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
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Bordeaux | 20 | 89-91 (VN (AG)) |
Inc. TAX
€319.72 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)The 2018 Baron de Brane is rich and luscious in the glass. Succulent red cherry and ripe red plum fruit are pushed forward in a soft, racy Margaux that will drink beautifully upon release. The radiance of the vintage comes through nicely, and yet there is a good bit of freshness as well. The blend is 60% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Carmenère. |
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Bordeaux | 15 | - |
Inc. TAX
€239.32 |
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Indulge in the sophisticated charm of the Baron Philippe de Rothschild Mouton Cadet Heritage 2018. Produced by the legendary Baron Philippe de Rothschild estate, this Bordeaux vintage captures the epitome of French viticulture in 2018. Internationally renowned for its commitment to quality, the estate carefully selects grapes from the finest vineyards in the Bordeaux AOC to create the exquisite blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Masterful winemaking practices yield a tantalising wine, laden with cherries, blackberries and spices on the palate. Subtle hints of oak, derived from ageing in French barrels, grace the wine's finish. With each sip, you'll savour the traditional vine-to-bottle philosophy that defines the Rothschild dynasty. Enjoy this opulent vintage and immerse yourself in the nuanced taste of Baron Philippe de Rothschild Mouton Cadet Heritage 2018 - a quintessential emblem of Bordeaux's winemaking brilliance. |
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Bordeaux | 4 | - |
Inc. TAX
€279.18 |
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Deep garnet colour. Expressive nose, combining notes of undergrowth, cedar, wax polish and tobacco. On the palate, the attack is supple and full-bodied with velvety tannins. An elegant, refined wine with a fresh, aromatic finish. A fine example of the 2018 vintage. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,726.19 |
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Filled with grandeur, the Bart Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 is a fine gem from the Côte de Nuits region in Burgundy, France. This robust red, by renowned winemaker Pierre Bart, is a testament to the depth of his 6 generations-worth viticulture command. Made from aged Pinot Noir vines, the Bart Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 is noted for its sumptuous layers of complexity. Its 18-month maturation in oak barrels imparts a hint of spice that pairs exquisitely with its rich fruit undertones. A waft of crushed red cherries and wild raspberries encapsulates the essence of the wine's terroir, whilst a gentle touch of mineral inflection evokes the limestone-rich soil of the vineyard. Exuding sensuality yet profoundly structured, the Bart Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 treads flawlessly between power and elegance, drawing devoted followers. A wine of such mesmerising depth, it remains ever-engaging as it evolves in the glass over time. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 94-95 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€1,011.97 |
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James Suckling (94-95)This is very structured and dense with lots of fruit and tannin, yet it’s tight and long. Linear and racy. Muscular. |
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Bordeaux | 5 | 94-95 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€1,025.17 |
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James Suckling (94-95)This is very structured and dense with lots of fruit and tannin, yet it’s tight and long. Linear and racy. Muscular. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 94-95 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€352.38 |
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James Suckling (94-95)This is very structured and dense with lots of fruit and tannin, yet it’s tight and long. Linear and racy. Muscular. |
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Bordeaux | 10 | - |
Inc. TAX
€616.81 |
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Indulge in the exquisite experience that is the Beau Soleil 2018. This spectacular red wine hails from the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux, France. A product of meticulous winemaking, Beau Soleil 2018 is a fine blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. These were given the perfect exposure to the sun, nurturing the grapes to full maturity. Expert vintners from the highly respected Château Beau-Soleil leveraged traditional methods of harvesting and fermentation to craft a wine of outstanding calibre. As soon as you uncork a bottle, you are emboldened by the layered complexity of dark fruits, light spices intertwined with an undertone of oak. Beyond the nose, Beau Soleil 2018 teases the palate with robust tannins extending to a smooth, long finish. This wine encapsulates the best of the Bordeaux terroir, harmonising the power of bold fruit forwardness with subtle complexity. The Beau Soleil 2018 is undeniably a distinguishable gem in any fine wine collection. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96-99 (WS) |
