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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Rhone | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€732.82 |
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Vinous (94)Opaque ruby. Blackberry, candied plum, cassis, licorice, bitter chocolate and potpourri on the complex, intensely perfumed nose. Dense, concentrated and seamless on the palate, offering primary black and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors and a smoky mineral accent that adds back-end vivacity. Finishes with broad, supple tannins, an echo of licorice and outstanding mineral-driven persistence. |
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Rhone | 2 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€649.72 |
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Vinous (93)Inky ruby. Complex aromas of fresh red berries, cherry compote, smoky minerals and potpourri, with spicecake and anise nuances emerging with aeration. Smooth, sappy and sweet, displaying very good focus to its intense red fruit preserve, violet pastille and allspice flavors. Shows excellent energy and lift on the floral finish, which is firmed by supple, harmonious tannins. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97+ (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€6,297.73 |
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Wine Advocate (97+)Raphel Coche told me that the 2012 Corton Charlemagne was the only vineyard that escaped hail damage this year. It has a very succinct nose, not predisposed to go out and grab you by the lapels. The aromatics unfurl with a sense of ease prioritizing finesse over power: beeswax, linden, lemon thyme and fresh pear. The palate is exquisitely balanced with fleeting glimpses of Seville orange and apricot. But there is more about the tension, the effortlessness and that it just rolls out across the finish like a huge Turkish rug. This is the kind of wine that exhausts superlatives. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97+ (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€13,699.45 |
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Wine Advocate (97+)Raphel Coche told me that the 2012 Corton Charlemagne was the only vineyard that escaped hail damage this year. It has a very succinct nose, not predisposed to go out and grab you by the lapels. The aromatics unfurl with a sense of ease prioritizing finesse over power: beeswax, linden, lemon thyme and fresh pear. The palate is exquisitely balanced with fleeting glimpses of Seville orange and apricot. But there is more about the tension, the effortlessness and that it just rolls out across the finish like a huge Turkish rug. This is the kind of wine that exhausts superlatives. |
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Burgundy | 2 | 96 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€4,779.73 |
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Tim Atkin MW (96)Drawn from three parcels within Les Perrières, this is another very impressive bottling from the Coches, père et fils. It's quite a forward wine, even in barrel, but it certainly doesn't lack the acidity or concentration to age. Sweetly oaked, floral and creamy, it has flavours of lemon zest and orange peel with an overtone of honey. |
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Rhone | 1 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,820.36 |
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Vinous (92)Saturated ruby. Intense dark berry and cherry cola scents are complemented by suggestions of olive paste, candied flowers, vanilla and woodsmoke. Offers palate-coating blackberry and bitter cherry flavors, and peppery spice and mocha qualities building on the back half. Manages to be both rich and lively, with no excess fat. The juicy, seamless finish is framed by silky, harmonious tannins and leaves behind a suave dark berry liqueur note. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 96 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,098.78 |
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Tim Atkin MW (96)I tasted this wine on three occasions (including from barrel) this year and it's one of the best releases I've ever tasted from the domaine. Benjamin Leroux has crafted a very fine Pommard, especially in the circumstances. It's a very refined wine, with perfume, crunchy red fruits and medium weight tannins all pulling in the same direction. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€2,683.51 |
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Wine Advocate (98)Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Musigny Vielles Vignes Grand Cru from de Vogüé has slightly brighter and more vivacious fruit than J-F Mugnier, and in fact, the two wines seem to go in two different trajectories in the glass, this blossoming and the other becoming more occluded. De Vogüé's Musigny is unashamedly floral in style, very elegant and yet delineated. There is a noticeable estuary scents, mudflats and seaweed, that begin to permeate the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, wonderful acidity and succinctly integrated new oak that is barely tangible. It is intense but elegant, long and tender in the mouth. It is a fabulous Musigny, one of the best that the domaine has produced in recent years. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97 (TA) |
Inc. TAX
€14,339.28 |
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Tim Atkin MW (97)A combination of three parcels make up this wine, which is one of the better examples of this often overvalued Grand Cru. It's little marked by oak at present, with flavours that are just beginning to express themselves, but the tannins, the sweet red fruits and the chalky, minerally acidity are appealingy intertwined. |
