France
The vast and diverse wine regions of France, each with its own unique terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques, are a treasure trove.
In Bordeaux, the birthplace of some of the world's most iconic wines, esteemed vineyards such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Haut-Brion produce exceptional red wines, showcasing the art of blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The region is also renowned for its exquisite white wines, with vineyards like Château d'Yquem and Domaine de Chevalier producing legendary sweet wines.
Moving to Burgundy, the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Armand Rousseau capture the essence of the region's revered terroir, crafting exquisite red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. Meanwhile, Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Coche-Dury are celebrated for their world-class white wines, predominantly made from Chardonnay.
The Champagne region, known for its sparkling wines, boasts illustrious houses such as Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Moët & Chandon, as well as grower-producers like Pierre Péters and Jacques Selosse. These vineyards create exceptional sparkling wines using the traditional method, offering a symphony of delicate bubbles, elegant flavors, and vibrant acidity.
In the Rhône Valley, iconic vineyards like Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Château de Beaucastel produce remarkable red wines in the northern appellations of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas, showcasing the elegance and power of Syrah. Further south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is celebrated for its rich and full-bodied red blends, with Château Rayas and Clos des Papes leading the way.
In Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and omaine Trimbach craft exquisite white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, expressing the region's unique terroir and varietal character.
These are just a few highlights among the diverse array of wines that France offers. From the Loire Valley's crisp whites and elegant reds to the Languedoc-Roussillon's bold and robust wines, each region presents its own vinous treasures.
France
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Vinous (91-93)
Inky ruby. Pungent black and blue fruit and succulent herb aromas, along with hints of cracked pepper, licorice and violet and a suave floral nuance. Broad, seamless and appealingly sweet, offering juicy blackberry and violet pastille flavors and hints of spicecake and dark chocolate. Clings with strong tenacity and focus on the finish, which is framed by smooth, harmonious tannins.Inc. VAT£535.24 -
Rich in tradition and masterful craftsmanship, the Domaine Eric Montchovet Beaune 1er Cru Aux Coucherias 2015 is the epitome of fine Burgundy wine. Charmingly created in the renowned Beaune region, this Pinot Noir elegantly embodies the essence of its environs. The esteemed winemaker, Eric Montchovet, utilises a sustainable, organic approach to traditional winemaking; each grape harvested by hand in its optimum state, then meticulously sorted to ensure exquisite quality. Such diligence enhances the wine's robust yet harmonious character. The result is a wine blooming with sumptuous red fruit scents, underpinned by tobacco and leather undertones revealing an intriguing complexity. Showcasing well-rounded tanins balanced by a vibrant acidity, this 2015 vintage exhibits the promise of longevity, maturing gracefully with time. Perfect to savour now or in the years ahead, the Domaine Eric Montchovet Beaune 1er Cru Aux Coucherias 2015 is a true testament to Burgundy's winemaking heritage.
Inc. VAT£524.98 -
Domaine Labet Cotes du Jura Vin Jaune 2015 is an illustrious reflection of the French terroir. This estate, nestled in the heart of the Jura region, utilises biodynamic viticulture to create wines of notable elegance and complexity. Crafted by the expert Labet family, this opulent wine is derived using the Savagnin grape. After a lengthy six-year maturation under a naturally occurring yeast, known as 'voile', this 2015 Vin Jaune is bottled only in the traditional 62 cl 'clavelin'.
The Domaine Labet Cotes du Jura Vin Jaune 2015 flaunts a golden hue and provides a nose of walnut, spice and apple compote. On the palate, it delights with a weighty, yet elegant, concentration of flavours balanced by a distinct minerality and a lingering finish. A stellar representation of Vin Jaune, it is admired globally by collectors and wine enthusiasts.