Inc. TAX
€707.17 |
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Wine Spectator (96-99)Juicy and forward in feel, with fresh plum, blackberry and anise notes. Dense, but still silky and refined in feel, revealing a long mineral echo through the finish. This is so pure, it seems almost too easy to drink already, just as you realize how ridiculously long it is. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 96-99 (WS) |
Inc. TAX
€412.38 |
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Wine Spectator (96-99)Juicy and forward in feel, with fresh plum, blackberry and anise notes. Dense, but still silky and refined in feel, revealing a long mineral echo through the finish. This is so pure, it seems almost too easy to drink already, just as you realize how ridiculously long it is. |
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Rhone | 2 | 95-97 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€568.38 |
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Wine Advocate (95-97)Another in a string of top vintages, Beaucastel's 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape was produced from Grenache yields of only eight hectoliters per hectare (normal is about 28 hectoliters per hectare, according to Marc Perrin). The final blend I was shown is almost candied in its fruity intensity of raspberries and cherries, yet it has a potent underpinning of more savory elements, like tapenade, grilled meat and dried spices. Full-bodied, with fine, silky tannins, this shows tremendous length, reverberating with hints of crushed stone on the finish. |
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Rhone | 1 | 93-95 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€723.18 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is all Roussanne and comes from a three-hectare parcel of vines planted in 1901. It offers a heavenly bouquet of white currants, white flowers, honeysuckle, and toasted bread that opens up beautifully with time in the glass. Rich, full-bodied, powerful and concentrated, it stays perfectly balanced on the palate and has that rare sense of richness paired with freshness that’s the hallmark of truly great wines. |
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Rhone | 1 | 100 (WCI) |
Inc. TAX
€643.45 |
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The Wine Cellar Insider (100)The wine of the vintage. Compelling in every sense of the word, the wine is incredibly dark in color. The aromatics kick off with an amazing display of spices, herbs, wet earth, leaf, pepper, grilled meat, black raspberry, kirsch and plum notes. The weight, density and intensity on the palate coats your taste receptors, yet retains its lush, silky texture. The seamless finish leaves the 60 second mark in its wake. This should age for decades. |
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Rhone | 1 | 100 (WCI) |
Inc. TAX
€817.60 |
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The Wine Cellar Insider (100)The wine of the vintage. Compelling in every sense of the word, the wine is incredibly dark in color. The aromatics kick off with an amazing display of spices, herbs, wet earth, leaf, pepper, grilled meat, black raspberry, kirsch and plum notes. The weight, density and intensity on the palate coats your taste receptors, yet retains its lush, silky texture. The seamless finish leaves the 60 second mark in its wake. This should age for decades. |
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Rhone | 2 | 91-93 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€465.97 |
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Wine Advocate (91-93)Tasted as a sample blended from several foudres, the 2018 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet de Beaucastel features scents of sun-warmed stones and ripe raspberries. Medium to full-bodied, it's plush and open-knit, already giving a lot of pleasure, and finishing zesty and long. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 99 (WCI) |
Inc. TAX
€1,421.86 |
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The Wine Cellar Insider (99)With all the richness, density and concentration required, you also find endless waves of perfectly ripe, black, blue and dark red fruits, crushed rocks, stone, licorice, smoke, flowers and espresso. Here you find, intensity, purity, minerality, silk and velvety tannins and a seamless, 60 second finish that just won't quit. The wine blends is 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. Only 1,150 cases were produced. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 99 (WCI) |
Inc. TAX
€762.42 |
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The Wine Cellar Insider (99)With all the richness, density and concentration required, you also find endless waves of perfectly ripe, black, blue and dark red fruits, crushed rocks, stone, licorice, smoke, flowers and espresso. Here you find, intensity, purity, minerality, silk and velvety tannins and a seamless, 60 second finish that just won't quit. The wine blends is 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. Only 1,150 cases were produced. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 99 (WCI) |
Inc. TAX
€971.58 |
