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.
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France
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Vinous (92+)
The 2009 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Enseignères is remarkably inward for the year. Light on its feet, it shows gorgeous inner tension that buffers the fruit in a harmonious, classy style. With time in the glass the fruit begins to emerge, hinting at what is in store for the future. The rich, textured finish is long and utterly impeccable. This is shaping up to be a beauty. The vines here are more than 80 years old.Inc. VAT£875.29 -
Wine Enthusiast (97)
As always, this Pinot Noir-dominated Champagne is a great wine. In this vintage, it is fuller than usual, perhaps less structured—a true reflection of the vintage. Like all releases of this cuvée, the wine will age magnificently. Drink now or hold for at least 10 years to get full maturity.Inc. VAT£1,766.44 -
Wine Enthusiast (97)
As always, this Pinot Noir-dominated Champagne is a great wine. In this vintage, it is fuller than usual, perhaps less structured—a true reflection of the vintage. Like all releases of this cuvée, the wine will age magnificently. Drink now or hold for at least 10 years to get full maturity.Inc. VAT£1,159.24 -
Wine Advocate (94-97)
The 2009 Clos de la Roche Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is round, sweet and totally enveloping. It is a huge, towering Burgundy that impresses for its gorgeous inner perfume and juicy, exuberant fruit. This shows tons of richness without being heavy or overripe in any way. Anticipated maturity: 2029-2049.Inc. VAT£4,545.64 -
Wine Advocate (94-97)
The 2009 Clos de la Roche Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is round, sweet and totally enveloping. It is a huge, towering Burgundy that impresses for its gorgeous inner perfume and juicy, exuberant fruit. This shows tons of richness without being heavy or overripe in any way. Anticipated maturity: 2029-2049.Inc. VAT£4,039.24 -
Wine Advocate (91-94)
The 2009 Corton-Bressandes shows notable intensity in its layers of floral, mineral-laced fruit. The wine hovers on the palate with superb length and polish. (sold in a mixed case of 12 bottles at $6,600 per case) Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.Inc. VAT£2,792.44 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Pontet-Canet is a little shut down to begin, but with coaxing this baby is soon firing on all cylinders with a full-throttle nose of chocolate-covered cherries, crème de cassis, boysenberries and spice cake plus tons of kirsch and cranberry sauce sparks and a beautiful undercurrent of emerging tertiary characters: cigar box, sandalwood, chargrill, truffles and cast iron pan. Full-bodied, rich, multilayered and completely seductive, the palate is charged with incredible energy, with a firm backbone of velvety tannins and seamless freshness providing solid grounding and promising a very long life ahead. It finishes with an incredible display of epically long-lasting flavor fireworks. Wow!Inc. VAT£2,486.47 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2009 Potensac has an attractive bouquet with blackberry, melted tar, black tea and graphite scents. Nicely defined it maybe a little conservative given the growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity. Classic in style with fine graphite and cedar notes towards the finish. Enjoy this now and over the next decade. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting.Inc. VAT£566.47 -
Inc. VAT£1,126.40 -
Inc. VAT£8,317.24 -
James Suckling (93)
A soft and fruity wine, with orange peel and berries and plums. Full body, with super fine tannins and a fruity finish. Refined and very pretty. Structured in the end. Fresh. Succulent. A style away from the over extracted one a few years ago. Try after 2018.Inc. VAT£662.47 -
James Suckling (97)
Gorgeous nose of raspberries and blueberries. Hints of chocolate and oak. Full bodied, but compacted and very racy. Lovely fruit with milk chocolate, but the texture of tannins is so beautiful. This is the best Rauzan ever made - except perhaps the great pre-phylloxera bottles of the 1800s. Try in 2019.Inc. VAT£2,289.67 -
James Suckling (97)
Gorgeous nose of raspberries and blueberries. Hints of chocolate and oak. Full bodied, but compacted and very racy. Lovely fruit with milk chocolate, but the texture of tannins is so beautiful. This is the best Rauzan ever made - except perhaps the great pre-phylloxera bottles of the 1800s. Try in 2019.Inc. VAT£1,065.64 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91+)
Quite closed on the nose, hinting at menthol and wet stone. Then juicy and tight in the mouth, more taut and incisive than silky today, and showing superb precision for the vintage. Solid mineral grip extends the finish and gives this premier cru excellent tension, but it will need five or six years to unwind.Inc. VAT£5,167.78 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2009 Chablis Blanchots is deep, powerful and intense, particularly in the way it blossoms on the palate with layers of radiant fruit. This is a striking wine graced with an expressive, open personality that resonates through to the generous finish. I especially like the raciness of the fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.Inc. VAT£936.80 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2009 Chablis Blanchots is deep, powerful and intense, particularly in the way it blossoms on the palate with layers of radiant fruit. This is a striking wine graced with an expressive, open personality that resonates through to the generous finish. I especially like the raciness of the fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.Inc. VAT£2,487.62 -
