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
![Bottle of Cristal, Lafite, DRC, Rayas and Chave](https://media.cruworldwine.com/media/resized/500_300/catalog/category/France.png)
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Wine Advocate (90-92)
The 2016 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion comes from vines located in the clos over towards Martillac, rather than the vines in the original Les Carmes Haut-Brion vineyard in the Bordeaux suburbs, known as Le Clos des Carmes Haut-Brion up until the 2013 vintage. It is a blend of 51% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvigon and 1% Petit Verdot, matured in 30% new oak and the remainder one year old barrels. This includes 25% whole berry fruit. It offers plenty of brambly black fruit on the nose, crushed violets, fresh fig and a touch of spice that opens nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, neatly integrated oak, a little plushness on the entry thanks to the Merlot, and then it dovetails into a more structured, gently grippy, chalk-textured finish with attractive black fruit. Give this two or three years in bottle just to shave off a little abrasiveness and you will have a fine Pessac-Léognan.Inc. VAT£379.24 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (90-92)
Plump, sugar-laced black fruit, boysenberry, licorice, campfire smoke and barbecue essence get things underway. Quicky the sassy tannins kick in, shepherding you to a chic, fresh, tobacco infused, fruit-filled core. Using 30% whole bunches in the vinification, the wine was made from 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, reaching 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.72. The harvest took place September 19 to October 3 and, sadly, close to 25% of the vines were damaged by frost.Inc. VAT£289.24 -
Decanter (96)
Beautiful fragrance to the nose, perfumed and delicate yet so expressive, nothing out of balance with cherries and violets bursting out of the glass. Gorgeous smooth mouthfeel with some milk chocolate dusting on the fruit, tannins are delicate and softly mouth filling with a lovely salinity to the palate - creamy and unctuous but at the same time there's lots of acidity. This has a verticality to it, layered but with an aerial quality too, the flavours just glide across the palate with lift on the finish - so satisfying and drinkable. Just a glorious, shining, bright, velvety, succulent glass of wine. Pure elegance. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, 3.55pH.Inc. VAT£229.24 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Bottled after 24 months' élevage, much of which took place in large foudres, the 2020 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and spices complemented by hints of rose petal and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, supple and pillowy, with an ample core of fruit framed by melting tannins, it's a suave and charming blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.Inc. VAT£237.04 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)
Fresh but reticent black cherry-dominated nose. More closed than the '96 following the bottling, and a bit disjointed today. Seems drier than the '96, but has plenty of underlying sweetness, solid structure, and nicely buffered tannins.Inc. VAT£1,054.13 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)
Dark red. Sappy red fruits and smoke on the nose. Cedary, minerally and uncompromisingly dry, with strong acidity giving the flavors penetration and cut. Finishes firmly tannic, with very good grip. This is always a second wine with character, rather than simply a receptacle for the fruit that doesn't make it into the grand vinInc. VAT£1,518.07 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2005 Bahans Haut-Brion is the second wine from Haut-Brion, known today as Le Clarence. A huge, virile red, the 2005 exudes intensity from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, smoke, tobacco, gravel and cured meats blast across the palate. The wine’s richness, heft and power are truly remarkable. Today, the 2005 comes across as shockingly young. This heady, exotic Pessac-Léognan has much to offer. It’s price naturally reflects its position as a second wine to a First Growth, yet the 2005 is a serious wine that has a ton to offer.Inc. VAT£1,488.07 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)
Good deep red. Black raspberry, sassafras, road tar and spicy oak on the nose. Sweet berry fruit shows an almost liqueur-like creaminess, but a peppery element and good underlying minerality lend grip to the finish, which features a fine dusting of tannins and nice cedary persistence. An excellent second wine.Inc. VAT£1,467.67 -
James Suckling (95)
This is very, very Haut-Brion. Perhaps this second wine is like the gran vin in 1995? Full body, with rich ripe tannins, with a silky texture. It is dense and powerful. Long and rich. Better in 2016. Best second wine of Haut-Brion ever? It has just about everything Haut-Brion has in an excellent year like this. Try in 2019.Inc. VAT£1,622.47 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Coffee and currants with hints of sweet tobacco and vanilla bean. Subtle yet intense. Full body, with sexy tannins and a sweet fruit coating around it. Very fine and linear. Direct. Gorgeous. Better than I remember.Inc. VAT£1,537.27 -
James Suckling (91-92)
Lovely second wine of Haut Brion with tobacco, chocolate and dark fruits. Earth too. Full body with fine tannins and pretty finish. Very balanced. Nicely done.Inc. VAT£856.84 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)
The 2012 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a dark, beguiling beauty. Smoke, violets, dried flowers and savory herbs lead to a core of expressive blue/purplish fruit in a powerful wine that is going to need time to settle down. Far from an easygoing 2012, the Clarence boasts notable depth and intensity to match its virile personality. This is an impressive second wine, that much is obvious.Inc. VAT£1,544.47 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)
