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 | 19+ (MJ) |
Inc. TAX
€996.94 |
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Matthew Jukes (19+)While there are faint roasted coffee bean notes here, which hint at the warm summer, and exotic rose and musk characters that only ever emerge in concentrated vintages, this is a masterclass in restraint and self-awareness. While this 2020 perhaps lacks the overall gravitas and high-rise tannins of the majestic 2019 vintage, this is a very seductive La Chapelle and one that will appeal to lovers of textural, velvety Syrahs. I am certain that everyone who drinks this wine will fall for its charms. |
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Rhone | 4 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€355.36 |
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Vinous (95)(made entirely from fruit grown in the Mayson Blanche lieu-dit and aged in used demi-muids for nine months) Light green-hued yellow. Highly perfumed, incisive aromas of white peach, tangerine and honey pick up suggestions of iodine and chamomile as the wine opens up. Shows superb clarity and thrust on the palate, offering sappy citrus and pit fruit flavors that deepen and spread out slowly with air while maintaining energy. Finishes with excellent focus, mineral lift and persistence, leaving behind hints of candied lemon, pear nectar and oyster shell. The combination of depth and finesse here is pretty stunning, and I'll bet that this wine will enjoy a very long, smooth aging arc. |
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Rhone | 5 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€364.96 |
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Vinous (94)Inky violet color. Deeply pitched cherry, blueberry, licorice and candied violet aromas are complemented by hints of baking spices, incense and smoky minerals. Succulent and penetrating on the palate, offering deeply concentrated black/blue fruit, spice and floral pastille flavors that become more energetic as the wine slowly stretches out. Weighty and broad yet lively as well, finishing with sharp delineation, mounting tannins and outstanding, floral- and mineral-driven persistence. |
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Rhone | 2 | 19++ (MJ) |
Inc. TAX
€337.88 |
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Matthew Jukes (19++)I fell for this wine in a microsecond – the very moment the first molecule of perfume exploded on my receptors. This is a step-change vintage for La Maison Bleue because I have not seen this degree of single-mindedness and overriding intention before in this wine. 2019 La Maison Bleue seems as if it has realised that it does not need to sit behind La Chapelle in Caroline Frey’s portfolio. It signals, loud and clear, that it ought to be seated alongside its more renowned stablemate and be accorded the opportunity to address the masses as an equal, not a subordinate. This is a bold move from this honed, sleek wine. In 2019, with just that little bit more power and ambition under its belt, it has broken free and it looks absolutely sensational. The fruit is regal and layered and the tannins are precision-cut and perfectly positioned making it every inch a superstar. By the end of day five of my tasting these amazing wines, La Maison Bleue seemed as if it were saying, let’s keep going! While this is a ‘finished barrel sample’, this wine wanted to be tested to its limits and I cannot fault its enthusiasm and excellence. You simply must track it down! |
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Rhone | 5 | 18.5+ (MJ) |
Inc. TAX
€149.03 |
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Matthew Jukes (18.5+)With epic balance and stunning poise, La Maison Bleue is a Burgundian-shaped Hermitage in 2020, making it all the more intriguing and memorable. Like the others in this portfolio, the control here is remarkable, and the weight and length are astounding, too. Iodine and menthol hints coupled with garrigue and sanguineous moments add drama and detail to the sleek black core, but this is not an over-ripe or over-enthusiastic wine but a measured and contemplative soul. Delicious. |
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Rhone | 5 | 18.5+ (MJ) |
Inc. TAX
€804.07 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5+)With epic balance and stunning poise, La Maison Bleue is a Burgundian-shaped Hermitage in 2020, making it all the more intriguing and memorable. Like the others in this portfolio, the control here is remarkable, and the weight and length are astounding, too. Iodine and menthol hints coupled with garrigue and sanguineous moments add drama and detail to the sleek black core, but this is not an over-ripe or over-enthusiastic wine but a measured and contemplative soul. Delicious. |
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Rhone | 5 | 18.5+ (MJ) |
Inc. TAX
€343.88 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5+)With epic balance and stunning poise, La Maison Bleue is a Burgundian-shaped Hermitage in 2020, making it all the more intriguing and memorable. Like the others in this portfolio, the control here is remarkable, and the weight and length are astounding, too. Iodine and menthol hints coupled with garrigue and sanguineous moments add drama and detail to the sleek black core, but this is not an over-ripe or over-enthusiastic wine but a measured and contemplative soul. Delicious. |