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The Wine Cellar Insider (99)With all the richness, density and concentration required, you also find endless waves of perfectly ripe, black, blue and dark red fruits, crushed rocks, stone, licorice, smoke, flowers and espresso. Here you find, intensity, purity, minerality, silk and velvety tannins and a seamless, 60 second finish that just won't quit. The wine blends is 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. Only 1,150 cases were produced. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 89-91 (VN (AG)) |
Inc. TAX
€344.92 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)The 2018 Beau-Site is a rich, hearty Saint-Estèphe that should drink well with only a few years in bottle. Black cherry, gravel, cured meats, smoke and grilled herbs add character to this expressive, inviting Saint-Estèphe from the northern part of the appellation. The blend is 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€968.87 |
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James Suckling (99)Very intense blackberries, black olives, blueberries and dried flowers. Stony minerality. Even some pine. Full-bodied with superb depth of fruit and ultra fine tannins that are intense and polished. The finish is so long and delivers so much flavor, from wet earth to blackberry again. Seamless palate. Try after 2026. |
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Loire | 1 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,372.60 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The south-facing 2.72-hectare monopole Coteau des Treilles in Rochefort was resuscitated at the end of the 1990s by Jo Pithon from Domaine Pithon, once famous for world-class noble sweet wines from the Coteaux du Layon. Abandoned after the war because of its 30% to 70% steep slopes, this south-facing hillside is based on "geological chaos," as Ivan Massonnat puts it. "The subsoils are made up of magmatic rocks, schists, pudding stone and ancient limestones. ... This plot is located in the heart of the Pont-Barré Natural Reserve, a heaven of biodiversity that has never known chemistry and is home to exceptional flora and fauna, observed as early as the 18th century by Angevin botanists." I remember well my first visit here 17 years ago when I was deeply impressed by the vineyard and Jo's initiative to bring this grand cru back on the map of the Loire's finest vineyards. I have always adored Jo's wines from this cru, but the Belargus 2018 Anjou Coteau des Treilles seems to top everything that I have known from here. Intensely golden-yellow in color, the wine opens with a pure, refined and elegant yet intense and flinty nose of perfectly ripe yet fine fruits that intermingle with the schistous terroir as well as pastry and lemon/orange-scented fruit aromas. Filigreed and intense on the refined and elegant palate, this is a full-bodied, dense, intense and tensioned yet highly finessed and elegant Chenin with elderflower and orange blossom flavors at this early stage and a delicate tannin structure. The wine is rich and intense but always stimulating, with great finesse and elegance as well as long and juicy, wonderfully concentrated fruit. Everything is in great harmony, and any serious wine lover should at least taste this beauty. |
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Loire | 4 | - |
Inc. TAX
€534.52 |
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Hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Anjou in France's Loire Valley, the Belargus Coteaux du Layon 2018 is a magnificent embodiment of the domain's artisanal mastery. This delicate, late harvest Chenin Blanc is the work of renowned vigneron, Thibaud Boudignon, in collaboration with Jonatan Laval and Jean-Jérôme Kérouanton; their combined expertise imbuing a pioneering spirit into this luscious golden elixir. Immaculately tended, the aged vines give rise to wine with a pure, concentrated flavour profile, heady with notes of candied pear, honey, and wild flowers. The minimal-intervention winemaking process, featuring indigenous yeasts and extended lees contact, further amplifies the wine's organic expressions. Both fascinating and complex, the Belargus Coteaux du Layon 2018 is a testament to Anjou's unique climate and schist-rich terroir, showcasing an unprecedented level of freshness and minerality that will delight any discerning palate. Enjoy this sweet, opulent gem in its youth or in years to come. |
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Loire | 5 | - |
Inc. TAX
€696.52 |
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The Belargus Coteaux du Layon Chaume Premier Cru Echarderie 2018 is an exquisite embodying example of France's esteemed viticulture. Born of the fertile soils of the scenic Loire Valley, this wine is expertly crafted by master vintners following time-honoured French winemaking traditions. The vineyard hand harvests and meticulously selects botrytis-affected grapes, while the process of long fermentation and matured on lees creates this nuanced sweet wine. The Belargus Coteaux du Layon Chaume Premier Cru Echarderie 2018 surprises with its delicately-balanced acidity, lush palate of ripe white peach, honey, and subtly infused notes of orange blossom. This premier cru, made in limited quantity only, captures the essence of the Layon River region's terroir. It's a rewarding experience for the discerning palates, who recognise the intricate dynamics between its vibrancy, sweetness, and complexity. A splendid proof of Belargus's dedication to perfection. |
