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
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Bordeaux | 1 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£2,032.87 |
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Wine Advocate (95)Only 43% of the production made it into the final blend of this remarkable 2002. Produced from a low 17 hectoliters per hectare, it includes 66.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Merlot, 13.9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. It has the highest alcohol ever achieved in a Leoville Las Cases (13.5%) as well as a lofty pH of 3.85. Nevertheless, the impression is one of a structured wine with considerable density, a ruby/purple color, layers of flavor, and a classic overall personality. The wine exhibits pure black currant, licorice-infused fruit, huge body, a viscous mid-palate, and a long, heady finish. I suspect this wine won’t be nearly as charming as the 2003 in its youth, but it hasn’t yet closed down, and I am amazed at just how rich, intense, and full-bodied it tastes even after bottling. This is certainly one of the half dozen or so candidates for wine of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030+. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 98 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£23,093.60 |
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Vinous (98)Dark red. Three-dimensional aromas of dark fruits, minerals, roast coffee and musky underbrush. An extremely urgent grand cru with incredible texture and energy. Dense and almost painfully intense but utterly light on its feet for a wine of such sheer magnitude. Deeply spicy, complex and complete. Finishes with huge, broad tannins and great building persistence. A knockout, and a strong candidate for wine of the vintage. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£11,947.45 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 89 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£44,935.78 |
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Vinous (89)(this and the following wines were tasted at Domaine Leroy) Excellent red-ruby color. Very ripe, musky aromas of black cherry, minerals and licorice, with tarry and medicinal nuances. Fat and full, with an almost liqueur-like sweetness along with a repeating medicinal note. Very solid wine that should show more detail with a few years in bottle. Finishes with substantial tannins and a hint of dryness. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 89 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£3,551.05 |
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Vinous (89)(this and the following wines were tasted at Domaine Leroy) Excellent red-ruby color. Very ripe, musky aromas of black cherry, minerals and licorice, with tarry and medicinal nuances. Fat and full, with an almost liqueur-like sweetness along with a repeating medicinal note. Very solid wine that should show more detail with a few years in bottle. Finishes with substantial tannins and a hint of dryness. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 89 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£9,790.09 |
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Vinous (89)(this and the following wines were tasted at Domaine Leroy) Excellent red-ruby color. Very ripe, musky aromas of black cherry, minerals and licorice, with tarry and medicinal nuances. Fat and full, with an almost liqueur-like sweetness along with a repeating medicinal note. Very solid wine that should show more detail with a few years in bottle. Finishes with substantial tannins and a hint of dryness. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£13,511.60 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2002 Richebourg Grand Cru must surely be Lalou Bize-Leroy's finest wine of the vintage. It has more class than the 2002 Latricières-Chambertin--pure wild strawberry and black truffle on the nose that gathers momentum with each ticking hand of the clock as if to say: You want more? Of course you do. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin. There is great depth here as one expects from a Richebourg, not a powerful grand cru because this vintage was all about the nuance and delicacy, but it fans out wondrously on the finish with crushed strawberry and hints of cured meats. Very long, very elegant, very Leroy. This is an absolute treat. Tasted January 2016. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 92 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£2,198.47 |
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Wine Advocate (92)A classic second wine that shows outstanding potential, the dark ruby/purple-colored 2002 has notes of cedar wood, black currants, earth, and truffles in a medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, beautifully concentrated style that can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 96 (BH) |
Inc. VAT
£5,444.03 |