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Bordeaux | 4 | 95 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€1,318.38 |
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James Suckling (95)Always excellent for the vintage. What a nose with currants, blackberries, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stones and wet earth too. Full-bodied and refined yet muscular and trim. Fabulously polished tannins. Try drinking in 2020. |
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Bordeaux | 10 | 91 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€434.99 |
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James Suckling (91)Blueberry, raspberry and citrus character. Hints of hazelnut and chocolate. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Better in 2016. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€2,108.84 |
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Vinous (92)Good deep red. Slightly roasted red fruits and dried spices on the nose and palate. Sweet, thick and mouthfilling; almost Rhône-like in its ripeness without coming across as heavy. Finishes with noble tannins, excellent length and surprising vinosity. |
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Rhone | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,024.06 |
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Vinous (93)(50% new oak): Inky ruby. Sexy, inviting aromas of cherry compote, blackcurrant, incense and smoky Indian spices, with a peppery nuance in the background. Smooth, sweet and open-knit, offering sappy dark fruit and spicecake flavors complemented by notes of cola and violet pastille. Sweet and youthfully tannic on the clinging finish, with repeating smoke and floral qualities. Shows a very civilized character for this bottling, which is often a tough read in its early days. |
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Bordeaux | 4 | 91 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€319.79 |
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James Suckling (91)Beautiful aromas and flavors of juicy black plums, candied cherries and strawberries. This is also salty and very mineral. Full body, good acidity, velvety tannins and a long, spicy finish. Drink now. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 92 (VN (AG)) |
Inc. TAX
€1,100.77 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)A very pretty wine for the year, the 2012 d'Armailhac is plush, open and seductive. Dark red cherry, tobacco, wild herbs, smoke, leather and game are all pushed forward in a pliant, supple Pauillac that is already quite open and expressive. Dark red cherry, plum, tobacco, smoke and licorice meld into the pliant finish, all with sweet floral overtones that add to the wine's considerable appeal. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€960.37 |
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Wine Advocate (95)The 2012 Château d’Issan, builds on the richness of the second wine and adds more body, structure and density. It has an inky purple color and a stunning nose of spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry fruit as well as touches of incense and graphite. Medium to full-bodied and stunningly concentrated, this 2012 is a great success in the vintage, one of the superstars. Moreover, its precociousness suggests it could be drunk in the next 4-5 years or cellared through 2025. I underrated this wine dramatically in my report of April, 2013 (Issue 206). |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 91 (VN (NM)) |
Inc. TAX
€461.58 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (91)The 2012 La Dame de Montrose has a very classy, well-defined nose with vigorous blackberry, wild strawberry and cedar scents bursting from the glass. The oak is neatly enmeshed. The palate is well-defined with a fresh saline entry (more so than its peers). Ripe and generous, perhaps it tries too hard on the finish and loses some of its precision, but this is a fine effort. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting. |
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Burgundy | 2 | - |
Inc. TAX
€2,654.92 |
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For the discerning collector seeking unparalleled distinction, the David Duband Chambertin Grand Cru 2012 is a peerless selection of Burgundy's finest. Crafted in the vineyards of Côte de Nuits, producer David Duband meticulously exacts his hands-on organic and biodynamic farming methodologies to cultivate the elegant Pinot Noir grapes. This globally renowned wine expresses the terroir's unique character in the bottle. Expressing superior Gallic heritage, the 2012 grape yield experienced a warmer, dry vintage, developing intense mature red fruit flavours. The David Duband Chambertin Grand Cru 2012 is celebrated for its harmonious balance, displaying a robust body with refined tannins and enduring finish. The nuanced layers of ripe cherries, opulent violets, and wet earth notes, evolve into an exemplary wine of remarkable complexity and allure. Exceptional ever since its vinification using approximately 30-40% whole bunch fermentation, David Duband's renowned delicacy in extraction honours the very essence of Burgundian winemaking. |
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Burgundy | 2 | 91-93 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,648.42 |
