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 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£668.69 |
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|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£8,023.20 |
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|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 98 (VN (NM)) |
Inc. VAT
£2,134.86 |
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Vinous - Neal Martin (98)The 1985 Léoville–Las Cases is not just one of the finest vintages from this Second Growth, but one of the high points for the entirety of Bordeaux in this decade. Here it eclipses the 1985 Lafite-Rothschild with ease. It has an exquisitely defined bouquet of red berry fruit infused with crushed stone and pressed rose petals, just like before. Ethereal. The palate is medium-bodied, a perfect marriage of structure and a degree of elegance that maybe the property has not matched before or since. It’s so, so harmonious on the finish. An absolute beauty. Tasted at Hameau de Barbaron in Burgundy. |
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|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£48,143.38 |
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|
|
Burgundy | 6 | - |
Inc. VAT
£4,645.45 |
|||||
|
|
Burgundy | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£3,212.40 |
|||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£5,270.86 |
|||||
|
|
Loire | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£366.64 |
|||||
Vinous (94)Hailing from a warm vintage that was one of the best in what would otherwise have been a fairly ordinary decade, the 1985 Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon is starting to take on a deep golden appearance, commencing to amber. It offers a gorgeous, suave texture and a very complex nose that's a touch oxidative but that adds a layer of additional intrigue: it's all nuts, raisins, walnuts, olives, warm pastry, cinnamon, cooked orange peel. It's round and sweet (95g/L) but not unctuous with richness on the mid-palate while retaining enough acidity to refresh the mouth on the long finish. A wine that is very comfortable in its own skin, providing a very relaxing experience. |
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|
Rhone | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£261.60 |
|||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£566.81 |
|||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 93 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£69,530.86 |
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Wine Spectator (93)Another superb bottle from Pétrus. Solid as a rock with mint, raspberry, cherry and tar character, full body and firm tannins. Needs time. |
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|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£2,525.38 |
|||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 96 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£466.80 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (96)Still incredibly youthful. Exhibits fabulous aromas of fresh fruit, minerals and chocolate with a hint of spice. Full-bodied and concentrated, with loads of fruit and tannins. Better after 2000.--Pichon-Lalande vertical. -JS |
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|
|
Champagne | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£2,263.78 |
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|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£6,139.45 |
|||||
Vinous (97)The 1985 Clos de la Roche was simply radiant as it swept across the palate with a multitude of aromas, flavors and sensations which mere words fail to capture. |
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|
|
Cognac | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£492.35 |
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|
Crafted by venerable French producer, Maison Prunier, the exemplary Prunier Vintage Fins Bois Cognac 1985 immaculately encapsulates the essence of its harvest year. This remarkable spirit hails from the Fins Bois region, renowned for creating cognac with longevity and robust roundness. Grown on calcareous soils rich in marine fossils, the Ugni Blanc grapes yield a fine, well-rounded eau-de-vie that has faithfully matured within French oak barrels for decades. The Prunier Vintage Fins Bois Cognac 1985 exhibits an impressive balance of persistent aromas and luxurious flavours, with hints of dried fruits, subtle spice, and earthy undertones. On the palate, it delivers an evolution of complex notes, from sweet honey to a lingering spice, beautifully epitomising the savoir-faire of Maison Prunier. Firmly rooted in tradition yet enigmatic, this cognac provides an enchanting journey through time to the revered vintage of 1985, promising a lucid experience of unparallel profundity. |
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|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£152.65 |
|||||
|
Imbued with the rich tradition of Bordeaux winemaking, Rauzan-Gassies 1985 is an elegant, mature Margaux. Crafted in the esteemed Second Growth château of Rauzan-Gassies, this wine showcases a powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and, in some vintages, Cabernet Franc. The meticulous approach to vinification and strict selection process is evident in the depth and complexity of this 1985 vintage. Profound notes of dried fruits interlaced with leather, tobacco, and earthy undertones deliver a smooth, luscious palate. Rewarding patient cellaring, Rauzan-Gassies 1985 has gracefully achieved a balance of robust structure and delicate, nuanced flavours. This wine reflects not just the distinctive terroir of the Haut-Médoc, but also the unwavering commitment to quality that defines the Rauzan-Gassies estate. A treasure in any connoisseur's collection, Rauzan-Gassies 1985 is a testament to the enduring brilliance of Bordeaux. |
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|
|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£1,341.89 |
|||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 95+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£2,211.20 |
|||||
Vinous (95+)Knockout aromas of lemon, lime, toffee, grilled nuts, nutmeg and minerals; conveys a strong impression of soil character. Great thickness and brightness in the mouth; offers a compelling combination of lemon and orange citricity and complex yeast autolysis notes, and near-perfect harmony of young and maturing elements. This outstanding, elegant Champagne shows an extraordinary creamy richness yet is still rather folded in on itself. Has the sheer structure and grip to develop in bottle for a decade or two. Finishes with great nutty length. |
