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 (18.5)
A little bit of reduction but great intensity. Almost rudely flamboyant. Full of fruit and allure although all on a very transparent scale. More intense than the Bonnes Mares. Racy and opulent within its own terms.Inc. VAT£17,522.44 -
Vinous (92)
The 2011 Chambolle-Musigny Les Fuées is almost uncharacteristically deep, intense and voluptuous. Sweet red berries, flowers and hard candy all take shape in the glass. In 2011, the Fuées is racy and sensual to the core. All the elements are woven together in a fabric of unusual elegance and pure finesse.Inc. VAT£6,994.84 -
Jancis Robinson (19)
Some vines planted in 1940s, and others between 1958-1963. A little darker than the rest. Gamey nose (nothing to do with reduction). Juice and freshness and intensity and real life and savour. Quite firm fine tannins underneath but masses of mind-blowing elegant fruit. Sinewy. All in the same register as the village wine. A gold-standard wine. But some will find it tight at this stage.Inc. VAT£12,230.44 -
Vinous (92-94)
(harvested on September 12, with potential alcohol of 12.8%; from an east-facing, cool site at the top of the hill, just under the trees, where phenolic maturity usually comes before sugar ripeness): Pale, bright, green-tinged yellow. Pungent, raw aromas of crushed stone, pepper, truffle and earth: very white soil in character. The impression of rawness continues on the tight, leanish palate, which offers pure flavors of crushed stone, pepper and saline minerality. With less stuffing here than the Montrachet, this penetrating, soil-driven wine comes across as austere. But its lingering perfume suggests that it will reward extended cellaring.Inc. VAT£2,438.44 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Musigny 2011 from Jacques Prieur displays more red fruit on the nose compared the blue fruit found elsewhere in this flight of blind Chambolle Amoureuses and Musigny 2011s. It is beautifully defined, perhaps a touch earthier than its peers, with a slight meatiness developing in the glass, subsequently wild heather and broom. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe, quite toasty tannins. There is impressive depth here, although it does not quite possess tip-top finesse and delineation on the finish. Still, this is very fine and here, under blind condition, out-maneuvered some of the more revered names.Inc. VAT£7,204.84 -
Vinous (92)
The 2011 Nuits St. Georges Les Hauts Porrets is beautifully centered focused. Here it is the wine's density and power that stand out most. Hints of leather, plum, mint and sweet spices add complexity in an impeccable, utterly delicious Burgundy. It's all there in the 2011 Les Hauts Porrets.Inc. VAT£842.69 -
The Jean et Sebastien Dauvissat Chablis Saint Pierre 2011 is an exquisite offering from the highly esteemed Dauvissat estate in the historic French winemaking region of Chablis, Burgundy. This old-world Chardonnay encapsulates the robust minerality characteristic of the Kimmeridgian soil it's cultivated in.
Masterly hand-harvested and handled with paramount precision, this wine is a testament to the savoir-faire of the winemaking duo, Jean and Sebastien Dauvissat. They adhere to traditional wine-making techniques, ageing the wine in old French oak barrels, which bestow onto it a subtle grace and complexity with notes of crisp green apple, pear and chalky minerals.
Structured and elegant, the Jean et Sebastien Dauvissat Chablis Saint Pierre 2011 is testament to the estate's reputation in producing Chablis wines that are distinguished by their superb quality and exceptional longevity.