Inc. VAT£2,139.89 -
Vinous (95)
As is always the case, the Corton-Renardes is up first. A huge, explosive wine, the 2015 exudes strength, power and muscle. Swaths of tannin wrap around a core of black fruit. Hints of smoke, iron and incense add layers of nuance and overall complexity. Even so, the natural rusticity of Corton-Renardes comes through loud and clear.Inc. VAT£12,060.80 -
Wine Advocate (92)
When crops are small, Lalou Bize-Leroy assembles the three Nuits-Saint-Georges lieux-dits (Aux Allots, Aux Bas de Combe and Lavières) that she often bottles separately, and that is the case in 2015. The ensuing blend—labelled simply as Nuits-Saint-Georges—is fabulous, revealing a deep bouquet of dark fruit—cherry, cassis, wild berries—pepper and spice. On the palate, the 2015 Nuits-Saint-Georges is full-bodied, ample and complete, with velvety tannins, juicy acids and a long, intense finish. While the aromas and flavors are classic Nuits, the wine's structural elements are remarkably elegant and harmonious, even at this early stage.Inc. VAT£26,739.89 -
Inc. VAT£1,058.44 -
Inc. VAT£640.84 -
Inc. VAT£491.09 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
Disgorged in January 2021 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2015 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Clos de l'Abbaye has turned out brilliantly. Wafting from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, warm bread and honeycomb that are still a little reserved after its recent disgorgement, this is a full-bodied, layered and concentrated Champagne that's vinous and textural, displaying notable depth and mid-palate amplitude that's framed by lively acids and an enlivening pinpoint mousse, concluding with a long resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée derives from a walled 0.4-hectare plot of 60-year-old cordon-pruned vines just behind the winery in Vertus, and only the first and second "serres" of the press are used.Inc. VAT£919.24 -
Wine Advocate (93-95)
The 2015 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru is raised in 80% new oak with 20% whole bunch. It has a very detailed and focused bouquet with precise blackberry, raspberry and morello cherry aromas neatly infused with mineral scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, powerful without losing control and building towards a very structured, spicy finish. Whilst I would still dial down the oak to 50-60%, nevertheless it remains a very well-crafted Chambertin with plenty of substance and ambition, and that ain't a bad thing when you are a Clos-de-Bèze.Inc. VAT£2,878.87 -
Wine Advocate (93-95)
The 2015 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru is raised in 80% new oak with 20% whole bunch. It has a very detailed and focused bouquet with precise blackberry, raspberry and morello cherry aromas neatly infused with mineral scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, powerful without losing control and building towards a very structured, spicy finish. Whilst I would still dial down the oak to 50-60%, nevertheless it remains a very well-crafted Chambertin with plenty of substance and ambition, and that ain't a bad thing when you are a Clos-de-Bèze.Inc. VAT£1,279.24 -
Wine Advocate (93-95)
The 2015 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, which comes from the upper slopes of the vineyard, has a rich and opulent bouquet with precocious mulberry and blueberry scents, violet and desiccated orange peel. The 30% whole bunches is discretely embedded in the black fruit, lending crunchiness to the texture. This displays impressive depth; notwithstanding infectious energy and a vibrant finish. Excellent - this is one of the best grand crus from Drouhin-Laroze this vintage.Inc. VAT£902.44 -
Wine Advocate (92-94)
The 2015 Latricières-Chambertin Grand Cru is matured in 80% new oak. Apparently half of the vineyard was pulled up after the 2015 harvest due to superannuated old vines, but even so, there was still 40% less in this vintage (which implies there is bugger all in 2016). It has ample blackberry, bilberry and oyster shell scents on the nose, taking its time to gradually unfurl in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with black fruit, brisk tannin and fine mineralité, but it tightens up considerably towards the finish. More backward than the Chapelle-Chambertin, it deserves 4-5 years in bottle.Inc. VAT£1,671.67 -
Wine Advocate (92)
The 2015 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru has a lovely bouquet: hints of grilled almond and pine nuts fusing with the citrus fruit, tight at first but opening nicely with aeration. The palate is very well balanced, tightly-bound at the moment, not a heavy or powerful Corton-Charlemagne, but sporting a very attractive, fresh and stony, slightly reserved finish. Nothing extraordinary or overly-ambitious, nevertheless, this is a well-made Corton-Charlemagne from the domaine.Inc. VAT£743.09 -
