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 (93)
Vivid ruby-red. Red berry liqueur and floral pastille aromas are complicated by hints of vanilla, incense and cola. Fleshy, mineral-laced raspberry and blueberry flavors gain sweetness and depth with air, picking up suave notes of lavender and allspice. Finishes silky and extremely long, with resonating spiciness and smooth, harmonious tannins.Inc. VAT£140.93 -
(6x75cl) 2011Vinous (93)
Vivid ruby-red. Red berry liqueur and floral pastille aromas are complicated by hints of vanilla, incense and cola. Fleshy, mineral-laced raspberry and blueberry flavors gain sweetness and depth with air, picking up suave notes of lavender and allspice. Finishes silky and extremely long, with resonating spiciness and smooth, harmonious tannins.Inc. VAT£698.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape la Combe des Fous is another gorgeous wine from this estate that offers incredible richness while never seeming heavy, cumbersome or over-the-top. A blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest Muscardin, Vaccarese and Cinsault, it exhibits thrilling cassis, black raspberry, chocolate, crushed flowers and exotic spice. Full-bodied, seamless and incredibly elegant, it has the polish and balance to drink nicely now, but will evolve for 15 years or more.Inc. VAT£606.06 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Combe des Fous shows the seamless, silky side to the vintage, and has closed down slightly since I tasted it from barrel. Its big, intense nose of black cherries, blueberries, white chocolate, and garrigue gives way to a full-bodied, plush, gorgeously layered 2015 that will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring.Inc. VAT£1,312.91 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Combe des Fous shows the seamless, silky side to the vintage, and has closed down slightly since I tasted it from barrel. Its big, intense nose of black cherries, blueberries, white chocolate, and garrigue gives way to a full-bodied, plush, gorgeously layered 2015 that will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring.Inc. VAT£717.66 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
Deep ruby-colored and offering a heavenly bouquet of black raspberries, toasted spiced, cured meats, licorice, and cured meats, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Combes des Fous is awesome on the palate, with a silky, seamless profile that just keeps on going. Possessing ultra-fine tannin, no hard edges, and a huge finish, it’s a phenomenal bottle of wine. The fact that it was bottled just one month ago makes this showing even more impressive.Inc. VAT£494.46 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
The star of the show in 2018 is the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Combe Des Fous, which has an incredible mix of complexity, power, and elegance that’s something to behold. Sporting a deep purple/plum color as well as a killer bouquet of blackcurrants, lavender, peppery garrigue, graphite, and white chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, incredible tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This is as good as 2018 gets, and while it’s already impossible to resist, it’s going to evolve for 15+ years.Inc. VAT£458.46 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Starting off a trio of truly magical wines, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Combe Des Fous checks in as 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest Vaccarèse and Cinsault raised in tank and demi-muids. Sensationally pure cassis and blackberry fruits as well as complex notes of lavender, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, and flowers all define this full-bodied 2019, which displays the vintage’s ripe, perfumed style while bringing more finesse, elegant, and purity than just about every other wine out there. It’s the finest vintage of this cuvée I’ve tasted and has another 15-20 years of prime drinking ahead of it.Inc. VAT£596.46 -
Inc. VAT£534.06 -
Inc. VAT£456.80 -
Wine Advocate (100)
More flamboyant, open and exotic, with notes of kirsch liqueur, cassis, toasted almonds, sandalwood, lavender, and crushed flowers that you can smell from across the room, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum expands on the palate, with incredible concentration, building, sweet tannin and a finish that just won’t quit. Where the 2010 cuts a more focused path, this puppy is overflowing with fruit and texture. It too is a perfect wine that will evolve for another couple decades, yet given this showing, don’t hesitate to crack bottles over the coming couple of years.Inc. VAT£1,001.59 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
One of the greatest young wines I’ve ever tasted is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Sanctus Sanctorum which is 100% old vine Grenache sourced from a single parcel in the La Crau lieu-dit. Lighter in color than both the Combes des Fous and Ex Machina, it offers a heavenly perfume of kirsch liqueur, crushed rocks, exotic spices, and graphite. This beauty hits the palate with an incredible display of opulent, decent fruit paired with an elegance and seamlessness that needs to be tasted to be believed. With building richness, no weight, ultra-fine tannins, and a finish that won’t quit, it’s released only in magnum, so it will take upward of a decade to hit maturity and will keep for 20+ years. Hats off to the Maurel family and their consultant Philippe Cambie!Inc. VAT£553.62 -
Inc. VAT£428.36 -
Inc. VAT£457.62 -
Inc. VAT£627.47 -
The Clos Saint Vincent Grenache de Gio VdF 2014 is a grandeur in itself, exuding pure sophistication. This exquisite indulgence originates from the sunny southern terrains of France's Rhône Valley, a region famous for the cultivation of the resilient and versatile Grenache grape. Clos Saint Vincent, a reputable wine enterprise, meticulously ensures the amalgamation of tradition with modern vineyard techniques, ensuring each vintage is a masterpiece.