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Loire | 2 | 100 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,831.98 |
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Wine Advocate (100)Belargus's dark, amber-orange colored 2018 Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru Liquoreux Ultra is a tribute to the famous Ambroisie by Jo Pithon, an over-concentrated Quarts-de-Chaume with more than 30 degrees potential at harvest, referred to as “Ultra.” The wine opens with an intense and ultra concentrated but still vinous and not overly fruity bouquet with pencil point notes on the first nose that slowly reveals concentrated, syrupy apricot and roasted bacon-rind notes. Enormously viscous on the palate but at the same time so finessed, vital and balanced that the wine never weighs heavily and is not even sticky, this is an exceptional QDC, of which just one barrel was produced. This 2018 is made for eternity and belongs to the finest noble sweet wines I have ever had. Even though I am so much in love with the Les Quarts twin, I have to admit that here comes not only an even sweeter Quarts-de-Chaume but also an even more concentrated and finessed one. The aging capacity is ideal, and due to its balance, I don't see any doubts the wine can age 100 and more years. What a start for Domaine Belargus! 9% alcohol. Tasted in June 2021. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89-91 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€722.77 |
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Wine Advocate (89-91). |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89-91 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€463.98 |
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Wine Advocate (89-91). |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,073.39 |
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Vibrantly expressing terroir-driven nuances, the Belle Brise 2018 bestows an exquisite drinking experience. From the extraordinary Pauillac region of Bordeaux, France, this sophisticated wine is cultivated by the esteemed Château Belle-Brise, famed for their meticulous, organic grape-growing traditions. Like every bottle from the estate, Belle Brise 2018 is exclusively hand-harvested, preserving grapes' integrity. The blend manifests a remarkable combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, aged exquisitely in specially sourced oak barrels, granting an unrivalled complexity of flavour. Vive la Belle Brise! This opulent vintage presents notes of ripe blackcurrants, luscious plums, and subtle hints of violet, underlined by a nuanced, cedarwood finish. The Belle Brise 2018 displays sublime structure, commanding depth of flavour, and an elegantly smooth finish. A true gem within the world of fine wines, Belle Brise 2018 is a robust, well-balanced revelation, promising a sublime addition to any discerning wine cellar. |
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Rhone | 1 | 97 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€539.27 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (97)A powerful, full-bodied, straight-up awesome wine, the 2018 Hermitage from Domaine Belle comes from the more limestone soils of the Les Murets lieu-dit and spent more than two years in barrel. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a smorgasbord-like array of kirsch, jammy blackberries, acacia flowers, violets, ground pepper, and cured meats. With full-bodied richness, a rich, opulent, incredibly sexy texture, sweet tannins, and a great finish, we're in blockbuster territory, and along with the 2017, it's the finest Hermitage I've tasted from this domaine. It has another 15-20 years (probably longer) of prime drinking. |
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Rhone | 1 | 94-97 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€611.58 |
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Wine Advocate (94-97)A 60-40 blend of Marsanne and Roussanne from Péléat, the 2018 Hermitage Blanc is a powerhouse white Hermitage. Barrel fermented and aged in two-thirds new oak, it's full-bodied, rich and broad, loaded with honeyed notes of pear, melon and citrus yet comes across as balanced, with a long, refreshing finish. Tasted blind on another occasion, I liked it less, finding it slightly tropical and confected and shorter on the finish, but otherwise similar (91 - 93). |
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Burgundy | 3 | - |
Inc. TAX
€805.79 |
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Bellene Vosne-Romanee Les Quartiers de Nuits 2018 is a sublime French red, originating from the world-renowned Burgundy region, crafted by Maison Roche de Bellene. Bellene is celebrated for exquisitely-crafted, small-batch wines that showcase both, the uniqueness of each grape variety and the intricacy of the terroir. This vintage exemplifies that ethos. This complex Pinot Noir exhibits a refined balance of power and finesse, seducing the palate with vibrant berry notes, interwoven with hints of spice and earth. The wine was aged for two years in French oak barrels, adding depth and a velvety texture to the character. Bellene Vosne-Romanee Les Quartiers de Nuits 2018 demonstrates Burgundian winemaking at its finest, offering a wine both instantly enjoyable and remarkable for its cellar potential. For those seeking the true expression of Burgundy Pinot Noir, this wine is the exquisite embodiment. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Bordeaux | 20 | 89-91 (VN (AG)) |