Contains 1x75cl bottle of each:
Pétrus 2015 - 100 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Lafite Rothschild 2015 - 96+ pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Mouton Rothschild 2015 - 98 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Margaux 2015 - 99 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Haut-Brion 2015 - 100 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
La Mission Haut-Brion 2015 - 98 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
d’Yquem 2015 - 100 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Ausone 2015 - 99 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Cheval Blanc 2015 - 100 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Inc. VAT£17,491.86 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)
The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou is phenomenally great. Inky, powerful and explosive, the 2015 pulses with energy in all of its dimensions. Creme de cassis, blackberry jam, graphite, smoke, leather and incense, along with the wine's muscular tannins, convey an impression of brooding intensity. The 2015 has been nothing short of sensational on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. Readers should be prepared to be patient. Don't miss it!Inc. VAT£2,290.87 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)
The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou is phenomenally great. Inky, powerful and explosive, the 2015 pulses with energy in all of its dimensions. Creme de cassis, blackberry jam, graphite, smoke, leather and incense, along with the wine's muscular tannins, convey an impression of brooding intensity. The 2015 has been nothing short of sensational on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. Readers should be prepared to be patient. Don't miss it!Inc. VAT£808.82 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)
The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou is phenomenally great. Inky, powerful and explosive, the 2015 pulses with energy in all of its dimensions. Creme de cassis, blackberry jam, graphite, smoke, leather and incense, along with the wine's muscular tannins, convey an impression of brooding intensity. The 2015 has been nothing short of sensational on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. Readers should be prepared to be patient. Don't miss it!Inc. VAT£1,507.24 -
Decanter (92)
Fine, firm 73% Cabernet fruit with a brambly middle ripeness from 27% Merlot. Shows polish, depth and a restrained elegance – a firm, classy wine with a fine future.Inc. VAT£1,047.67 -
Vinous (94)
Bright, dark red. Perfumed but reticent aromas of raspberry and rose petal. Very pure but tightly wound, showing more red fruit lift than the Clos de la Roche but less showy today. A darker note of medicinal black cherry contributes to this young wine's serious mien. Less thick than the Clos de la Roche but still very 2015 in character. Finishes very long and floral, with firm but suave tannins. This wine calls for patience but I would not be surprised if it gave pleasure earlier than the Clos de la Roche.Inc. VAT£1,365.20 -
Vinous (93)
The 2015 Gevrey-Chambertin Aux Combottes 1er Cru has quite a stemmy bouquet beneath an attractive carapace of black and red fruit. It is certainly well defined, charming and full of character. The palate is detailed and structured, yet endowed with thrilling focus. There is still a little new oak to be assimilated, but the tannins are very fine and there is wonderful mineral tension all the way through to the classy, ever so slightly lactic finish. This will require several years in bottle, but it will reward those with patience. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.Inc. VAT£1,545.62 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2015 Echézeaux Grand Cru is very fine, offering up a dramatic nose of ripe red fruit, bonfire, espresso roast and sweet loamy soil. On the palate, the wine is rich and powerful, evidently structurally firmer and more masculine than the Beaumonts, although its tannins are similarly cloaked in a deep core of succulent fruit. There's also good freshness here despite the considerable power and amplitude.Inc. VAT£1,545.20 -
Vinous (98)
The 2015 Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 1er Cru is a wine that I fell head over heels for in barrel. It is limpid in color and extraordinarily intense on the nose, embracing that summer's warmth without denuding it of precision or terroir expression, and delivering plush blueberry, raspberry coulis and emerging touches of iodine. This Cros Parantoux is just revving its engine. The palate is beautifully balanced with sappy red fruit and impressive depth. It still needs a couple of years to fully integrate, but you must stand back and admire its persistence. Huge potential. Tasted blind at Maison de Colombier in Beaune.Inc. VAT£49,287.67 -
James Suckling (98)