Vinous (95)
It's all there in the 2009 Chablis Les Clos. White flowers, lime peel, oyster shells and petrol are some of the nuances the run through the wine. Les Clos possesses a striking inner perfume, layers of expressive fruit and a sumptuous, kaleidoscopic finish. This is a stunning effort from Raveneau.Inc. VAT£1,368.80 -
Vinous (93+)
The 2009 Chablis Valmur is quite closed. There is plenty of power in the glass, but not much else. Today the Valmur isn't showing much. It is the only 2009 that appears to be showing the ill effects of its recent bottling. This will be an interesting bottle to re-visit in another 6-12 months.Inc. VAT£3,435.23 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2009 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape is an awesome example of elegance combined with extraordinary power. The alcohol levels must be between 15.5% and 16%, but the elegance and sublime nature of this wine make it irresistible. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of framboise, black cherry liqueur intermixed with blacker fruits, licorice and a hint of flowers. Pure with terrific layers of fruit concentration (although it's remarkably light on its feet), silky tannins, well-integrated acidity and a stunning personality, this monumental Rayas is breathtaking. This beauty will undoubtedly be drinkable early on (although Emmanuel Reynaud considers that to be infanticide), and it is capable of lasting 25-30 years. One of the world's most mysterious estates is Chateau Rayas. This small 30-acre estate is owned by the Reynaud family, which dates back to the late 19th century,. The estate has always had an image of secrecy and seclusion. Following the death of Jacques Reynaud in 1997, his nephew, Emmanuel took over, and he continues to produce wines that go from strength to strength. A cool climate property in a hot zone, Rayas is tucked away in a forest with its vineyards basically one parcel of sandy soil. Emmanuel Reynaud, who is also the proprietor of the outstanding Vacqueyras estate called Domaine des Tours, has the same eccentric idiosyncracies as his uncle. It is not as difficult to get an appointment to visit Rayas as many people think, and I highly recommend it as it is always a fascinating place to visit. After 25 years, I never cease to be amazed by what emerges from these decrepit, old, haphazard cellars that look like a biohazard room in a video game. They don't win the top prize for the dirtiest cellars in Chateauneuf du Pape (that goes to Henri Bonneau), but Rayas is a close second. Modern-day oenology graduates would be horrified by -working conditions,- but the magic elixirs to emerge from these ancient barrels, demi-muids and foudres are wondrous. On this trip, I tasted through the component parts of the 2010s, another top vintage for Rayas. Production was tiny, and the harvest was extremely late. In fact, Emmanuel Reynaud told me that 2011 would be at least ten days in advance of 2010. The 2009s, which have all been bottled, have turned out to be spectacular, and I tend to think the 2009 Rayas could turn out to be the greatest wine made by Emmanuel, even eclipsing the 2007.Inc. VAT£14,756.47 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2009 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape is an awesome example of elegance combined with extraordinary power. The alcohol levels must be between 15.5% and 16%, but the elegance and sublime nature of this wine make it irresistible. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of framboise, black cherry liqueur intermixed with blacker fruits, licorice and a hint of flowers. Pure with terrific layers of fruit concentration (although it's remarkably light on its feet), silky tannins, well-integrated acidity and a stunning personality, this monumental Rayas is breathtaking. This beauty will undoubtedly be drinkable early on (although Emmanuel Reynaud considers that to be infanticide), and it is capable of lasting 25-30 years. One of the world's most mysterious estates is Chateau Rayas. This small 30-acre estate is owned by the Reynaud family, which dates back to the late 19th century,. The estate has always had an image of secrecy and seclusion. Following the death of Jacques Reynaud in 1997, his nephew, Emmanuel took over, and he continues to produce wines that go from strength to strength. A cool climate property in a hot zone, Rayas is tucked away in a forest with its vineyards basically one parcel of sandy soil. Emmanuel Reynaud, who is also the proprietor of the outstanding Vacqueyras estate called Domaine des Tours, has the same eccentric idiosyncracies as his uncle. It is not as difficult to get an appointment to visit Rayas as many people think, and I highly recommend it as it is always a fascinating place to visit. After 25 years, I never cease to be amazed by what emerges from these decrepit, old, haphazard cellars that look like a biohazard room in a video game. They don't win the top prize for the dirtiest cellars in Chateauneuf du Pape (that goes to Henri Bonneau), but Rayas is a close second. Modern-day oenology graduates would be horrified by -working conditions,- but the magic elixirs to emerge from these ancient barrels, demi-muids and foudres are wondrous. On this trip, I tasted through the component parts of the 2010s, another top vintage for Rayas. Production was tiny, and the harvest was extremely late. In fact, Emmanuel Reynaud told me that 2011 would be at least ten days in advance of 2010. The 2009s, which have all been bottled, have turned out to be spectacular, and I tend to think the 2009 Rayas could turn out to be the greatest wine made by Emmanuel, even eclipsing the 2007.Inc. VAT£1,409.60 -