The 2014 Grenache de Gio epitomises their dedication, boasting an alluring bouquet of ripe red berries, complemented by a dash of spice notes. The consequential wine defines elegance with its velvety texture, and a lingering finish that distinctly echoes the region's terroir. Ageing potential is admirable, making it an ideal acquisition for avid collectors.
Experience the compelling persona of Clos Saint Vincent Grenache de Gio VdF 2014; a testament to the mastery of winemaking and a true embodiment of Rhone Valley's wine craftsmanship. An incomparable delight, indeed!
Inc. VAT£374.00 -
(6x75cl) 2005Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92)
Good ruby-red. Very fresh, primary aromas of crushed black cherry, chocolate liqueur, minerals and mint, plus a note of smoked meat. Juicy, spicy and light on its feet, showing little sign of its 14.7% alcohol thanks to harmonious acidity and enlivening notes of flowers and minerals. The rich plum and cherry flavors linger impressively on the sweet, firmly tannic finish. This very young and sharply delineated wine should repay seven or eight years of aging. I'd love to slip this into a blind tasting of collectible Napa cabernets. It might well dominate based on its superior inner-palate energy.Inc. VAT£699.79 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94+)
The 2015 Clos Saint Julien is terrific. Deep, dense and explosive, it exudes personality. Inky blue and purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice run through this flamboyantly ripe, dense Saint-Émilion. All the elements are simply in the right place. In 2015, Clos Saint Julien is decidedly opulent. I would give it a few years to lose some of its baby fat. Clos Saint Julien is equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new barrels. Tasted two times.Inc. VAT£604.01 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2016 Clos Saint-Julien is gorgeous and also quite a bit more reserved than it was from barrel. Voluptuous and racy, with remarkable freshness, the 2016 has so much to offer. A rush of black cherry, violet, lavender and spice builds as this sensual, caressing Saint-Émilion shows off its personality. The purity of the fruit and the wine's sheer harmony both make for a fabulous drinking experience.Inc. VAT£335.15 -
(12x75cl) 2017Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2017 Clos Saint Julien is a total knockout. Lavender, mint, inky dark fruit, spice, licorice, chocolate and leather all open up in the glass, but it is the wine's nuance and total sense of precision that impresses most. A wine of great delineation, the 2017 is simply brilliant. Don't miss it.Inc. VAT£461.38 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2018 Clos Saint-Julien is much more understated from bottle than it was from barrel, and that's a good thing, especially in this vintage. Inky blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mint and spice-box all meld together effortlessly in the glass. Silky and poised, with exceptional balance Clos Saint-Julien is a winner in 2018. Exquisite.Inc. VAT£618.41 -
(12x75cl) 2021Jeb Dunnuck (94)
An absolutely brilliant wine in the vintage, the 2021 Clos Saint Julien reveals a healthy ruby hue to go with a terrific perfume of darker currants, cherries, camphor, spicy wood, and tobacco. It's medium to full-bodied, has fabulous concentration, fine tannins, and a great finish. This is one of the few 2021s that will compete with prior vintages. It offers pleasure today, yet this is one I wouldn’t be surprised to see shut down with 2-5 years of bottle age. I think it will ideally be given 5-7 years of bottle age, and it's going to see its 20th birthday in fine form. Hats off to the team for this remarkable effort.Inc. VAT£455.38 -
(12x75cl) 2000Experience the decadence of a prized vintage with the Clos Saint-Martin 2000, an exquisite Bordeaux wine that exudes sophistication to its very core. Crafted in the prestigious vineyards of Saint-Émilion, France, this merlot-centred blend is known for its intricate flavour profile and superb ageing potential, adding to its desirability amongst wine enthusiasts.
The Clos Saint-Martin 2000 is a flagship offering from Clos Saint-Martin, a historic vineyard whose roots date back to the early 19th century. The intricate wine making process includes meticulous grape selection and barrel ageing in 100% new French oak casks, infusing the wine with unparalleled elegance and depth.