Inc. VAT£399.89 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (87)
The 2011 Cuvée Jean Gautreau is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc picked between September 7 and 27. It has a simple, earthy bouquet that feels a bit dull compared to the excellent 2009 and 2010 vintages. The medium-bodied palate is nicely balanced, simple but focused, displaying fine tannin and tobacco-tinged black fruit on the rather short finish. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet.Inc. VAT£548.69 -
Vinous (92-94)
A dark, powerful Burgundy, the 2011 Vosne-Romanée Les Suchots is another wine deeply marked by site. Black fruit, smoke, tar, incense and scorched earth all come together in this decidedly masculine, brooding wine. Ideally, the 2011 is best cellared for at least a few years, but it will always remain full-bodied and intense.Inc. VAT£2,192.44 -
Wine Advocate (98-99)
About to be bottled when I tasted it, the 2011 Château Chalon has a smoky, flinty, whisky-like character that is subtle and elegant. 2011 was a cool year with good weather during the harvest, delivering healthy grapes and a good crop that produced quality and quantity. Macle compared it with 2008, a year with good acidity, but 2011 is probably a bit rounder. The wine comes through as balanced and mineral. A second barrel had a stronger yeast character, with more aromas of bread dough, a little peaty and a little more powerful on the palate. This should make a great bottle of Château Chalon; it's quite classic and has a long life ahead of it in bottle. There are 8,000 bottles of this, bottled in two different lots.Inc. VAT£782.70 -
The Joguet Chinon Les Varennes du Grand Clos 2011 is a harmoniously balanced fine wine that speaks of the exquisite craftmanship of its producer. Hailing from the charismatic vineyards of Chinon in the Loire Valley, this bottle represents the heart of France's wine heritage. Produced by the renowned Joguet vineyards, it is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality. The 2011 vintage flourishes with a captivating blend of flavour notes reminiscent of ripe fruits, subtly infused with a touch of earthy undertones.
Meticulously crafted using 100% organic Cabernet Franc grapes, this wine is aged in oak barrels for a period of 12 months to acquire its signature richness. The process encapsulates tradition while advocating for sustainable practices. The Joguet Chinon Les Varennes du Grand Clos 2011 is not just a bottle of wine, but an experience, a journey through the remarkable world of French viticulture. A wine connoisseur's delight, indeed.
Inc. VAT£506.69 -
Burghound (93)
Much like the Musigny, this is really beautifully spicy but here there are intense earth and sauvage undertones to the mostly wild red berry fruit scents. There is excellent volume and plenty of minerality to the focused, energetic and overtly powerful large-scaled flavors that culminate in an austere finish that displays noticeable gas which accentuates the firmness of the tannins. Even so, this is clearly a long-distance runner and like the Griotte, I would strongly advise buying this only with the intent to cellar it for at least a decade.Inc. VAT£4,790.47 -
Vinous (91-94)
Medium red with ruby highlights. Very fresh, highly aromatic nose combines blackberry, black cherry, violet and crushed rock. Juicy and tightly wound on first taste but essentially creamy in the middle palate, displaying lovely black fruit and floral perfume. Very fine-grained and long, finishing with firm tannins, well-integrated acidity and resounding savory and mineral qualities. Just a tad warm today at 13.5% alcohol but this should turn out very well.Inc. VAT£5,730.07 -
Wine Advocate (92)
The 2011 Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru is from a half-hectare located in the top right hand corner as you look at the climat on the map. It offers a charming and gentle, almost Charmes-Chambertin-like bouquet that unfolds in the glass. The palate has a slight reduction on the palate that smudges the overall effect and yet it is rounded and supple in the mouth with cranberry, raspberry leaf and a pinch of black pepper toward the tender finish. Fine. Drink 2015-2025.Inc. VAT£5,138.47 -
Vinous (92-95)
Good deep red. Captivating aromas of blueberry, violet, coffee bean, white pepper and crushed stone. Juicy on entry, then tight and imploded in the middle, with an energetic core of fruit currently dominated by the wine's structure. Most impressive today on the rising, expanding back end, which saturates the mouth with dusty minerality. This will need eight to ten years of cellaring.Inc. VAT£5,451.64 -
Vinous (90-92)
(13.3% following modest chaptalization): Good bright medium red-ruby. Cassis, blackberry, licorice, minerals, fresh herbs and bitter chocolate on the nose, lifted by a floral topnote. At once dense and juicy, with lovely inner-mouth tension and energy to its intense dark fruit flavors. Savory, penetrating wine with a firm tannic backbone and resounding finishing fruit. The crop level was around 30 hectoliters per hectare and the vines were picked on September 6, according to Drouhin.Inc. VAT£2,714.44 -
The Joseph Paget Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres 2011 is a superb exhibition of quintessential Burgundian craftsmanship. Cultivated by the esteemed producer, Joseph Paget, in the revered Genevrieres Climat, it candidly reflects the terroir's limestone-rich soil and excellent sun exposure. This Chardonnay is a testament to the meticulous art of traditional viticulture, undergoing fermentation in oak barrels, and aged for 12 months, unifying finesse with complexity. Demonstrating a masterful balance of lush richness and elegant minerality, the 2011 vintage is a paragon of the Meursault's Genevrieres appellation. It radiates vibrant citrus and white peach notes entwined with a subtle underpinning of toasted almond and spices. On the palate, it begins with a silky texture, seamlessly transitioning into a lively, extended finish. This wine's depth of character, structure and age-worthiness makes the Joseph Paget Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres 2011 a venerated addition to any fine wine collection.
