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
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Jancis Robinson (18)
Cask sample, tasted at the domaine. What a stunning nose! Piercingly fresh and expressive notes of violet, garrigue and black-olive tapenade. Defined tannins support the fresh zesty mid palate and is all beautifully encased in a toasty cape of dark fruit.Inc. VAT£1,478.46 -
Jancis Robinson (18)
Cask sample, tasted at the domaine. What a stunning nose! Piercingly fresh and expressive notes of violet, garrigue and black-olive tapenade. Defined tannins support the fresh zesty mid palate and is all beautifully encased in a toasty cape of dark fruit.Inc. VAT£433.24 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
While the old-vine Roussanne cuvée from this estate gets all the attention from collectors, don’t make the mistake of discounting their classic Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc. The 2019 reveals a lighter gold hue as well as a beautiful and classic bouquet of honeyed citrus, quince, white flowers, bee’s wax, and a touch of flinty minerality. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it has flawless balance, nicely integrated acidity, and a great, minerally finish. You can enjoy bottles today with a decant or cellar for two to three decades, if you’re so inclined.Inc. VAT£618.04 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
One of my favorite whites in the world is the old vine Roussanne cuvée from Beaucastel, which comes from a single 3-hectare parcel just outside the domaine, in the northern, cooler part of Châteauneuf du Pape. The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is another thrilling example of Roussanne and offers a vivid gold hue as well as gorgeous notes of white currants, honeysuckle, white flowers, crushed stone, and hints of gunpowder. With beautiful freshness, full-bodied richness, and ample power, it’s unquestionably the Montrachet of the Southern Rhône and a magical white. You can safely drink bottles anytime over the coming decade, then it’s best forgotten until around 20 years after the vintage.Inc. VAT£549.62 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Marvelously complex, deeply fruited and massively concentrated yet wonderfully drinkable, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin challenges the number of superlatives that can be thrown at it. Scents of violets, tree bark, truffle, purple raspberries and blackberries all appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, dense and velvety, and the finish shows enormous richness and length. Breathtaking stuff.Inc. VAT£570.41 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Marvelously complex, deeply fruited and massively concentrated yet wonderfully drinkable, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin challenges the number of superlatives that can be thrown at it. Scents of violets, tree bark, truffle, purple raspberries and blackberries all appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, dense and velvety, and the finish shows enormous richness and length. Breathtaking stuff.Inc. VAT£1,124.03 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Marvelously complex, deeply fruited and massively concentrated yet wonderfully drinkable, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin challenges the number of superlatives that can be thrown at it. Scents of violets, tree bark, truffle, purple raspberries and blackberries all appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, dense and velvety, and the finish shows enormous richness and length. Breathtaking stuff.Inc. VAT£768.62 -
Decanter (92)
A well-balanced, perfectly ripe, very fresh expression this year. Fine tannins, with good grip, harmonious acidity and dark streak of concentrated fruit into the finish. You'll be glad you bought some of this. Not hugely deep or hugely complex, but beautifully balanced. 30% Grenache, 30% MourvInc. VAT£397.27 -
Inc. VAT£398.46 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91-93)
The 2019 Beaumont impresses on the nose with intense blackberry and briary aromas, sous-bois and tobacco, all whilst maintaining its delineation. The palate is supple and silky on the entry. There is well judged acidity, plenty of cedar and seaweed, tinged black fruit and a spicy finish. Now, this is a bloody great Beaumont.Inc. VAT£299.47 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91-93)
The 2019 Beaumont impresses on the nose with intense blackberry and briary aromas, sous-bois and tobacco, all whilst maintaining its delineation. The palate is supple and silky on the entry. There is well judged acidity, plenty of cedar and seaweed, tinged black fruit and a spicy finish. Now, this is a bloody great Beaumont.Inc. VAT£154.24 -
Decanter (95)
Sweet dark fruits on the nose, like black cherry jam with lovely touches of Cabernet Franc apparent in the herbal, perfumed nuances. Super soft and succulent, this is rich and concentrated but delivered in a velvet glove - sculpted. Clearly powerful with a dark core of black fruits but with such an appealingly smooth texture and lift all the way through. Freshness is key here and this has a cooling mint, liquorice and mineral aspect from start to finish. Svelte and supple, this has structure and sophistication. A classy, well made wine. Easy to recommend. Tasted three times.Inc. VAT£579.89 -
Decanter (97)
