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
-
Hailing from the renowned Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, La Dame d'Angludet 2017 is the second wine of the illustrious Château d’Angludet, reflecting the estate’s commitment to excellence. Supremely crafted by the Sichel family, this Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominant blend basks for 12 months in a ratio of one-third new French oak barrels from the Adour forests, etching a symphony of elegance.
Harvested from 31-year-old vines cultivated on gravelly soils, La Dame d'Angludet 2017 displays an alluring tapestry of charming red fruited notes, nuanced by subtle spice undertones. Graced with a beautiful, dark crystalline hue, it's an exemplary French masterpiece that reflects remarkable precision and captivates by its sheer depth of texture and impressive ageing potential.
Exquisite, complex, and imbued with Bordeaux's respected winemaking traditions, La Dame d'Angludet 2017 is an invitation to experience the rhythm of superb craftsmanship and terroir authenticity.
Inc. VAT£287.09 -
The La Tour de Mons 1979 vintage is a fascinating encounter with the prestige of Bordeaux's terroir. Originating from the Margaux appellation, renowned for producing wines of depth and elegance, it is a rare specimen. The château itself, built in the 13th century, has been producing esteemed wines for years, utilising both traditional and modern winemaking techniques.
This wine is a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, punctuated with the opulence of Merlot and a whisper of Petit Verdot. Matured in carefully selected oak barrels, the La Tour de Mons 1979 presents a complex palette of ripe dark fruit icons interlaced with hints of cedar and spice. Its aromatic depth and velvety tannins age gracefully, maintaining a fresh and well-balanced appeal.
La Tour de Mons 1979, with its storied provenance and delicate craft, unequivocally stands as a testament to the authentic expression of Margaux. Truly, a profound statement of French viticulture heritage.
Inc. VAT£178.80 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2017 La Tour de Mons is an attractive, perfumed Margaux with lovely red berry fruit and floral aromatics. Pliant and understated, the 2017 will be easy to enjoy upon release. It is perhaps a little light, but quite pretty just the same.Inc. VAT£210.64 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (87-89)
Medium-deep ruby. Still quite closed nose slowly yields aromas of rhubarb, mint and dark plum, but conveys an impression of depth. More open on the palate, with a fleshy texture to the red cherry and spicy plum flavors. Finishes long and smooth, with a lingering note of black pepper and watermelon.Inc. VAT£686.98 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-90)
The 2013 Labegorce is pretty, supple and silky to the core. Freshly cut rose petals, orange peel, bright red berries, flowers and mint grace the palate in an impeccable, layered wine endowed with terrific length. The 2013 is classy and refined to the core. The 2013 is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Tasted two times.Inc. VAT£267.64 -
James Suckling (95)
A very elegant and polished Margaux with great structure and an attractive touch of herbal freshness, then a delicate touch of sweetness at the long, fine finish. A blend of 38 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 52 per cent merlot, six per cent cabernet franc and four per cent petit verdot.Inc. VAT£398.47 -
James Suckling (95)
A very elegant and polished Margaux with great structure and an attractive touch of herbal freshness, then a delicate touch of sweetness at the long, fine finish. A blend of 38 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 52 per cent merlot, six per cent cabernet franc and four per cent petit verdot.Inc. VAT£262.24 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2017 Labégorce is powerful yet nuanced, and wonderfully complete. Cedar, tobacco, mint, dried herbs and licorice grace this wine of tremendous complexity. While it is towering in its size, richness and intensity, the 2017 is also surprisingly elegant. Creamy, ample and flavorful, this is a very good wine with rather pretty floral notes that grace the exquisite finish.Inc. VAT£411.07 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2017 Labégorce is powerful yet nuanced, and wonderfully complete. Cedar, tobacco, mint, dried herbs and licorice grace this wine of tremendous complexity. While it is towering in its size, richness and intensity, the 2017 is also surprisingly elegant. Creamy, ample and flavorful, this is a very good wine with rather pretty floral notes that grace the exquisite finish.Inc. VAT£151.24 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93-96)