Inc. VAT£751.49 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93-96)
Bright ruby. Knockout nose combines cassis, blackberry, minerals and smoked meat. Creamy, deep and layered, combining outstanding concentration and superb inner-mouth lift. Finishes with a whiplash of black fruits and licorice, the tannins thoroughly buffered by the wine's extract. An infant today but already very subtle on the aftertaste.Inc. VAT£2,155.24 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-94)
Bright, deep ruby-red. Very ripe, wild aromas of kirsch, black raspberry and game. Round, sweet and voluminous on the palate, with complex flavors of black cherry, minerals, menthol, licorice and smoked meat. Serious tannins mask sound underlying acidity on the long finish.Inc. VAT£2,169.64 -
From the renowned winemaker, Joseph Voillot, comes the exquisite Joseph Voillot Pommard 2011; a veritable classic for the discerning palate. Steeped in tradition, this wine hails from the Côte de Beaune region, where the illustrious Voillot family has reigned for five generations. A testament of exceptional craftsmanship, the Joseph Voillot Pommard 2011 celebrates the intricate balance brought about by rigorous biodynamic practices. Immaculately harvested Pinot Noir grapes are handpicked from the limestone-laden vineyards, paving the way for wine that entices you with its rich, ruby-red hue. Crisp and captivating, it resonates with punchy, dark fruit undertones and the modulated spiciness indicative of old-world Pommard. Expect a lavish finish that lingers, imbuing your senses with the selective combination of ripe cherries, fresh earth, and a hint of savoury mushroom. A truly magnificent vintage, the Joseph Voillot Pommard 2011 is a testimony to the meticulous attention to detail and dedication to purity that symbolises Voillot's legacy.
Inc. VAT£771.60 -
Wine Advocate (89+)
The dense ruby/purple-colored, chunky, rich, slightly masculine 2011 Kirwan is medium-bodied and fleshy. It reveals excellent extraction of fruit and flavor, sweet, but noticeable tannins and a nicely textured mouthfeel as well as finish. While it may not be an archetypical Margaux, it is impressively endowed. Still young, it should hit its prime in 5-6 years and have 15-20 years of upside ahead of it.Inc. VAT£370.60 -
Wine Advocate (89+)
The dense ruby/purple-colored, chunky, rich, slightly masculine 2011 Kirwan is medium-bodied and fleshy. It reveals excellent extraction of fruit and flavor, sweet, but noticeable tannins and a nicely textured mouthfeel as well as finish. While it may not be an archetypical Margaux, it is impressively endowed. Still young, it should hit its prime in 5-6 years and have 15-20 years of upside ahead of it.Inc. VAT£551.58 -
Wine Advocate (89+)
The dense ruby/purple-colored, chunky, rich, slightly masculine 2011 Kirwan is medium-bodied and fleshy. It reveals excellent extraction of fruit and flavor, sweet, but noticeable tannins and a nicely textured mouthfeel as well as finish. While it may not be an archetypical Margaux, it is impressively endowed. Still young, it should hit its prime in 5-6 years and have 15-20 years of upside ahead of it.Inc. VAT£306.74 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