Gorgeously aromatic and concentrated nose, rich with wild flowers and bramble fruits. Lovely cool blue fruits on the palate, blueberries, plums and black cherries with lashings of graphite, slate and liquorice giving a real spicy menthol mineral tone to the palate. Such complexity with poise and polish. Youthful for sure, but this will be excellent. The texture is so attractive and likeable. This has energy and vibrancy despite still being knitted down, it's just giving a hint of what's to come. Buy and hold on to.Inc. VAT£1,078.84 -
Decanter (97)
Gorgeously aromatic and concentrated nose, rich with wild flowers and bramble fruits. Lovely cool blue fruits on the palate, blueberries, plums and black cherries with lashings of graphite, slate and liquorice giving a real spicy menthol mineral tone to the palate. Such complexity with poise and polish. Youthful for sure, but this will be excellent. The texture is so attractive and likeable. This has energy and vibrancy despite still being knitted down, it's just giving a hint of what's to come. Buy and hold on to.Inc. VAT£718.24 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (97)
The 2019 Bélair-Monange shows wonderful delineation and focus on the nose, which presents a cornucopia of red fruit, crushed stone, wilted rose petal and light black truffle aromas. It seems to gain complexity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, fine delineation and a velvety texture. This builds toward a lavish finish, with dark chocolate and cocoa notes lingering on the aftertaste. It will need several years in bottle but should repay those with the wherewithal to cellar.Inc. VAT£727.49 -
Wine Advocate (98)
"'Les Quarts' is the original plot, facing south, which gave its name to the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation. As a matter of fact, until the French Revolution, the lords of Haute Guerche, tenants of the Chaume vineyards, used to pay the nuns of the Ronceray Abbey with 'the best quarters of the harvest'. Thus, the name 'Quarts-de- Chaume' was born," writes Ivan Massonnat. The soils are based on Precambrian schists, which, according to Massonnat, bring finesse and length to this cuvée. Sourced from a 3.08-hectare plot, the citrus-colored 2019 Anjou Sec Quarts opens with a deep and intense yet pure, refined and elegant, noble and aromatic bouquet of perfectly ripe and concentrated stone fruits, jelly fruits, lemons, grapefruits, salts and crystalline rocks. Crystalline and fresh on the elegant palate, this is a full-bodied, intense, dense and extract-sweet yet also refined and stimulating Chenin with noble citrus fruit bitters and fine tannins on the long, tight and intense finish. This is reduced power paired with finesse and elegance. Far too young to be served at this stage, this is a promising, very intense yet still restrained Quarts that is not as austere as the Rouères and not as rich and expansive as the Veau but possibly something in between. There are graphite notes on the aftertaste. This is another rather intellectual dry Chenin from the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation that can only be used for noble sweet wines. Natural cork. Tasted in September 2021.Inc. VAT£631.49 -
Wine Advocate (97)
"Le Veau is one of the three plots listed in the original decree creating the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, on the western side," Ivan Massonnat explains, introducing his Anjou Sec Veau. The southwest-facing 1.68-hectare-plot rests on a flush schist area, giving this Anjou from the Quarts-de-Chaume AC (which is exclusively reserved for noble sweet wines) not only richness and power but also mineral tension and great aging potential. In 2018, Massonnat forgot to isolate the fruits of Le Veau, so it went into the Ronceray that I described earlier this year. The 2019 Anjou Sec Veau exhibits an intensely golden-yellow color followed by accordingly intense and concentrated, full and almost overripe, sweet and juicy tropical fruit that is absolutely exciting and made to meditate about whether the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation should not be opened to dry wines as well. However, this unique 2019 opens mind-blowingly intense, rich and complex and immediately asks for our time in order to explore all its depths and to follow the developments in the glass (I am using Zwiesel's wide and open Sensory Giacomo Conterno glass, which is just perfect for this kind of wine). On the palate, this full-bodied and rich yet perfectly balanced and elegant Chenin promptly reveals great finesse and minerality before the fruits come through and cover the palate with an almost oily texture; the spectacularly long finish, carried by crystalline acidity, cuts through this richness to leave the palate with a powerful, intense and aromatic as well as persistently salty aftertaste. This is another picture-book Chenin Blanc from Domaine Belargus, whose interplay of finesse and salinity with power and richness is mind-blowing. Natural cork. Tasted in September 2021.Inc. VAT£498.29 -
Immerse yourself in the sheer sophistication of the Belargus Savennieres Gaudrets 2019. Brought to you by Belargus, a distinguished French winery in the heart of the Anjou, this stunning expression of Chenin Blanc exudes the sumptuous depths that set Savennieres wines apart. This wine draws its complexity from the estate's schistous terroir and the meticulous vinification process.