Another winner from Margaux is the 2018 Château Labégorce, which is an interesting blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (although I was given slightly different blends for the two samples tasted). Aging in 40% new oak, this deeply colored effort offers a beautiful perfume of blueberries, raspberries, flowers, and spice. It’s medium to full-bodied, has remarkable purity, and fine tannins, and should be approachable right out of the gate. It’s worth mentioning this estate has been managed by Marjolaine de Coninck since 2009, and it’s a rocking value in the market today. Tasted twice.Inc. VAT£282.64 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2019 Labégorce was the first vintage vinified in the new cellar and also the first to use Cabernet Franc from the north part of the appellation, on more limestone soils, a massal selection from an organic producer in the south of France. Matured in 40% new oak, this has a voluminous, multifaceted bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar and perhaps more rose petal than violet at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, very well balanced, and a little spicier than I found from barrel, leading to a detailed, tensile finish.Inc. VAT£303.64 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)
I continue to love the wines from this estate in Margaux, and the 2020 Château Labegorce is no exception. Rock star crème de cassis, graphite, roasted herbs, iron, and loamy earth nuances all define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a relatively soft, plush, forward style, good mid-palate density, and wonderful purity of fruit. It’s going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and drink nicely for 15-20 years. It should be a terrific value as well.Inc. VAT£185.44 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92-94)
The 2023 Labegorce has a well-defined nose that leans slightly more toward red than black fruit. It's understated at first but soon coheres and gains intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins. Satin-like in texture and very cohesive, with a touch of spice on the finish, this is a classy Margaux that will give a great deal of pleasure over the next 15 to 20 years. Warning through: it will be difficult to resist in its youth.Inc. VAT£358.18 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92-94)
The 2023 Labegorce has a well-defined nose that leans slightly more toward red than black fruit. It's understated at first but soon coheres and gains intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins. Satin-like in texture and very cohesive, with a touch of spice on the finish, this is a classy Margaux that will give a great deal of pleasure over the next 15 to 20 years. Warning through: it will be difficult to resist in its youth.Inc. VAT£185.09 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92-94)
The 2023 Labegorce has a well-defined nose that leans slightly more toward red than black fruit. It's understated at first but soon coheres and gains intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins. Satin-like in texture and very cohesive, with a touch of spice on the finish, this is a classy Margaux that will give a great deal of pleasure over the next 15 to 20 years. Warning through: it will be difficult to resist in its youth.Inc. VAT£179.09 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (87)
The 1978 Labégorce-Zédé comes from a Margaux estate that was subsumed into Labégorce back in 2009. To be frank, I was not expecting a great deal, yet it has a charming nose. Yes, it is filled to the brim with brettanomyces but has lovely meat juice aromas. The palate is very savoury at first and then develops potent espresso-like notes. Fades a little in the glass, but no complaints. Drink soon if you have a bottle. Tasted blind at Medlar restaurant dinner.Inc. VAT£594.58 -
Inc. VAT£252.00 -
Inc. VAT£198.00 -
Inc. VAT£662.69 -
Inc. VAT£1,048.80 -
James Suckling (94)
Aromas of black tea, blackberries, blueberries and coffee bean, follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Lovely mouth feel. Very well done. Try in 2019.Inc. VAT£1,327.27 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
