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 | 17 | 87 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€332.66 |
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Wine Advocate (87)This pleasant, elegant 2008 is less impressive from bottle than it was from barrel. Straightforward with good acidity and tarry black currant notes intermixed with a weedy, herbaceous character, it should be consumed over the next 5-6 years. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91.0 |
Inc. TAX
€428.16 |
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The 2010 Chateau Fonbel is a classic Saint-Emilion. Aromas of sweet black cherries, roasted thyme and rosemary dominate the palate while hints of cigar box and lavender linger in the background. Though Approachable now, this should age nicely for quite a few years.
More Info
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Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. TAX
€277.46 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)(a blend of 63% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon,10% petit verdot and 7% carmenère): Fully saturated inky purple. Coffee, cocoa and cassis on the nose, along with a musky note that I attribute to the carmenère. Then ample and sweet in the mouth, with syrupy blackberry and vanilla flavors that linger on the tangy, rather light finish. |
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Bordeaux | 10 | 91 (VN (AG)) |
Inc. TAX
€301.46 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)Graphite, dark blue/black fruit, smoke and spices meld together in the 2012 de Fonbel. Beams of supporting minerality and tannin give the 2012 much of its energy and sense of direction. This is a very pretty, impeccably balanced wine from the Vauthier family. The blend is 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Carmenère. Drink this attractive Saint-Emilion over the next decade or so. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€366.96 |
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Wine Advocate (91)Composed of 70% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 7% Carménère, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Fonbel has a classic nose of warm red plums, cigar box and black plums with nuances of redcurrants, Sichuan pepper and tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a lot of mid-palate fruit with lovely plush tannins and a long refreshing finish. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 92-94 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€243.83 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (92-94)A blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Carménère, the 2018 Château De Fonbel is a juicy, medium to full-bodied, elegant Saint-Émilion that has seriously good notes of black cherries, black raspberries, violets, and spice. It shows the ripe, sexy style of the vintage, but its purity of fruit and polished tannins set it apart. This is a beautiful wine and my money is on it being a best to date. |
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Bordeaux | 101 | 90 (VN (NM)) |
Inc. TAX
€294.46 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (90)The 2019 Château de Fonbel has an attractive bouquet of raspberry, briary and light minty scents with just a touch of freshly rolled tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied, quite cohesive and fleshy, delivering tobacco-tinged red fruit, moderate weight and a gentle grip toward the finish, which is lent a little sharpness by the 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 90 (VN (NM)) |
Inc. TAX
€156.23 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (90)The 2019 Château de Fonbel has an attractive bouquet of raspberry, briary and light minty scents with just a touch of freshly rolled tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied, quite cohesive and fleshy, delivering tobacco-tinged red fruit, moderate weight and a gentle grip toward the finish, which is lent a little sharpness by the 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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Bordeaux | 10 | 16 (JR) |
Inc. TAX
€316.56 |
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Jancis Robinson (16)65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Carmenère. 26 hl/ha (half the normal production). Cask sample. Juicy and fruit-driven with considerable freshness. Red- and dark-fruit notes. Touch more concentration due to yield. Light but finely etched tannins. Simple but pleasing. (JL) 14% |
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Bordeaux | 4 | 94 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€364.06 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (94)The 2022 Château De Fonbel is more rounded and layered, with beautiful cassis and black cherry fruits intermixed with chocolaty herbs, graphite, and crushed stone. This ripe, textured, medium to full-bodied 2022 has beautiful tannins and outstanding length. I like it today, and it should have 10-12 years, if not slightly longer, of prime drinking. |
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Bordeaux | 149 | 94 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€161.03 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (94)The 2022 Château De Fonbel is more rounded and layered, with beautiful cassis and black cherry fruits intermixed with chocolaty herbs, graphite, and crushed stone. This ripe, textured, medium to full-bodied 2022 has beautiful tannins and outstanding length. I like it today, and it should have 10-12 years, if not slightly longer, of prime drinking. |
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Bordeaux | 6 | 92-93 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€269.47 |
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James Suckling (92-93)Very pretty with pure cassis and sliced orange character. Medium body, fine tannins and a polished finish. Balanced and fresh. Some stone and salty undertones. 64% merlot, 28% cabernet sauvignon and 8% carmenere. |
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2 | - |
Inc. TAX
€434.88 |
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The Chateau de Fosse-Seche Panthalassa VdF 2020 is an exemplar of the exceptional French viticulture. Tucked away in the Loire Valley region, the eco-conscious Chateau de Fosse-Seche is renowned for its time-honoured biodynamic practices. This Panthalassa vintage was masterfully crafted by outclassing various grape varieties including the rare Côt, Gamay, and Grolleau grapes grown in the estate's vineyards. Revealing deep, saturated hues of garnet, this wine mirrors the richness of its terroir, with tasting notes redolent of ripe black fruits subtly underscored by earthy undertones. Expect an effusion of sharp, edgy tannins that soften exquisitely into a smooth and lengthy finish. The Chateau de Fosse-Seche Panthalassa VdF 2020 is an audacious expression of complexity and elegance in a bottle. This wine is a testament to the harmonious marriage of traditional winemaking techniques with modern, sustainable viticulture. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Bordeaux | 17 | 87 (WA) |
In Bond
€236.00 |
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Wine Advocate (87)This pleasant, elegant 2008 is less impressive from bottle than it was from barrel. Straightforward with good acidity and tarry black currant notes intermixed with a weedy, herbaceous character, it should be consumed over the next 5-6 years. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91.0 |
In Bond
€314.00 |
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The 2010 Chateau Fonbel is a classic Saint-Emilion. Aromas of sweet black cherries, roasted thyme and rosemary dominate the palate while hints of cigar box and lavender linger in the background. Though Approachable now, this should age nicely for quite a few years.