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Rhone | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
Inc. TAX
€344.39 |
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Matthew Jukes (19+)There is extraordinary equilibrium in this sensational wine. It is so finely balanced it is baffling, and the depth and richness is offset with the most dramatic acid and strident minerality I have seen in a wine of this style. There are profound meadow-flower and stone fruit flavour here which enchant the senses but they are marshalled brilliantly by the citrus pith and green apple skin raspiness on the finish. This is the most exciting Chevalier I have ever tasted and it rivals the very best whites from this region and others besides. |
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Rhone | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€102.68 |
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Vinous (94)Bright violet. Powerful black and blue fruit preserve, spicecake and incense aromas are lifted and sharpened by a strong, smoky mineral nuance. Stains the palate with concentrated, smoke-tinged boysenberry, cherry liqueur and five-spice flavors that become more energetic with air. Shows suave, seamless texture and finishes extremely long and sappy; chewy tannins build slowly and frame the intense dark fruit. |
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Champagne | 5 | - |
Inc. TAX
€530.27 |
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The 'Paul Launois Monochrome NV NV NV' is an exquisite expression of Chardonnay, crafted to absolute perfection. Produced in the heart of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, in the renowned Champagne region of France, this wine is an embodiment of artisanal mastery. Each bottle tells the tale of meticulous vinification; its grapes are vinified in oak barrels and matured on lees for several months, injecting complex, deep flavour profiles. The illustrious producer, Paul Launois, is famed globally for his commitment to quality and unwavering dedication to tradition - both of which shine through in this champagne. On the palate, the 'Paul Launois Monochrome NV NV' reveals a harmonious blend of fresh fruit and floral notes, topped with subtle mineral undertones. This balance is rounded off by a rich, creamy texture and a delicate, persistent perlage, promising a sensuous drinking experience. It is truly a testament to Paul Launois' spirited winemaking legacy. |
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Burgundy | 4 | - |
Inc. TAX
€402.67 |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€2,337.59 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 95 (BH) |
Inc. TAX
€3,652.42 |
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Burghound (95)Don't miss! Here too there is a whiff of honeysuckle and more floral elements on the ripe and fresh nose of mostly citrus confit, spice and essence of pear. The medium weight flavors are not quite as concentrated though the sophisticated texture is even finer while displaying even better length on the equally well-balanced. This is stunningly good and while it could use a bit more depth, overall this beauty is a knockout. |
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Burgundy | 5 | - |
Inc. TAX
€234.52 |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€833.76 |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,953.36 |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€1,074.48 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 93 (IB) |
Inc. TAX
€1,131.12 |
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Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93)Pale lime and lemon. More electric on the nose with a slight citrus too. Clean white fruit at the front of the palate, more power behind, a good example but not quite the precision of the finest. The finish continues well and shows a riper countenance. Drink from 2028-2036. Tasted: October 2023. |
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Paul Pernot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles
(6x75cl)
2023
|
|
Burgundy | - | - |
Expected Price Range
€1,174 -
€1,409
|
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|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. TAX
€198.97 |
|||||
|
A display of fine viticulture, the Paul Pillot Bourgogne Aligote 2021 is a splendid testament to its Burgundy roots. This elegant white originates from the renowned Paul Pillot estate, a testament to traditional wine-making that has been passed down through generations since the mid-19th century. Notably cultivated in high quality clay and limestone soils, the Aligote grapes benefit from the terroir and microclimate to bring forth crisp, vibrant flavours. Crafted with a minimalistic approach, utilising natural yeasts for fermentation and aged in stainless steel vats, this wine retains its fruitful purity. The Paul Pillot Bourgogne Aligote 2021 emits attractive aromas of green apples, lemons, and a touch of minerality, leading to a balanced, citrusy palate with an invigorating acidity and long, refreshing finish. This sophisticated Aligote presents a beautiful bright, straw yellow that perfectly reflects its refreshing, lively character— a sure choice for enthusiasts and collectors alike. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Rhone | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