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Vinous (91-93)The 2012 Charmes-Chambertin is all about texture. A round, sensual Burgundy, the 2012 flows across the palate with gorgeous resonance and sensuality. Dark red stone fruits, wild flowers, spices and a hint of citrus ring out on the generous finish. Today, it looks like the 2012 will offer a long drinking window beginning pretty much upon release. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 93-96 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,048.22 |
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Vinous (93-96)The 2012 Corton Clos du Roi is a model of delicacy and finesse. Dark raspberries, wild flowers and savory herbs all meld together gracefully in a wine that is all about transparency, nuance and detail. Texture and a total sense of polish are some of the signatures that are impossible to miss. Dried herbs, crushed flowers and anise are all woven together nicely through to the finish. |
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Champagne | 10 | - |
Inc. TAX
€786.52 |
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Hailing from the renowned Champagne region in France, De Saint Gall Blanc de Blancs Orpale Brut Grand Cru 2012 is an elegant testament to the mastery of the cooperative Union Champagne that governs De Saint Gall. Blending 100% Chardonnay grapes from Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, the 'Orpale' includes an appreciable 40% of reserve wines, matured for nine years. This carefully curated process bestows upon the wine a beautiful golden hue, with a plethora of refined bubbles and an enduring finish. Its nose bursts with rich aromatics of hawthorn, bergamot, and white peach. As you relish this wine, you can enjoy its fabulously compelling flavours of honeyed fruits, brioche, and caramel. With perfect harmony, the De Saint Gall Blanc de Blancs Orpale Brut Grand Cru 2012 truly offers a sublime tasting experience that seduces both the novice and seasoned connoisseur. |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,270.42 |
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Indulge in the exquisite experience of De Sousa Cuvee Umami Extra Brut Grand Cru 2012, a luxurious Champagne born in the eminent vineyards of Avize in France. Crafted by Erick De Sousa, a third-generation winegrower acclaimed for his biodynamic practices, this stellar wine evokes the essence of its terroir. The exceptional 2012 vintage manifests a unique Umami character, thanks to Sousa’s meticulous ageing process on lees for seven years, endowing it with complex flavours and an impressive structure. This 100% Chardonnay, uniquely blended from De Sousa’s ancient vines, is distinguished by its natural yeasty fragrance, crisp acidity, and hints of toasted brioche, all perfectly balanced with a remarkably low dosage. De Sousa Cuvee Umami Extra Brut Grand Cru 2012 is indisputably an embodiment of fine winemaking, perfect for connoisseurs seeking a profound taste experience. A delightful companion to oysters and caviar, it promises a euphoria for the palate. |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€500.04 |
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Regarded as one of the premium vintages of the decade, the De Venoge Champagne Louis XV Brut 2012 is a true testament to the winemaking finesse honed by the House of De Venoge. This Reims-established Champagne house, famed for its exceptional cellars, has indeed outdone itself with this distinct Brut, which finely balances delicacy and boldness. It's composed of grand Cru Chardonnays and Pinots Noirs, expertly aged for a minimum of six years before disgorgement, resulting in a golden champagne with an expressive, mineral nose and sublime floral notes. The producer's tradition of responsible viticulture attitudes towards their terroir ensures top-grade grapes for every bottle. On tasting, the De Venoge Champagne Louis XV Brut 2012 unveils complex layers of stone fruit and honey, beautifully rounded by a harmonious yet crisp acidity. Its finish is filled with an enveloping creaminess and a cool mineral flourish. It's a lustrous Champagne that resonates luxury and elegance. |
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Champagne | 1 | 94+ (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€562.38 |
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Wine Advocate (94+)A worthy successor to the super 2008, Delamotte's 2012 Blanc de Blancs is performing very well—despite the fact that it was disgorged as recently as June 2019. Opening in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, dried white flowers, smoke and wheat toast, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a bright girdle of acidity, well-integrated dosage and a fine mousse, the muscularity of the vintage rendered with uncommon finesse. While this is quite expressive for such a recently disgorged vintage Delamotte, the rewards of even only a few years' patience will be considerable. |
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Rhone | 1 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,185.18 |
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Wine Advocate (95)Showing even better from bottle than barrel, the 2012 Côte Rôtie La Landonne is a fabulous effort that oozes notions of cassis, black raspberry, violet, incense and spice-box. Medium to full-bodied, with a gorgeous mid-palate and building, fine tannin, enjoy this ripe, layered, textured beauty over the coming 10-15 years. Made from 100% Syrah aged in new barrels, it’s gorgeous. |
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Rhone | 1 | 92 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€596.66 |