This coveted wine boasts complex notes of rich dark fruits complemented by underlying tones of earthy truffle and fine-grained tannins, rendering it a truly luxurious indulgence. The Clos Saint-Martin 2000 is a testimony to the winemaker's commitment to excellence, typically enjoyed by the discerning connoisseur.
Inc. VAT£1,385.69 -
(12x75cl) 2002Indulge in the exquisite vintage that is the Clos Saint-Martin 2002. Produced in the ancient estate nestled in the Saint-Émilion region of Bordeaux, this premier-class wine is the work of the Corbin family, longtime vineyard owners. This exclusive wine is gorgeously complex, filled with nuances of ripe plums, black cherry and captivating minerality. Its vinification process is meticulous, entailing 16 to 20 months of maturation in new French oak barrels, resulting in remarkable richness and velvety texture. Remarkable for its balanced structure and lasting finish, every sip of Clos Saint-Martin 2002 is an indulgence. Acclaimed globally, this Burgundy-marvel showcases the true excellence of its appellation. Honouring its heritage, the Clos Saint-Martin 2002 is handcrafted, ensuring that every bottle encapsulates the perfect marriage of time-honoured tradition and modern viticultural innovation. As a 100% Merlot wine, it is a testament to the unmatched elegance and depth of the Clos Saint-Martin estate.
Inc. VAT£959.38 -
(12x75cl) 2005Wine Advocate (97+)
With a gorgeous nose of super-concentrated black cherry/kirsch liqueur, this wine offers notes of licorice, crushed rock and flowers followed by a full-bodied, powerful, rich finish with a boatload of tannin. This is a long-distance runner and a sensational effort in the vintage. Drink it over the next 25-30 years.Inc. VAT£1,660.30 -
(12x75cl) 2006Wine Advocate (87)
Tasted three separate times, this 2006 underperformed from the bottle and was nearly impossible to penetrate. It exhibits high tannin, an austere personality, and seemingly insufficient depth or concentration to balance out the wine’s structure. Masochists will probably rate it higher, but I felt this offering was burdened down by a foreboding structure to the detriment of concentrated fruit and overall equilibrium. Time will tell, but my instincts suggest this 2006 St.-Emilion is likely to dry out before it ever blossoms. Too bad – recent vintages such as 2000, 2001, and 2005 have been sublime.Inc. VAT£630.41 -
(3x150cl) 2006Wine Advocate (87)
Tasted three separate times, this 2006 underperformed from the bottle and was nearly impossible to penetrate. It exhibits high tannin, an austere personality, and seemingly insufficient depth or concentration to balance out the wine’s structure. Masochists will probably rate it higher, but I felt this offering was burdened down by a foreboding structure to the detriment of concentrated fruit and overall equilibrium. Time will tell, but my instincts suggest this 2006 St.-Emilion is likely to dry out before it ever blossoms. Too bad – recent vintages such as 2000, 2001, and 2005 have been sublime.Inc. VAT£391.75 -
Wine Advocate (95)
A blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that hit 14% natural alcohol, the wine has an extraordinary purity and vivaciousness in 2009. Dense ruby/purple, with beautiful black currant and black cherry notes as well as hints of raspberry and spring flowers, despite the fact that 100% new French oak is used, it is completely buried beneath a cascade of glorious fruit. The wine is extremely aromatic, with great intensity and beautiful balance. Unlike most vintages, it is somewhat accessible because of the vintage’s low acidity and higher alcohols and should drink well for up to 20 years.Inc. VAT£1,019.50 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2010 Clos Saint-Martin is even deeper in color than the 2009, almost opaque. I much prefer the nose compared to the previous vintage - it demonstrates much more energy and freshness, and brighter red fruit laced with orange zest and a hint of marmalade. The palate is medium-bodied and structured on the entry, delivering fine grip and sharper acidity than the 2009, so it is missing that vintage’s roundness and plush texture. Hints of pencil lead develop toward the linear finish, completing a superb Saint-Émilion that will offer 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted at a vertical of recent vintages at the château.Inc. VAT£1,354.87 -
(6x75cl) 2013Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (89)
An attractive nose, good depth to the fruit, sweet raspberry, black cherry, cocoa and spiced cinammon. The shortcomings of the vintage come through in the mid palate, where there is a dip that continues to a short finish. However plenty to enjoy here, and this is a good choice to drink now. 100% integral vinificaton in new oak barrels.Inc. VAT£233.60
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Vinous (93)
Vivid ruby-red. Red berry liqueur and floral pastille aromas are complicated by hints of vanilla, incense and cola. Fleshy, mineral-laced raspberry and blueberry flavors gain sweetness and depth with air, picking up suave notes of lavender and allspice. Finishes silky and extremely long, with resonating spiciness and smooth, harmonious tannins.In Bond£114.00 -
(6x75cl) 2011Vinous (93)