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Burghound (96)A dazzlingly complex and pure nose reveals an incredible breadth of spice-box and dark fruit aromas that are displaying only a whisper of secondary development along with just enough wood to comment on. The ripe and seductive yet incredibly intense medium-bodied flavors display marvelous depth and perfect balance on the sappy, sweet, powerful and hugely long finish that is beautifully detailed and focused. This beauty is a model of grace and understatement and while it could be drunk now with pleasure I would advise waiting as it seems quite clear that there is still plenty of unrealized development potential. In sum, this is stunningly good. |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,164.41 |
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Vinous (100)Roederer’s 2002 Cristal, from magnum, is just off the charts. What else is there to say? The magnum format is so well-suited to Champagne. As opposed to still wines, which are just aged in glass, for Champagne, the secondary fermentation takes place in the glass. I am convinced that is a major part of what makes Champagne from magnum (or larger) often so compelling. The texture, breadth and overall pedigree here is just remarkable, with layers of apricot, spice, dried flowers and citrus confit that continue to build over time. The 2002 is neither old nor young; it is quite simply eternal. What a great way to start the night. Wow! |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£6,515.26 |
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Vinous (100)Roederer’s 2002 Cristal, from magnum, is just off the charts. What else is there to say? The magnum format is so well-suited to Champagne. As opposed to still wines, which are just aged in glass, for Champagne, the secondary fermentation takes place in the glass. I am convinced that is a major part of what makes Champagne from magnum (or larger) often so compelling. The texture, breadth and overall pedigree here is just remarkable, with layers of apricot, spice, dried flowers and citrus confit that continue to build over time. The 2002 is neither old nor young; it is quite simply eternal. What a great way to start the night. Wow! |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,269.62 |
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Vinous (100)Roederer’s 2002 Cristal, from magnum, is just off the charts. What else is there to say? The magnum format is so well-suited to Champagne. As opposed to still wines, which are just aged in glass, for Champagne, the secondary fermentation takes place in the glass. I am convinced that is a major part of what makes Champagne from magnum (or larger) often so compelling. The texture, breadth and overall pedigree here is just remarkable, with layers of apricot, spice, dried flowers and citrus confit that continue to build over time. The 2002 is neither old nor young; it is quite simply eternal. What a great way to start the night. Wow! |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£5,271.26 |
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Vinous (100)Roederer’s 2002 Cristal, from magnum, is just off the charts. What else is there to say? The magnum format is so well-suited to Champagne. As opposed to still wines, which are just aged in glass, for Champagne, the secondary fermentation takes place in the glass. I am convinced that is a major part of what makes Champagne from magnum (or larger) often so compelling. The texture, breadth and overall pedigree here is just remarkable, with layers of apricot, spice, dried flowers and citrus confit that continue to build over time. The 2002 is neither old nor young; it is quite simply eternal. What a great way to start the night. Wow! |
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Champagne | 2 | 100 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,049.64 |
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Vinous (100)Roederer’s 2002 Cristal, from magnum, is just off the charts. What else is there to say? The magnum format is so well-suited to Champagne. As opposed to still wines, which are just aged in glass, for Champagne, the secondary fermentation takes place in the glass. I am convinced that is a major part of what makes Champagne from magnum (or larger) often so compelling. The texture, breadth and overall pedigree here is just remarkable, with layers of apricot, spice, dried flowers and citrus confit that continue to build over time. The 2002 is neither old nor young; it is quite simply eternal. What a great way to start the night. Wow! |
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Champagne | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£2,232.41 |
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James Suckling (99)An extraordinary champagne experience that you’ll never forget! Tons of white chocolate on the savory nose pulls you into this concentrated and chalky champagne with rich candied citrus and mirabelle fruit. So much oily umami complexity right through the huge breathtakingly vivid finish. Just 10% of each vintage of Cristal gets the extra years of aging for release as Vinotheque. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 2 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£1,028.00 |