Vinous (94)
Bright ruby. Black and blue fruits on the nose and palate, with an array of spice and floral qualities adding dimension. Rich but very lively, with impressive intensity and concentration but no sense of heaviness. Supple tannins add shape to the extremely long finish, which features notes of star anise, candied violet and cracked pepper.Inc. VAT£2,096.47 -
Vinous (94)
Bright ruby. Black and blue fruits on the nose and palate, with an array of spice and floral qualities adding dimension. Rich but very lively, with impressive intensity and concentration but no sense of heaviness. Supple tannins add shape to the extremely long finish, which features notes of star anise, candied violet and cracked pepper.Inc. VAT£287.60 -
Wine Advocate (91)
Made from a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, the second wine, the 2009 Reserve de la Comtesse, exhibits notes of forest floor, white chocolate, licorice, black currants and vanillin-infused black cherries. It possesses a sweet, round, generous style given its high glycerin. Both the Reserve de la Comtesse and Pichon Lalande have about 13% alcohol, slightly lower than most Pauillacs achieved in 2009. Drink it over the next 10 years.Inc. VAT£877.27 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Pale to medium gold colored, the 2009 Rieussec sings of crème caramel, chopped nuts, baked apples and spiced pears with hints of jasmine, peach blossoms and beeswax. Full-bodied, rich and decadently creamy in the mouth, the multilayered palate is beautifully lifted with fantastic freshness. It has a very long finish offering a lasting impression of great elegance and finesse. Simply stunning.Inc. VAT£763.27 -
Wine Advocate (94+)
The 2009 Nuits St. Georges Les Vaucrains is fascinating to taste after Les St. Georges. In 2010 the Vaucrains is more finessed and elegant than the St. Georges, but in 2009 those rules are reversed, as it is the Vaucrains that comes across as far more imposing, inward and structured. Today the Vaucrauins is implosive and seems to be holding back much of its potential. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame the fruit through to the tense, wiry finish. The Vaucrains needs to be buried in a deep, cold cellar for several years, perhaps considerably longer, although I am optimist by nature. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039.Inc. VAT£367.45 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
The 2009 Bonnes Mares opens with knockout aromatics that meld into layers of fresh, vibrant fruit. Medium in body yet wonderfully intense in its flavors, the Bonnes Mares impresses for its class and balance. An array of dark fruit, minerals, violets and white flowers linger on the pointed, saline finish. Groffier’s vines in Bonnes Mares sit on a slope with both terres rouges and terres blanches. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039.Inc. VAT£4,314.04 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses is a bit unusual for this site. The fruit shows more depth, concentration and overt richness than most wines from this vineyard. The signature perfume emerges with time, but this remains a wine essentially built on an intense core of fruit. Groffier used 10% stems here. The finish shows a little heat, which is the only thing that keeps the score from going higher. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.Inc. VAT£10,088.47 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses is a bit unusual for this site. The fruit shows more depth, concentration and overt richness than most wines from this vineyard. The signature perfume emerges with time, but this remains a wine essentially built on an intense core of fruit. Groffier used 10% stems here. The finish shows a little heat, which is the only thing that keeps the score from going higher. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.Inc. VAT£766.40 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses is a bit unusual for this site. The fruit shows more depth, concentration and overt richness than most wines from this vineyard. The signature perfume emerges with time, but this remains a wine essentially built on an intense core of fruit. Groffier used 10% stems here. The finish shows a little heat, which is the only thing that keeps the score from going higher. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.Inc. VAT£4,982.44 -
Wine Advocate (92+)
The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Sentiers presents the more intense side of Chambolle. Layers of dark fruit emerge from this muscular, deep wine. There is fabulous richness in the glass, along with some of the sheer structure that is typical of Bonnes Mares, the vineyard that sits just above. The Sentiers seems built for the long haul. Knockout aromatics linger on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.Inc. VAT£4,600.87