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Vinous (92)Deep ruby. Pungent dark berry and cherry pit aromas are complemented by candied violet, mocha and black pepper. Fleshy and expansive on the palate, offering sweet, spice-tinged black and blue fruit flavors that put on weight and become more spicy with air. Open-knit, pure and seamless in texture, finishing with superb punch and velvety tannins that add grip. |
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Rhone | 2 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€511.98 |
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Wine Advocate (95)Just a small step back from the Les Bessards, the 2012 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes is a stunning effort that exhibits blockbuster notes of toasted spice, leather, peppery herbs and sweet black and blue fruit. Seeing 16 months in 60% new French oak, it's a powerful, concentrated and full-bodied effort that has lots of tannin, but more than enough fruit to handle it. Like the Les Bessards, shorter-term cellaring is advised here and it will have over two decades of longevity. |
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Rhone | 1 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,043.58 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The star of the show is the 2012 Hermitage Les Bessards. Coming from the pure granite soils of the Les Bessards lieu-dit, on the western edge of the appellation, it’s made from 100% Syrah and spent 16 months in 70% new French oak. It’s an incredible wine that offers classic powdered rock-like minerality, loads of crème de cassis and black raspberry fruit, smoked meats, spice and dried-flower nuances. Complex, pure and perfumed, it’s full-bodied and seamless on the palate, with fabulous density, ultra-fine tannin structure and impeccable overall balance. Give it 3-4 years in the cellar and drink it over the following two decades. |
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Champagne | 6 | - |
Inc. TAX
€396.23 |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,756.42 |
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Exquisite and expressive, the Dhondt-Grellet Blanc de Blancs Les Nogers 1er Cru Extra Brut 2012 is an eye-catching Champagne, epitomising the height of the Champagne region's terroir. Hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Les Nogers in the Côte des Blancs, it is the fruit of the meticulous workmanship of Adrien Dhondt, a representative of the young generation of meticulous vignerons. Infused in the rich soils of Chardonnay-dominant vineyards, the wine is meticulously vinified using a method of perpetual blending, ageing on lees for seven years before its release. The Champagne reveals an unmatched depth and complexity, packed with notes of yellow stone fruit, fresh brioche and mineral zest, balanced by a riveting acidity that assures a splendid finish. A sublime manifestation of the Dhondt-Grellet`s dedication to purity and precision, the Blanc de Blancs Les Nogers 1er Cru Extra Brut 2012 is an outstanding choice for the discerning wine aficionado. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Rhone | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
€592.00 |
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Vinous (94)Opaque ruby. Blackberry, candied plum, cassis, licorice, bitter chocolate and potpourri on the complex, intensely perfumed nose. Dense, concentrated and seamless on the palate, offering primary black and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors and a smoky mineral accent that adds back-end vivacity. Finishes with broad, supple tannins, an echo of licorice and outstanding mineral-driven persistence. |
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Rhone | 2 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
€519.00 |
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Vinous (93)Inky ruby. Complex aromas of fresh red berries, cherry compote, smoky minerals and potpourri, with spicecake and anise nuances emerging with aeration. Smooth, sappy and sweet, displaying very good focus to its intense red fruit preserve, violet pastille and allspice flavors. Shows excellent energy and lift on the floral finish, which is firmed by supple, harmonious tannins. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97+ (WA) |
In Bond
€5,245.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97+)Raphel Coche told me that the 2012 Corton Charlemagne was the only vineyard that escaped hail damage this year. It has a very succinct nose, not predisposed to go out and grab you by the lapels. The aromatics unfurl with a sense of ease prioritizing finesse over power: beeswax, linden, lemon thyme and fresh pear. The palate is exquisitely balanced with fleeting glimpses of Seville orange and apricot. But there is more about the tension, the effortlessness and that it just rolls out across the finish like a huge Turkish rug. This is the kind of wine that exhausts superlatives. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97+ (WA) |
In Bond
€11,410.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97+)Raphel Coche told me that the 2012 Corton Charlemagne was the only vineyard that escaped hail damage this year. It has a very succinct nose, not predisposed to go out and grab you by the lapels. The aromatics unfurl with a sense of ease prioritizing finesse over power: beeswax, linden, lemon thyme and fresh pear. The palate is exquisitely balanced with fleeting glimpses of Seville orange and apricot. But there is more about the tension, the effortlessness and that it just rolls out across the finish like a huge Turkish rug. This is the kind of wine that exhausts superlatives. |