Vivid ruby-red. Red berry liqueur and floral pastille aromas are complicated by hints of vanilla, incense and cola. Fleshy, mineral-laced raspberry and blueberry flavors gain sweetness and depth with air, picking up suave notes of lavender and allspice. Finishes silky and extremely long, with resonating spiciness and smooth, harmonious tannins.In Bond£561.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape la Combe des Fous is another gorgeous wine from this estate that offers incredible richness while never seeming heavy, cumbersome or over-the-top. A blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest Muscardin, Vaccarese and Cinsault, it exhibits thrilling cassis, black raspberry, chocolate, crushed flowers and exotic spice. Full-bodied, seamless and incredibly elegant, it has the polish and balance to drink nicely now, but will evolve for 15 years or more.In Bond£483.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Combe des Fous shows the seamless, silky side to the vintage, and has closed down slightly since I tasted it from barrel. Its big, intense nose of black cherries, blueberries, white chocolate, and garrigue gives way to a full-bodied, plush, gorgeously layered 2015 that will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring.In Bond£1,050.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Combe des Fous shows the seamless, silky side to the vintage, and has closed down slightly since I tasted it from barrel. Its big, intense nose of black cherries, blueberries, white chocolate, and garrigue gives way to a full-bodied, plush, gorgeously layered 2015 that will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring.In Bond£576.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
Deep ruby-colored and offering a heavenly bouquet of black raspberries, toasted spiced, cured meats, licorice, and cured meats, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Combes des Fous is awesome on the palate, with a silky, seamless profile that just keeps on going. Possessing ultra-fine tannin, no hard edges, and a huge finish, it’s a phenomenal bottle of wine. The fact that it was bottled just one month ago makes this showing even more impressive.In Bond£390.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
The star of the show in 2018 is the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Combe Des Fous, which has an incredible mix of complexity, power, and elegance that’s something to behold. Sporting a deep purple/plum color as well as a killer bouquet of blackcurrants, lavender, peppery garrigue, graphite, and white chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, incredible tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This is as good as 2018 gets, and while it’s already impossible to resist, it’s going to evolve for 15+ years.In Bond£360.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Starting off a trio of truly magical wines, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Combe Des Fous checks in as 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest Vaccarèse and Cinsault raised in tank and demi-muids. Sensationally pure cassis and blackberry fruits as well as complex notes of lavender, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, and flowers all define this full-bodied 2019, which displays the vintage’s ripe, perfumed style while bringing more finesse, elegant, and purity than just about every other wine out there. It’s the finest vintage of this cuvée I’ve tasted and has another 15-20 years of prime drinking ahead of it.In Bond£475.00 -
In Bond£423.00 -
In Bond£360.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
More flamboyant, open and exotic, with notes of kirsch liqueur, cassis, toasted almonds, sandalwood, lavender, and crushed flowers that you can smell from across the room, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum expands on the palate, with incredible concentration, building, sweet tannin and a finish that just won’t quit. Where the 2010 cuts a more focused path, this puppy is overflowing with fruit and texture. It too is a perfect wine that will evolve for another couple decades, yet given this showing, don’t hesitate to crack bottles over the coming couple of years.In Bond£828.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
One of the greatest young wines I’ve ever tasted is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Sanctus Sanctorum which is 100% old vine Grenache sourced from a single parcel in the La Crau lieu-dit. Lighter in color than both the Combes des Fous and Ex Machina, it offers a heavenly perfume of kirsch liqueur, crushed rocks, exotic spices, and graphite. This beauty hits the palate with an incredible display of opulent, decent fruit paired with an elegance and seamlessness that needs to be tasted to be believed. With building richness, no weight, ultra-fine tannins, and a finish that won’t quit, it’s released only in magnum, so it will take upward of a decade to hit maturity and will keep for 20+ years. Hats off to the Maurel family and their consultant Philippe Cambie!In Bond£454.00 -
In Bond£351.00 -
In Bond£374.00 -
In Bond£516.00 -
The Clos Saint Vincent Grenache de Gio VdF 2014 is a grandeur in itself, exuding pure sophistication. This exquisite indulgence originates from the sunny southern terrains of France's Rhône Valley, a region famous for the cultivation of the resilient and versatile Grenache grape. Clos Saint Vincent, a reputable wine enterprise, meticulously ensures the amalgamation of tradition with modern vineyard techniques, ensuring each vintage is a masterpiece.
