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
-
Wine Enthusiast (94)
Powerful tannins and ripe fruits are the main characters here. With a solid, foursquare character, it is generous and opulent. Tannins and concentration are all there, resulting in a wine with serious aging potential.Inc. VAT£440.35 -
(6x150cl) 2016Wine Enthusiast (94)
Powerful tannins and ripe fruits are the main characters here. With a solid, foursquare character, it is generous and opulent. Tannins and concentration are all there, resulting in a wine with serious aging potential.Inc. VAT£398.47 -
Wine Advocate (91-93+)
.Inc. VAT£104.27 -
Wine Advocate (91-93+)
.Inc. VAT£458.81 -
Wine Advocate (91-93+)
.Inc. VAT£221.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
The 2019 Château Corbin is a complex, medium to full-bodied effort with the spicy red and black fruit character of the vintage as well as notes of dried flowers, Asian spice, chocolate, and lead pencil. Wonderfully balanced, with ripe yet present tannins, a good sense of freshness, and a great finish, it's going to drink nicely for 15-20 years.Inc. VAT£370.75 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
The 2019 Château Corbin is a complex, medium to full-bodied effort with the spicy red and black fruit character of the vintage as well as notes of dried flowers, Asian spice, chocolate, and lead pencil. Wonderfully balanced, with ripe yet present tannins, a good sense of freshness, and a great finish, it's going to drink nicely for 15-20 years.Inc. VAT£379.15 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
The 2019 Château Corbin is a complex, medium to full-bodied effort with the spicy red and black fruit character of the vintage as well as notes of dried flowers, Asian spice, chocolate, and lead pencil. Wonderfully balanced, with ripe yet present tannins, a good sense of freshness, and a great finish, it's going to drink nicely for 15-20 years.Inc. VAT£188.98 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2020 Corbin is a very elegant, precise wine. Silky, beautifully perfumed and light on its feet, it impresses with its purity and guile. The Corbin is not an obvious Saint-Émilion; rather, it is a wine that is all finesse. Crushed berry fruit, spice, mint, blood orange and cedar are all laced together. This is such a classy, polished wine.Inc. VAT£248.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2020 Corbin is a very elegant, precise wine. Silky, beautifully perfumed and light on its feet, it impresses with its purity and guile. The Corbin is not an obvious Saint-Émilion; rather, it is a wine that is all finesse. Crushed berry fruit, spice, mint, blood orange and cedar are all laced together. This is such a classy, polished wine.Inc. VAT£400.01 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2020 Corbin is a very elegant, precise wine. Silky, beautifully perfumed and light on its feet, it impresses with its purity and guile. The Corbin is not an obvious Saint-Émilion; rather, it is a wine that is all finesse. Crushed berry fruit, spice, mint, blood orange and cedar are all laced together. This is such a classy, polished wine.Inc. VAT£210.94 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2020 Corbin is a very elegant, precise wine. Silky, beautifully perfumed and light on its feet, it impresses with its purity and guile. The Corbin is not an obvious Saint-Émilion; rather, it is a wine that is all finesse. Crushed berry fruit, spice, mint, blood orange and cedar are all laced together. This is such a classy, polished wine.Inc. VAT£365.47 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2020 Corbin is a very elegant, precise wine. Silky, beautifully perfumed and light on its feet, it impresses with its purity and guile. The Corbin is not an obvious Saint-Émilion; rather, it is a wine that is all finesse. Crushed berry fruit, spice, mint, blood orange and cedar are all laced together. This is such a classy, polished wine.Inc. VAT£244.40 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2020 Corbin is a very elegant, precise wine. Silky, beautifully perfumed and light on its feet, it impresses with its purity and guile. The Corbin is not an obvious Saint-Émilion; rather, it is a wine that is all finesse. Crushed berry fruit, spice, mint, blood orange and cedar are all laced together. This is such a classy, polished wine.Inc. VAT£173.98 -
James Suckling (91-92)
A fresh and fruity red with blackberry and wet-earth character. Medium body, fine tannins and a creamy finish. Subtle sample.Inc. VAT£406.01 -