The 2013 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is soft, silky and medium in body. Rose petals, mint and sweet red berries all lift from the glass in an intensely floral wine supported by beams of mineral and graphite notes. Silky tannins add finesse to the supple, gracious finish. The 2013 is 57% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Cabernet Franc.Inc. VAT£1,444.87 -
James Suckling (95)
Love the sweet-tobacco and floral aromas to this with currant fruit as well. Full-bodied, solid and tight. Chewy tannins. A racy second wine of Haut-Brion with lots of tone and tension. Try in 2024.Inc. VAT£824.44 -
James Suckling (95)
Aromas of forest floor, mushrooms, lavender and violets. Full-bodied, tight and structured with fantastic tannins and focus. Long and layered. Impressively toned. Give it three or four years to come together. Begin drinking in 2023.Inc. VAT£702.04 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is powerful and intense with lots of minerals, crushed stones and dark fruit. Dense and linear. Minerally and very energetic.Inc. VAT£886.84 -
Wine Enthusiast (93-95)
Barrel Sample. Firmly structured, this is a powerful wine full of intense fruit. The wine certainly has structure but the main thrust is towards rich fruit and integrated tannins.Inc. VAT£782.44 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A lovely, dense white with pretty phenolic tension and dried-apple and peach character. Medium to full body. Phenolics give this tension.Inc. VAT£709.24 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This has fascinating, smoky, bark, dried-meat and crushed-berry character. It’s full-bodied with crushed stone, tobacco and dried meat. Extremely long and flavorful.Inc. VAT£481.69 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This has fascinating, smoky, bark, dried-meat and crushed-berry character. It’s full-bodied with crushed stone, tobacco and dried meat. Extremely long and flavorful.Inc. VAT£777.89 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This has fascinating, smoky, bark, dried-meat and crushed-berry character. It’s full-bodied with crushed stone, tobacco and dried meat. Extremely long and flavorful.Inc. VAT£747.89 -
James Suckling (96-97)
Very plush and tannic with full body and lots of structure and intensity. Top second wine. Very solid and quite muscular with fine tannins and texture.Inc. VAT£724.84 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Lots of iodine and oyster-shell aromas, together with blackberry and black cherry, following through to a medium to full body. Polished yet slightly chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Grilled orange. 70.4% merlot, 18.2% cabernet sauvignon and 11.4% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£699.40 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Lots of iodine and oyster-shell aromas, together with blackberry and black cherry, following through to a medium to full body. Polished yet slightly chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Grilled orange. 70.4% merlot, 18.2% cabernet sauvignon and 11.4% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£1,158.78 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Lots of iodine and oyster-shell aromas, together with blackberry and black cherry, following through to a medium to full body. Polished yet slightly chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Grilled orange. 70.4% merlot, 18.2% cabernet sauvignon and 11.4% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£915.89 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Lots of iodine and oyster-shell aromas, together with blackberry and black cherry, following through to a medium to full body. Polished yet slightly chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Grilled orange. 70.4% merlot, 18.2% cabernet sauvignon and 11.4% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£785.09 -
The Wine Independent (91-93)
A blend of 55.5% Merlot, 40.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3.6% Cabernet Franc, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2023 is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a lot of shaking to wake up scents of fresh black and red currants, raspberry leaves, and star anise, leading to touches of mossy tree bark and wet slate. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a firm frame of grainy tannins and well knit freshness to support the spritely fruit, finishing with a savory lift.Inc. VAT£749.09 -
The Wine Independent (91-93)
A blend of 55.5% Merlot, 40.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3.6% Cabernet Franc, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2023 is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a lot of shaking to wake up scents of fresh black and red currants, raspberry leaves, and star anise, leading to touches of mossy tree bark and wet slate. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a firm frame of grainy tannins and well knit freshness to support the spritely fruit, finishing with a savory lift.Inc. VAT£743.09 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2016 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a fabulous second wine from Smith Haut Lafitte. Inky blue/purplish berry fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and cloves give the Petit Haut Lafitte its striking aromatic complexity. Deep, resonant and exquisitely layered, the 2016 is a real joy to taste. I would cellar it for another year or two. The 2016 has enough depth and pedigree to develop beautifully for the next 10-15 years.Inc. VAT£608.47 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2016 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a fabulous second wine from Smith Haut Lafitte. Inky blue/purplish berry fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and cloves give the Petit Haut Lafitte its striking aromatic complexity. Deep, resonant and exquisitely layered, the 2016 is a real joy to taste. I would cellar it for another year or two. The 2016 has enough depth and pedigree to develop beautifully for the next 10-15 years.Inc. VAT£225.64