The 2014 Grenache de Gio epitomises their dedication, boasting an alluring bouquet of ripe red berries, complemented by a dash of spice notes. The consequential wine defines elegance with its velvety texture, and a lingering finish that distinctly echoes the region's terroir. Ageing potential is admirable, making it an ideal acquisition for avid collectors.
Experience the compelling persona of Clos Saint Vincent Grenache de Gio VdF 2014; a testament to the mastery of winemaking and a true embodiment of Rhone Valley's wine craftsmanship. An incomparable delight, indeed!
In Bond£291.00 -
(6x75cl) 2005Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92)
Good ruby-red. Very fresh, primary aromas of crushed black cherry, chocolate liqueur, minerals and mint, plus a note of smoked meat. Juicy, spicy and light on its feet, showing little sign of its 14.7% alcohol thanks to harmonious acidity and enlivening notes of flowers and minerals. The rich plum and cherry flavors linger impressively on the sweet, firmly tannic finish. This very young and sharply delineated wine should repay seven or eight years of aging. I'd love to slip this into a blind tasting of collectible Napa cabernets. It might well dominate based on its superior inner-palate energy.In Bond£563.92 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94+)
The 2015 Clos Saint Julien is terrific. Deep, dense and explosive, it exudes personality. Inky blue and purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice run through this flamboyantly ripe, dense Saint-Émilion. All the elements are simply in the right place. In 2015, Clos Saint Julien is decidedly opulent. I would give it a few years to lose some of its baby fat. Clos Saint Julien is equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new barrels. Tasted two times.In Bond£462.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2016 Clos Saint-Julien is gorgeous and also quite a bit more reserved than it was from barrel. Voluptuous and racy, with remarkable freshness, the 2016 has so much to offer. A rush of black cherry, violet, lavender and spice builds as this sensual, caressing Saint-Émilion shows off its personality. The purity of the fruit and the wine's sheer harmony both make for a fabulous drinking experience.In Bond£260.00 -
(12x75cl) 2017Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2017 Clos Saint Julien is a total knockout. Lavender, mint, inky dark fruit, spice, licorice, chocolate and leather all open up in the glass, but it is the wine's nuance and total sense of precision that impresses most. A wine of great delineation, the 2017 is simply brilliant. Don't miss it.In Bond£346.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2018 Clos Saint-Julien is much more understated from bottle than it was from barrel, and that's a good thing, especially in this vintage. Inky blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mint and spice-box all meld together effortlessly in the glass. Silky and poised, with exceptional balance Clos Saint-Julien is a winner in 2018. Exquisite.In Bond£474.00 -
(12x75cl) 2021Jeb Dunnuck (94)
An absolutely brilliant wine in the vintage, the 2021 Clos Saint Julien reveals a healthy ruby hue to go with a terrific perfume of darker currants, cherries, camphor, spicy wood, and tobacco. It's medium to full-bodied, has fabulous concentration, fine tannins, and a great finish. This is one of the few 2021s that will compete with prior vintages. It offers pleasure today, yet this is one I wouldn’t be surprised to see shut down with 2-5 years of bottle age. I think it will ideally be given 5-7 years of bottle age, and it's going to see its 20th birthday in fine form. Hats off to the team for this remarkable effort.In Bond£341.00 -
(12x75cl) 2000Experience the decadence of a prized vintage with the Clos Saint-Martin 2000, an exquisite Bordeaux wine that exudes sophistication to its very core. Crafted in the prestigious vineyards of Saint-Émilion, France, this merlot-centred blend is known for its intricate flavour profile and superb ageing potential, adding to its desirability amongst wine enthusiasts.
The Clos Saint-Martin 2000 is a flagship offering from Clos Saint-Martin, a historic vineyard whose roots date back to the early 19th century. The intricate wine making process includes meticulous grape selection and barrel ageing in 100% new French oak casks, infusing the wine with unparalleled elegance and depth.