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James Suckling (99)An extraordinary champagne experience that you’ll never forget! Tons of white chocolate on the savory nose pulls you into this concentrated and chalky champagne with rich candied citrus and mirabelle fruit. So much oily umami complexity right through the huge breathtakingly vivid finish. Just 10% of each vintage of Cristal gets the extra years of aging for release as Vinotheque. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£3,852.41 |
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James Suckling (100)The best way I can covey what it feels like to experience this truly extraordinary rosé champagne is to say that it tastes like a mature vintage Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru - a red Burgundy! - with very fine bubbles and an acidity that gives it a weightless delicacy, it’s impossible to resist. After a bit of aeration there’s also a note of teriyaki sauce which makes this even more special. Tasted from Jeroboam at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£2,105.60 |
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James Suckling (100)The best way I can covey what it feels like to experience this truly extraordinary rosé champagne is to say that it tastes like a mature vintage Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru - a red Burgundy! - with very fine bubbles and an acidity that gives it a weightless delicacy, it’s impossible to resist. After a bit of aeration there’s also a note of teriyaki sauce which makes this even more special. Tasted from Jeroboam at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£515.60 |
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Vinous (93)I suppose in keeping with the theme we should have drunk some Japanese sake, but I had already put a few bottles aside for the occasion. Therefore, we commenced with my last bottle of 2002 Brut Millésime from Louis Roederer. This has been drinking supremely well in recent months. The vivacious, beautifully defined yeasty nose offers hints of brioche and grilled almonds, and hazelnut in the background. The palate is à point, with a fine bead of acidity that complements the continuing yeasty theme. Quite saline in the mouth, it displays a lovely bitterness and nuttiness toward the finish that gets the saliva flowing. We become starry-eyed with prestigious cuvées in their deluxe packaging, but I often obtain just as much satisfaction from more modest champagnes like this, which frequently age supremely well. |
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Champagne | 2 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,296.84 |
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Vinous (93)I suppose in keeping with the theme we should have drunk some Japanese sake, but I had already put a few bottles aside for the occasion. Therefore, we commenced with my last bottle of 2002 Brut Millésime from Louis Roederer. This has been drinking supremely well in recent months. The vivacious, beautifully defined yeasty nose offers hints of brioche and grilled almonds, and hazelnut in the background. The palate is à point, with a fine bead of acidity that complements the continuing yeasty theme. Quite saline in the mouth, it displays a lovely bitterness and nuttiness toward the finish that gets the saliva flowing. We become starry-eyed with prestigious cuvées in their deluxe packaging, but I often obtain just as much satisfaction from more modest champagnes like this, which frequently age supremely well. |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£2,403.14 |
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The Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon Dark Jewel Brut Rose 2002 exemplifies the grandeur of the legendary Champagne house, Moet & Chandon. Crafted in the eponymous region of Champagne, France, this vintage rose bubbly is the product of rigorous selection process and the unique expression of the 2002 harvest. Utilising predominantly Pinot Noir grapes, its vibrant hue is a testament of meticulous assemblage and extended ageing in chalk cellars, embodying the audacious spirit of Dom Perignon. Ebullient and rich, it reveals itself in waves with radiant bouquet of strawberry, fig and spices, intriguing the palate. Its immense depth, complexity and silky persistence make this stunning offering the true Dark Jewel. A culmination of careful winemaking expertise and exceptional terroirs, Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon Dark Jewel Brut Rose 2002 is an epitome of the house's enduring winemaking finesse and unassailable quality. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 18.5 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£5,938.87 |
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)Deep crimson. Firm, strongly cassis nose. Very voluptuous texture. Appetising and beautifully balanced. Obviously Médoc. Dried out a little on the end but the contrast between the flesh of this wine and skinniness of the Margaux tasted immediately beforehand could not have been more marked. It was still fresh and clean 24 hours afterwards but had lost a little density. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 18.5 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£2,790.83 |