In Bond
€244.00 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)The 2018 Baron de Brane is rich and luscious in the glass. Succulent red cherry and ripe red plum fruit are pushed forward in a soft, racy Margaux that will drink beautifully upon release. The radiance of the vintage comes through nicely, and yet there is a good bit of freshness as well. The blend is 60% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Carmenère. |
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Bordeaux | 15 | - |
In Bond
€177.00 |
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Indulge in the sophisticated charm of the Baron Philippe de Rothschild Mouton Cadet Heritage 2018. Produced by the legendary Baron Philippe de Rothschild estate, this Bordeaux vintage captures the epitome of French viticulture in 2018. Internationally renowned for its commitment to quality, the estate carefully selects grapes from the finest vineyards in the Bordeaux AOC to create the exquisite blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Masterful winemaking practices yield a tantalising wine, laden with cherries, blackberries and spices on the palate. Subtle hints of oak, derived from ageing in French barrels, grace the wine's finish. With each sip, you'll savour the traditional vine-to-bottle philosophy that defines the Rothschild dynasty. Enjoy this opulent vintage and immerse yourself in the nuanced taste of Baron Philippe de Rothschild Mouton Cadet Heritage 2018 - a quintessential emblem of Bordeaux's winemaking brilliance. |
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Bordeaux | 4 | - |
In Bond
€214.00 |
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Deep garnet colour. Expressive nose, combining notes of undergrowth, cedar, wax polish and tobacco. On the palate, the attack is supple and full-bodied with velvety tannins. An elegant, refined wine with a fresh, aromatic finish. A fine example of the 2018 vintage. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,420.00 |
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Filled with grandeur, the Bart Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 is a fine gem from the Côte de Nuits region in Burgundy, France. This robust red, by renowned winemaker Pierre Bart, is a testament to the depth of his 6 generations-worth viticulture command. Made from aged Pinot Noir vines, the Bart Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 is noted for its sumptuous layers of complexity. Its 18-month maturation in oak barrels imparts a hint of spice that pairs exquisitely with its rich fruit undertones. A waft of crushed red cherries and wild raspberries encapsulates the essence of the wine's terroir, whilst a gentle touch of mineral inflection evokes the limestone-rich soil of the vineyard. Exuding sensuality yet profoundly structured, the Bart Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 treads flawlessly between power and elegance, drawing devoted followers. A wine of such mesmerising depth, it remains ever-engaging as it evolves in the glass over time. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 94-95 (JS) |
In Bond
€806.00 |
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James Suckling (94-95)This is very structured and dense with lots of fruit and tannin, yet it’s tight and long. Linear and racy. Muscular. |
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Bordeaux | 5 | 94-95 (JS) |
In Bond
€817.00 |
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James Suckling (94-95)This is very structured and dense with lots of fruit and tannin, yet it’s tight and long. Linear and racy. Muscular. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 94-95 (JS) |
In Bond
€275.00 |
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James Suckling (94-95)This is very structured and dense with lots of fruit and tannin, yet it’s tight and long. Linear and racy. Muscular. |
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Bordeaux | 10 | - |
In Bond
€469.00 |
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Indulge in the exquisite experience that is the Beau Soleil 2018. This spectacular red wine hails from the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux, France. A product of meticulous winemaking, Beau Soleil 2018 is a fine blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. These were given the perfect exposure to the sun, nurturing the grapes to full maturity. Expert vintners from the highly respected Château Beau-Soleil leveraged traditional methods of harvesting and fermentation to craft a wine of outstanding calibre. As soon as you uncork a bottle, you are emboldened by the layered complexity of dark fruits, light spices intertwined with an undertone of oak. Beyond the nose, Beau Soleil 2018 teases the palate with robust tannins extending to a smooth, long finish. This wine encapsulates the best of the Bordeaux terroir, harmonising the power of bold fruit forwardness with subtle complexity. The Beau Soleil 2018 is undeniably a distinguishable gem in any fine wine collection. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96-99 (WS) |