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Wine Advocate (90-92)
The 2016 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion comes from vines located in the clos over towards Martillac, rather than the vines in the original Les Carmes Haut-Brion vineyard in the Bordeaux suburbs, known as Le Clos des Carmes Haut-Brion up until the 2013 vintage. It is a blend of 51% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvigon and 1% Petit Verdot, matured in 30% new oak and the remainder one year old barrels. This includes 25% whole berry fruit. It offers plenty of brambly black fruit on the nose, crushed violets, fresh fig and a touch of spice that opens nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, neatly integrated oak, a little plushness on the entry thanks to the Merlot, and then it dovetails into a more structured, gently grippy, chalk-textured finish with attractive black fruit. Give this two or three years in bottle just to shave off a little abrasiveness and you will have a fine Pessac-Léognan.In Bond£300.00 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (90-92)
Plump, sugar-laced black fruit, boysenberry, licorice, campfire smoke and barbecue essence get things underway. Quicky the sassy tannins kick in, shepherding you to a chic, fresh, tobacco infused, fruit-filled core. Using 30% whole bunches in the vinification, the wine was made from 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, reaching 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.72. The harvest took place September 19 to October 3 and, sadly, close to 25% of the vines were damaged by frost.In Bond£225.00 -
Decanter (96)
Beautiful fragrance to the nose, perfumed and delicate yet so expressive, nothing out of balance with cherries and violets bursting out of the glass. Gorgeous smooth mouthfeel with some milk chocolate dusting on the fruit, tannins are delicate and softly mouth filling with a lovely salinity to the palate - creamy and unctuous but at the same time there's lots of acidity. This has a verticality to it, layered but with an aerial quality too, the flavours just glide across the palate with lift on the finish - so satisfying and drinkable. Just a glorious, shining, bright, velvety, succulent glass of wine. Pure elegance. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, 3.55pH.In Bond£175.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Bottled after 24 months' élevage, much of which took place in large foudres, the 2020 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and spices complemented by hints of rose petal and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, supple and pillowy, with an ample core of fruit framed by melting tannins, it's a suave and charming blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.In Bond£181.50 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)
Fresh but reticent black cherry-dominated nose. More closed than the '96 following the bottling, and a bit disjointed today. Seems drier than the '96, but has plenty of underlying sweetness, solid structure, and nicely buffered tannins.In Bond£856.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)
Dark red. Sappy red fruits and smoke on the nose. Cedary, minerally and uncompromisingly dry, with strong acidity giving the flavors penetration and cut. Finishes firmly tannic, with very good grip. This is always a second wine with character, rather than simply a receptacle for the fruit that doesn't make it into the grand vinIn Bond£1,233.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2005 Bahans Haut-Brion is the second wine from Haut-Brion, known today as Le Clarence. A huge, virile red, the 2005 exudes intensity from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, smoke, tobacco, gravel and cured meats blast across the palate. The wine’s richness, heft and power are truly remarkable. Today, the 2005 comes across as shockingly young. This heady, exotic Pessac-Léognan has much to offer. It’s price naturally reflects its position as a second wine to a First Growth, yet the 2005 is a serious wine that has a ton to offer.In Bond£1,208.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)
Good deep red. Black raspberry, sassafras, road tar and spicy oak on the nose. Sweet berry fruit shows an almost liqueur-like creaminess, but a peppery element and good underlying minerality lend grip to the finish, which features a fine dusting of tannins and nice cedary persistence. An excellent second wine.In Bond£1,191.00 -
James Suckling (95)
This is very, very Haut-Brion. Perhaps this second wine is like the gran vin in 1995? Full body, with rich ripe tannins, with a silky texture. It is dense and powerful. Long and rich. Better in 2016. Best second wine of Haut-Brion ever? It has just about everything Haut-Brion has in an excellent year like this. Try in 2019.In Bond£1,320.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Coffee and currants with hints of sweet tobacco and vanilla bean. Subtle yet intense. Full body, with sexy tannins and a sweet fruit coating around it. Very fine and linear. Direct. Gorgeous. Better than I remember.In Bond£1,249.00 -
James Suckling (91-92)
Lovely second wine of Haut Brion with tobacco, chocolate and dark fruits. Earth too. Full body with fine tannins and pretty finish. Very balanced. Nicely done.In Bond£698.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)
The 2012 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a dark, beguiling beauty. Smoke, violets, dried flowers and savory herbs lead to a core of expressive blue/purplish fruit in a powerful wine that is going to need time to settle down. Far from an easygoing 2012, the Clarence boasts notable depth and intensity to match its virile personality. This is an impressive second wine, that much is obvious.In Bond£1,255.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)