In Bond
€807.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19+)While there are faint roasted coffee bean notes here, which hint at the warm summer, and exotic rose and musk characters that only ever emerge in concentrated vintages, this is a masterclass in restraint and self-awareness. While this 2020 perhaps lacks the overall gravitas and high-rise tannins of the majestic 2019 vintage, this is a very seductive La Chapelle and one that will appeal to lovers of textural, velvety Syrahs. I am certain that everyone who drinks this wine will fall for its charms. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 4 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
€289.00 |
|||||
Vinous (95)(made entirely from fruit grown in the Mayson Blanche lieu-dit and aged in used demi-muids for nine months) Light green-hued yellow. Highly perfumed, incisive aromas of white peach, tangerine and honey pick up suggestions of iodine and chamomile as the wine opens up. Shows superb clarity and thrust on the palate, offering sappy citrus and pit fruit flavors that deepen and spread out slowly with air while maintaining energy. Finishes with excellent focus, mineral lift and persistence, leaving behind hints of candied lemon, pear nectar and oyster shell. The combination of depth and finesse here is pretty stunning, and I'll bet that this wine will enjoy a very long, smooth aging arc. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 5 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
€281.00 |
|||||
Vinous (94)Inky violet color. Deeply pitched cherry, blueberry, licorice and candied violet aromas are complemented by hints of baking spices, incense and smoky minerals. Succulent and penetrating on the palate, offering deeply concentrated black/blue fruit, spice and floral pastille flavors that become more energetic as the wine slowly stretches out. Weighty and broad yet lively as well, finishing with sharp delineation, mounting tannins and outstanding, floral- and mineral-driven persistence. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 2 | 19++ (MJ) |
In Bond
€257.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19++)I fell for this wine in a microsecond – the very moment the first molecule of perfume exploded on my receptors. This is a step-change vintage for La Maison Bleue because I have not seen this degree of single-mindedness and overriding intention before in this wine. 2019 La Maison Bleue seems as if it has realised that it does not need to sit behind La Chapelle in Caroline Frey’s portfolio. It signals, loud and clear, that it ought to be seated alongside its more renowned stablemate and be accorded the opportunity to address the masses as an equal, not a subordinate. This is a bold move from this honed, sleek wine. In 2019, with just that little bit more power and ambition under its belt, it has broken free and it looks absolutely sensational. The fruit is regal and layered and the tannins are precision-cut and perfectly positioned making it every inch a superstar. By the end of day five of my tasting these amazing wines, La Maison Bleue seemed as if it were saying, let’s keep going! While this is a ‘finished barrel sample’, this wine wanted to be tested to its limits and I cannot fault its enthusiasm and excellence. You simply must track it down! |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 5 | 18.5+ (MJ) |
In Bond
€116.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5+)With epic balance and stunning poise, La Maison Bleue is a Burgundian-shaped Hermitage in 2020, making it all the more intriguing and memorable. Like the others in this portfolio, the control here is remarkable, and the weight and length are astounding, too. Iodine and menthol hints coupled with garrigue and sanguineous moments add drama and detail to the sleek black core, but this is not an over-ripe or over-enthusiastic wine but a measured and contemplative soul. Delicious. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 5 | 18.5+ (MJ) |
In Bond
€621.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5+)With epic balance and stunning poise, La Maison Bleue is a Burgundian-shaped Hermitage in 2020, making it all the more intriguing and memorable. Like the others in this portfolio, the control here is remarkable, and the weight and length are astounding, too. Iodine and menthol hints coupled with garrigue and sanguineous moments add drama and detail to the sleek black core, but this is not an over-ripe or over-enthusiastic wine but a measured and contemplative soul. Delicious. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 5 | 18.5+ (MJ) |
In Bond