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Vinous (92+)
The 2009 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Enseignères is remarkably inward for the year. Light on its feet, it shows gorgeous inner tension that buffers the fruit in a harmonious, classy style. With time in the glass the fruit begins to emerge, hinting at what is in store for the future. The rich, textured finish is long and utterly impeccable. This is shaping up to be a beauty. The vines here are more than 80 years old.In Bond£723.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (97)
As always, this Pinot Noir-dominated Champagne is a great wine. In this vintage, it is fuller than usual, perhaps less structured—a true reflection of the vintage. Like all releases of this cuvée, the wine will age magnificently. Drink now or hold for at least 10 years to get full maturity.In Bond£1,456.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (97)
As always, this Pinot Noir-dominated Champagne is a great wine. In this vintage, it is fuller than usual, perhaps less structured—a true reflection of the vintage. Like all releases of this cuvée, the wine will age magnificently. Drink now or hold for at least 10 years to get full maturity.In Bond£950.00 -
Wine Advocate (94-97)
The 2009 Clos de la Roche Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is round, sweet and totally enveloping. It is a huge, towering Burgundy that impresses for its gorgeous inner perfume and juicy, exuberant fruit. This shows tons of richness without being heavy or overripe in any way. Anticipated maturity: 2029-2049.In Bond£3,772.00 -
Wine Advocate (94-97)
The 2009 Clos de la Roche Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is round, sweet and totally enveloping. It is a huge, towering Burgundy that impresses for its gorgeous inner perfume and juicy, exuberant fruit. This shows tons of richness without being heavy or overripe in any way. Anticipated maturity: 2029-2049.In Bond£3,350.00 -
Wine Advocate (91-94)
The 2009 Corton-Bressandes shows notable intensity in its layers of floral, mineral-laced fruit. The wine hovers on the palate with superb length and polish. (sold in a mixed case of 12 bottles at $6,600 per case) Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.In Bond£2,311.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Pontet-Canet is a little shut down to begin, but with coaxing this baby is soon firing on all cylinders with a full-throttle nose of chocolate-covered cherries, crème de cassis, boysenberries and spice cake plus tons of kirsch and cranberry sauce sparks and a beautiful undercurrent of emerging tertiary characters: cigar box, sandalwood, chargrill, truffles and cast iron pan. Full-bodied, rich, multilayered and completely seductive, the palate is charged with incredible energy, with a firm backbone of velvety tannins and seamless freshness providing solid grounding and promising a very long life ahead. It finishes with an incredible display of epically long-lasting flavor fireworks. Wow!In Bond£2,040.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2009 Potensac has an attractive bouquet with blackberry, melted tar, black tea and graphite scents. Nicely defined it maybe a little conservative given the growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity. Classic in style with fine graphite and cedar notes towards the finish. Enjoy this now and over the next decade. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting.In Bond£440.00 -
In Bond£936.00
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In Bond£6,915.00
-
James Suckling (93)
A soft and fruity wine, with orange peel and berries and plums. Full body, with super fine tannins and a fruity finish. Refined and very pretty. Structured in the end. Fresh. Succulent. A style away from the over extracted one a few years ago. Try after 2018.In Bond£520.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Gorgeous nose of raspberries and blueberries. Hints of chocolate and oak. Full bodied, but compacted and very racy. Lovely fruit with milk chocolate, but the texture of tannins is so beautiful. This is the best Rauzan ever made - except perhaps the great pre-phylloxera bottles of the 1800s. Try in 2019.In Bond£1,876.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Gorgeous nose of raspberries and blueberries. Hints of chocolate and oak. Full bodied, but compacted and very racy. Lovely fruit with milk chocolate, but the texture of tannins is so beautiful. This is the best Rauzan ever made - except perhaps the great pre-phylloxera bottles of the 1800s. Try in 2019.In Bond£872.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91+)
Quite closed on the nose, hinting at menthol and wet stone. Then juicy and tight in the mouth, more taut and incisive than silky today, and showing superb precision for the vintage. Solid mineral grip extends the finish and gives this premier cru excellent tension, but it will need five or six years to unwind.In Bond£4,268.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2009 Chablis Blanchots is deep, powerful and intense, particularly in the way it blossoms on the palate with layers of radiant fruit. This is a striking wine graced with an expressive, open personality that resonates through to the generous finish. I especially like the raciness of the fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.In Bond£778.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2009 Chablis Blanchots is deep, powerful and intense, particularly in the way it blossoms on the palate with layers of radiant fruit. This is a striking wine graced with an expressive, open personality that resonates through to the generous finish. I especially like the raciness of the fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.In Bond£2,065.00 -