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)Deep crimson. Firm, strongly cassis nose. Very voluptuous texture. Appetising and beautifully balanced. Obviously Médoc. Dried out a little on the end but the contrast between the flesh of this wine and skinniness of the Margaux tasted immediately beforehand could not have been more marked. It was still fresh and clean 24 hours afterwards but had lost a little density. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 18.5 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£6,474.07 |
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)Deep crimson. Firm, strongly cassis nose. Very voluptuous texture. Appetising and beautifully balanced. Obviously Médoc. Dried out a little on the end but the contrast between the flesh of this wine and skinniness of the Margaux tasted immediately beforehand could not have been more marked. It was still fresh and clean 24 hours afterwards but had lost a little density. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£7,395.89 |
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Regarded as a jewel amidst the fine wines of Burgundy, the Mugneret Gibourg Echezeaux Grand Cru Vv 2002 reflects the expertise of esteemed viticulturists Marie-Andrée and Marie-Jesus Mugneret. This exquisite wine is a testament to the fruitful Echezeaux terroir, epitomising the majestic qualities of Pinot Noir, harvested from vines aged over 40 years in the famed Grand Cru vineyards of Vosne-Romanée, Côte de Nuits. Promising a nose of delectable spices and red fruit, the Mugneret Gibourg Echezeaux Grand Cru Vv 2002 unfolds in the glass, revealing an intricately woven palate of soft texture and remarkable complexity. Its perfect blending, hand-crafting, and ageing practices make it a wine that truly displays the brilliant Mugneret Gibourg savoir-faire. As a genuinely extraordinary Burgundy wine, the Mugneret Gibourg Echezeaux Grand Cru Vv 2002 is an irresistible draw for connoisseurs seeking the very essence of French enology. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,159.09 |
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Vinous (92-94)Red-ruby color. Penetrating, pure, highly complex aromas of raspberry, minerals, flowers and pungent spices. Wonderfully urgent and intense, with the mineral and pungent spice elements carrying through on the palate and giving the wine superb lift. Tightly wound but already showy. Finishes very long and nuanced, with fine, ripe tannins. From a selection massale planted in 1957. Very impressive. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£930.58 |
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Indulge in the exquisite, velvety taste of the Oriel Exception 2002, a Bordeaux blend renowned for its mastery and quality. Crafted in the respected vineyards of Bordeaux, France, this sophisticated wine encompasses classic red Bordeaux style imbued with intoxicating flavours of blackcurrant, cassis, and exotic spices. Cultivated by the esteemed producer Château Les Hauts Conseillants, its pedigree is thoroughly assured. This exclusive vintage is a testament to the blending of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc grapes, hand-harvested at their utmost maturity. The vinification process involved rigorous selection and traditional Bordeaux methods of maceration and fermentation at controlled temperatures. Subsequently, the wine matured in exclusively French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months, ensuring the development of its rich, complex character. The Oriel Exception 2002 showcases an aromatic, dark-fruit bouquet elegantly laced with earthy undertones; a true embodiment of Bordeaux's distinct terroir. This fine wine whispers of decadence, poised to elevate any occasion with its robust elegance. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 94 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£3,236.47 |
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Wine Advocate (94)A successful wine for the vintage, this blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot boasts complex notes of menthol, black currants, plums, licorice, and a hint of cappuccino in its stunning aromatics. Dense, medium to full-bodied, with high levels of tannin in a big, full-bodied style (much in the spirit of such classic Bordeaux vintages as 1966, 1986, and 1996), this wine possesses superb purity and serious length, but should be purchased only by those with considerable patience and a good, cold cellar, since it will need plenty of time. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 94 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,560.83 |
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Wine Advocate (94)A successful wine for the vintage, this blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot boasts complex notes of menthol, black currants, plums, licorice, and a hint of cappuccino in its stunning aromatics. Dense, medium to full-bodied, with high levels of tannin in a big, full-bodied style (much in the spirit of such classic Bordeaux vintages as 1966, 1986, and 1996), this wine possesses superb purity and serious length, but should be purchased only by those with considerable patience and a good, cold cellar, since it will need plenty of time. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 98.0 |