Hand-harvested grapes are gently pressed and fermented with natural yeasts in stainless steel tanks, followed by a year of maturation on fine lees, which imparts an enchanting minerality and layered profile. The 2019 vintage boasts noteworthy intensity, defined by ripe fruit aromas intermingled with notes of honey and spice. On the palate, it carries a gratifying acidity and harmoniously balanced richness that stroked the gourmand's soul.
Belargus Savennieres Gaudrets 2019 is an experience of finesse and precision, embodying the winemaker’s relentless pursuit of quality, resulting in a wine that is truly worthy of the discerning connoisseur’s collection.
Inc. VAT£434.44 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)
The 2019 Belgrave is every bit as impressive from bottle as it was en primeur. Dark, bold and savory, the 2019 is fabulous from the very first taste. Wild black cherry, lavender, spice and dried herbs build in a Haut-Médoc that is positively stellar in every way. I loved it.Inc. VAT£586.87 -
Relish the charm of French winemaking with the Belle Brise 2019. Birthed in the esteemed vineyards of Bordeaux, this fine wine epitomises meticulous craftsmanship. Masterfully curated by premier winemakers, the Belle Brise 2019 gleams with a radiant ruby hue, signifying its robust constitution. Its harmonious blend of earthy aromas and fruity undertones, heightened by the subtle oak influence, symbolises the synthesis of tradition and innovation that defines Belle Brise's philosophy. The wine is aged in French oak, reflecting their enduring commitment to authenticity.
A taste of Belle Brise 2019 is an invitation to savour the distinctive terroir of Bordeaux - a poetic union of rich clay soils tempered by the region's gentle maritime climate. This fine wine offers complexity, depth with a velvety finish, embodying Belle Brise's artistry and the unerring dedication of its winemakers. Whether enjoyed on its own or complementing exquisite cuisine, Belle Brise 2019 encapsulates the quintessence of fine winemaking from the heart of Bordeaux.
Inc. VAT£690.04 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)
An estate that deserves more recognition in the market today, the 2019 Château Bellefont-Belcier comes from a fabulous terroir not far from Larcis Ducasse and Château Pavie. Gorgeous cassis and black raspberry fruits give way to a full-bodied, incredibly elegant 2019 with loads of floral notes, the classic minerality of this terroir, ripe tannins, and blockbuster of a finish. The elegance and purity of this wine paired with its richness and depth are something.Inc. VAT£343.84 -
Emanating from the renowned wine region of Burgundy, France, the Belleville Mercurey Champ Roin 2019 is an exquisite exemplar of exceptional French viniculture. As part of the esteemed family-owned Belleville winery which has omni-present authenticity since its inception in 1860, this Pinot Noir exhibits unique harmony between traditional practices and innovative techniques.
Nurtured within Mercurey’s most illustrious terroirs, this dazzling red matured in oak barrels for 12 months, imparting fascinating complexity and structure to the wine. Belleville Mercurey Champ Roin 2019 captivates from the outset, offering an alluring nose of dark berry fruits, accented by subtle spice undertones.
