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 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Bordeaux | 4 | 94+ (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€197.74 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (94+)The 2019 Château Fombrauge is terrific and has a good mix of richness, concentration, and elegance. Giving up notes of mulled ripe cherries, Asian spices, blackberries, tobacco, and cedar pencil on the nose, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, layered, pure mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and just beautiful overall balance. It's already drinking beautifully today yet will evolve positively for 5-7 years and hold for another 15-20 years. It's another brilliant Saint-Emilion in the vintage. This seemed more modern and polished from barrel but shows a very classic style now from bottle. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 97 | 93-95 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€186.52 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)The inky-hued 2020 Château Fombrauge is another wonderful Saint-Emilion that shines on all accounts. Possessing terrific purity in its cassis-styled fruits as well as notes of violets, chocolate, and chalky minerality, this puppy is medium to full-bodied, has a great mid-palate, background oak, and outstanding length. Tasted twice. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 5 | 92-93 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€201.34 |
|||||
James Suckling (92-93)Perfumed and fresh with flowers, such as lavender and violets. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that are layered and refined in texture. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 100 | 94 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€199.19 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (94)Smoky black cherries, savory herbs, crushed stone, and graphite nuances all emerge from the 2022 Château Fombrauge, a wonderfully textured, full-bodied Saint-Emilion that has ripe, integrated tannins and a great finish. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 6 | 94-95 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€186.94 |
|||||
James Suckling (94-95)This has a creamy texture with round tannins, very attractive ripe fruit and a juicy finish of blackberry and chocolate. Medium to full body. More balanced than 2022? |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€170.35 |
|||||
|
Fonbadet 1981 epitomises the pinnacle of fine winemaking, crafted in the esteemed vineyards of Burgundy, France. This exquisite vintage emerges from meticulously selected Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, cultivated in limestone-rich soils that impart a distinctive minerality. Under the masterful guidance of Domaine Fonbadet, a family-run estate with over a century of heritage, each bottle undergoes a traditional fermentation process in French oak barrels, ensuring a harmonious balance of complexity and elegance. The Fonbadet 1981 exhibits a profound depth of flavour, showcasing notes of blackberry, truffle, and subtle oak undertones, seamlessly integrated with a velvety tannic structure. Aged gracefully for over four decades, this exceptional wine offers a remarkable bouquet and a lingering finish, making it a coveted addition to any connoisseur’s collection. Fonbadet 1981 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and unparalleled craftsmanship of Domaine Fonbadet. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€539.47 |
|||||
|
Behold, Fondreche Ventoux Divergente 2015, an exquisite Old World wine crown jewel. Crafted near the Mount Ventoux in Southeastern Rhône, its birthplace contributes a unique and robust terroir. The acclaimed winemaker, Sebastien Vincenti, who follows organic and biodynamic practices, carefully oversees the process. This beauty is a culmination of 100% Grenache, aged in cement tanks to maintain the purity of fruit and expression of the soil. Fondreche Ventoux Divergente 2015 is a matured vintage with immense ageing potential of another decade or two and its low production makes it highly sought-after. Its deeply intense, complex character offers an enticing nose of black fruit, kirsch, truffle and lavender, effortlessly reaching a broad palate with prominent tannic structure and long finish. Bold yet elegant, this wine signifies the epitome of Ventoux’s potential. Revel in the formidable balance of this divine nectar, a testament to harmonious winemaking. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | 97 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€268.79 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (97)Reminding me of one of the Sélections Parcellaires Hermitage from Michel Chapoutier, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was mostly destemmed and brought up in foudre. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, peppered meats, graphite, and liquid rock notes all flow to a fat, unctuous, sexy Syrah that has beautiful acidity, fine tannin, and a huge finish. It's a true “Wow” wine that needs to be tasted to be believed. Put this in a blind lineup of top Hermitage and shock all your friends. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€537.56 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (89)The resurrection and rebound in quality of Fonplegade under the Adams family of America, who hired consulting oenologist Michel Rolland, has been remarkable. The 2011 continues to provide convincing evidence of their commitment to quality. Slightly more narrowly constructed than usual, it possesses good purity along with lots of red and black fruits and minerality in a medium-bodied, compact style. Nevertheless, it should age nicely for a decade or more. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96+ (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€382.79 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (96+)Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Fonplegade opens with a very savory nose of smoked meats, tapenade, sautéed herbs and beef drippings over a core of plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and cedar chest plus wafts of violets and cigars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses both intensity and elegance, with the black fruit layers superbly framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 6 | 94 (VN (AG)) |
Inc. TAX
€209.28 |
|||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)The 2017 Fonplégade is classy, polished and simply impeccable in its balance. The Fonplégade is not a huge wine, but it has really gained in finesse over the course of its aging. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, mint and cinnamon add character to this racy, silky, exceptionally polished Saint-Émilion. Floral overtones add brightness to the finish. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 93-95 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€344.39 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (93-95)Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fonplegade strides confidently out of the glass with bold black cherries, warm plums and black raspberry scents plus hints of cedar chest, pencil shavings, lavender, garrigue and camphor. Full-bodied, rich and packed with expressive black fruits, it has a firm, velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 94-96 (WCI) |
Inc. TAX
€260.63 |
|||||
The Wine Cellar Insider (94-96)Crushed rocks, currants, cherries, flowers, licorice, smoke, cocoa and espresso covers all the bases in the perfume. Elegant and edgy, silky, soft and mineral driven, the fruits show a beautiful purity, freshness and refinement on the palate, leaving you with salty tannins and sweet plums that continue to linger and expand in the finish. The wine is made from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. |