Inc. VAT
£3,398.47 |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Bordeaux | 1 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,662.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)Only 43% of the production made it into the final blend of this remarkable 2002. Produced from a low 17 hectoliters per hectare, it includes 66.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Merlot, 13.9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. It has the highest alcohol ever achieved in a Leoville Las Cases (13.5%) as well as a lofty pH of 3.85. Nevertheless, the impression is one of a structured wine with considerable density, a ruby/purple color, layers of flavor, and a classic overall personality. The wine exhibits pure black currant, licorice-infused fruit, huge body, a viscous mid-palate, and a long, heady finish. I suspect this wine won’t be nearly as charming as the 2003 in its youth, but it hasn’t yet closed down, and I am amazed at just how rich, intense, and full-bodied it tastes even after bottling. This is certainly one of the half dozen or so candidates for wine of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030+. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 98 (VN) |
In Bond
£19,242.00 |
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Vinous (98)Dark red. Three-dimensional aromas of dark fruits, minerals, roast coffee and musky underbrush. An extremely urgent grand cru with incredible texture and energy. Dense and almost painfully intense but utterly light on its feet for a wine of such sheer magnitude. Deeply spicy, complex and complete. Finishes with huge, broad tannins and great building persistence. A knockout, and a strong candidate for wine of the vintage. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
£9,953.00 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 89 (VN) |
In Bond
£37,408.00 |
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Vinous (89)(this and the following wines were tasted at Domaine Leroy) Excellent red-ruby color. Very ripe, musky aromas of black cherry, minerals and licorice, with tarry and medicinal nuances. Fat and full, with an almost liqueur-like sweetness along with a repeating medicinal note. Very solid wine that should show more detail with a few years in bottle. Finishes with substantial tannins and a hint of dryness. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 89 (VN) |
In Bond
£2,956.00 |
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Vinous (89)(this and the following wines were tasted at Domaine Leroy) Excellent red-ruby color. Very ripe, musky aromas of black cherry, minerals and licorice, with tarry and medicinal nuances. Fat and full, with an almost liqueur-like sweetness along with a repeating medicinal note. Very solid wine that should show more detail with a few years in bottle. Finishes with substantial tannins and a hint of dryness. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 89 (VN) |
In Bond
£8,152.00 |
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Vinous (89)(this and the following wines were tasted at Domaine Leroy) Excellent red-ruby color. Very ripe, musky aromas of black cherry, minerals and licorice, with tarry and medicinal nuances. Fat and full, with an almost liqueur-like sweetness along with a repeating medicinal note. Very solid wine that should show more detail with a few years in bottle. Finishes with substantial tannins and a hint of dryness. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
£11,257.00 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2002 Richebourg Grand Cru must surely be Lalou Bize-Leroy's finest wine of the vintage. It has more class than the 2002 Latricières-Chambertin--pure wild strawberry and black truffle on the nose that gathers momentum with each ticking hand of the clock as if to say: You want more? Of course you do. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin. There is great depth here as one expects from a Richebourg, not a powerful grand cru because this vintage was all about the nuance and delicacy, but it fans out wondrously on the finish with crushed strawberry and hints of cured meats. Very long, very elegant, very Leroy. This is an absolute treat. Tasted January 2016. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 92 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,800.00 |
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Wine Advocate (92)A classic second wine that shows outstanding potential, the dark ruby/purple-colored 2002 has notes of cedar wood, black currants, earth, and truffles in a medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, beautifully concentrated style that can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 96 (BH) |
In Bond
£4,526.00 |