This coveted wine boasts complex notes of rich dark fruits complemented by underlying tones of earthy truffle and fine-grained tannins, rendering it a truly luxurious indulgence. The Clos Saint-Martin 2000 is a testimony to the winemaker's commitment to excellence, typically enjoyed by the discerning connoisseur.
In Bond£1,113.40 -
(12x75cl) 2002Indulge in the exquisite vintage that is the Clos Saint-Martin 2002. Produced in the ancient estate nestled in the Saint-Émilion region of Bordeaux, this premier-class wine is the work of the Corbin family, longtime vineyard owners. This exclusive wine is gorgeously complex, filled with nuances of ripe plums, black cherry and captivating minerality. Its vinification process is meticulous, entailing 16 to 20 months of maturation in new French oak barrels, resulting in remarkable richness and velvety texture. Remarkable for its balanced structure and lasting finish, every sip of Clos Saint-Martin 2002 is an indulgence. Acclaimed globally, this Burgundy-marvel showcases the true excellence of its appellation. Honouring its heritage, the Clos Saint-Martin 2002 is handcrafted, ensuring that every bottle encapsulates the perfect marriage of time-honoured tradition and modern viticultural innovation. As a 100% Merlot wine, it is a testament to the unmatched elegance and depth of the Clos Saint-Martin estate.
In Bond£761.00 -
(12x75cl) 2005Wine Advocate (97+)
With a gorgeous nose of super-concentrated black cherry/kirsch liqueur, this wine offers notes of licorice, crushed rock and flowers followed by a full-bodied, powerful, rich finish with a boatload of tannin. This is a long-distance runner and a sensational effort in the vintage. Drink it over the next 25-30 years.In Bond£1,345.00 -
(12x75cl) 2006Wine Advocate (87)
Tasted three separate times, this 2006 underperformed from the bottle and was nearly impossible to penetrate. It exhibits high tannin, an austere personality, and seemingly insufficient depth or concentration to balance out the wine’s structure. Masochists will probably rate it higher, but I felt this offering was burdened down by a foreboding structure to the detriment of concentrated fruit and overall equilibrium. Time will tell, but my instincts suggest this 2006 St.-Emilion is likely to dry out before it ever blossoms. Too bad – recent vintages such as 2000, 2001, and 2005 have been sublime.In Bond£484.00 -
(3x150cl) 2006Wine Advocate (87)
Tasted three separate times, this 2006 underperformed from the bottle and was nearly impossible to penetrate. It exhibits high tannin, an austere personality, and seemingly insufficient depth or concentration to balance out the wine’s structure. Masochists will probably rate it higher, but I felt this offering was burdened down by a foreboding structure to the detriment of concentrated fruit and overall equilibrium. Time will tell, but my instincts suggest this 2006 St.-Emilion is likely to dry out before it ever blossoms. Too bad – recent vintages such as 2000, 2001, and 2005 have been sublime.In Bond£307.22 -
Wine Advocate (95)
A blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that hit 14% natural alcohol, the wine has an extraordinary purity and vivaciousness in 2009. Dense ruby/purple, with beautiful black currant and black cherry notes as well as hints of raspberry and spring flowers, despite the fact that 100% new French oak is used, it is completely buried beneath a cascade of glorious fruit. The wine is extremely aromatic, with great intensity and beautiful balance. Unlike most vintages, it is somewhat accessible because of the vintage’s low acidity and higher alcohols and should drink well for up to 20 years.In Bond£811.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2010 Clos Saint-Martin is even deeper in color than the 2009, almost opaque. I much prefer the nose compared to the previous vintage - it demonstrates much more energy and freshness, and brighter red fruit laced with orange zest and a hint of marmalade. The palate is medium-bodied and structured on the entry, delivering fine grip and sharper acidity than the 2009, so it is missing that vintage’s roundness and plush texture. Hints of pencil lead develop toward the linear finish, completing a superb Saint-Émilion that will offer 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted at a vertical of recent vintages at the château.In Bond£1,097.00 -
(6x75cl) 2013Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (89)
An attractive nose, good depth to the fruit, sweet raspberry, black cherry, cocoa and spiced cinammon. The shortcomings of the vintage come through in the mid palate, where there is a dip that continues to a short finish. However plenty to enjoy here, and this is a good choice to drink now. 100% integral vinificaton in new oak barrels.In Bond£174.00