Because 2011 was a challenging vintage for Champagne, it would be very easy to over-generalize, as many readers may have had less than ideal experiences elsewhere. But Krug’s 2011 Champagne Millesime Brut is not your average Champagne. With a rounded nose, it pours a medium golden straw hue and is creamy with aromas of orange blossoms, custard, fresh pear, hazelnut, and delicate smoky incense. Medium to full-bodied and refined on the palate, it has a rounded and pristine profile, with ripe, balanced fruit floating through the palate, a pinpoint mousse, and a delicate hint of almond skin on the finish that I would expect to become more pronounced with age. Following the more tension-driven vintage of 2008, which was characterized by a more high-toned and lemon-tinged profile, this wine will be accessible sooner (probably also the case for the future release of 2012) and will undoubtedly provide an open window for drinking over the coming 15 to 20 years. Drink 2028-2048. Krug ID: 322038Inc. VAT£1,801.24 -
Vinous (93)
One of the clear standouts in this range, the Nuits Saint Georges Clos des Forets Saint Georges possesses superior muscle and pure depth. Black fruit, smoke, tobacco and licorice flesh out as this broad-shouldered, structured Nuits shows off its inimitable personality. Layers of fruit build to the huge, vibrant finish. This is a terrific example of both Nuits and Clos des Forets St. Georges.Inc. VAT£2,167.27 -
Wine Advocate (95)
With a dense ruby/purple color is followed by a pure nose of mulberries, cherry liqueur and spring flowers, but no hint of oak, this full-bodied, opulent, rich beauty exhibits impressive purity, texture, richness and length. Not as structured or tannic as Trotanoy, it moves more in the direction of the opulence and flashy, showy fruit of Hosanna and Petrus. It should drink well for 15-20 years.Inc. VAT£807.64 -
Inc. VAT£643.27 -
Experience a masterpiece in viniculture with L'If 2011. Produced in the St. Emilion region of Bordeaux by Thienpont family, the name is a tribute to the single Yew tree that graces the vineyard. This realm is renowned for its velvety Merlot-dominated wines, and L'If 2011, a peak example, superbly embodies the terroir's essence. Championed by Jacques Thienpont, the famed producer of Le Pin, this ethereal blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc is a solemn representation of elegance and intensity.
The L'If 2011 involves meticulous selection of grapes, astute fermentation in oak barrels, followed by 18-20 months ageing in French oak, contributing to its rich, full-bodied character. Notes of black berries, plums, and earth elegantly laced with undertones of cocoa and spice unfold luxuriously with every sip. Indulge in the harmonious sophistication of this limited production delight. Allow the sublime narrative of L'If 2011 to elevate your fine wine collection.
Inc. VAT£764.44 -
From famed Domaine La Barroche, the family-run winery in Southern Rhône, comes the splendid La Barroche Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011. Crafted under the meticulous hand of Julien Barrot, this elegant gem is predominantly Grenache blended with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, exhibiting true southern Rhône character fused with Barrot's unique flair. Basking in the radiant Provençal sun, hand-selected grapes from ancient vines - some nearing 100 years old - are traditionally vinified, ensuring the authenticity and depth of the wine. In bottle, the La Barroche Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 is a sensory spectacle. On the nose, the bouquet is melodious, bursting with raspberry, mulberry, spice, and earthy nuances. The palate is harmoniously balanced with smooth tannins, highlighting notes of red fruit, liquorice and scented herbs, finishing in a mystical, lingering complexity. A delectable vintage, the La Barroche Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 is an absolute delight for any discerning palate.