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Burghound (96)A dazzlingly complex and pure nose reveals an incredible breadth of spice-box and dark fruit aromas that are displaying only a whisper of secondary development along with just enough wood to comment on. The ripe and seductive yet incredibly intense medium-bodied flavors display marvelous depth and perfect balance on the sappy, sweet, powerful and hugely long finish that is beautifully detailed and focused. This beauty is a model of grace and understatement and while it could be drunk now with pleasure I would advise waiting as it seems quite clear that there is still plenty of unrealized development potential. In sum, this is stunningly good. |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (VN) |
In Bond
£965.00 |
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Vinous (100)Roederer’s 2002 Cristal, from magnum, is just off the charts. What else is there to say? The magnum format is so well-suited to Champagne. As opposed to still wines, which are just aged in glass, for Champagne, the secondary fermentation takes place in the glass. I am convinced that is a major part of what makes Champagne from magnum (or larger) often so compelling. The texture, breadth and overall pedigree here is just remarkable, with layers of apricot, spice, dried flowers and citrus confit that continue to build over time. The 2002 is neither old nor young; it is quite simply eternal. What a great way to start the night. Wow! |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (VN) |
In Bond
£5,408.00 |
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Vinous (100)Roederer’s 2002 Cristal, from magnum, is just off the charts. What else is there to say? The magnum format is so well-suited to Champagne. As opposed to still wines, which are just aged in glass, for Champagne, the secondary fermentation takes place in the glass. I am convinced that is a major part of what makes Champagne from magnum (or larger) often so compelling. The texture, breadth and overall pedigree here is just remarkable, with layers of apricot, spice, dried flowers and citrus confit that continue to build over time. The 2002 is neither old nor young; it is quite simply eternal. What a great way to start the night. Wow! |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,050.00 |
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Vinous (100)Roederer’s 2002 Cristal, from magnum, is just off the charts. What else is there to say? The magnum format is so well-suited to Champagne. As opposed to still wines, which are just aged in glass, for Champagne, the secondary fermentation takes place in the glass. I am convinced that is a major part of what makes Champagne from magnum (or larger) often so compelling. The texture, breadth and overall pedigree here is just remarkable, with layers of apricot, spice, dried flowers and citrus confit that continue to build over time. The 2002 is neither old nor young; it is quite simply eternal. What a great way to start the night. Wow! |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (VN) |
In Bond
£4,366.00 |
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Vinous (100)Roederer’s 2002 Cristal, from magnum, is just off the charts. What else is there to say? The magnum format is so well-suited to Champagne. As opposed to still wines, which are just aged in glass, for Champagne, the secondary fermentation takes place in the glass. I am convinced that is a major part of what makes Champagne from magnum (or larger) often so compelling. The texture, breadth and overall pedigree here is just remarkable, with layers of apricot, spice, dried flowers and citrus confit that continue to build over time. The 2002 is neither old nor young; it is quite simply eternal. What a great way to start the night. Wow! |
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Champagne | 2 | 100 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,692.00 |
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Vinous (100)Roederer’s 2002 Cristal, from magnum, is just off the charts. What else is there to say? The magnum format is so well-suited to Champagne. As opposed to still wines, which are just aged in glass, for Champagne, the secondary fermentation takes place in the glass. I am convinced that is a major part of what makes Champagne from magnum (or larger) often so compelling. The texture, breadth and overall pedigree here is just remarkable, with layers of apricot, spice, dried flowers and citrus confit that continue to build over time. The 2002 is neither old nor young; it is quite simply eternal. What a great way to start the night. Wow! |
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Champagne | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,855.00 |
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James Suckling (99)An extraordinary champagne experience that you’ll never forget! Tons of white chocolate on the savory nose pulls you into this concentrated and chalky champagne with rich candied citrus and mirabelle fruit. So much oily umami complexity right through the huge breathtakingly vivid finish. Just 10% of each vintage of Cristal gets the extra years of aging for release as Vinotheque. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 2 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
£854.00 |