The 2013 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is soft, silky and medium in body. Rose petals, mint and sweet red berries all lift from the glass in an intensely floral wine supported by beams of mineral and graphite notes. Silky tannins add finesse to the supple, gracious finish. The 2013 is 57% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Cabernet Franc.In Bond£1,172.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Love the sweet-tobacco and floral aromas to this with currant fruit as well. Full-bodied, solid and tight. Chewy tannins. A racy second wine of Haut-Brion with lots of tone and tension. Try in 2024.In Bond£671.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Aromas of forest floor, mushrooms, lavender and violets. Full-bodied, tight and structured with fantastic tannins and focus. Long and layered. Impressively toned. Give it three or four years to come together. Begin drinking in 2023.In Bond£569.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is powerful and intense with lots of minerals, crushed stones and dark fruit. Dense and linear. Minerally and very energetic.In Bond£723.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (93-95)
Barrel Sample. Firmly structured, this is a powerful wine full of intense fruit. The wine certainly has structure but the main thrust is towards rich fruit and integrated tannins.In Bond£636.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A lovely, dense white with pretty phenolic tension and dried-apple and peach character. Medium to full body. Phenolics give this tension.In Bond£575.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This has fascinating, smoky, bark, dried-meat and crushed-berry character. It’s full-bodied with crushed stone, tobacco and dried meat. Extremely long and flavorful.In Bond£395.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This has fascinating, smoky, bark, dried-meat and crushed-berry character. It’s full-bodied with crushed stone, tobacco and dried meat. Extremely long and flavorful.In Bond£629.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This has fascinating, smoky, bark, dried-meat and crushed-berry character. It’s full-bodied with crushed stone, tobacco and dried meat. Extremely long and flavorful.In Bond£604.00 -
James Suckling (96-97)
Very plush and tannic with full body and lots of structure and intensity. Top second wine. Very solid and quite muscular with fine tannins and texture.In Bond£588.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Lots of iodine and oyster-shell aromas, together with blackberry and black cherry, following through to a medium to full body. Polished yet slightly chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Grilled orange. 70.4% merlot, 18.2% cabernet sauvignon and 11.4% cabernet franc.In Bond£570.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Lots of iodine and oyster-shell aromas, together with blackberry and black cherry, following through to a medium to full body. Polished yet slightly chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Grilled orange. 70.4% merlot, 18.2% cabernet sauvignon and 11.4% cabernet franc.In Bond£940.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Lots of iodine and oyster-shell aromas, together with blackberry and black cherry, following through to a medium to full body. Polished yet slightly chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Grilled orange. 70.4% merlot, 18.2% cabernet sauvignon and 11.4% cabernet franc.In Bond£744.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Lots of iodine and oyster-shell aromas, together with blackberry and black cherry, following through to a medium to full body. Polished yet slightly chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Grilled orange. 70.4% merlot, 18.2% cabernet sauvignon and 11.4% cabernet franc.In Bond£635.00 -
The Wine Independent (91-93)
A blend of 55.5% Merlot, 40.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3.6% Cabernet Franc, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2023 is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a lot of shaking to wake up scents of fresh black and red currants, raspberry leaves, and star anise, leading to touches of mossy tree bark and wet slate. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a firm frame of grainy tannins and well knit freshness to support the spritely fruit, finishing with a savory lift.In Bond£605.00 -
The Wine Independent (91-93)
A blend of 55.5% Merlot, 40.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3.6% Cabernet Franc, Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2023 is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a lot of shaking to wake up scents of fresh black and red currants, raspberry leaves, and star anise, leading to touches of mossy tree bark and wet slate. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a firm frame of grainy tannins and well knit freshness to support the spritely fruit, finishing with a savory lift.In Bond£600.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2016 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a fabulous second wine from Smith Haut Lafitte. Inky blue/purplish berry fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and cloves give the Petit Haut Lafitte its striking aromatic complexity. Deep, resonant and exquisitely layered, the 2016 is a real joy to taste. I would cellar it for another year or two. The 2016 has enough depth and pedigree to develop beautifully for the next 10-15 years.In Bond£475.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2016 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a fabulous second wine from Smith Haut Lafitte. Inky blue/purplish berry fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and cloves give the Petit Haut Lafitte its striking aromatic complexity. Deep, resonant and exquisitely layered, the 2016 is a real joy to taste. I would cellar it for another year or two. The 2016 has enough depth and pedigree to develop beautifully for the next 10-15 years.In Bond£172.00