James Suckling (91-92)
A fresh and fruity red with blackberry and wet-earth character. Medium body, fine tannins and a creamy finish. Subtle sample.Inc. VAT£195.80 -
Inc. VAT£2,199.60 -
Wine Advocate (83)
Last Tasted 8/92Inc. VAT£1,960.87 -
(12x75cl) 1982Jeb Dunnuck (97)
I loved this bottle of 1982 Cos d'Estournel, and it was easily the best bottle I’ve had of this wine, which has always shown slightly tired and over the hill for me. It shows classic, even youthful notes of lead pencil, currants and saddle leather, was full-bodied, had beautiful depth of fruit, and a great, great finish, all pointing to a fully mature yet grand Saint Estephe. Drink up.Inc. VAT£5,490.07 -
(12x75cl) 1983Wine Spectator (91)
Dense and powerful with tobacco, cherry and vanilla aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very firm with a long finish. Needs time; try after 1998.--The Bordeaux 50. -JSInc. VAT£2,135.95 -
Wine Spectator (91)
Dense and powerful with tobacco, cherry and vanilla aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very firm with a long finish. Needs time; try after 1998.--The Bordeaux 50. -JSInc. VAT£175.20 -
Wine Spectator (93)
Smells terrific, with great concentration of berry and cassis aromas, but the prominent tannins tend to cover the flavors, requiring cellaring until at least 1995. On balance, the concentration of fruit wins in the end.Inc. VAT£2,646.54 -
(1x75cl) 1986Wine Spectator (93)
Smells terrific, with great concentration of berry and cassis aromas, but the prominent tannins tend to cover the flavors, requiring cellaring until at least 1995. On balance, the concentration of fruit wins in the end.Inc. VAT£398.00 -
(1x75cl) 1990Jancis Robinson (19)
Really lively and fragrant with much more charm than most St-Estèphes usually show. I wonder how the famous Ch Montrose 1990 would have shown? This splits the difference between the slightly demanding terroir effect and the richness of the vintage. Great balance. Slightly mineral notes. Rich, round and fruity. Clean, fresh and dense. Very much over-delivers.Inc. VAT£332.00 -
(12x75cl) 1995Wine Advocate (95)
A wine of extraordinary intensity and accessibility, the 1995 Cos d'Estournel is a sexier, more hedonistic offering than the muscular, backward 1996. Opulent, with forward aromatics (gobs of black fruits intermixed with toasty pain grille scents and a boatload of spice), this terrific Cos possesses remarkable intensity, full body, and layers of jammy fruit nicely framed by the wine's new oak. Because of low acidity and sweet tannin, the 1995 will be difficult to resist young, although it will age for 2-3 decades. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2025.Inc. VAT£2,661.40 -
(1x75cl) 1999Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 1999 Cos d’Estournel has a well-defined bouquet that takes a few swirls of the glass to get going. It is not complex or vigorous, yet nicely detailed. Melted tar and cigar humidor infuse the black fruit, becoming earthier with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine line of acidity. This feels quite masculine and structured, and very fresh and linear. A light fish oil note tinctures the tarry black fruit toward the finish. This exudes Saint-Estèphe character and is drinking perfectly now. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the estate.Inc. VAT£358.26 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Blended of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2000 Cos d'Estournel is deep garnet in color with a touch of brick and sporting a lot of tertiary evolution on the nose. It leaps from the glass with opulent sandalwood, Chinese five spice, cigar box and leather scents over a core of prunes, baked cherries, dried mulberries and eucalyptus plus a touch of potpourri. Medium-bodied, the palate is laden with fragrant fruitcake and exotic spice layers, framed by wonderfully plush tannins and a refreshing line, finishing with an exhilarating menthol lift.Inc. VAT£271.19 -
Wine Spectator (100)
Cos is on top of it now. Very long and racy. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and big, racy tannins. The palate goes on and on. Very serious indeed. As good as or better than '00. Score range: 95-100Inc. VAT£1,684.60 -
(2x150cl) 2001Wine Spectator (100)
Cos is on top of it now. Very long and racy. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and big, racy tannins. The palate goes on and on. Very serious indeed. As good as or better than '00. Score range: 95-100Inc. VAT£986.44 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95)