Possessing a terrific bouquet of saddle leather, wild herbs, cassis and coffee beans, the 2012 Lascombes is rich, full-bodied, concentrated and nicely structured on the palate. With serious fruit intensity, ripe tannin and a great finish, this stacked Margaux will drink nicely for 10-15 years.Inc. VAT£955.87 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2014 Lascombes is a bold, dramatic wine. Dark stone fruit, leather, bittersweet chocolate, smoke, licorice and French oak all meld together in the glass. Lascombes is a powerful, modern Margaux with soft contours and considerable fruit intensity. All the elements come together effortlessly. Readers should expect a bold, intense wine. Tasted two times.Inc. VAT£418.84 -
James Suckling (95)
This is so powerful and rich with fantastic depth of fruit and tannin structure. Full body, chewy yet polished in impressive. Stretches the limit on tannin extraction but it’s all there. Should develop beautifully in the barrel.Inc. VAT£962.47 -
James Suckling (95)
This is so powerful and rich with fantastic depth of fruit and tannin structure. Full body, chewy yet polished in impressive. Stretches the limit on tannin extraction but it’s all there. Should develop beautifully in the barrel.Inc. VAT£479.63 -
James Suckling (95)
This is so powerful and rich with fantastic depth of fruit and tannin structure. Full body, chewy yet polished in impressive. Stretches the limit on tannin extraction but it’s all there. Should develop beautifully in the barrel.Inc. VAT£901.66 -
James Suckling (95)
This is so powerful and rich with fantastic depth of fruit and tannin structure. Full body, chewy yet polished in impressive. Stretches the limit on tannin extraction but it’s all there. Should develop beautifully in the barrel.Inc. VAT£660.04 -
James Suckling (95)
Very attractive, ripe dark berries with a meaty edge that delivers a very compelling wine from the outset. Quite plush and elegant tannins with a smooth, juicy and attractive finish that holds long and is saturated in flavor. Seamless build. Really stunning. Try from 2022.Inc. VAT£872.47 -
James Suckling (95)
Very attractive, ripe dark berries with a meaty edge that delivers a very compelling wine from the outset. Quite plush and elegant tannins with a smooth, juicy and attractive finish that holds long and is saturated in flavor. Seamless build. Really stunning. Try from 2022.Inc. VAT£569.63 -
James Suckling (95)
Very attractive, ripe dark berries with a meaty edge that delivers a very compelling wine from the outset. Quite plush and elegant tannins with a smooth, juicy and attractive finish that holds long and is saturated in flavor. Seamless build. Really stunning. Try from 2022.Inc. VAT£887.26
-
Hailing from the renowned Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, La Dame d'Angludet 2017 is the second wine of the illustrious Château d’Angludet, reflecting the estate’s commitment to excellence. Supremely crafted by the Sichel family, this Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominant blend basks for 12 months in a ratio of one-third new French oak barrels from the Adour forests, etching a symphony of elegance.
Harvested from 31-year-old vines cultivated on gravelly soils, La Dame d'Angludet 2017 displays an alluring tapestry of charming red fruited notes, nuanced by subtle spice undertones. Graced with a beautiful, dark crystalline hue, it's an exemplary French masterpiece that reflects remarkable precision and captivates by its sheer depth of texture and impressive ageing potential.
Exquisite, complex, and imbued with Bordeaux's respected winemaking traditions, La Dame d'Angludet 2017 is an invitation to experience the rhythm of superb craftsmanship and terroir authenticity.
In Bond£220.00 -
The La Tour de Mons 1979 vintage is a fascinating encounter with the prestige of Bordeaux's terroir. Originating from the Margaux appellation, renowned for producing wines of depth and elegance, it is a rare specimen. The château itself, built in the 13th century, has been producing esteemed wines for years, utilising both traditional and modern winemaking techniques.
This wine is a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, punctuated with the opulence of Merlot and a whisper of Petit Verdot. Matured in carefully selected oak barrels, the La Tour de Mons 1979 presents a complex palette of ripe dark fruit icons interlaced with hints of cedar and spice. Its aromatic depth and velvety tannins age gracefully, maintaining a fresh and well-balanced appeal.
La Tour de Mons 1979, with its storied provenance and delicate craft, unequivocally stands as a testament to the authentic expression of Margaux. Truly, a profound statement of French viticulture heritage.
