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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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2019 Paveil de Luze is bursting at the seams with super-ripe dark red fruit, kirsch, blood orange, rose petal and spice. There's good freshness to play off some of the more exotic flavors. This is an especially racy Margaux with tons of character. The 2019 is impressive, just as it was from barrel.Inc. VAT£127.24 -
Inc. VAT£2,900.47
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Wine Advocate (85)
The 1989's finish is abrupt, but there is a black fruit character that is accompanied by copious quantities of toasty oak. Drink it over the next 3-6 years.Inc. VAT£697.22 -
Inc. VAT£3,482.90
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Jancis Robinson (17)
Very dark crimson – looks much bluer than the 1996. Still bluer than the 2004. Savoury, complex, really rather gorgeous nose even if far from the first flush of youth. Sumptuous nose even if on the palate it’s more austere than the nose suggests. Quite grainy tannins on the finish but lovely balance. Very fresh.Inc. VAT£2,607.67 -
Jancis Robinson (17)
Very dark crimson – looks much bluer than the 1996. Still bluer than the 2004. Savoury, complex, really rather gorgeous nose even if far from the first flush of youth. Sumptuous nose even if on the palate it’s more austere than the nose suggests. Quite grainy tannins on the finish but lovely balance. Very fresh.Inc. VAT£709.61 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2005 Pavillon Rouge is in a beautiful spot right now where it is just beginning to show signs of aromatic complexity and nuance. At fifteen years of age, the DNA of the vintage remains - Pavillon Rouge is a potent, hulking wine. Sweet tobacco, cedar, mint, dried flowers and anise add layers of nuance. Readers lucky enough to own the 2005 should be delighted. I imagine the 2005 will drink beautifully for another decade or more. Today it is positively stellar. The more it opens in the glass, the more classic it becomes.Inc. VAT£2,352.07 -
Wine Enthusiast (90)
Delicate and elegant wine, with smoky fruit, ripe but freshened with a tight layer of acidity. It has delicious black currant juice flavors, but the texture remains light and the tannins soft.Inc. VAT£1,852.80 -
Wine Advocate (89)
Tasted at BI Wine & Spirits' 10-Years-On tasting, the 2007 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux has a crisp and well defined bouquet of black dusky fruit, sandalwood, bay leaf and a touch of warm gravel. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and impressive structure. There is a linearity about this Pavillon Rouge, with a dash of white pepper towards the finish, as it clings to the mouth and says, I'm going to last longer than you think in bottle. This initially suggested a drinking window of around a decade, but now a decade on, it has other ideas. Tasted February 2017.Inc. VAT£1,711.20 -
Wine Enthusiast (93)
Aromatic wine, with richness as well as soft tannins. It's quite a mouthful of explosive red berry fruits, with delicious acidity. The finish is is eas and rounded.Inc. VAT£2,384.47 -
Inc. VAT£2,563.27
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Vinous - Ian D'Agata (88-91)
Deep purple. Sexy nose of redcurrant, fresh herbs and vanilla. Lively on entry, then soft and ripe, with multilayered red fruit, herb and cocoa flavors. The pure, long finish is ripely tannic. Paul Pontallier told me that the estate is paying more attention to Pavillon Rouge, as it has become such an important and sought-after wine that Margaux cannot really afford to have it be anything less than excellent.Inc. VAT£2,245.27 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-91)
Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries and mint meld together in the 2013 Pavillon Rouge. Understated, classy and impeccable, the 2013 stands out for its graceful personality. This is a very pretty, if somewhat light-bodied Pavillon Rouge. At just 21% of the chateau's total production, the 2013 is also the smallest vintage ever of Pavillon Rouge. The blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc.Inc. VAT£1,338.04 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2014 Pavillon Rouge de Château Margaux has a crisp, precise, Pauillac-like bouquet with fine delineation, a touch of graphite infusing the black fruit, austere but rather compelling. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite supple tannin. I appreciate the balance and elegance of this Margaux, somewhat saline towards the finish with impressive precision. Very fine, very delicious. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.Inc. VAT£1,242.04 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very concentrated and tannic Pavillon Rouge. Muscular. Full body and lots of intense fruit. Four-square.Inc. VAT£1,176.04 -
James Suckling (94-95)