On the palate, it delivers harmonious expression of ripe blackcurrant and cherries enveloped in delicate tannins which underpin a remarkably long and elegant finish. As critics have acclaimed, 'Belleville Mercurey Champ Roin 2019' is an opulent, supple and refined tipple that truly illuminates the taste of Burgundy.
Inc. VAT£368.69 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)
I've always enjoyed this wine (I recently finished a case of the 2003, which needs to be drunk up), and the 2019 Château Bellevue showed beautifully. Dense purple-hued with lots of cassis, gravelly earth, violets, and spicy oak, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a soft, opulent mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's a beautiful wine in the making and well worth a case purchase.Inc. VAT£515.98 -
Savour the mellow intricacies and depth of the Benedicte et Stephane Tissot Arbois Clos Tour Curo 2019, a product of Jura's prestigious wine-growing region in France. Conscientious biodynamic practices and traditional vinification processes lend this wine a unique character. Benedicte and Stephane Tissot, renowned figures in Juras' viniculture scene, craft elegant Chardonnay grapes from limestone-rich soils, ensuring richness and an enticing mineral quality. The 2019 Clos Tour Curo, with its extended barrel aging, exhibits a luxurious texture with a harmonious balance of fruit and acidity.
This wine is a profound sensory experience brought to life by its luminous golden hue, delicate citrusy accents underscored by a toasty finish. The Benedicte et Stephane Tissot Arbois Clos Tour Curo 2019 stands unmistakably as a testament to the passion and commitment that Benedicte and Stephane Tissot pour into every bottle, encapsulating a small part of the Jura's soul in each delectable drop.
Inc. VAT£467.21 -
Inc. VAT£842.69 -
Vinous (86-88)
The 2019 Vougeot Clos de Village has a light, slightly green bouquet, although there are no stems here. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly coarse tannins on the entry, but it coheres toward the finish. A lightweight Vougeot considering the vintage. Just three barrels produced.Inc. VAT£287.09 -
Wine Advocate (91-93)
There are two barrels of the 2020 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts, a fleshy and dramatic wine that wafts from the glass with notes of wild berries, vine smoke, plums, exotic spices and petals, framed by a deft application of classy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and enveloping, with lively acids, powdery tannins and a deep core of fruit, this is very promising.Inc. VAT£1,283.09 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Truffière is also showing very well, wafting from the glass with notes of crisp yellow and green orchard fruit mingled with honeysuckle, bread dough, orange oil and iodine. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, with lively acids and a seamless, elegant profile, it concludes with chalky grip on the finish. As readers may remember, this cuvée derives from an isolated parcel surrounded by trees and the dry stone walls Burgundians know as "murgers."Inc. VAT£1,840.84 -
Wine Advocate (92+)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Village has turned out brilliantly, wafting from the glass with scents of citrus oil, crisp green apple, freshly baked bread and mandarin orange. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, it's taut and incisive, with fine concentration, tangy acids and a long, chalky finish. This pure, precise wine is built to age with grace.Inc. VAT£1,174.84 -
Treat your senses to the delight of the Bereche et Fils Beaux Regards 2019, a stunning Chardonnay from the celebrated Champagne house of Bérêche et Fils, a family winery acknowledged for its meticulous efforts in redefining the art of winemaking. This prestigious cuvée hails from the vineyards of Ludes in the Montagne de Reims, and is lovingly nurtured in oak barrels for approximately nine months for superb balance and complexity.
Famed for its precision and rarity, it epitomises the House's inimitable style, showcasing a great depth of minerality, paired with intriguing notes of dried fruits, almonds, and fresh bread. An impressive acid structure renders a persistent finish, marking it as an age-worthy wine. As with all Bereche wines, the Beaux Regards 2019 is expertly crafted with respect for traditional winemaking philosophies, while also embracing innovative practices; resulting in a biodynamically farmed and elegantly nuanced Champagne. Surrender to the allure of the Bereche et Fils Beaux Regards 2019, a true testament to vinous excellence.