In Bond
€552.00 |
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Wine Spectator (96-99)Juicy and forward in feel, with fresh plum, blackberry and anise notes. Dense, but still silky and refined in feel, revealing a long mineral echo through the finish. This is so pure, it seems almost too easy to drink already, just as you realize how ridiculously long it is. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 96-99 (WS) |
In Bond
€325.00 |
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Wine Spectator (96-99)Juicy and forward in feel, with fresh plum, blackberry and anise notes. Dense, but still silky and refined in feel, revealing a long mineral echo through the finish. This is so pure, it seems almost too easy to drink already, just as you realize how ridiculously long it is. |
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Rhone | 2 | 95-97 (WA) |
In Bond
€455.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95-97)Another in a string of top vintages, Beaucastel's 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape was produced from Grenache yields of only eight hectoliters per hectare (normal is about 28 hectoliters per hectare, according to Marc Perrin). The final blend I was shown is almost candied in its fruity intensity of raspberries and cherries, yet it has a potent underpinning of more savory elements, like tapenade, grilled meat and dried spices. Full-bodied, with fine, silky tannins, this shows tremendous length, reverberating with hints of crushed stone on the finish. |
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Rhone | 1 | 93-95 (JD) |
In Bond
€584.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is all Roussanne and comes from a three-hectare parcel of vines planted in 1901. It offers a heavenly bouquet of white currants, white flowers, honeysuckle, and toasted bread that opens up beautifully with time in the glass. Rich, full-bodied, powerful and concentrated, it stays perfectly balanced on the palate and has that rare sense of richness paired with freshness that’s the hallmark of truly great wines. |
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Rhone | 1 | 100 (WCI) |
In Bond
€530.00 |
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The Wine Cellar Insider (100)The wine of the vintage. Compelling in every sense of the word, the wine is incredibly dark in color. The aromatics kick off with an amazing display of spices, herbs, wet earth, leaf, pepper, grilled meat, black raspberry, kirsch and plum notes. The weight, density and intensity on the palate coats your taste receptors, yet retains its lush, silky texture. The seamless finish leaves the 60 second mark in its wake. This should age for decades. |
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Rhone | 1 | 100 (WCI) |
In Bond
€672.00 |
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The Wine Cellar Insider (100)The wine of the vintage. Compelling in every sense of the word, the wine is incredibly dark in color. The aromatics kick off with an amazing display of spices, herbs, wet earth, leaf, pepper, grilled meat, black raspberry, kirsch and plum notes. The weight, density and intensity on the palate coats your taste receptors, yet retains its lush, silky texture. The seamless finish leaves the 60 second mark in its wake. This should age for decades. |
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Rhone | 2 | 91-93 (WA) |
In Bond
€351.00 |
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Wine Advocate (91-93)Tasted as a sample blended from several foudres, the 2018 Cotes du Rhone Coudoulet de Beaucastel features scents of sun-warmed stones and ripe raspberries. Medium to full-bodied, it's plush and open-knit, already giving a lot of pleasure, and finishing zesty and long. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 99 (WCI) |
In Bond
€1,160.00 |
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The Wine Cellar Insider (99)With all the richness, density and concentration required, you also find endless waves of perfectly ripe, black, blue and dark red fruits, crushed rocks, stone, licorice, smoke, flowers and espresso. Here you find, intensity, purity, minerality, silk and velvety tannins and a seamless, 60 second finish that just won't quit. The wine blends is 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. Only 1,150 cases were produced. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 99 (WCI) |
In Bond
€626.00 |
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The Wine Cellar Insider (99)With all the richness, density and concentration required, you also find endless waves of perfectly ripe, black, blue and dark red fruits, crushed rocks, stone, licorice, smoke, flowers and espresso. Here you find, intensity, purity, minerality, silk and velvety tannins and a seamless, 60 second finish that just won't quit. The wine blends is 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. Only 1,150 cases were produced. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 99 (WCI) |
In Bond
€791.00 |