There is very pretty purity of fruit to this with lots of currant, strawberry and plum character. Lots of chocolate and hazelnut too. Full body, velvety tannins and a chewy finish. Excellent for the vintage. About half the normal production. This is the same level of quality as 2016.Inc. VAT£636.62 -
James Suckling (94-95)
There is very pretty purity of fruit to this with lots of currant, strawberry and plum character. Lots of chocolate and hazelnut too. Full body, velvety tannins and a chewy finish. Excellent for the vintage. About half the normal production. This is the same level of quality as 2016.Inc. VAT£932.44 -
James Suckling (95-96)
Fantastic depth of ripe fruit with currant and dark-berry aromas. Hints of citrus and dry earth. Full body and round, velvety tannins that are melted into the wine. Very intense and fruity.Inc. VAT£648.62 -
James Suckling (95-96)
Fantastic depth of ripe fruit with currant and dark-berry aromas. Hints of citrus and dry earth. Full body and round, velvety tannins that are melted into the wine. Very intense and fruity.Inc. VAT£1,197.64 -
James Suckling (96)
Fresh tobacco, currant and earth, opening up to forest flowers. It’s rich in tannins, but very soft and beautiful. Layered, with lots of fine fruit and a velvety texture. Blackberry and chocolate in the finish too. 27% of the crop and a blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon and 19% merlot, the rest petit verdot and cabernet franc. Delicious already, but give it at least six years of bottle age. Better after 2027.Inc. VAT£1,261.24 -
James Suckling (96)
Fresh tobacco, currant and earth, opening up to forest flowers. It’s rich in tannins, but very soft and beautiful. Layered, with lots of fine fruit and a velvety texture. Blackberry and chocolate in the finish too. 27% of the crop and a blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon and 19% merlot, the rest petit verdot and cabernet franc. Delicious already, but give it at least six years of bottle age. Better after 2027.Inc. VAT£1,140.04 -
James Suckling (96-97)
Blackberry and graphite with dark fruit and violets on the nose. Very complex. Full-bodied with lovely, fine tannins that are lightly chewy. Extremely long and polished. Really refined. Integrated tannins. Wonderful length.Inc. VAT£705.62 -
James Suckling (96-97)
Blackberry and graphite with dark fruit and violets on the nose. Very complex. Full-bodied with lovely, fine tannins that are lightly chewy. Extremely long and polished. Really refined. Integrated tannins. Wonderful length.Inc. VAT£1,016.44 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A nicely rounded young red with fine tannins that are polished and poised. Medium body with a solid center-palate and a creamy finish. Shows wonderful ripeness and beauty. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£1,212.20 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A nicely rounded young red with fine tannins that are polished and poised. Medium body with a solid center-palate and a creamy finish. Shows wonderful ripeness and beauty. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£506.42 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A nicely rounded young red with fine tannins that are polished and poised. Medium body with a solid center-palate and a creamy finish. Shows wonderful ripeness and beauty. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£1,012.84 -
James Suckling (96-97)
Very Chateau Margaux, with perfumed violets, currants and other berries, as well as oranges. Medium body with fine, caressing tannins that are tight and vivid. Racy and refined. Brightness and beauty to this second wine. Succulent. Refined. One of the best Pavillon Rouges in a while. 30% of the production. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£893.09 -
James Suckling (96-97)
Very Chateau Margaux, with perfumed violets, currants and other berries, as well as oranges. Medium body with fine, caressing tannins that are tight and vivid. Racy and refined. Brightness and beauty to this second wine. Succulent. Refined. One of the best Pavillon Rouges in a while. 30% of the production. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£887.09 -
(1x75cl) 1995
Wine Advocate (84)
I expected this wine to turn out better than it has. Hard tannin in the finish, and a slight hollowness in the mid-palate kept my score down. The wine reveals a dark ruby color, light to medium body, good aromatics (earth, underbrush, sweet cherries, and vanillin), and pleasing ripe fruit on the attack. The severe finish is dry and austere. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2008.Inc. VAT£1,203.20 -
James Suckling (93)
Complex aromas of blueberry, raspberry, and coffee follow through to a full body with soft and velvety tannins and a long juicy finish. So yummy right now, but give it another three to five years. Find the wineInc. VAT£913.27