Aromas of decadent leaves, dark berries, blueberries and blackberries. Truffle and mushroom undertones. Full-bodied, round and very, very fine and focused. A great wine all around. Tiny production. Approachable now but best in 2022.Inc. VAT£387.14 -
Inc. VAT£690.04 -
Wine Advocate (92)
The 2015 Beaune 1er Cru Clos de l'Ecu from Domaine Faiveley needs some aeration to shake off some light reduction, opening in the glass with pretty notes of black raspberry, rich soil and currant leaf. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, sappy and succulent, with an ample chassis of fine tannins and a deep core of fruit, incipiently lavish but with good focus too. This will need some time in bottle to open up, but it is a promising Beaune 1er cru.Inc. VAT£296.44 -
Vinous (95)
Bright, full red. Ineffable aromas of raspberry, rose petal and minerals display wonderful perfumed lift for the year. Silky, concentrated and fine-grained on entry, then sharply delineated and perfumed in the middle palate, boasting superb floral lift and an impression of menthol reserve to its black raspberry, crushed stone and botanical herb flavors. A wonderfully savory, silky midweight with terrific energy and restrained sweetness for the year, not to mention noble, perfectly buffered tannins. The savory, slowly building finish is hard to scrape off your palate. This outstanding 2015 really stands out for its light touch.Inc. VAT£3,385.24 -
Vinous (94-97)
(made from same plot of 60+-year-old vines on the Chambertin side of this grand cru as in the past; 100% destemmed): Bright dark red. Raspberry and a touch of reduction on the nose. Then dense, sappy and high-pitched in the mouth, with terrific intensity and saline complexity to the intense red berry flavors. Notes of menthol and crushed stone contribute to an impression of youthful tightness. Harder to taste today than the classic Clos de Bèze, which is showing more energy and salty minerality in the early going. But this is subtler and longer on the aftertaste, with a distinctly floral, feminine character that reminded me of a great Chambolle-Musigny. Very different in style from Faiveley's basic Clos de Bèze, but is it better?Inc. VAT£2,028.41 -
Vinous (94-97)
(made from same plot of 60+-year-old vines on the Chambertin side of this grand cru as in the past; 100% destemmed): Bright dark red. Raspberry and a touch of reduction on the nose. Then dense, sappy and high-pitched in the mouth, with terrific intensity and saline complexity to the intense red berry flavors. Notes of menthol and crushed stone contribute to an impression of youthful tightness. Harder to taste today than the classic Clos de Bèze, which is showing more energy and salty minerality in the early going. But this is subtler and longer on the aftertaste, with a distinctly floral, feminine character that reminded me of a great Chambolle-Musigny. Very different in style from Faiveley's basic Clos de Bèze, but is it better?Inc. VAT£903.20 -
Wine Advocate (87)
The 2015 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Aux Beaux Bruns from Joseph Faiveley is notably reduced on the nose, notes of raspberry, cherry and candied peel only emerging with extended aeration. On the palate, the wine is sappy, medium to full-bodied and a bit dried out from its reduction which renders it rather inscrutable, though the raw materials seem to be good. If this shakes off its reduction as it ages it may end up being very good, but my instinct is that it is a sadly stillborn Chambolle.Inc. VAT£679.24
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Vinous (91-93)
Inky ruby. Pungent black and blue fruit and succulent herb aromas, along with hints of cracked pepper, licorice and violet and a suave floral nuance. Broad, seamless and appealingly sweet, offering juicy blackberry and violet pastille flavors and hints of spicecake and dark chocolate. Clings with strong tenacity and focus on the finish, which is framed by smooth, harmonious tannins.In Bond£430.00 -
Rich in tradition and masterful craftsmanship, the Domaine Eric Montchovet Beaune 1er Cru Aux Coucherias 2015 is the epitome of fine Burgundy wine. Charmingly created in the renowned Beaune region, this Pinot Noir elegantly embodies the essence of its environs. The esteemed winemaker, Eric Montchovet, utilises a sustainable, organic approach to traditional winemaking; each grape harvested by hand in its optimum state, then meticulously sorted to ensure exquisite quality. Such diligence enhances the wine's robust yet harmonious character. The result is a wine blooming with sumptuous red fruit scents, underpinned by tobacco and leather undertones revealing an intriguing complexity. Showcasing well-rounded tanins balanced by a vibrant acidity, this 2015 vintage exhibits the promise of longevity, maturing gracefully with time. Perfect to savour now or in the years ahead, the Domaine Eric Montchovet Beaune 1er Cru Aux Coucherias 2015 is a true testament to Burgundy's winemaking heritage.