Inc. VAT£489.89 -
Vinous (92)
Vivid purple. Intense dark berry compote, anise and Indian spice scents show excellent power and depth. Stains the palate with sweet black and blue fruit flavors and picks up a sexy floral nuance with aeration. Atypically dense and complex for an entry-level bottling, this wine finishes with superb clarity and length and smooth, harmonious tannins.Inc. VAT£586.51
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)
A little bit of reduction but great intensity. Almost rudely flamboyant. Full of fruit and allure although all on a very transparent scale. More intense than the Bonnes Mares. Racy and opulent within its own terms.In Bond£14,586.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2011 Chambolle-Musigny Les Fuées is almost uncharacteristically deep, intense and voluptuous. Sweet red berries, flowers and hard candy all take shape in the glass. In 2011, the Fuées is racy and sensual to the core. All the elements are woven together in a fabric of unusual elegance and pure finesse.In Bond£5,813.00 -
Jancis Robinson (19)
Some vines planted in 1940s, and others between 1958-1963. A little darker than the rest. Gamey nose (nothing to do with reduction). Juice and freshness and intensity and real life and savour. Quite firm fine tannins underneath but masses of mind-blowing elegant fruit. Sinewy. All in the same register as the village wine. A gold-standard wine. But some will find it tight at this stage.In Bond£10,176.00 -
Vinous (92-94)
(harvested on September 12, with potential alcohol of 12.8%; from an east-facing, cool site at the top of the hill, just under the trees, where phenolic maturity usually comes before sugar ripeness): Pale, bright, green-tinged yellow. Pungent, raw aromas of crushed stone, pepper, truffle and earth: very white soil in character. The impression of rawness continues on the tight, leanish palate, which offers pure flavors of crushed stone, pepper and saline minerality. With less stuffing here than the Montrachet, this penetrating, soil-driven wine comes across as austere. But its lingering perfume suggests that it will reward extended cellaring.In Bond£2,016.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Musigny 2011 from Jacques Prieur displays more red fruit on the nose compared the blue fruit found elsewhere in this flight of blind Chambolle Amoureuses and Musigny 2011s. It is beautifully defined, perhaps a touch earthier than its peers, with a slight meatiness developing in the glass, subsequently wild heather and broom. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe, quite toasty tannins. There is impressive depth here, although it does not quite possess tip-top finesse and delineation on the finish. Still, this is very fine and here, under blind condition, out-maneuvered some of the more revered names.In Bond£5,988.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2011 Nuits St. Georges Les Hauts Porrets is beautifully centered focused. Here it is the wine's density and power that stand out most. Hints of leather, plum, mint and sweet spices add complexity in an impeccable, utterly delicious Burgundy. It's all there in the 2011 Les Hauts Porrets.In Bond£683.00 -
The Jean et Sebastien Dauvissat Chablis Saint Pierre 2011 is an exquisite offering from the highly esteemed Dauvissat estate in the historic French winemaking region of Chablis, Burgundy. This old-world Chardonnay encapsulates the robust minerality characteristic of the Kimmeridgian soil it's cultivated in.
Masterly hand-harvested and handled with paramount precision, this wine is a testament to the savoir-faire of the winemaking duo, Jean and Sebastien Dauvissat. They adhere to traditional wine-making techniques, ageing the wine in old French oak barrels, which bestow onto it a subtle grace and complexity with notes of crisp green apple, pear and chalky minerals.
Structured and elegant, the Jean et Sebastien Dauvissat Chablis Saint Pierre 2011 is testament to the estate's reputation in producing Chablis wines that are distinguished by their superb quality and exceptional longevity.