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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2019 Paveil de Luze is bursting at the seams with super-ripe dark red fruit, kirsch, blood orange, rose petal and spice. There's good freshness to play off some of the more exotic flavors. This is an especially racy Margaux with tons of character. The 2019 is impressive, just as it was from barrel.In Bond£90.00 -
In Bond£2,385.00
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Wine Advocate (85)
The 1989's finish is abrupt, but there is a black fruit character that is accompanied by copious quantities of toasty oak. Drink it over the next 3-6 years.In Bond£573.00 -
In Bond£2,857.00
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Jancis Robinson (17)
Very dark crimson – looks much bluer than the 1996. Still bluer than the 2004. Savoury, complex, really rather gorgeous nose even if far from the first flush of youth. Sumptuous nose even if on the palate it’s more austere than the nose suggests. Quite grainy tannins on the finish but lovely balance. Very fresh.In Bond£2,141.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17)
Very dark crimson – looks much bluer than the 1996. Still bluer than the 2004. Savoury, complex, really rather gorgeous nose even if far from the first flush of youth. Sumptuous nose even if on the palate it’s more austere than the nose suggests. Quite grainy tannins on the finish but lovely balance. Very fresh.In Bond£586.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2005 Pavillon Rouge is in a beautiful spot right now where it is just beginning to show signs of aromatic complexity and nuance. At fifteen years of age, the DNA of the vintage remains - Pavillon Rouge is a potent, hulking wine. Sweet tobacco, cedar, mint, dried flowers and anise add layers of nuance. Readers lucky enough to own the 2005 should be delighted. I imagine the 2005 will drink beautifully for another decade or more. Today it is positively stellar. The more it opens in the glass, the more classic it becomes.In Bond£1,928.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (90)
Delicate and elegant wine, with smoky fruit, ripe but freshened with a tight layer of acidity. It has delicious black currant juice flavors, but the texture remains light and the tannins soft.Inc. VAT£1,852.80 -
Wine Advocate (89)
Tasted at BI Wine & Spirits' 10-Years-On tasting, the 2007 Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux has a crisp and well defined bouquet of black dusky fruit, sandalwood, bay leaf and a touch of warm gravel. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and impressive structure. There is a linearity about this Pavillon Rouge, with a dash of white pepper towards the finish, as it clings to the mouth and says, I'm going to last longer than you think in bottle. This initially suggested a drinking window of around a decade, but now a decade on, it has other ideas. Tasted February 2017.Inc. VAT£1,711.20 -
Wine Enthusiast (93)
Aromatic wine, with richness as well as soft tannins. It's quite a mouthful of explosive red berry fruits, with delicious acidity. The finish is is eas and rounded.In Bond£1,955.00 -
In Bond£2,104.00
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Vinous - Ian D'Agata (88-91)
Deep purple. Sexy nose of redcurrant, fresh herbs and vanilla. Lively on entry, then soft and ripe, with multilayered red fruit, herb and cocoa flavors. The pure, long finish is ripely tannic. Paul Pontallier told me that the estate is paying more attention to Pavillon Rouge, as it has become such an important and sought-after wine that Margaux cannot really afford to have it be anything less than excellent.In Bond£1,839.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-91)
Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries and mint meld together in the 2013 Pavillon Rouge. Understated, classy and impeccable, the 2013 stands out for its graceful personality. This is a very pretty, if somewhat light-bodied Pavillon Rouge. At just 21% of the chateau's total production, the 2013 is also the smallest vintage ever of Pavillon Rouge. The blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc.In Bond£1,099.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2014 Pavillon Rouge de Château Margaux has a crisp, precise, Pauillac-like bouquet with fine delineation, a touch of graphite infusing the black fruit, austere but rather compelling. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite supple tannin. I appreciate the balance and elegance of this Margaux, somewhat saline towards the finish with impressive precision. Very fine, very delicious. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.In Bond£1,019.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very concentrated and tannic Pavillon Rouge. Muscular. Full body and lots of intense fruit. Four-square.In Bond£964.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