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Burgundy | 2 | 96 (TA) |
In Bond
€3,980.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (96)Drawn from three parcels within Les Perrières, this is another very impressive bottling from the Coches, père et fils. It's quite a forward wine, even in barrel, but it certainly doesn't lack the acidity or concentration to age. Sweetly oaked, floral and creamy, it has flavours of lemon zest and orange peel with an overtone of honey. |
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Rhone | 1 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,480.00 |
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Vinous (92)Saturated ruby. Intense dark berry and cherry cola scents are complemented by suggestions of olive paste, candied flowers, vanilla and woodsmoke. Offers palate-coating blackberry and bitter cherry flavors, and peppery spice and mocha qualities building on the back half. Manages to be both rich and lively, with no excess fat. The juicy, seamless finish is framed by silky, harmonious tannins and leaves behind a suave dark berry liqueur note. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 96 (TA) |
In Bond
€897.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (96)I tasted this wine on three occasions (including from barrel) this year and it's one of the best releases I've ever tasted from the domaine. Benjamin Leroux has crafted a very fine Pommard, especially in the circumstances. It's a very refined wine, with perfume, crunchy red fruits and medium weight tannins all pulling in the same direction. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
€2,230.00 |
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Wine Advocate (98)Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Musigny Vielles Vignes Grand Cru from de Vogüé has slightly brighter and more vivacious fruit than J-F Mugnier, and in fact, the two wines seem to go in two different trajectories in the glass, this blossoming and the other becoming more occluded. De Vogüé's Musigny is unashamedly floral in style, very elegant and yet delineated. There is a noticeable estuary scents, mudflats and seaweed, that begin to permeate the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, wonderful acidity and succinctly integrated new oak that is barely tangible. It is intense but elegant, long and tender in the mouth. It is a fabulous Musigny, one of the best that the domaine has produced in recent years. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97 (TA) |
In Bond
€11,940.00 |
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Tim Atkin MW (97)A combination of three parcels make up this wine, which is one of the better examples of this often overvalued Grand Cru. It's little marked by oak at present, with flavours that are just beginning to express themselves, but the tannins, the sweet red fruits and the chalky, minerally acidity are appealingy intertwined. |
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Bordeaux | 4 | 95 (JS) |
In Bond
€1,080.00 |
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James Suckling (95)Always excellent for the vintage. What a nose with currants, blackberries, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stones and wet earth too. Full-bodied and refined yet muscular and trim. Fabulously polished tannins. Try drinking in 2020. |
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Bordeaux | 10 | 91 (JS) |
In Bond
€344.00 |
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James Suckling (91)Blueberry, raspberry and citrus character. Hints of hazelnut and chocolate. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Better in 2016. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,720.00 |
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Vinous (92)Good deep red. Slightly roasted red fruits and dried spices on the nose and palate. Sweet, thick and mouthfilling; almost Rhône-like in its ripeness without coming across as heavy. Finishes with noble tannins, excellent length and surprising vinosity. |
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Rhone | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
€809.00 |
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Vinous (93)(50% new oak): Inky ruby. Sexy, inviting aromas of cherry compote, blackcurrant, incense and smoky Indian spices, with a peppery nuance in the background. Smooth, sweet and open-knit, offering sappy dark fruit and spicecake flavors complemented by notes of cola and violet pastille. Sweet and youthfully tannic on the clinging finish, with repeating smoke and floral qualities. Shows a very civilized character for this bottling, which is often a tough read in its early days. |
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Bordeaux | 4 | 91 (JS) |
In Bond
€248.00 |
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James Suckling (91)Beautiful aromas and flavors of juicy black plums, candied cherries and strawberries. This is also salty and very mineral. Full body, good acidity, velvety tannins and a long, spicy finish. Drink now. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 92 (VN (AG)) |
In Bond
€880.00 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)A very pretty wine for the year, the 2012 d'Armailhac is plush, open and seductive. Dark red cherry, tobacco, wild herbs, smoke, leather and game are all pushed forward in a pliant, supple Pauillac that is already quite open and expressive. Dark red cherry, plum, tobacco, smoke and licorice meld into the pliant finish, all with sweet floral overtones that add to the wine's considerable appeal. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
