floral-inflected aromas of blue berry liqueur, anise, tea and newly turned earth. There is outstanding volume and mid-palate concentration thanks to the abundant dry extract that imparts a seductive quality to the mid-palate that contrasts considerably with the very, very structured and hugely long and powerful finish. This is an absolute knockout and would be a candidate for the Bonnes Mares of the vintage.In Bond€932.00 -
Vinous (92-94)
The 2020 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has 100% whole bunch, though stems neatly enmeshed on the nose with hints of blueberry and cassis infusing the red fruit. A little timid at the moment, it will open with bottle age. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, fine acidity, just a little chewiness on the entry. Structured on the finish, this is quite a "serious" Bonnes-Mares that just needs to muster more charm on the finish.In Bond€1,110.00 -
Vinous (92-94)
The 2020 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru has 100% whole bunch, though stems neatly enmeshed on the nose with hints of blueberry and cassis infusing the red fruit. A little timid at the moment, it will open with bottle age. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, fine acidity, just a little chewiness on the entry. Structured on the finish, this is quite a "serious" Bonnes-Mares that just needs to muster more charm on the finish.In Bond€2,290.00 -
Vinous (88-90)
The 2021 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru includes 100% whole bunches this year, and those stems are conveyed strongly on the nose, not unattractive and yet obscure a bit of the terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannins. I feel the whole bunches risk overwhelming this Bonnes-Mares because there isn't sufficient fruit to soak them up. Let's see how this evolves.In Bond€1,065.00