(a blend of 58% cabernet sauvignon, 38% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot; aging in 80% new oak) Bright ruby. Pure, precise aromas of cassis, minerals, violet and fresh herbs, with an exotic note of curry that Prats says is from very ripe cabernet sauvignon. Wonderfully sweet and dense, with urgent fruit showing strong tobacco and spice notes and an almost exotic ripeness. But this has the fresh acidity to buffer its high sugars. A wine of great aromatic depth and verve, finishing with firm, thoroughly ripe tannins and superb persistence. Like so many 2002s, this is not yet showing much evidence of new oak. A potentially great vintage for this chateau.Inc. VAT£1,577.04
-
Wine Enthusiast (94)
Powerful tannins and ripe fruits are the main characters here. With a solid, foursquare character, it is generous and opulent. Tannins and concentration are all there, resulting in a wine with serious aging potential.In Bond£327.00 -
(6x150cl) 2016Wine Enthusiast (94)
Powerful tannins and ripe fruits are the main characters here. With a solid, foursquare character, it is generous and opulent. Tannins and concentration are all there, resulting in a wine with serious aging potential.In Bond£300.00 -
Wine Advocate (91-93+)
.In Bond£80.00 -
Wine Advocate (91-93+)
.In Bond£341.00 -
-
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
The 2019 Château Corbin is a complex, medium to full-bodied effort with the spicy red and black fruit character of the vintage as well as notes of dried flowers, Asian spice, chocolate, and lead pencil. Wonderfully balanced, with ripe yet present tannins, a good sense of freshness, and a great finish, it's going to drink nicely for 15-20 years.In Bond£269.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
The 2019 Château Corbin is a complex, medium to full-bodied effort with the spicy red and black fruit character of the vintage as well as notes of dried flowers, Asian spice, chocolate, and lead pencil. Wonderfully balanced, with ripe yet present tannins, a good sense of freshness, and a great finish, it's going to drink nicely for 15-20 years.In Bond£276.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
The 2019 Château Corbin is a complex, medium to full-bodied effort with the spicy red and black fruit character of the vintage as well as notes of dried flowers, Asian spice, chocolate, and lead pencil. Wonderfully balanced, with ripe yet present tannins, a good sense of freshness, and a great finish, it's going to drink nicely for 15-20 years.In Bond£137.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2020 Corbin is a very elegant, precise wine. Silky, beautifully perfumed and light on its feet, it impresses with its purity and guile. The Corbin is not an obvious Saint-Émilion; rather, it is a wine that is all finesse. Crushed berry fruit, spice, mint, blood orange and cedar are all laced together. This is such a classy, polished wine.In Bond£186.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2020 Corbin is a very elegant, precise wine. Silky, beautifully perfumed and light on its feet, it impresses with its purity and guile. The Corbin is not an obvious Saint-Émilion; rather, it is a wine that is all finesse. Crushed berry fruit, spice, mint, blood orange and cedar are all laced together. This is such a classy, polished wine.In Bond£292.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2020 Corbin is a very elegant, precise wine. Silky, beautifully perfumed and light on its feet, it impresses with its purity and guile. The Corbin is not an obvious Saint-Émilion; rather, it is a wine that is all finesse. Crushed berry fruit, spice, mint, blood orange and cedar are all laced together. This is such a classy, polished wine.In Bond£162.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2020 Corbin is a very elegant, precise wine. Silky, beautifully perfumed and light on its feet, it impresses with its purity and guile. The Corbin is not an obvious Saint-Émilion; rather, it is a wine that is all finesse. Crushed berry fruit, spice, mint, blood orange and cedar are all laced together. This is such a classy, polished wine.In Bond£277.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2020 Corbin is a very elegant, precise wine. Silky, beautifully perfumed and light on its feet, it impresses with its purity and guile. The Corbin is not an obvious Saint-Émilion; rather, it is a wine that is all finesse. Crushed berry fruit, spice, mint, blood orange and cedar are all laced together. This is such a classy, polished wine.In Bond£183.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2020 Corbin is a very elegant, precise wine. Silky, beautifully perfumed and light on its feet, it impresses with its purity and guile. The Corbin is not an obvious Saint-Émilion; rather, it is a wine that is all finesse. Crushed berry fruit, spice, mint, blood orange and cedar are all laced together. This is such a classy, polished wine.In Bond£125.00 -