€763.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)The 2012 Château d’Issan, builds on the richness of the second wine and adds more body, structure and density. It has an inky purple color and a stunning nose of spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry fruit as well as touches of incense and graphite. Medium to full-bodied and stunningly concentrated, this 2012 is a great success in the vintage, one of the superstars. Moreover, its precociousness suggests it could be drunk in the next 4-5 years or cellared through 2025. I underrated this wine dramatically in my report of April, 2013 (Issue 206). |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 91 (VN (NM)) |
In Bond
€366.00 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (91)The 2012 La Dame de Montrose has a very classy, well-defined nose with vigorous blackberry, wild strawberry and cedar scents bursting from the glass. The oak is neatly enmeshed. The palate is well-defined with a fresh saline entry (more so than its peers). Ripe and generous, perhaps it tries too hard on the finish and loses some of its precision, but this is a fine effort. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting. |
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Burgundy | 2 | - |
In Bond
€2,190.00 |
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For the discerning collector seeking unparalleled distinction, the David Duband Chambertin Grand Cru 2012 is a peerless selection of Burgundy's finest. Crafted in the vineyards of Côte de Nuits, producer David Duband meticulously exacts his hands-on organic and biodynamic farming methodologies to cultivate the elegant Pinot Noir grapes. This globally renowned wine expresses the terroir's unique character in the bottle. Expressing superior Gallic heritage, the 2012 grape yield experienced a warmer, dry vintage, developing intense mature red fruit flavours. The David Duband Chambertin Grand Cru 2012 is celebrated for its harmonious balance, displaying a robust body with refined tannins and enduring finish. The nuanced layers of ripe cherries, opulent violets, and wet earth notes, evolve into an exemplary wine of remarkable complexity and allure. Exceptional ever since its vinification using approximately 30-40% whole bunch fermentation, David Duband's renowned delicacy in extraction honours the very essence of Burgundian winemaking. |
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Burgundy | 2 | 91-93 (VN) |
In Bond
€1,355.00 |
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Vinous (91-93)The 2012 Charmes-Chambertin is all about texture. A round, sensual Burgundy, the 2012 flows across the palate with gorgeous resonance and sensuality. Dark red stone fruits, wild flowers, spices and a hint of citrus ring out on the generous finish. Today, it looks like the 2012 will offer a long drinking window beginning pretty much upon release. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 93-96 (VN) |
In Bond
€861.00 |
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Vinous (93-96)The 2012 Corton Clos du Roi is a model of delicacy and finesse. Dark raspberries, wild flowers and savory herbs all meld together gracefully in a wine that is all about transparency, nuance and detail. Texture and a total sense of polish are some of the signatures that are impossible to miss. Dried herbs, crushed flowers and anise are all woven together nicely through to the finish. |
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Champagne | 10 | - |
In Bond
€633.00 |
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Hailing from the renowned Champagne region in France, De Saint Gall Blanc de Blancs Orpale Brut Grand Cru 2012 is an elegant testament to the mastery of the cooperative Union Champagne that governs De Saint Gall. Blending 100% Chardonnay grapes from Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, the 'Orpale' includes an appreciable 40% of reserve wines, matured for nine years. This carefully curated process bestows upon the wine a beautiful golden hue, with a plethora of refined bubbles and an enduring finish. Its nose bursts with rich aromatics of hawthorn, bergamot, and white peach. As you relish this wine, you can enjoy its fabulously compelling flavours of honeyed fruits, brioche, and caramel. With perfect harmony, the De Saint Gall Blanc de Blancs Orpale Brut Grand Cru 2012 truly offers a sublime tasting experience that seduces both the novice and seasoned connoisseur. |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,040.00 |
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Indulge in the exquisite experience of De Sousa Cuvee Umami Extra Brut Grand Cru 2012, a luxurious Champagne born in the eminent vineyards of Avize in France. Crafted by Erick De Sousa, a third-generation winegrower acclaimed for his biodynamic practices, this stellar wine evokes the essence of its terroir. The exceptional 2012 vintage manifests a unique Umami character, thanks to Sousa’s meticulous ageing process on lees for seven years, endowing it with complex flavours and an impressive structure. This 100% Chardonnay, uniquely blended from De Sousa’s ancient vines, is distinguished by its natural yeasty fragrance, crisp acidity, and hints of toasted brioche, all perfectly balanced with a remarkably low dosage. De Sousa Cuvee Umami Extra Brut Grand Cru 2012 is indisputably an embodiment of fine winemaking, perfect for connoisseurs seeking a profound taste experience. A delightful companion to oysters and caviar, it promises a euphoria for the palate. |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