Inc. VAT£786.29
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Jancis Robinson (18)
Cask sample, tasted at the domaine. What a stunning nose! Piercingly fresh and expressive notes of violet, garrigue and black-olive tapenade. Defined tannins support the fresh zesty mid palate and is all beautifully encased in a toasty cape of dark fruit.In Bond£1,199.99 -
Jancis Robinson (18)
Cask sample, tasted at the domaine. What a stunning nose! Piercingly fresh and expressive notes of violet, garrigue and black-olive tapenade. Defined tannins support the fresh zesty mid palate and is all beautifully encased in a toasty cape of dark fruit.In Bond£345.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
While the old-vine Roussanne cuvée from this estate gets all the attention from collectors, don’t make the mistake of discounting their classic Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc. The 2019 reveals a lighter gold hue as well as a beautiful and classic bouquet of honeyed citrus, quince, white flowers, bee’s wax, and a touch of flinty minerality. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it has flawless balance, nicely integrated acidity, and a great, minerally finish. You can enjoy bottles today with a decant or cellar for two to three decades, if you’re so inclined.In Bond£499.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
One of my favorite whites in the world is the old vine Roussanne cuvée from Beaucastel, which comes from a single 3-hectare parcel just outside the domaine, in the northern, cooler part of Châteauneuf du Pape. The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is another thrilling example of Roussanne and offers a vivid gold hue as well as gorgeous notes of white currants, honeysuckle, white flowers, crushed stone, and hints of gunpowder. With beautiful freshness, full-bodied richness, and ample power, it’s unquestionably the Montrachet of the Southern Rhône and a magical white. You can safely drink bottles anytime over the coming decade, then it’s best forgotten until around 20 years after the vintage.In Bond£450.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Marvelously complex, deeply fruited and massively concentrated yet wonderfully drinkable, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin challenges the number of superlatives that can be thrown at it. Scents of violets, tree bark, truffle, purple raspberries and blackberries all appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, dense and velvety, and the finish shows enormous richness and length. Breathtaking stuff.In Bond£470.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Marvelously complex, deeply fruited and massively concentrated yet wonderfully drinkable, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin challenges the number of superlatives that can be thrown at it. Scents of violets, tree bark, truffle, purple raspberries and blackberries all appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, dense and velvety, and the finish shows enormous richness and length. Breathtaking stuff.In Bond£926.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Marvelously complex, deeply fruited and massively concentrated yet wonderfully drinkable, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin challenges the number of superlatives that can be thrown at it. Scents of violets, tree bark, truffle, purple raspberries and blackberries all appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, dense and velvety, and the finish shows enormous richness and length. Breathtaking stuff.In Bond£632.50 -
Decanter (92)
A well-balanced, perfectly ripe, very fresh expression this year. Fine tannins, with good grip, harmonious acidity and dark streak of concentrated fruit into the finish. You'll be glad you bought some of this. Not hugely deep or hugely complex, but beautifully balanced. 30% Grenache, 30% MourvIn Bond£299.00 -
In Bond£299.99
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Vinous - Neal Martin (91-93)
The 2019 Beaumont impresses on the nose with intense blackberry and briary aromas, sous-bois and tobacco, all whilst maintaining its delineation. The palate is supple and silky on the entry. There is well judged acidity, plenty of cedar and seaweed, tinged black fruit and a spicy finish. Now, this is a bloody great Beaumont.In Bond£217.50 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91-93)
The 2019 Beaumont impresses on the nose with intense blackberry and briary aromas, sous-bois and tobacco, all whilst maintaining its delineation. The palate is supple and silky on the entry. There is well judged acidity, plenty of cedar and seaweed, tinged black fruit and a spicy finish. Now, this is a bloody great Beaumont.In Bond£112.50 -
Decanter (95)
Sweet dark fruits on the nose, like black cherry jam with lovely touches of Cabernet Franc apparent in the herbal, perfumed nuances. Super soft and succulent, this is rich and concentrated but delivered in a velvet glove - sculpted. Clearly powerful with a dark core of black fruits but with such an appealingly smooth texture and lift all the way through. Freshness is key here and this has a cooling mint, liquorice and mineral aspect from start to finish. Svelte and supple, this has structure and sophistication. A classy, well made wine. Easy to recommend. Tasted three times.In Bond£464.00 -
Decanter (97)