Vinous (95)
It's all there in the 2009 Chablis Les Clos. White flowers, lime peel, oyster shells and petrol are some of the nuances the run through the wine. Les Clos possesses a striking inner perfume, layers of expressive fruit and a sumptuous, kaleidoscopic finish. This is a stunning effort from Raveneau.In Bond£1,138.00 -
Vinous (93+)
The 2009 Chablis Valmur is quite closed. There is plenty of power in the glass, but not much else. Today the Valmur isn't showing much. It is the only 2009 that appears to be showing the ill effects of its recent bottling. This will be an interesting bottle to re-visit in another 6-12 months.In Bond£2,852.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2009 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape is an awesome example of elegance combined with extraordinary power. The alcohol levels must be between 15.5% and 16%, but the elegance and sublime nature of this wine make it irresistible. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of framboise, black cherry liqueur intermixed with blacker fruits, licorice and a hint of flowers. Pure with terrific layers of fruit concentration (although it's remarkably light on its feet), silky tannins, well-integrated acidity and a stunning personality, this monumental Rayas is breathtaking. This beauty will undoubtedly be drinkable early on (although Emmanuel Reynaud considers that to be infanticide), and it is capable of lasting 25-30 years. One of the world's most mysterious estates is Chateau Rayas. This small 30-acre estate is owned by the Reynaud family, which dates back to the late 19th century,. The estate has always had an image of secrecy and seclusion. Following the death of Jacques Reynaud in 1997, his nephew, Emmanuel took over, and he continues to produce wines that go from strength to strength. A cool climate property in a hot zone, Rayas is tucked away in a forest with its vineyards basically one parcel of sandy soil. Emmanuel Reynaud, who is also the proprietor of the outstanding Vacqueyras estate called Domaine des Tours, has the same eccentric idiosyncracies as his uncle. It is not as difficult to get an appointment to visit Rayas as many people think, and I highly recommend it as it is always a fascinating place to visit. After 25 years, I never cease to be amazed by what emerges from these decrepit, old, haphazard cellars that look like a biohazard room in a video game. They don't win the top prize for the dirtiest cellars in Chateauneuf du Pape (that goes to Henri Bonneau), but Rayas is a close second. Modern-day oenology graduates would be horrified by -working conditions,- but the magic elixirs to emerge from these ancient barrels, demi-muids and foudres are wondrous. On this trip, I tasted through the component parts of the 2010s, another top vintage for Rayas. Production was tiny, and the harvest was extremely late. In fact, Emmanuel Reynaud told me that 2011 would be at least ten days in advance of 2010. The 2009s, which have all been bottled, have turned out to be spectacular, and I tend to think the 2009 Rayas could turn out to be the greatest wine made by Emmanuel, even eclipsing the 2007.In Bond£12,265.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2009 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape is an awesome example of elegance combined with extraordinary power. The alcohol levels must be between 15.5% and 16%, but the elegance and sublime nature of this wine make it irresistible. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of framboise, black cherry liqueur intermixed with blacker fruits, licorice and a hint of flowers. Pure with terrific layers of fruit concentration (although it's remarkably light on its feet), silky tannins, well-integrated acidity and a stunning personality, this monumental Rayas is breathtaking. This beauty will undoubtedly be drinkable early on (although Emmanuel Reynaud considers that to be infanticide), and it is capable of lasting 25-30 years. One of the world's most mysterious estates is Chateau Rayas. This small 30-acre estate is owned by the Reynaud family, which dates back to the late 19th century,. The estate has always had an image of secrecy and seclusion. Following the death of Jacques Reynaud in 1997, his nephew, Emmanuel took over, and he continues to produce wines that go from strength to strength. A cool climate property in a hot zone, Rayas is tucked away in a forest with its vineyards basically one parcel of sandy soil. Emmanuel Reynaud, who is also the proprietor of the outstanding Vacqueyras estate called Domaine des Tours, has the same eccentric idiosyncracies as his uncle. It is not as difficult to get an appointment to visit Rayas as many people think, and I highly recommend it as it is always a fascinating place to visit. After 25 years, I never cease to be amazed by what emerges from these decrepit, old, haphazard cellars that look like a biohazard room in a video game. They don't win the top prize for the dirtiest cellars in Chateauneuf du Pape (that goes to Henri Bonneau), but Rayas is a close second. Modern-day oenology graduates would be horrified by -working conditions,- but the magic elixirs to emerge from these ancient barrels, demi-muids and foudres are wondrous. On this trip, I tasted through the component parts of the 2010s, another top vintage for Rayas. Production was tiny, and the harvest was extremely late. In fact, Emmanuel Reynaud told me that 2011 would be at least ten days in advance of 2010. The 2009s, which have all been bottled, have turned out to be spectacular, and I tend to think the 2009 Rayas could turn out to be the greatest wine made by Emmanuel, even eclipsing the 2007.In Bond£1,172.00 -