In Bond
€413.00 |
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Regarded as one of the premium vintages of the decade, the De Venoge Champagne Louis XV Brut 2012 is a true testament to the winemaking finesse honed by the House of De Venoge. This Reims-established Champagne house, famed for its exceptional cellars, has indeed outdone itself with this distinct Brut, which finely balances delicacy and boldness. It's composed of grand Cru Chardonnays and Pinots Noirs, expertly aged for a minimum of six years before disgorgement, resulting in a golden champagne with an expressive, mineral nose and sublime floral notes. The producer's tradition of responsible viticulture attitudes towards their terroir ensures top-grade grapes for every bottle. On tasting, the De Venoge Champagne Louis XV Brut 2012 unveils complex layers of stone fruit and honey, beautifully rounded by a harmonious yet crisp acidity. Its finish is filled with an enveloping creaminess and a cool mineral flourish. It's a lustrous Champagne that resonates luxury and elegance. |
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Champagne | 1 | 94+ (WA) |
In Bond
€450.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94+)A worthy successor to the super 2008, Delamotte's 2012 Blanc de Blancs is performing very well—despite the fact that it was disgorged as recently as June 2019. Opening in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, dried white flowers, smoke and wheat toast, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a bright girdle of acidity, well-integrated dosage and a fine mousse, the muscularity of the vintage rendered with uncommon finesse. While this is quite expressive for such a recently disgorged vintage Delamotte, the rewards of even only a few years' patience will be considerable. |
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Rhone | 1 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
€969.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)Showing even better from bottle than barrel, the 2012 Côte Rôtie La Landonne is a fabulous effort that oozes notions of cassis, black raspberry, violet, incense and spice-box. Medium to full-bodied, with a gorgeous mid-palate and building, fine tannin, enjoy this ripe, layered, textured beauty over the coming 10-15 years. Made from 100% Syrah aged in new barrels, it’s gorgeous. |
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Rhone | 1 | 92 (VN) |
In Bond
€475.00 |
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Vinous (92)Deep ruby. Pungent dark berry and cherry pit aromas are complemented by candied violet, mocha and black pepper. Fleshy and expansive on the palate, offering sweet, spice-tinged black and blue fruit flavors that put on weight and become more spicy with air. Open-knit, pure and seamless in texture, finishing with superb punch and velvety tannins that add grip. |
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Rhone | 2 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
€408.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)Just a small step back from the Les Bessards, the 2012 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes is a stunning effort that exhibits blockbuster notes of toasted spice, leather, peppery herbs and sweet black and blue fruit. Seeing 16 months in 60% new French oak, it's a powerful, concentrated and full-bodied effort that has lots of tannin, but more than enough fruit to handle it. Like the Les Bessards, shorter-term cellaring is advised here and it will have over two decades of longevity. |
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Rhone | 1 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
€851.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The star of the show is the 2012 Hermitage Les Bessards. Coming from the pure granite soils of the Les Bessards lieu-dit, on the western edge of the appellation, it’s made from 100% Syrah and spent 16 months in 70% new French oak. It’s an incredible wine that offers classic powdered rock-like minerality, loads of crème de cassis and black raspberry fruit, smoked meats, spice and dried-flower nuances. Complex, pure and perfumed, it’s full-bodied and seamless on the palate, with fabulous density, ultra-fine tannin structure and impeccable overall balance. Give it 3-4 years in the cellar and drink it over the following two decades. |
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Champagne | 6 | - |
In Bond
€319.00 |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,445.00 |
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Exquisite and expressive, the Dhondt-Grellet Blanc de Blancs Les Nogers 1er Cru Extra Brut 2012 is an eye-catching Champagne, epitomising the height of the Champagne region's terroir. Hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Les Nogers in the Côte des Blancs, it is the fruit of the meticulous workmanship of Adrien Dhondt, a representative of the young generation of meticulous vignerons. Infused in the rich soils of Chardonnay-dominant vineyards, the wine is meticulously vinified using a method of perpetual blending, ageing on lees for seven years before its release. The Champagne reveals an unmatched depth and complexity, packed with notes of yellow stone fruit, fresh brioche and mineral zest, balanced by a riveting acidity that assures a splendid finish. A sublime manifestation of the Dhondt-Grellet`s dedication to purity and precision, the Blanc de Blancs Les Nogers 1er Cru Extra Brut 2012 is an outstanding choice for the discerning wine aficionado. |
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