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James Suckling (99)An extraordinary champagne experience that you’ll never forget! Tons of white chocolate on the savory nose pulls you into this concentrated and chalky champagne with rich candied citrus and mirabelle fruit. So much oily umami complexity right through the huge breathtakingly vivid finish. Just 10% of each vintage of Cristal gets the extra years of aging for release as Vinotheque. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (JS) |
In Bond
£3,205.00 |
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James Suckling (100)The best way I can covey what it feels like to experience this truly extraordinary rosé champagne is to say that it tastes like a mature vintage Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru - a red Burgundy! - with very fine bubbles and an acidity that gives it a weightless delicacy, it’s impossible to resist. After a bit of aeration there’s also a note of teriyaki sauce which makes this even more special. Tasted from Jeroboam at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 1 | 100 (JS) |
In Bond
£1,752.00 |
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James Suckling (100)The best way I can covey what it feels like to experience this truly extraordinary rosé champagne is to say that it tastes like a mature vintage Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru - a red Burgundy! - with very fine bubbles and an acidity that gives it a weightless delicacy, it’s impossible to resist. After a bit of aeration there’s also a note of teriyaki sauce which makes this even more special. Tasted from Jeroboam at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£427.00 |
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Vinous (93)I suppose in keeping with the theme we should have drunk some Japanese sake, but I had already put a few bottles aside for the occasion. Therefore, we commenced with my last bottle of 2002 Brut Millésime from Louis Roederer. This has been drinking supremely well in recent months. The vivacious, beautifully defined yeasty nose offers hints of brioche and grilled almonds, and hazelnut in the background. The palate is à point, with a fine bead of acidity that complements the continuing yeasty theme. Quite saline in the mouth, it displays a lovely bitterness and nuttiness toward the finish that gets the saliva flowing. We become starry-eyed with prestigious cuvées in their deluxe packaging, but I often obtain just as much satisfaction from more modest champagnes like this, which frequently age supremely well. |
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Champagne | 2 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,898.00 |
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Vinous (93)I suppose in keeping with the theme we should have drunk some Japanese sake, but I had already put a few bottles aside for the occasion. Therefore, we commenced with my last bottle of 2002 Brut Millésime from Louis Roederer. This has been drinking supremely well in recent months. The vivacious, beautifully defined yeasty nose offers hints of brioche and grilled almonds, and hazelnut in the background. The palate is à point, with a fine bead of acidity that complements the continuing yeasty theme. Quite saline in the mouth, it displays a lovely bitterness and nuttiness toward the finish that gets the saliva flowing. We become starry-eyed with prestigious cuvées in their deluxe packaging, but I often obtain just as much satisfaction from more modest champagnes like this, which frequently age supremely well. |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
In Bond
£1,993.00 |
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The Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon Dark Jewel Brut Rose 2002 exemplifies the grandeur of the legendary Champagne house, Moet & Chandon. Crafted in the eponymous region of Champagne, France, this vintage rose bubbly is the product of rigorous selection process and the unique expression of the 2002 harvest. Utilising predominantly Pinot Noir grapes, its vibrant hue is a testament of meticulous assemblage and extended ageing in chalk cellars, embodying the audacious spirit of Dom Perignon. Ebullient and rich, it reveals itself in waves with radiant bouquet of strawberry, fig and spices, intriguing the palate. Its immense depth, complexity and silky persistence make this stunning offering the true Dark Jewel. A culmination of careful winemaking expertise and exceptional terroirs, Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon Dark Jewel Brut Rose 2002 is an epitome of the house's enduring winemaking finesse and unassailable quality. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 18.5 (JR) |
In Bond
£4,917.00 |
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)Deep crimson. Firm, strongly cassis nose. Very voluptuous texture. Appetising and beautifully balanced. Obviously Médoc. Dried out a little on the end but the contrast between the flesh of this wine and skinniness of the Margaux tasted immediately beforehand could not have been more marked. It was still fresh and clean 24 hours afterwards but had lost a little density. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 18.5 (JR) |
In Bond
£2,315.00 |