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The Wine Cellar Insider (99)With all the richness, density and concentration required, you also find endless waves of perfectly ripe, black, blue and dark red fruits, crushed rocks, stone, licorice, smoke, flowers and espresso. Here you find, intensity, purity, minerality, silk and velvety tannins and a seamless, 60 second finish that just won't quit. The wine blends is 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. Only 1,150 cases were produced. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 89-91 (VN (AG)) |
In Bond
€265.00 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)The 2018 Beau-Site is a rich, hearty Saint-Estèphe that should drink well with only a few years in bottle. Black cherry, gravel, cured meats, smoke and grilled herbs add character to this expressive, inviting Saint-Estèphe from the northern part of the appellation. The blend is 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
€785.00 |
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James Suckling (99)Very intense blackberries, black olives, blueberries and dried flowers. Stony minerality. Even some pine. Full-bodied with superb depth of fruit and ultra fine tannins that are intense and polished. The finish is so long and delivers so much flavor, from wet earth to blackberry again. Seamless palate. Try after 2026. |
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Loire | 1 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
€1,125.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The south-facing 2.72-hectare monopole Coteau des Treilles in Rochefort was resuscitated at the end of the 1990s by Jo Pithon from Domaine Pithon, once famous for world-class noble sweet wines from the Coteaux du Layon. Abandoned after the war because of its 30% to 70% steep slopes, this south-facing hillside is based on "geological chaos," as Ivan Massonnat puts it. "The subsoils are made up of magmatic rocks, schists, pudding stone and ancient limestones. ... This plot is located in the heart of the Pont-Barré Natural Reserve, a heaven of biodiversity that has never known chemistry and is home to exceptional flora and fauna, observed as early as the 18th century by Angevin botanists." I remember well my first visit here 17 years ago when I was deeply impressed by the vineyard and Jo's initiative to bring this grand cru back on the map of the Loire's finest vineyards. I have always adored Jo's wines from this cru, but the Belargus 2018 Anjou Coteau des Treilles seems to top everything that I have known from here. Intensely golden-yellow in color, the wine opens with a pure, refined and elegant yet intense and flinty nose of perfectly ripe yet fine fruits that intermingle with the schistous terroir as well as pastry and lemon/orange-scented fruit aromas. Filigreed and intense on the refined and elegant palate, this is a full-bodied, dense, intense and tensioned yet highly finessed and elegant Chenin with elderflower and orange blossom flavors at this early stage and a delicate tannin structure. The wine is rich and intense but always stimulating, with great finesse and elegance as well as long and juicy, wonderfully concentrated fruit. Everything is in great harmony, and any serious wine lover should at least taste this beauty. |
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Loire | 4 | - |
In Bond
€423.00 |
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Hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Anjou in France's Loire Valley, the Belargus Coteaux du Layon 2018 is a magnificent embodiment of the domain's artisanal mastery. This delicate, late harvest Chenin Blanc is the work of renowned vigneron, Thibaud Boudignon, in collaboration with Jonatan Laval and Jean-Jérôme Kérouanton; their combined expertise imbuing a pioneering spirit into this luscious golden elixir. Immaculately tended, the aged vines give rise to wine with a pure, concentrated flavour profile, heady with notes of candied pear, honey, and wild flowers. The minimal-intervention winemaking process, featuring indigenous yeasts and extended lees contact, further amplifies the wine's organic expressions. Both fascinating and complex, the Belargus Coteaux du Layon 2018 is a testament to Anjou's unique climate and schist-rich terroir, showcasing an unprecedented level of freshness and minerality that will delight any discerning palate. Enjoy this sweet, opulent gem in its youth or in years to come. |
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Loire | 5 | - |
In Bond
€558.00 |
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The Belargus Coteaux du Layon Chaume Premier Cru Echarderie 2018 is an exquisite embodying example of France's esteemed viticulture. Born of the fertile soils of the scenic Loire Valley, this wine is expertly crafted by master vintners following time-honoured French winemaking traditions. The vineyard hand harvests and meticulously selects botrytis-affected grapes, while the process of long fermentation and matured on lees creates this nuanced sweet wine. The Belargus Coteaux du Layon Chaume Premier Cru Echarderie 2018 surprises with its delicately-balanced acidity, lush palate of ripe white peach, honey, and subtly infused notes of orange blossom. This premier cru, made in limited quantity only, captures the essence of the Layon River region's terroir. It's a rewarding experience for the discerning palates, who recognise the intricate dynamics between its vibrancy, sweetness, and complexity. A splendid proof of Belargus's dedication to perfection. |