Gorgeously aromatic and concentrated nose, rich with wild flowers and bramble fruits. Lovely cool blue fruits on the palate, blueberries, plums and black cherries with lashings of graphite, slate and liquorice giving a real spicy menthol mineral tone to the palate. Such complexity with poise and polish. Youthful for sure, but this will be excellent. The texture is so attractive and likeable. This has energy and vibrancy despite still being knitted down, it's just giving a hint of what's to come. Buy and hold on to.In Bond£883.00 -
Decanter (97)
Gorgeously aromatic and concentrated nose, rich with wild flowers and bramble fruits. Lovely cool blue fruits on the palate, blueberries, plums and black cherries with lashings of graphite, slate and liquorice giving a real spicy menthol mineral tone to the palate. Such complexity with poise and polish. Youthful for sure, but this will be excellent. The texture is so attractive and likeable. This has energy and vibrancy despite still being knitted down, it's just giving a hint of what's to come. Buy and hold on to.In Bond£582.50 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (97)
The 2019 Bélair-Monange shows wonderful delineation and focus on the nose, which presents a cornucopia of red fruit, crushed stone, wilted rose petal and light black truffle aromas. It seems to gain complexity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, fine delineation and a velvety texture. This builds toward a lavish finish, with dark chocolate and cocoa notes lingering on the aftertaste. It will need several years in bottle but should repay those with the wherewithal to cellar.In Bond£587.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
"'Les Quarts' is the original plot, facing south, which gave its name to the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation. As a matter of fact, until the French Revolution, the lords of Haute Guerche, tenants of the Chaume vineyards, used to pay the nuns of the Ronceray Abbey with 'the best quarters of the harvest'. Thus, the name 'Quarts-de- Chaume' was born," writes Ivan Massonnat. The soils are based on Precambrian schists, which, according to Massonnat, bring finesse and length to this cuvée. Sourced from a 3.08-hectare plot, the citrus-colored 2019 Anjou Sec Quarts opens with a deep and intense yet pure, refined and elegant, noble and aromatic bouquet of perfectly ripe and concentrated stone fruits, jelly fruits, lemons, grapefruits, salts and crystalline rocks. Crystalline and fresh on the elegant palate, this is a full-bodied, intense, dense and extract-sweet yet also refined and stimulating Chenin with noble citrus fruit bitters and fine tannins on the long, tight and intense finish. This is reduced power paired with finesse and elegance. Far too young to be served at this stage, this is a promising, very intense yet still restrained Quarts that is not as austere as the Rouères and not as rich and expansive as the Veau but possibly something in between. There are graphite notes on the aftertaste. This is another rather intellectual dry Chenin from the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation that can only be used for noble sweet wines. Natural cork. Tasted in September 2021.In Bond£507.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
"Le Veau is one of the three plots listed in the original decree creating the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, on the western side," Ivan Massonnat explains, introducing his Anjou Sec Veau. The southwest-facing 1.68-hectare-plot rests on a flush schist area, giving this Anjou from the Quarts-de-Chaume AC (which is exclusively reserved for noble sweet wines) not only richness and power but also mineral tension and great aging potential. In 2018, Massonnat forgot to isolate the fruits of Le Veau, so it went into the Ronceray that I described earlier this year. The 2019 Anjou Sec Veau exhibits an intensely golden-yellow color followed by accordingly intense and concentrated, full and almost overripe, sweet and juicy tropical fruit that is absolutely exciting and made to meditate about whether the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation should not be opened to dry wines as well. However, this unique 2019 opens mind-blowingly intense, rich and complex and immediately asks for our time in order to explore all its depths and to follow the developments in the glass (I am using Zwiesel's wide and open Sensory Giacomo Conterno glass, which is just perfect for this kind of wine). On the palate, this full-bodied and rich yet perfectly balanced and elegant Chenin promptly reveals great finesse and minerality before the fruits come through and cover the palate with an almost oily texture; the spectacularly long finish, carried by crystalline acidity, cuts through this richness to leave the palate with a powerful, intense and aromatic as well as persistently salty aftertaste. This is another picture-book Chenin Blanc from Domaine Belargus, whose interplay of finesse and salinity with power and richness is mind-blowing. Natural cork. Tasted in September 2021.In Bond£396.00 -
Immerse yourself in the sheer sophistication of the Belargus Savennieres Gaudrets 2019. Brought to you by Belargus, a distinguished French winery in the heart of the Anjou, this stunning expression of Chenin Blanc exudes the sumptuous depths that set Savennieres wines apart. This wine draws its complexity from the estate's schistous terroir and the meticulous vinification process.