In Bond£314.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (87)
The 2011 Cuvée Jean Gautreau is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc picked between September 7 and 27. It has a simple, earthy bouquet that feels a bit dull compared to the excellent 2009 and 2010 vintages. The medium-bodied palate is nicely balanced, simple but focused, displaying fine tannin and tobacco-tinged black fruit on the rather short finish. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet.In Bond£438.00 -
Vinous (92-94)
A dark, powerful Burgundy, the 2011 Vosne-Romanée Les Suchots is another wine deeply marked by site. Black fruit, smoke, tar, incense and scorched earth all come together in this decidedly masculine, brooding wine. Ideally, the 2011 is best cellared for at least a few years, but it will always remain full-bodied and intense.In Bond£1,811.00 -
Wine Advocate (98-99)
About to be bottled when I tasted it, the 2011 Château Chalon has a smoky, flinty, whisky-like character that is subtle and elegant. 2011 was a cool year with good weather during the harvest, delivering healthy grapes and a good crop that produced quality and quantity. Macle compared it with 2008, a year with good acidity, but 2011 is probably a bit rounder. The wine comes through as balanced and mineral. A second barrel had a stronger yeast character, with more aromas of bread dough, a little peaty and a little more powerful on the palate. This should make a great bottle of Château Chalon; it's quite classic and has a long life ahead of it in bottle. There are 8,000 bottles of this, bottled in two different lots.In Bond£639.00 -
The Joguet Chinon Les Varennes du Grand Clos 2011 is a harmoniously balanced fine wine that speaks of the exquisite craftmanship of its producer. Hailing from the charismatic vineyards of Chinon in the Loire Valley, this bottle represents the heart of France's wine heritage. Produced by the renowned Joguet vineyards, it is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality. The 2011 vintage flourishes with a captivating blend of flavour notes reminiscent of ripe fruits, subtly infused with a touch of earthy undertones.
Meticulously crafted using 100% organic Cabernet Franc grapes, this wine is aged in oak barrels for a period of 12 months to acquire its signature richness. The process encapsulates tradition while advocating for sustainable practices. The Joguet Chinon Les Varennes du Grand Clos 2011 is not just a bottle of wine, but an experience, a journey through the remarkable world of French viticulture. A wine connoisseur's delight, indeed.
In Bond£403.00 -
Burghound (93)
Much like the Musigny, this is really beautifully spicy but here there are intense earth and sauvage undertones to the mostly wild red berry fruit scents. There is excellent volume and plenty of minerality to the focused, energetic and overtly powerful large-scaled flavors that culminate in an austere finish that displays noticeable gas which accentuates the firmness of the tannins. Even so, this is clearly a long-distance runner and like the Griotte, I would strongly advise buying this only with the intent to cellar it for at least a decade.In Bond£3,960.00 -
Vinous (91-94)
Medium red with ruby highlights. Very fresh, highly aromatic nose combines blackberry, black cherry, violet and crushed rock. Juicy and tightly wound on first taste but essentially creamy in the middle palate, displaying lovely black fruit and floral perfume. Very fine-grained and long, finishing with firm tannins, well-integrated acidity and resounding savory and mineral qualities. Just a tad warm today at 13.5% alcohol but this should turn out very well.In Bond£4,743.00 -
Wine Advocate (92)
The 2011 Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru is from a half-hectare located in the top right hand corner as you look at the climat on the map. It offers a charming and gentle, almost Charmes-Chambertin-like bouquet that unfolds in the glass. The palate has a slight reduction on the palate that smudges the overall effect and yet it is rounded and supple in the mouth with cranberry, raspberry leaf and a pinch of black pepper toward the tender finish. Fine. Drink 2015-2025.In Bond£4,250.00 -
Vinous (92-95)
Good deep red. Captivating aromas of blueberry, violet, coffee bean, white pepper and crushed stone. Juicy on entry, then tight and imploded in the middle, with an energetic core of fruit currently dominated by the wine's structure. Most impressive today on the rising, expanding back end, which saturates the mouth with dusty minerality. This will need eight to ten years of cellaring.In Bond£4,527.00 -
Vinous (90-92)
(13.3% following modest chaptalization): Good bright medium red-ruby. Cassis, blackberry, licorice, minerals, fresh herbs and bitter chocolate on the nose, lifted by a floral topnote. At once dense and juicy, with lovely inner-mouth tension and energy to its intense dark fruit flavors. Savory, penetrating wine with a firm tannic backbone and resounding finishing fruit. The crop level was around 30 hectoliters per hectare and the vines were picked on September 6, according to Drouhin.In Bond£2,246.00 -
The Joseph Paget Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres 2011 is a superb exhibition of quintessential Burgundian craftsmanship. Cultivated by the esteemed producer, Joseph Paget, in the revered Genevrieres Climat, it candidly reflects the terroir's limestone-rich soil and excellent sun exposure. This Chardonnay is a testament to the meticulous art of traditional viticulture, undergoing fermentation in oak barrels, and aged for 12 months, unifying finesse with complexity. Demonstrating a masterful balance of lush richness and elegant minerality, the 2011 vintage is a paragon of the Meursault's Genevrieres appellation. It radiates vibrant citrus and white peach notes entwined with a subtle underpinning of toasted almond and spices. On the palate, it begins with a silky texture, seamlessly transitioning into a lively, extended finish. This wine's depth of character, structure and age-worthiness makes the Joseph Paget Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres 2011 a venerated addition to any fine wine collection.