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)Deep crimson. Firm, strongly cassis nose. Very voluptuous texture. Appetising and beautifully balanced. Obviously Médoc. Dried out a little on the end but the contrast between the flesh of this wine and skinniness of the Margaux tasted immediately beforehand could not have been more marked. It was still fresh and clean 24 hours afterwards but had lost a little density. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 18.5 (JR) |
In Bond
£5,363.00 |
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)Deep crimson. Firm, strongly cassis nose. Very voluptuous texture. Appetising and beautifully balanced. Obviously Médoc. Dried out a little on the end but the contrast between the flesh of this wine and skinniness of the Margaux tasted immediately beforehand could not have been more marked. It was still fresh and clean 24 hours afterwards but had lost a little density. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
£6,144.00 |
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Regarded as a jewel amidst the fine wines of Burgundy, the Mugneret Gibourg Echezeaux Grand Cru Vv 2002 reflects the expertise of esteemed viticulturists Marie-Andrée and Marie-Jesus Mugneret. This exquisite wine is a testament to the fruitful Echezeaux terroir, epitomising the majestic qualities of Pinot Noir, harvested from vines aged over 40 years in the famed Grand Cru vineyards of Vosne-Romanée, Côte de Nuits. Promising a nose of delectable spices and red fruit, the Mugneret Gibourg Echezeaux Grand Cru Vv 2002 unfolds in the glass, revealing an intricately woven palate of soft texture and remarkable complexity. Its perfect blending, hand-crafting, and ageing practices make it a wine that truly displays the brilliant Mugneret Gibourg savoir-faire. As a genuinely extraordinary Burgundy wine, the Mugneret Gibourg Echezeaux Grand Cru Vv 2002 is an irresistible draw for connoisseurs seeking the very essence of French enology. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (VN) |
In Bond
£1,780.00 |
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Vinous (92-94)Red-ruby color. Penetrating, pure, highly complex aromas of raspberry, minerals, flowers and pungent spices. Wonderfully urgent and intense, with the mineral and pungent spice elements carrying through on the palate and giving the wine superb lift. Tightly wound but already showy. Finishes very long and nuanced, with fine, ripe tannins. From a selection massale planted in 1957. Very impressive. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | - |
In Bond
£737.00 |
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Indulge in the exquisite, velvety taste of the Oriel Exception 2002, a Bordeaux blend renowned for its mastery and quality. Crafted in the respected vineyards of Bordeaux, France, this sophisticated wine encompasses classic red Bordeaux style imbued with intoxicating flavours of blackcurrant, cassis, and exotic spices. Cultivated by the esteemed producer Château Les Hauts Conseillants, its pedigree is thoroughly assured. This exclusive vintage is a testament to the blending of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc grapes, hand-harvested at their utmost maturity. The vinification process involved rigorous selection and traditional Bordeaux methods of maceration and fermentation at controlled temperatures. Subsequently, the wine matured in exclusively French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months, ensuring the development of its rich, complex character. The Oriel Exception 2002 showcases an aromatic, dark-fruit bouquet elegantly laced with earthy undertones; a true embodiment of Bordeaux's distinct terroir. This fine wine whispers of decadence, poised to elevate any occasion with its robust elegance. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 94 (WA) |
In Bond
£2,665.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94)A successful wine for the vintage, this blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot boasts complex notes of menthol, black currants, plums, licorice, and a hint of cappuccino in its stunning aromatics. Dense, medium to full-bodied, with high levels of tannin in a big, full-bodied style (much in the spirit of such classic Bordeaux vintages as 1966, 1986, and 1996), this wine possesses superb purity and serious length, but should be purchased only by those with considerable patience and a good, cold cellar, since it will need plenty of time. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 94 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,290.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94)A successful wine for the vintage, this blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot boasts complex notes of menthol, black currants, plums, licorice, and a hint of cappuccino in its stunning aromatics. Dense, medium to full-bodied, with high levels of tannin in a big, full-bodied style (much in the spirit of such classic Bordeaux vintages as 1966, 1986, and 1996), this wine possesses superb purity and serious length, but should be purchased only by those with considerable patience and a good, cold cellar, since it will need plenty of time. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 98.0 |
In Bond
£2,800.00 |
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