In Bond£399.00 -
Domaine Labet Cotes du Jura Vin Jaune 2015 is an illustrious reflection of the French terroir. This estate, nestled in the heart of the Jura region, utilises biodynamic viticulture to create wines of notable elegance and complexity. Crafted by the expert Labet family, this opulent wine is derived using the Savagnin grape. After a lengthy six-year maturation under a naturally occurring yeast, known as 'voile', this 2015 Vin Jaune is bottled only in the traditional 62 cl 'clavelin'.
The Domaine Labet Cotes du Jura Vin Jaune 2015 flaunts a golden hue and provides a nose of walnut, spice and apple compote. On the palate, it delights with a weighty, yet elegant, concentration of flavours balanced by a distinct minerality and a lingering finish. A stellar representation of Vin Jaune, it is admired globally by collectors and wine enthusiasts.
In Bond£1,764.00 -
Vinous (95)
As is always the case, the Corton-Renardes is up first. A huge, explosive wine, the 2015 exudes strength, power and muscle. Swaths of tannin wrap around a core of black fruit. Hints of smoke, iron and incense add layers of nuance and overall complexity. Even so, the natural rusticity of Corton-Renardes comes through loud and clear.In Bond£10,048.00 -
Wine Advocate (92)
When crops are small, Lalou Bize-Leroy assembles the three Nuits-Saint-Georges lieux-dits (Aux Allots, Aux Bas de Combe and Lavières) that she often bottles separately, and that is the case in 2015. The ensuing blend—labelled simply as Nuits-Saint-Georges—is fabulous, revealing a deep bouquet of dark fruit—cherry, cassis, wild berries—pepper and spice. On the palate, the 2015 Nuits-Saint-Georges is full-bodied, ample and complete, with velvety tannins, juicy acids and a long, intense finish. While the aromas and flavors are classic Nuits, the wine's structural elements are remarkably elegant and harmonious, even at this early stage.In Bond£22,264.00 -
In Bond£866.00
-
In Bond£518.00
-
In Bond£390.00
-
Wine Advocate (96+)
Disgorged in January 2021 with two grams per liter dosage, the 2015 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Clos de l'Abbaye has turned out brilliantly. Wafting from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, warm bread and honeycomb that are still a little reserved after its recent disgorgement, this is a full-bodied, layered and concentrated Champagne that's vinous and textural, displaying notable depth and mid-palate amplitude that's framed by lively acids and an enlivening pinpoint mousse, concluding with a long resonant finish. As I've written before, this cuvée derives from a walled 0.4-hectare plot of 60-year-old cordon-pruned vines just behind the winery in Vertus, and only the first and second "serres" of the press are used.In Bond£750.00 -
Wine Advocate (93-95)
The 2015 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru is raised in 80% new oak with 20% whole bunch. It has a very detailed and focused bouquet with precise blackberry, raspberry and morello cherry aromas neatly infused with mineral scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, powerful without losing control and building towards a very structured, spicy finish. Whilst I would still dial down the oak to 50-60%, nevertheless it remains a very well-crafted Chambertin with plenty of substance and ambition, and that ain't a bad thing when you are a Clos-de-Bèze.In Bond£2,367.00 -
Wine Advocate (93-95)
The 2015 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru is raised in 80% new oak with 20% whole bunch. It has a very detailed and focused bouquet with precise blackberry, raspberry and morello cherry aromas neatly infused with mineral scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, powerful without losing control and building towards a very structured, spicy finish. Whilst I would still dial down the oak to 50-60%, nevertheless it remains a very well-crafted Chambertin with plenty of substance and ambition, and that ain't a bad thing when you are a Clos-de-Bèze.In Bond£1,050.00 -
Wine Advocate (93-95)
The 2015 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, which comes from the upper slopes of the vineyard, has a rich and opulent bouquet with precocious mulberry and blueberry scents, violet and desiccated orange peel. The 30% whole bunches is discretely embedded in the black fruit, lending crunchiness to the texture. This displays impressive depth; notwithstanding infectious energy and a vibrant finish. Excellent - this is one of the best grand crus from Drouhin-Laroze this vintage.In Bond£736.00 -
Wine Advocate (92-94)