Vinous (94)
Bright ruby. Black and blue fruits on the nose and palate, with an array of spice and floral qualities adding dimension. Rich but very lively, with impressive intensity and concentration but no sense of heaviness. Supple tannins add shape to the extremely long finish, which features notes of star anise, candied violet and cracked pepper.In Bond£1,715.00 -
Vinous (94)
Bright ruby. Black and blue fruits on the nose and palate, with an array of spice and floral qualities adding dimension. Rich but very lively, with impressive intensity and concentration but no sense of heaviness. Supple tannins add shape to the extremely long finish, which features notes of star anise, candied violet and cracked pepper.In Bond£237.00 -
Wine Advocate (91)
Made from a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, the second wine, the 2009 Reserve de la Comtesse, exhibits notes of forest floor, white chocolate, licorice, black currants and vanillin-infused black cherries. It possesses a sweet, round, generous style given its high glycerin. Both the Reserve de la Comtesse and Pichon Lalande have about 13% alcohol, slightly lower than most Pauillacs achieved in 2009. Drink it over the next 10 years.In Bond£699.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Pale to medium gold colored, the 2009 Rieussec sings of crème caramel, chopped nuts, baked apples and spiced pears with hints of jasmine, peach blossoms and beeswax. Full-bodied, rich and decadently creamy in the mouth, the multilayered palate is beautifully lifted with fantastic freshness. It has a very long finish offering a lasting impression of great elegance and finesse. Simply stunning.In Bond£604.00 -
Wine Advocate (94+)
The 2009 Nuits St. Georges Les Vaucrains is fascinating to taste after Les St. Georges. In 2010 the Vaucrains is more finessed and elegant than the St. Georges, but in 2009 those rules are reversed, as it is the Vaucrains that comes across as far more imposing, inward and structured. Today the Vaucrauins is implosive and seems to be holding back much of its potential. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame the fruit through to the tense, wiry finish. The Vaucrains needs to be buried in a deep, cold cellar for several years, perhaps considerably longer, although I am optimist by nature. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039.In Bond£303.00 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
The 2009 Bonnes Mares opens with knockout aromatics that meld into layers of fresh, vibrant fruit. Medium in body yet wonderfully intense in its flavors, the Bonnes Mares impresses for its class and balance. An array of dark fruit, minerals, violets and white flowers linger on the pointed, saline finish. Groffier’s vines in Bonnes Mares sit on a slope with both terres rouges and terres blanches. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039.In Bond£3,579.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses is a bit unusual for this site. The fruit shows more depth, concentration and overt richness than most wines from this vineyard. The signature perfume emerges with time, but this remains a wine essentially built on an intense core of fruit. Groffier used 10% stems here. The finish shows a little heat, which is the only thing that keeps the score from going higher. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.In Bond£8,375.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses is a bit unusual for this site. The fruit shows more depth, concentration and overt richness than most wines from this vineyard. The signature perfume emerges with time, but this remains a wine essentially built on an intense core of fruit. Groffier used 10% stems here. The finish shows a little heat, which is the only thing that keeps the score from going higher. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.In Bond£636.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses is a bit unusual for this site. The fruit shows more depth, concentration and overt richness than most wines from this vineyard. The signature perfume emerges with time, but this remains a wine essentially built on an intense core of fruit. Groffier used 10% stems here. The finish shows a little heat, which is the only thing that keeps the score from going higher. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.In Bond£4,136.00 -
Wine Advocate (92+)
The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Sentiers presents the more intense side of Chambolle. Layers of dark fruit emerge from this muscular, deep wine. There is fabulous richness in the glass, along with some of the sheer structure that is typical of Bonnes Mares, the vineyard that sits just above. The Sentiers seems built for the long haul. Knockout aromatics linger on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.In Bond£3,802.00