Inc. VAT£178.80 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2017 La Tour de Mons is an attractive, perfumed Margaux with lovely red berry fruit and floral aromatics. Pliant and understated, the 2017 will be easy to enjoy upon release. It is perhaps a little light, but quite pretty just the same.In Bond£159.50 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (87-89)
Medium-deep ruby. Still quite closed nose slowly yields aromas of rhubarb, mint and dark plum, but conveys an impression of depth. More open on the palate, with a fleshy texture to the red cherry and spicy plum flavors. Finishes long and smooth, with a lingering note of black pepper and watermelon.In Bond£534.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-90)
The 2013 Labegorce is pretty, supple and silky to the core. Freshly cut rose petals, orange peel, bright red berries, flowers and mint grace the palate in an impeccable, layered wine endowed with terrific length. The 2013 is classy and refined to the core. The 2013 is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Tasted two times.In Bond£207.00 -
James Suckling (95)
A very elegant and polished Margaux with great structure and an attractive touch of herbal freshness, then a delicate touch of sweetness at the long, fine finish. A blend of 38 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 52 per cent merlot, six per cent cabernet franc and four per cent petit verdot.In Bond£300.00 -
James Suckling (95)
A very elegant and polished Margaux with great structure and an attractive touch of herbal freshness, then a delicate touch of sweetness at the long, fine finish. A blend of 38 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 52 per cent merlot, six per cent cabernet franc and four per cent petit verdot.In Bond£202.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2017 Labégorce is powerful yet nuanced, and wonderfully complete. Cedar, tobacco, mint, dried herbs and licorice grace this wine of tremendous complexity. While it is towering in its size, richness and intensity, the 2017 is also surprisingly elegant. Creamy, ample and flavorful, this is a very good wine with rather pretty floral notes that grace the exquisite finish.In Bond£310.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2017 Labégorce is powerful yet nuanced, and wonderfully complete. Cedar, tobacco, mint, dried herbs and licorice grace this wine of tremendous complexity. While it is towering in its size, richness and intensity, the 2017 is also surprisingly elegant. Creamy, ample and flavorful, this is a very good wine with rather pretty floral notes that grace the exquisite finish.In Bond£110.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93-96)
Another winner from Margaux is the 2018 Château Labégorce, which is an interesting blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (although I was given slightly different blends for the two samples tasted). Aging in 40% new oak, this deeply colored effort offers a beautiful perfume of blueberries, raspberries, flowers, and spice. It’s medium to full-bodied, has remarkable purity, and fine tannins, and should be approachable right out of the gate. It’s worth mentioning this estate has been managed by Marjolaine de Coninck since 2009, and it’s a rocking value in the market today. Tasted twice.In Bond£219.50 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2019 Labégorce was the first vintage vinified in the new cellar and also the first to use Cabernet Franc from the north part of the appellation, on more limestone soils, a massal selection from an organic producer in the south of France. Matured in 40% new oak, this has a voluminous, multifaceted bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar and perhaps more rose petal than violet at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, very well balanced, and a little spicier than I found from barrel, leading to a detailed, tensile finish.In Bond£237.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)
I continue to love the wines from this estate in Margaux, and the 2020 Château Labegorce is no exception. Rock star crème de cassis, graphite, roasted herbs, iron, and loamy earth nuances all define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a relatively soft, plush, forward style, good mid-palate density, and wonderful purity of fruit. It’s going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and drink nicely for 15-20 years. It should be a terrific value as well.In Bond£138.50 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92-94)
The 2023 Labegorce has a well-defined nose that leans slightly more toward red than black fruit. It's understated at first but soon coheres and gains intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins. Satin-like in texture and very cohesive, with a touch of spice on the finish, this is a classy Margaux that will give a great deal of pleasure over the next 15 to 20 years. Warning through: it will be difficult to resist in its youth.In Bond£260.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92-94)