Hand-harvested grapes are gently pressed and fermented with natural yeasts in stainless steel tanks, followed by a year of maturation on fine lees, which imparts an enchanting minerality and layered profile. The 2019 vintage boasts noteworthy intensity, defined by ripe fruit aromas intermingled with notes of honey and spice. On the palate, it carries a gratifying acidity and harmoniously balanced richness that stroked the gourmand's soul.
Belargus Savennieres Gaudrets 2019 is an experience of finesse and precision, embodying the winemaker’s relentless pursuit of quality, resulting in a wine that is truly worthy of the discerning connoisseur’s collection.
In Bond£346.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)
The 2019 Belgrave is every bit as impressive from bottle as it was en primeur. Dark, bold and savory, the 2019 is fabulous from the very first taste. Wild black cherry, lavender, spice and dried herbs build in a Haut-Médoc that is positively stellar in every way. I loved it.In Bond£457.00 -
Relish the charm of French winemaking with the Belle Brise 2019. Birthed in the esteemed vineyards of Bordeaux, this fine wine epitomises meticulous craftsmanship. Masterfully curated by premier winemakers, the Belle Brise 2019 gleams with a radiant ruby hue, signifying its robust constitution. Its harmonious blend of earthy aromas and fruity undertones, heightened by the subtle oak influence, symbolises the synthesis of tradition and innovation that defines Belle Brise's philosophy. The wine is aged in French oak, reflecting their enduring commitment to authenticity.
A taste of Belle Brise 2019 is an invitation to savour the distinctive terroir of Bordeaux - a poetic union of rich clay soils tempered by the region's gentle maritime climate. This fine wine offers complexity, depth with a velvety finish, embodying Belle Brise's artistry and the unerring dedication of its winemakers. Whether enjoyed on its own or complementing exquisite cuisine, Belle Brise 2019 encapsulates the quintessence of fine winemaking from the heart of Bordeaux.
In Bond£559.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)
An estate that deserves more recognition in the market today, the 2019 Château Bellefont-Belcier comes from a fabulous terroir not far from Larcis Ducasse and Château Pavie. Gorgeous cassis and black raspberry fruits give way to a full-bodied, incredibly elegant 2019 with loads of floral notes, the classic minerality of this terroir, ripe tannins, and blockbuster of a finish. The elegance and purity of this wine paired with its richness and depth are something.In Bond£270.50 -
Emanating from the renowned wine region of Burgundy, France, the Belleville Mercurey Champ Roin 2019 is an exquisite exemplar of exceptional French viniculture. As part of the esteemed family-owned Belleville winery which has omni-present authenticity since its inception in 1860, this Pinot Noir exhibits unique harmony between traditional practices and innovative techniques.
Nurtured within Mercurey’s most illustrious terroirs, this dazzling red matured in oak barrels for 12 months, imparting fascinating complexity and structure to the wine. Belleville Mercurey Champ Roin 2019 captivates from the outset, offering an alluring nose of dark berry fruits, accented by subtle spice undertones.