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|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 85 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,503.37 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (85)Made during a disappointing era for Trotanoy, when the wines lacked concentration and often tasted vegetal, this wine is fully mature, with notes of tapenade intermixed with herbes de Provence, cherry jam, and even a hint of strawberry and red currant. Some acidity and tannin continues to assert themselves in the wine’s finish, suggesting this wine has seen better days and needs to be drunk up. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 2/02. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
In Bond
£538.00 |
|||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£8,023.20 |
|||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 98 (VN (NM)) |
In Bond
£1,755.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (98)The 1985 Léoville–Las Cases is not just one of the finest vintages from this Second Growth, but one of the high points for the entirety of Bordeaux in this decade. Here it eclipses the 1985 Lafite-Rothschild with ease. It has an exquisitely defined bouquet of red berry fruit infused with crushed stone and pressed rose petals, just like before. Ethereal. The palate is medium-bodied, a perfect marriage of structure and a degree of elegance that maybe the property has not matched before or since. It’s so, so harmonious on the finish. An absolute beauty. Tasted at Hameau de Barbaron in Burgundy. |
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|
|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
£40,081.00 |
|||||
|
|
Burgundy | 6 | - |
In Bond
£3,868.00 |
|||||
|
|
Burgundy | 2 | - |
Inc. VAT
£3,212.40 |
|||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
In Bond
£4,371.00 |
|||||
|
|
Loire | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£289.50 |
|||||
Vinous (94)Hailing from a warm vintage that was one of the best in what would otherwise have been a fairly ordinary decade, the 1985 Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon is starting to take on a deep golden appearance, commencing to amber. It offers a gorgeous, suave texture and a very complex nose that's a touch oxidative but that adds a layer of additional intrigue: it's all nuts, raisins, walnuts, olives, warm pastry, cinnamon, cooked orange peel. It's round and sweet (95g/L) but not unctuous with richness on the mid-palate while retaining enough acidity to refresh the mouth on the long finish. A wine that is very comfortable in its own skin, providing a very relaxing experience. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 3 | - |
Inc. VAT
£261.60 |
|||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | - |
In Bond
£467.00 |
|||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 93 (WS) |
In Bond
£57,921.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (93)Another superb bottle from Pétrus. Solid as a rock with mint, raspberry, cherry and tar character, full body and firm tannins. Needs time. |
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|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | - |
In Bond
£2,066.00 |
|||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 96 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£466.80 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (96)Still incredibly youthful. Exhibits fabulous aromas of fresh fruit, minerals and chocolate with a hint of spice. Full-bodied and concentrated, with loads of fruit and tannins. Better after 2000.--Pichon-Lalande vertical. -JS |
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|
|
Champagne | 1 | - |
In Bond
£1,848.00 |
|||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
£5,113.00 |
|||||
Vinous (97)The 1985 Clos de la Roche was simply radiant as it swept across the palate with a multitude of aromas, flavors and sensations which mere words fail to capture. |
|||||||||
|
|
Cognac | 2 | - |
In Bond
£397.00 |
|||||
|
Crafted by venerable French producer, Maison Prunier, the exemplary Prunier Vintage Fins Bois Cognac 1985 immaculately encapsulates the essence of its harvest year. This remarkable spirit hails from the Fins Bois region, renowned for creating cognac with longevity and robust roundness. Grown on calcareous soils rich in marine fossils, the Ugni Blanc grapes yield a fine, well-rounded eau-de-vie that has faithfully matured within French oak barrels for decades. The Prunier Vintage Fins Bois Cognac 1985 exhibits an impressive balance of persistent aromas and luxurious flavours, with hints of dried fruits, subtle spice, and earthy undertones. On the palate, it delivers an evolution of complex notes, from sweet honey to a lingering spice, beautifully epitomising the savoir-faire of Maison Prunier. Firmly rooted in tradition yet enigmatic, this cognac provides an enchanting journey through time to the revered vintage of 1985, promising a lucid experience of unparallel profundity. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
In Bond
£124.00 |
|||||
|
Imbued with the rich tradition of Bordeaux winemaking, Rauzan-Gassies 1985 is an elegant, mature Margaux. Crafted in the esteemed Second Growth château of Rauzan-Gassies, this wine showcases a powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and, in some vintages, Cabernet Franc. The meticulous approach to vinification and strict selection process is evident in the depth and complexity of this 1985 vintage. Profound notes of dried fruits interlaced with leather, tobacco, and earthy undertones deliver a smooth, luscious palate. Rewarding patient cellaring, Rauzan-Gassies 1985 has gracefully achieved a balance of robust structure and delicate, nuanced flavours. This wine reflects not just the distinctive terroir of the Haut-Médoc, but also the unwavering commitment to quality that defines the Rauzan-Gassies estate. A treasure in any connoisseur's collection, Rauzan-Gassies 1985 is a testament to the enduring brilliance of Bordeaux. |
|||||||||
|
|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
£1,099.00 |
|||||
|
|
Champagne | 1 | 95+ (VN) |
In Bond
£1,840.00 |
|||||
Vinous (95+)Knockout aromas of lemon, lime, toffee, grilled nuts, nutmeg and minerals; conveys a strong impression of soil character. Great thickness and brightness in the mouth; offers a compelling combination of lemon and orange citricity and complex yeast autolysis notes, and near-perfect harmony of young and maturing elements. This outstanding, elegant Champagne shows an extraordinary creamy richness yet is still rather folded in on itself. Has the sheer structure and grip to develop in bottle for a decade or two. Finishes with great nutty length. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 85 (WA) |
In Bond
£1,235.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (85)Made during a disappointing era for Trotanoy, when the wines lacked concentration and often tasted vegetal, this wine is fully mature, with notes of tapenade intermixed with herbes de Provence, cherry jam, and even a hint of strawberry and red currant. Some acidity and tannin continues to assert themselves in the wine’s finish, suggesting this wine has seen better days and needs to be drunk up. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 2/02. |
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