The 2023 Labegorce has a well-defined nose that leans slightly more toward red than black fruit. It's understated at first but soon coheres and gains intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins. Satin-like in texture and very cohesive, with a touch of spice on the finish, this is a classy Margaux that will give a great deal of pleasure over the next 15 to 20 years. Warning through: it will be difficult to resist in its youth.In Bond£135.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92-94)
The 2023 Labegorce has a well-defined nose that leans slightly more toward red than black fruit. It's understated at first but soon coheres and gains intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins. Satin-like in texture and very cohesive, with a touch of spice on the finish, this is a classy Margaux that will give a great deal of pleasure over the next 15 to 20 years. Warning through: it will be difficult to resist in its youth.In Bond£130.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (87)
The 1978 Labégorce-Zédé comes from a Margaux estate that was subsumed into Labégorce back in 2009. To be frank, I was not expecting a great deal, yet it has a charming nose. Yes, it is filled to the brim with brettanomyces but has lovely meat juice aromas. The palate is very savoury at first and then develops potent espresso-like notes. Fades a little in the glass, but no complaints. Drink soon if you have a bottle. Tasted blind at Medlar restaurant dinner.In Bond£457.00 -
Inc. VAT£252.00
-
Inc. VAT£198.00
-
In Bond£533.00
-
Inc. VAT£1,048.80
-
James Suckling (94)
Aromas of black tea, blackberries, blueberries and coffee bean, follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Lovely mouth feel. Very well done. Try in 2019.In Bond£1,074.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
Possessing a terrific bouquet of saddle leather, wild herbs, cassis and coffee beans, the 2012 Lascombes is rich, full-bodied, concentrated and nicely structured on the palate. With serious fruit intensity, ripe tannin and a great finish, this stacked Margaux will drink nicely for 10-15 years.In Bond£764.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2014 Lascombes is a bold, dramatic wine. Dark stone fruit, leather, bittersweet chocolate, smoke, licorice and French oak all meld together in the glass. Lascombes is a powerful, modern Margaux with soft contours and considerable fruit intensity. All the elements come together effortlessly. Readers should expect a bold, intense wine. Tasted two times.In Bond£333.00 -
James Suckling (95)
This is so powerful and rich with fantastic depth of fruit and tannin structure. Full body, chewy yet polished in impressive. Stretches the limit on tannin extraction but it’s all there. Should develop beautifully in the barrel.In Bond£770.00 -
James Suckling (95)
This is so powerful and rich with fantastic depth of fruit and tannin structure. Full body, chewy yet polished in impressive. Stretches the limit on tannin extraction but it’s all there. Should develop beautifully in the barrel.In Bond£389.00 -
James Suckling (95)
This is so powerful and rich with fantastic depth of fruit and tannin structure. Full body, chewy yet polished in impressive. Stretches the limit on tannin extraction but it’s all there. Should develop beautifully in the barrel.In Bond£730.00 -
James Suckling (95)
This is so powerful and rich with fantastic depth of fruit and tannin structure. Full body, chewy yet polished in impressive. Stretches the limit on tannin extraction but it’s all there. Should develop beautifully in the barrel.In Bond£534.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Very attractive, ripe dark berries with a meaty edge that delivers a very compelling wine from the outset. Quite plush and elegant tannins with a smooth, juicy and attractive finish that holds long and is saturated in flavor. Seamless build. Really stunning. Try from 2022.In Bond£695.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Very attractive, ripe dark berries with a meaty edge that delivers a very compelling wine from the outset. Quite plush and elegant tannins with a smooth, juicy and attractive finish that holds long and is saturated in flavor. Seamless build. Really stunning. Try from 2022.In Bond£464.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Very attractive, ripe dark berries with a meaty edge that delivers a very compelling wine from the outset. Quite plush and elegant tannins with a smooth, juicy and attractive finish that holds long and is saturated in flavor. Seamless build. Really stunning. Try from 2022.In Bond£718.00