The 2015 Latricières-Chambertin Grand Cru is matured in 80% new oak. Apparently half of the vineyard was pulled up after the 2015 harvest due to superannuated old vines, but even so, there was still 40% less in this vintage (which implies there is bugger all in 2016). It has ample blackberry, bilberry and oyster shell scents on the nose, taking its time to gradually unfurl in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with black fruit, brisk tannin and fine mineralité, but it tightens up considerably towards the finish. More backward than the Chapelle-Chambertin, it deserves 4-5 years in bottle.In Bond£1,361.00 -
Wine Advocate (92)
The 2015 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru has a lovely bouquet: hints of grilled almond and pine nuts fusing with the citrus fruit, tight at first but opening nicely with aeration. The palate is very well balanced, tightly-bound at the moment, not a heavy or powerful Corton-Charlemagne, but sporting a very attractive, fresh and stony, slightly reserved finish. Nothing extraordinary or overly-ambitious, nevertheless, this is a well-made Corton-Charlemagne from the domaine.In Bond£600.00 -
Contains 1x75cl bottle of each:
Pétrus 2015 - 100 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Lafite Rothschild 2015 - 96+ pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Mouton Rothschild 2015 - 98 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Margaux 2015 - 99 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Haut-Brion 2015 - 100 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
La Mission Haut-Brion 2015 - 98 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
d’Yquem 2015 - 100 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Ausone 2015 - 99 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
Cheval Blanc 2015 - 100 pts | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
In Bond£14,552.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)
The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou is phenomenally great. Inky, powerful and explosive, the 2015 pulses with energy in all of its dimensions. Creme de cassis, blackberry jam, graphite, smoke, leather and incense, along with the wine's muscular tannins, convey an impression of brooding intensity. The 2015 has been nothing short of sensational on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. Readers should be prepared to be patient. Don't miss it!In Bond£1,877.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)
The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou is phenomenally great. Inky, powerful and explosive, the 2015 pulses with energy in all of its dimensions. Creme de cassis, blackberry jam, graphite, smoke, leather and incense, along with the wine's muscular tannins, convey an impression of brooding intensity. The 2015 has been nothing short of sensational on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. Readers should be prepared to be patient. Don't miss it!In Bond£666.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)
The 2015 Ducru-Beaucaillou is phenomenally great. Inky, powerful and explosive, the 2015 pulses with energy in all of its dimensions. Creme de cassis, blackberry jam, graphite, smoke, leather and incense, along with the wine's muscular tannins, convey an impression of brooding intensity. The 2015 has been nothing short of sensational on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. Readers should be prepared to be patient. Don't miss it!In Bond£1,240.00 -
Decanter (92)
Fine, firm 73% Cabernet fruit with a brambly middle ripeness from 27% Merlot. Shows polish, depth and a restrained elegance – a firm, classy wine with a fine future.In Bond£841.00 -
Vinous (94)
Bright, dark red. Perfumed but reticent aromas of raspberry and rose petal. Very pure but tightly wound, showing more red fruit lift than the Clos de la Roche but less showy today. A darker note of medicinal black cherry contributes to this young wine's serious mien. Less thick than the Clos de la Roche but still very 2015 in character. Finishes very long and floral, with firm but suave tannins. This wine calls for patience but I would not be surprised if it gave pleasure earlier than the Clos de la Roche.In Bond£1,135.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2015 Gevrey-Chambertin Aux Combottes 1er Cru has quite a stemmy bouquet beneath an attractive carapace of black and red fruit. It is certainly well defined, charming and full of character. The palate is detailed and structured, yet endowed with thrilling focus. There is still a little new oak to be assimilated, but the tannins are very fine and there is wonderful mineral tension all the way through to the classy, ever so slightly lactic finish. This will require several years in bottle, but it will reward those with patience. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.In Bond£1,280.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2015 Echézeaux Grand Cru is very fine, offering up a dramatic nose of ripe red fruit, bonfire, espresso roast and sweet loamy soil. On the palate, the wine is rich and powerful, evidently structurally firmer and more masculine than the Beaumonts, although its tannins are similarly cloaked in a deep core of succulent fruit. There's also good freshness here despite the considerable power and amplitude.In Bond£1,285.00 -