More Info
|
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|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (VN (ST)) |
In Bond
€190.00 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)(a blend of 63% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon,10% petit verdot and 7% carmenère): Fully saturated inky purple. Coffee, cocoa and cassis on the nose, along with a musky note that I attribute to the carmenère. Then ample and sweet in the mouth, with syrupy blackberry and vanilla flavors that linger on the tangy, rather light finish. |
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|
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Bordeaux | 10 | 91 (VN (AG)) |
In Bond
€210.00 |
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)Graphite, dark blue/black fruit, smoke and spices meld together in the 2012 de Fonbel. Beams of supporting minerality and tannin give the 2012 much of its energy and sense of direction. This is a very pretty, impeccably balanced wine from the Vauthier family. The blend is 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Carmenère. Drink this attractive Saint-Emilion over the next decade or so. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (WA) |
In Bond
€263.00 |
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Wine Advocate (91)Composed of 70% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 7% Carménère, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Fonbel has a classic nose of warm red plums, cigar box and black plums with nuances of redcurrants, Sichuan pepper and tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a lot of mid-palate fruit with lovely plush tannins and a long refreshing finish. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 92-94 (JD) |
In Bond
€181.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (92-94)A blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Carménère, the 2018 Château De Fonbel is a juicy, medium to full-bodied, elegant Saint-Émilion that has seriously good notes of black cherries, black raspberries, violets, and spice. It shows the ripe, sexy style of the vintage, but its purity of fruit and polished tannins set it apart. This is a beautiful wine and my money is on it being a best to date. |
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Bordeaux | 101 | 90 (VN (NM)) |
In Bond
€201.00 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (90)The 2019 Château de Fonbel has an attractive bouquet of raspberry, briary and light minty scents with just a touch of freshly rolled tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied, quite cohesive and fleshy, delivering tobacco-tinged red fruit, moderate weight and a gentle grip toward the finish, which is lent a little sharpness by the 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 90 (VN (NM)) |
In Bond
€108.00 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (90)The 2019 Château de Fonbel has an attractive bouquet of raspberry, briary and light minty scents with just a touch of freshly rolled tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied, quite cohesive and fleshy, delivering tobacco-tinged red fruit, moderate weight and a gentle grip toward the finish, which is lent a little sharpness by the 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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Bordeaux | 10 | 16 (JR) |
In Bond
€221.00 |
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Jancis Robinson (16)65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Carmenère. 26 hl/ha (half the normal production). Cask sample. Juicy and fruit-driven with considerable freshness. Red- and dark-fruit notes. Touch more concentration due to yield. Light but finely etched tannins. Simple but pleasing. (JL) 14% |
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Bordeaux | 4 | 94 (JD) |
In Bond
€259.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (94)The 2022 Château De Fonbel is more rounded and layered, with beautiful cassis and black cherry fruits intermixed with chocolaty herbs, graphite, and crushed stone. This ripe, textured, medium to full-bodied 2022 has beautiful tannins and outstanding length. I like it today, and it should have 10-12 years, if not slightly longer, of prime drinking. |
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Bordeaux | 149 | 94 (JD) |
In Bond
€112.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (94)The 2022 Château De Fonbel is more rounded and layered, with beautiful cassis and black cherry fruits intermixed with chocolaty herbs, graphite, and crushed stone. This ripe, textured, medium to full-bodied 2022 has beautiful tannins and outstanding length. I like it today, and it should have 10-12 years, if not slightly longer, of prime drinking. |
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Bordeaux | 6 | 92-93 (JS) |
In Bond
€177.00 |
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James Suckling (92-93)Very pretty with pure cassis and sliced orange character. Medium body, fine tannins and a polished finish. Balanced and fresh. Some stone and salty undertones. 64% merlot, 28% cabernet sauvignon and 8% carmenere. |
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|
2 | - |
In Bond
€341.00 |
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|
The Chateau de Fosse-Seche Panthalassa VdF 2020 is an exemplar of the exceptional French viticulture. Tucked away in the Loire Valley region, the eco-conscious Chateau de Fosse-Seche is renowned for its time-honoured biodynamic practices. This Panthalassa vintage was masterfully crafted by outclassing various grape varieties including the rare Côt, Gamay, and Grolleau grapes grown in the estate's vineyards. Revealing deep, saturated hues of garnet, this wine mirrors the richness of its terroir, with tasting notes redolent of ripe black fruits subtly underscored by earthy undertones. Expect an effusion of sharp, edgy tannins that soften exquisitely into a smooth and lengthy finish. The Chateau de Fosse-Seche Panthalassa VdF 2020 is an audacious expression of complexity and elegance in a bottle. This wine is a testament to the harmonious marriage of traditional winemaking techniques with modern, sustainable viticulture. |
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