€262.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (18.5+)With epic balance and stunning poise, La Maison Bleue is a Burgundian-shaped Hermitage in 2020, making it all the more intriguing and memorable. Like the others in this portfolio, the control here is remarkable, and the weight and length are astounding, too. Iodine and menthol hints coupled with garrigue and sanguineous moments add drama and detail to the sleek black core, but this is not an over-ripe or over-enthusiastic wine but a measured and contemplative soul. Delicious. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | 19+ (MJ) |
In Bond
€264.00 |
|||||
Matthew Jukes (19+)There is extraordinary equilibrium in this sensational wine. It is so finely balanced it is baffling, and the depth and richness is offset with the most dramatic acid and strident minerality I have seen in a wine of this style. There are profound meadow-flower and stone fruit flavour here which enchant the senses but they are marshalled brilliantly by the citrus pith and green apple skin raspiness on the finish. This is the most exciting Chevalier I have ever tasted and it rivals the very best whites from this region and others besides. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
€82.00 |
|||||
Vinous (94)Bright violet. Powerful black and blue fruit preserve, spicecake and incense aromas are lifted and sharpened by a strong, smoky mineral nuance. Stains the palate with concentrated, smoke-tinged boysenberry, cherry liqueur and five-spice flavors that become more energetic with air. Shows suave, seamless texture and finishes extremely long and sappy; chewy tannins build slowly and frame the intense dark fruit. |
|||||||||
|
|
Champagne | 5 | - |
In Bond
€419.00 |
|||||
|
The 'Paul Launois Monochrome NV NV NV' is an exquisite expression of Chardonnay, crafted to absolute perfection. Produced in the heart of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, in the renowned Champagne region of France, this wine is an embodiment of artisanal mastery. Each bottle tells the tale of meticulous vinification; its grapes are vinified in oak barrels and matured on lees for several months, injecting complex, deep flavour profiles. The illustrious producer, Paul Launois, is famed globally for his commitment to quality and unwavering dedication to tradition - both of which shine through in this champagne. On the palate, the 'Paul Launois Monochrome NV NV' reveals a harmonious blend of fresh fruit and floral notes, topped with subtle mineral undertones. This balance is rounded off by a rich, creamy texture and a delicate, persistent perlage, promising a sensuous drinking experience. It is truly a testament to Paul Launois' spirited winemaking legacy. |
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|
Burgundy | 4 | - |
In Bond
€288.00 |
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|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,925.00 |
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|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 95 (BH) |
In Bond
€3,025.00 |
|||||
Burghound (95)Don't miss! Here too there is a whiff of honeysuckle and more floral elements on the ripe and fresh nose of mostly citrus confit, spice and essence of pear. The medium weight flavors are not quite as concentrated though the sophisticated texture is even finer while displaying even better length on the equally well-balanced. This is stunningly good and while it could use a bit more depth, overall this beauty is a knockout. |
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|
|
Burgundy | 5 | - |
In Bond
€173.00 |
|||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
€652.00 |
|||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
€1,585.00 |
|||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
€874.00 |
|||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 93 (IB) |
In Bond
€922.00 |
|||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93)Pale lime and lemon. More electric on the nose with a slight citrus too. Clean white fruit at the front of the palate, more power behind, a good example but not quite the precision of the finest. The finish continues well and shows a riper countenance. Drink from 2028-2036. Tasted: October 2023. |
|||||||||
Paul Pernot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles
(6x75cl)
2023
|
|
Burgundy | - | - |
Expected Price Range
€1,174 -
€1,409
|
||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
€146.00 |
|||||
|
A display of fine viticulture, the Paul Pillot Bourgogne Aligote 2021 is a splendid testament to its Burgundy roots. This elegant white originates from the renowned Paul Pillot estate, a testament to traditional wine-making that has been passed down through generations since the mid-19th century. Notably cultivated in high quality clay and limestone soils, the Aligote grapes benefit from the terroir and microclimate to bring forth crisp, vibrant flavours. Crafted with a minimalistic approach, utilising natural yeasts for fermentation and aged in stainless steel vats, this wine retains its fruitful purity. The Paul Pillot Bourgogne Aligote 2021 emits attractive aromas of green apples, lemons, and a touch of minerality, leading to a balanced, citrusy palate with an invigorating acidity and long, refreshing finish. This sophisticated Aligote presents a beautiful bright, straw yellow that perfectly reflects its refreshing, lively character— a sure choice for enthusiasts and collectors alike. |
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