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Loire | 2 | 100 (WA) |
In Bond
€1,520.00 |
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Wine Advocate (100)Belargus's dark, amber-orange colored 2018 Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru Liquoreux Ultra is a tribute to the famous Ambroisie by Jo Pithon, an over-concentrated Quarts-de-Chaume with more than 30 degrees potential at harvest, referred to as “Ultra.” The wine opens with an intense and ultra concentrated but still vinous and not overly fruity bouquet with pencil point notes on the first nose that slowly reveals concentrated, syrupy apricot and roasted bacon-rind notes. Enormously viscous on the palate but at the same time so finessed, vital and balanced that the wine never weighs heavily and is not even sticky, this is an exceptional QDC, of which just one barrel was produced. This 2018 is made for eternity and belongs to the finest noble sweet wines I have ever had. Even though I am so much in love with the Les Quarts twin, I have to admit that here comes not only an even sweeter Quarts-de-Chaume but also an even more concentrated and finessed one. The aging capacity is ideal, and due to its balance, I don't see any doubts the wine can age 100 and more years. What a start for Domaine Belargus! 9% alcohol. Tasted in June 2021. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89-91 (WA) |
In Bond
€565.00 |
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Wine Advocate (89-91). |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89-91 (WA) |
In Bond
€368.00 |
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Wine Advocate (89-91). |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
In Bond
€876.00 |
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Vibrantly expressing terroir-driven nuances, the Belle Brise 2018 bestows an exquisite drinking experience. From the extraordinary Pauillac region of Bordeaux, France, this sophisticated wine is cultivated by the esteemed Château Belle-Brise, famed for their meticulous, organic grape-growing traditions. Like every bottle from the estate, Belle Brise 2018 is exclusively hand-harvested, preserving grapes' integrity. The blend manifests a remarkable combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, aged exquisitely in specially sourced oak barrels, granting an unrivalled complexity of flavour. Vive la Belle Brise! This opulent vintage presents notes of ripe blackcurrants, luscious plums, and subtle hints of violet, underlined by a nuanced, cedarwood finish. The Belle Brise 2018 displays sublime structure, commanding depth of flavour, and an elegantly smooth finish. A true gem within the world of fine wines, Belle Brise 2018 is a robust, well-balanced revelation, promising a sublime addition to any discerning wine cellar. |
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Rhone | 1 | 97 (JD) |
In Bond
€427.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (97)A powerful, full-bodied, straight-up awesome wine, the 2018 Hermitage from Domaine Belle comes from the more limestone soils of the Les Murets lieu-dit and spent more than two years in barrel. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a smorgasbord-like array of kirsch, jammy blackberries, acacia flowers, violets, ground pepper, and cured meats. With full-bodied richness, a rich, opulent, incredibly sexy texture, sweet tannins, and a great finish, we're in blockbuster territory, and along with the 2017, it's the finest Hermitage I've tasted from this domaine. It has another 15-20 years (probably longer) of prime drinking. |
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Rhone | 1 | 94-97 (WA) |
In Bond
€491.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94-97)A 60-40 blend of Marsanne and Roussanne from Péléat, the 2018 Hermitage Blanc is a powerhouse white Hermitage. Barrel fermented and aged in two-thirds new oak, it's full-bodied, rich and broad, loaded with honeyed notes of pear, melon and citrus yet comes across as balanced, with a long, refreshing finish. Tasted blind on another occasion, I liked it less, finding it slightly tropical and confected and shorter on the finish, but otherwise similar (91 - 93). |
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Burgundy | 3 | - |
In Bond
€653.00 |
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Bellene Vosne-Romanee Les Quartiers de Nuits 2018 is a sublime French red, originating from the world-renowned Burgundy region, crafted by Maison Roche de Bellene. Bellene is celebrated for exquisitely-crafted, small-batch wines that showcase both, the uniqueness of each grape variety and the intricacy of the terroir. This vintage exemplifies that ethos. This complex Pinot Noir exhibits a refined balance of power and finesse, seducing the palate with vibrant berry notes, interwoven with hints of spice and earth. The wine was aged for two years in French oak barrels, adding depth and a velvety texture to the character. Bellene Vosne-Romanee Les Quartiers de Nuits 2018 demonstrates Burgundian winemaking at its finest, offering a wine both instantly enjoyable and remarkable for its cellar potential. For those seeking the true expression of Burgundy Pinot Noir, this wine is the exquisite embodiment. |
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