Vinous (98)
The 2015 Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 1er Cru is a wine that I fell head over heels for in barrel. It is limpid in color and extraordinarily intense on the nose, embracing that summer's warmth without denuding it of precision or terroir expression, and delivering plush blueberry, raspberry coulis and emerging touches of iodine. This Cros Parantoux is just revving its engine. The palate is beautifully balanced with sappy red fruit and impressive depth. It still needs a couple of years to fully integrate, but you must stand back and admire its persistence. Huge potential. Tasted blind at Maison de Colombier in Beaune.In Bond£41,041.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Aromas of decadent leaves, dark berries, blueberries and blackberries. Truffle and mushroom undertones. Full-bodied, round and very, very fine and focused. A great wine all around. Tiny production. Approachable now but best in 2022.In Bond£313.00 -
In Bond£559.00
-
Wine Advocate (92)
The 2015 Beaune 1er Cru Clos de l'Ecu from Domaine Faiveley needs some aeration to shake off some light reduction, opening in the glass with pretty notes of black raspberry, rich soil and currant leaf. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, sappy and succulent, with an ample chassis of fine tannins and a deep core of fruit, incipiently lavish but with good focus too. This will need some time in bottle to open up, but it is a promising Beaune 1er cru.In Bond£231.00 -
Vinous (95)
Bright, full red. Ineffable aromas of raspberry, rose petal and minerals display wonderful perfumed lift for the year. Silky, concentrated and fine-grained on entry, then sharply delineated and perfumed in the middle palate, boasting superb floral lift and an impression of menthol reserve to its black raspberry, crushed stone and botanical herb flavors. A wonderfully savory, silky midweight with terrific energy and restrained sweetness for the year, not to mention noble, perfectly buffered tannins. The savory, slowly building finish is hard to scrape off your palate. This outstanding 2015 really stands out for its light touch.In Bond£2,805.00 -
Vinous (94-97)
(made from same plot of 60+-year-old vines on the Chambertin side of this grand cru as in the past; 100% destemmed): Bright dark red. Raspberry and a touch of reduction on the nose. Then dense, sappy and high-pitched in the mouth, with terrific intensity and saline complexity to the intense red berry flavors. Notes of menthol and crushed stone contribute to an impression of youthful tightness. Harder to taste today than the classic Clos de Bèze, which is showing more energy and salty minerality in the early going. But this is subtler and longer on the aftertaste, with a distinctly floral, feminine character that reminded me of a great Chambolle-Musigny. Very different in style from Faiveley's basic Clos de Bèze, but is it better?In Bond£1,685.00 -
Vinous (94-97)
(made from same plot of 60+-year-old vines on the Chambertin side of this grand cru as in the past; 100% destemmed): Bright dark red. Raspberry and a touch of reduction on the nose. Then dense, sappy and high-pitched in the mouth, with terrific intensity and saline complexity to the intense red berry flavors. Notes of menthol and crushed stone contribute to an impression of youthful tightness. Harder to taste today than the classic Clos de Bèze, which is showing more energy and salty minerality in the early going. But this is subtler and longer on the aftertaste, with a distinctly floral, feminine character that reminded me of a great Chambolle-Musigny. Very different in style from Faiveley's basic Clos de Bèze, but is it better?In Bond£750.00 -
Wine Advocate (87)
The 2015 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Aux Beaux Bruns from Joseph Faiveley is notably reduced on the nose, notes of raspberry, cherry and candied peel only emerging with extended aeration. On the palate, the wine is sappy, medium to full-bodied and a bit dried out from its reduction which renders it rather inscrutable, though the raw materials seem to be good. If this shakes off its reduction as it ages it may end up being very good, but my instinct is that it is a sadly stillborn Chambolle.In Bond£550.00