On the palate, it delivers harmonious expression of ripe blackcurrant and cherries enveloped in delicate tannins which underpin a remarkably long and elegant finish. As critics have acclaimed, 'Belleville Mercurey Champ Roin 2019' is an opulent, supple and refined tipple that truly illuminates the taste of Burgundy.
In Bond£288.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)
I've always enjoyed this wine (I recently finished a case of the 2003, which needs to be drunk up), and the 2019 Château Bellevue showed beautifully. Dense purple-hued with lots of cassis, gravelly earth, violets, and spicy oak, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a soft, opulent mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's a beautiful wine in the making and well worth a case purchase.In Bond£391.50 -
Savour the mellow intricacies and depth of the Benedicte et Stephane Tissot Arbois Clos Tour Curo 2019, a product of Jura's prestigious wine-growing region in France. Conscientious biodynamic practices and traditional vinification processes lend this wine a unique character. Benedicte and Stephane Tissot, renowned figures in Juras' viniculture scene, craft elegant Chardonnay grapes from limestone-rich soils, ensuring richness and an enticing mineral quality. The 2019 Clos Tour Curo, with its extended barrel aging, exhibits a luxurious texture with a harmonious balance of fruit and acidity.
This wine is a profound sensory experience brought to life by its luminous golden hue, delicate citrusy accents underscored by a toasty finish. The Benedicte et Stephane Tissot Arbois Clos Tour Curo 2019 stands unmistakably as a testament to the passion and commitment that Benedicte and Stephane Tissot pour into every bottle, encapsulating a small part of the Jura's soul in each delectable drop.
In Bond£384.00 -
In Bond£683.00
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Vinous (86-88)
The 2019 Vougeot Clos de Village has a light, slightly green bouquet, although there are no stems here. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly coarse tannins on the entry, but it coheres toward the finish. A lightweight Vougeot considering the vintage. Just three barrels produced.In Bond£220.00 -
Wine Advocate (91-93)
There are two barrels of the 2020 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts, a fleshy and dramatic wine that wafts from the glass with notes of wild berries, vine smoke, plums, exotic spices and petals, framed by a deft application of classy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and enveloping, with lively acids, powdery tannins and a deep core of fruit, this is very promising.In Bond£1,050.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Truffière is also showing very well, wafting from the glass with notes of crisp yellow and green orchard fruit mingled with honeysuckle, bread dough, orange oil and iodine. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, with lively acids and a seamless, elegant profile, it concludes with chalky grip on the finish. As readers may remember, this cuvée derives from an isolated parcel surrounded by trees and the dry stone walls Burgundians know as "murgers."In Bond£1,518.00 -
Wine Advocate (92+)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Village has turned out brilliantly, wafting from the glass with scents of citrus oil, crisp green apple, freshly baked bread and mandarin orange. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, it's taut and incisive, with fine concentration, tangy acids and a long, chalky finish. This pure, precise wine is built to age with grace.In Bond£963.00 -
Treat your senses to the delight of the Bereche et Fils Beaux Regards 2019, a stunning Chardonnay from the celebrated Champagne house of Bérêche et Fils, a family winery acknowledged for its meticulous efforts in redefining the art of winemaking. This prestigious cuvée hails from the vineyards of Ludes in the Montagne de Reims, and is lovingly nurtured in oak barrels for approximately nine months for superb balance and complexity.
Famed for its precision and rarity, it epitomises the House's inimitable style, showcasing a great depth of minerality, paired with intriguing notes of dried fruits, almonds, and fresh bread. An impressive acid structure renders a persistent finish, marking it as an age-worthy wine. As with all Bereche wines, the Beaux Regards 2019 is expertly crafted with respect for traditional winemaking philosophies, while also embracing innovative practices; resulting in a biodynamically farmed and elegantly nuanced Champagne. Surrender to the allure of the Bereche et Fils Beaux Regards 2019, a true testament to vinous excellence.
In Bond£636.00