There is very pretty purity of fruit to this with lots of currant, strawberry and plum character. Lots of chocolate and hazelnut too. Full body, velvety tannins and a chewy finish. Excellent for the vintage. About half the normal production. This is the same level of quality as 2016.In Bond£522.50 -
James Suckling (94-95)
There is very pretty purity of fruit to this with lots of currant, strawberry and plum character. Lots of chocolate and hazelnut too. Full body, velvety tannins and a chewy finish. Excellent for the vintage. About half the normal production. This is the same level of quality as 2016.In Bond£761.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
Fantastic depth of ripe fruit with currant and dark-berry aromas. Hints of citrus and dry earth. Full body and round, velvety tannins that are melted into the wine. Very intense and fruity.In Bond£532.50 -
James Suckling (95-96)
Fantastic depth of ripe fruit with currant and dark-berry aromas. Hints of citrus and dry earth. Full body and round, velvety tannins that are melted into the wine. Very intense and fruity.In Bond£982.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Fresh tobacco, currant and earth, opening up to forest flowers. It’s rich in tannins, but very soft and beautiful. Layered, with lots of fine fruit and a velvety texture. Blackberry and chocolate in the finish too. 27% of the crop and a blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon and 19% merlot, the rest petit verdot and cabernet franc. Delicious already, but give it at least six years of bottle age. Better after 2027.In Bond£1,035.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Fresh tobacco, currant and earth, opening up to forest flowers. It’s rich in tannins, but very soft and beautiful. Layered, with lots of fine fruit and a velvety texture. Blackberry and chocolate in the finish too. 27% of the crop and a blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon and 19% merlot, the rest petit verdot and cabernet franc. Delicious already, but give it at least six years of bottle age. Better after 2027.In Bond£934.00 -
James Suckling (96-97)
Blackberry and graphite with dark fruit and violets on the nose. Very complex. Full-bodied with lovely, fine tannins that are lightly chewy. Extremely long and polished. Really refined. Integrated tannins. Wonderful length.In Bond£580.00 -
James Suckling (96-97)
Blackberry and graphite with dark fruit and violets on the nose. Very complex. Full-bodied with lovely, fine tannins that are lightly chewy. Extremely long and polished. Really refined. Integrated tannins. Wonderful length.In Bond£831.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A nicely rounded young red with fine tannins that are polished and poised. Medium body with a solid center-palate and a creamy finish. Shows wonderful ripeness and beauty. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc.In Bond£1,007.50 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A nicely rounded young red with fine tannins that are polished and poised. Medium body with a solid center-palate and a creamy finish. Shows wonderful ripeness and beauty. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc.In Bond£414.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A nicely rounded young red with fine tannins that are polished and poised. Medium body with a solid center-palate and a creamy finish. Shows wonderful ripeness and beauty. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc.In Bond£828.00 -
James Suckling (96-97)
Very Chateau Margaux, with perfumed violets, currants and other berries, as well as oranges. Medium body with fine, caressing tannins that are tight and vivid. Racy and refined. Brightness and beauty to this second wine. Succulent. Refined. One of the best Pavillon Rouges in a while. 30% of the production. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.In Bond£725.00 -
James Suckling (96-97)
Very Chateau Margaux, with perfumed violets, currants and other berries, as well as oranges. Medium body with fine, caressing tannins that are tight and vivid. Racy and refined. Brightness and beauty to this second wine. Succulent. Refined. One of the best Pavillon Rouges in a while. 30% of the production. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.In Bond£720.00 -
(1x75cl) 1995
Wine Advocate (84)
I expected this wine to turn out better than it has. Hard tannin in the finish, and a slight hollowness in the mid-palate kept my score down. The wine reveals a dark ruby color, light to medium body, good aromatics (earth, underbrush, sweet cherries, and vanillin), and pleasing ripe fruit on the attack. The severe finish is dry and austere. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2008.In Bond£1,000.00 -
James Suckling (93)
Complex aromas of blueberry, raspberry, and coffee follow through to a full body with soft and velvety tannins and a long juicy finish. So yummy right now, but give it another three to five years. Find the wineIn Bond£729.00