In Bond£607.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93-96)
Bright ruby. Knockout nose combines cassis, blackberry, minerals and smoked meat. Creamy, deep and layered, combining outstanding concentration and superb inner-mouth lift. Finishes with a whiplash of black fruits and licorice, the tannins thoroughly buffered by the wine's extract. An infant today but already very subtle on the aftertaste.In Bond£1,780.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-94)
Bright, deep ruby-red. Very ripe, wild aromas of kirsch, black raspberry and game. Round, sweet and voluminous on the palate, with complex flavors of black cherry, minerals, menthol, licorice and smoked meat. Serious tannins mask sound underlying acidity on the long finish.In Bond£1,792.00 -
From the renowned winemaker, Joseph Voillot, comes the exquisite Joseph Voillot Pommard 2011; a veritable classic for the discerning palate. Steeped in tradition, this wine hails from the Côte de Beaune region, where the illustrious Voillot family has reigned for five generations. A testament of exceptional craftsmanship, the Joseph Voillot Pommard 2011 celebrates the intricate balance brought about by rigorous biodynamic practices. Immaculately harvested Pinot Noir grapes are handpicked from the limestone-laden vineyards, paving the way for wine that entices you with its rich, ruby-red hue. Crisp and captivating, it resonates with punchy, dark fruit undertones and the modulated spiciness indicative of old-world Pommard. Expect a lavish finish that lingers, imbuing your senses with the selective combination of ripe cherries, fresh earth, and a hint of savoury mushroom. A truly magnificent vintage, the Joseph Voillot Pommard 2011 is a testimony to the meticulous attention to detail and dedication to purity that symbolises Voillot's legacy.
Inc. VAT£771.60 -
Wine Advocate (89+)
The dense ruby/purple-colored, chunky, rich, slightly masculine 2011 Kirwan is medium-bodied and fleshy. It reveals excellent extraction of fruit and flavor, sweet, but noticeable tannins and a nicely textured mouthfeel as well as finish. While it may not be an archetypical Margaux, it is impressively endowed. Still young, it should hit its prime in 5-6 years and have 15-20 years of upside ahead of it.In Bond£296.00 -
Wine Advocate (89+)
The dense ruby/purple-colored, chunky, rich, slightly masculine 2011 Kirwan is medium-bodied and fleshy. It reveals excellent extraction of fruit and flavor, sweet, but noticeable tannins and a nicely textured mouthfeel as well as finish. While it may not be an archetypical Margaux, it is impressively endowed. Still young, it should hit its prime in 5-6 years and have 15-20 years of upside ahead of it.In Bond£434.00 -
Wine Advocate (89+)
The dense ruby/purple-colored, chunky, rich, slightly masculine 2011 Kirwan is medium-bodied and fleshy. It reveals excellent extraction of fruit and flavor, sweet, but noticeable tannins and a nicely textured mouthfeel as well as finish. While it may not be an archetypical Margaux, it is impressively endowed. Still young, it should hit its prime in 5-6 years and have 15-20 years of upside ahead of it.In Bond£246.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
Because 2011 was a challenging vintage for Champagne, it would be very easy to over-generalize, as many readers may have had less than ideal experiences elsewhere. But Krug’s 2011 Champagne Millesime Brut is not your average Champagne. With a rounded nose, it pours a medium golden straw hue and is creamy with aromas of orange blossoms, custard, fresh pear, hazelnut, and delicate smoky incense. Medium to full-bodied and refined on the palate, it has a rounded and pristine profile, with ripe, balanced fruit floating through the palate, a pinpoint mousse, and a delicate hint of almond skin on the finish that I would expect to become more pronounced with age. Following the more tension-driven vintage of 2008, which was characterized by a more high-toned and lemon-tinged profile, this wine will be accessible sooner (probably also the case for the future release of 2012) and will undoubtedly provide an open window for drinking over the coming 15 to 20 years. Drink 2028-2048. Krug ID: 322038In Bond£1,485.00 -