|||||||||
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Bordeaux | 4 | 94+ (JD) |
In Bond
€141.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (94+)The 2019 Château Fombrauge is terrific and has a good mix of richness, concentration, and elegance. Giving up notes of mulled ripe cherries, Asian spices, blackberries, tobacco, and cedar pencil on the nose, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, layered, pure mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and just beautiful overall balance. It's already drinking beautifully today yet will evolve positively for 5-7 years and hold for another 15-20 years. It's another brilliant Saint-Emilion in the vintage. This seemed more modern and polished from barrel but shows a very classic style now from bottle. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 97 | 93-95 (JD) |
In Bond
€133.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)The inky-hued 2020 Château Fombrauge is another wonderful Saint-Emilion that shines on all accounts. Possessing terrific purity in its cassis-styled fruits as well as notes of violets, chocolate, and chalky minerality, this puppy is medium to full-bodied, has a great mid-palate, background oak, and outstanding length. Tasted twice. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 5 | 92-93 (JS) |
In Bond
€144.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (92-93)Perfumed and fresh with flowers, such as lavender and violets. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that are layered and refined in texture. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 100 | 94 (JD) |
In Bond
€143.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (94)Smoky black cherries, savory herbs, crushed stone, and graphite nuances all emerge from the 2022 Château Fombrauge, a wonderfully textured, full-bodied Saint-Emilion that has ripe, integrated tannins and a great finish. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 6 | 94-95 (JS) |
In Bond
€132.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (94-95)This has a creamy texture with round tannins, very attractive ripe fruit and a juicy finish of blackberry and chocolate. Medium to full body. More balanced than 2022? |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
In Bond
€138.00 |
|||||
|
Fonbadet 1981 epitomises the pinnacle of fine winemaking, crafted in the esteemed vineyards of Burgundy, France. This exquisite vintage emerges from meticulously selected Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, cultivated in limestone-rich soils that impart a distinctive minerality. Under the masterful guidance of Domaine Fonbadet, a family-run estate with over a century of heritage, each bottle undergoes a traditional fermentation process in French oak barrels, ensuring a harmonious balance of complexity and elegance. The Fonbadet 1981 exhibits a profound depth of flavour, showcasing notes of blackberry, truffle, and subtle oak undertones, seamlessly integrated with a velvety tannic structure. Aged gracefully for over four decades, this exceptional wine offers a remarkable bouquet and a lingering finish, making it a coveted addition to any connoisseur’s collection. Fonbadet 1981 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and unparalleled craftsmanship of Domaine Fonbadet. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | - |
In Bond
€402.00 |
|||||
|
Behold, Fondreche Ventoux Divergente 2015, an exquisite Old World wine crown jewel. Crafted near the Mount Ventoux in Southeastern Rhône, its birthplace contributes a unique and robust terroir. The acclaimed winemaker, Sebastien Vincenti, who follows organic and biodynamic practices, carefully oversees the process. This beauty is a culmination of 100% Grenache, aged in cement tanks to maintain the purity of fruit and expression of the soil. Fondreche Ventoux Divergente 2015 is a matured vintage with immense ageing potential of another decade or two and its low production makes it highly sought-after. Its deeply intense, complex character offers an enticing nose of black fruit, kirsch, truffle and lavender, effortlessly reaching a broad palate with prominent tannic structure and long finish. Bold yet elegant, this wine signifies the epitome of Ventoux’s potential. Revel in the formidable balance of this divine nectar, a testament to harmonious winemaking. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | 97 (JD) |
In Bond
€201.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (97)Reminding me of one of the Sélections Parcellaires Hermitage from Michel Chapoutier, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was mostly destemmed and brought up in foudre. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, peppered meats, graphite, and liquid rock notes all flow to a fat, unctuous, sexy Syrah that has beautiful acidity, fine tannin, and a huge finish. It's a true “Wow” wine that needs to be tasted to be believed. Put this in a blind lineup of top Hermitage and shock all your friends. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (WA) |
In Bond
€402.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (89)The resurrection and rebound in quality of Fonplegade under the Adams family of America, who hired consulting oenologist Michel Rolland, has been remarkable. The 2011 continues to provide convincing evidence of their commitment to quality. Slightly more narrowly constructed than usual, it possesses good purity along with lots of red and black fruits and minerality in a medium-bodied, compact style. Nevertheless, it should age nicely for a decade or more. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96+ (WA) |
In Bond
€296.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (96+)Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Fonplegade opens with a very savory nose of smoked meats, tapenade, sautéed herbs and beef drippings over a core of plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and cedar chest plus wafts of violets and cigars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses both intensity and elegance, with the black fruit layers superbly framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 6 | 94 (VN (AG)) |
In Bond
€153.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)The 2017 Fonplégade is classy, polished and simply impeccable in its balance. The Fonplégade is not a huge wine, but it has really gained in finesse over the course of its aging. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, mint and cinnamon add character to this racy, silky, exceptionally polished Saint-Émilion. Floral overtones add brightness to the finish. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 93-95 (WA) |
In Bond
€264.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (93-95)Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fonplegade strides confidently out of the glass with bold black cherries, warm plums and black raspberry scents plus hints of cedar chest, pencil shavings, lavender, garrigue and camphor. Full-bodied, rich and packed with expressive black fruits, it has a firm, velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 94-96 (WCI) |
In Bond
€195.00 |
|||||
The Wine Cellar Insider (94-96)Crushed rocks, currants, cherries, flowers, licorice, smoke, cocoa and espresso covers all the bases in the perfume. Elegant and edgy, silky, soft and mineral driven, the fruits show a beautiful purity, freshness and refinement on the palate, leaving you with salty tannins and sweet plums that continue to linger and expand in the finish. The wine is made from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. |
|||||||||