Vinous (93)
One of the clear standouts in this range, the Nuits Saint Georges Clos des Forets Saint Georges possesses superior muscle and pure depth. Black fruit, smoke, tobacco and licorice flesh out as this broad-shouldered, structured Nuits shows off its inimitable personality. Layers of fruit build to the huge, vibrant finish. This is a terrific example of both Nuits and Clos des Forets St. Georges.In Bond£1,774.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
With a dense ruby/purple color is followed by a pure nose of mulberries, cherry liqueur and spring flowers, but no hint of oak, this full-bodied, opulent, rich beauty exhibits impressive purity, texture, richness and length. Not as structured or tannic as Trotanoy, it moves more in the direction of the opulence and flashy, showy fruit of Hosanna and Petrus. It should drink well for 15-20 years.In Bond£657.00 -
In Bond£504.00
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Experience a masterpiece in viniculture with L'If 2011. Produced in the St. Emilion region of Bordeaux by Thienpont family, the name is a tribute to the single Yew tree that graces the vineyard. This realm is renowned for its velvety Merlot-dominated wines, and L'If 2011, a peak example, superbly embodies the terroir's essence. Championed by Jacques Thienpont, the famed producer of Le Pin, this ethereal blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc is a solemn representation of elegance and intensity.
The L'If 2011 involves meticulous selection of grapes, astute fermentation in oak barrels, followed by 18-20 months ageing in French oak, contributing to its rich, full-bodied character. Notes of black berries, plums, and earth elegantly laced with undertones of cocoa and spice unfold luxuriously with every sip. Indulge in the harmonious sophistication of this limited production delight. Allow the sublime narrative of L'If 2011 to elevate your fine wine collection.
In Bond£621.00 -
From famed Domaine La Barroche, the family-run winery in Southern Rhône, comes the splendid La Barroche Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011. Crafted under the meticulous hand of Julien Barrot, this elegant gem is predominantly Grenache blended with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, exhibiting true southern Rhône character fused with Barrot's unique flair. Basking in the radiant Provençal sun, hand-selected grapes from ancient vines - some nearing 100 years old - are traditionally vinified, ensuring the authenticity and depth of the wine. In bottle, the La Barroche Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 is a sensory spectacle. On the nose, the bouquet is melodious, bursting with raspberry, mulberry, spice, and earthy nuances. The palate is harmoniously balanced with smooth tannins, highlighting notes of red fruit, liquorice and scented herbs, finishing in a mystical, lingering complexity. A delectable vintage, the La Barroche Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 is an absolute delight for any discerning palate.
In Bond£389.00 -
Vinous (92)
Vivid purple. Intense dark berry compote, anise and Indian spice scents show excellent power and depth. Stains the palate with sweet black and blue fruit flavors and picks up a sexy floral nuance with aeration. Atypically dense and complex for an entry-level bottling, this wine finishes with superb clarity and length and smooth, harmonious tannins.In Bond£449.00