James Suckling (91-92)
A fresh and fruity red with blackberry and wet-earth character. Medium body, fine tannins and a creamy finish. Subtle sample.In Bond£297.00 -
James Suckling (91-92)
A fresh and fruity red with blackberry and wet-earth character. Medium body, fine tannins and a creamy finish. Subtle sample.In Bond£142.50 -
Inc. VAT£2,199.60 -
Wine Advocate (83)
Last Tasted 8/92In Bond£1,602.00 -
(12x75cl) 1982Jeb Dunnuck (97)
I loved this bottle of 1982 Cos d'Estournel, and it was easily the best bottle I’ve had of this wine, which has always shown slightly tired and over the hill for me. It shows classic, even youthful notes of lead pencil, currants and saddle leather, was full-bodied, had beautiful depth of fruit, and a great, great finish, all pointing to a fully mature yet grand Saint Estephe. Drink up.In Bond£4,543.00 -
(12x75cl) 1983Wine Spectator (91)
Dense and powerful with tobacco, cherry and vanilla aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very firm with a long finish. Needs time; try after 1998.--The Bordeaux 50. -JSIn Bond£1,740.00 -
Wine Spectator (91)
Dense and powerful with tobacco, cherry and vanilla aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very firm with a long finish. Needs time; try after 1998.--The Bordeaux 50. -JSInc. VAT£175.20 -
Wine Spectator (93)
Smells terrific, with great concentration of berry and cassis aromas, but the prominent tannins tend to cover the flavors, requiring cellaring until at least 1995. On balance, the concentration of fruit wins in the end.In Bond£2,171.00 -
(1x75cl) 1986Wine Spectator (93)
Smells terrific, with great concentration of berry and cassis aromas, but the prominent tannins tend to cover the flavors, requiring cellaring until at least 1995. On balance, the concentration of fruit wins in the end.In Bond£329.00 -
(1x75cl) 1990Jancis Robinson (19)
Really lively and fragrant with much more charm than most St-Estèphes usually show. I wonder how the famous Ch Montrose 1990 would have shown? This splits the difference between the slightly demanding terroir effect and the richness of the vintage. Great balance. Slightly mineral notes. Rich, round and fruity. Clean, fresh and dense. Very much over-delivers.In Bond£274.00 -
(12x75cl) 1995Wine Advocate (95)
A wine of extraordinary intensity and accessibility, the 1995 Cos d'Estournel is a sexier, more hedonistic offering than the muscular, backward 1996. Opulent, with forward aromatics (gobs of black fruits intermixed with toasty pain grille scents and a boatload of spice), this terrific Cos possesses remarkable intensity, full body, and layers of jammy fruit nicely framed by the wine's new oak. Because of low acidity and sweet tannin, the 1995 will be difficult to resist young, although it will age for 2-3 decades. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2025.In Bond£2,182.00 -
(1x75cl) 1999Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 1999 Cos d’Estournel has a well-defined bouquet that takes a few swirls of the glass to get going. It is not complex or vigorous, yet nicely detailed. Melted tar and cigar humidor infuse the black fruit, becoming earthier with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine line of acidity. This feels quite masculine and structured, and very fresh and linear. A light fish oil note tinctures the tarry black fruit toward the finish. This exudes Saint-Estèphe character and is drinking perfectly now. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the estate.In Bond£295.88 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Blended of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2000 Cos d'Estournel is deep garnet in color with a touch of brick and sporting a lot of tertiary evolution on the nose. It leaps from the glass with opulent sandalwood, Chinese five spice, cigar box and leather scents over a core of prunes, baked cherries, dried mulberries and eucalyptus plus a touch of potpourri. Medium-bodied, the palate is laden with fragrant fruitcake and exotic spice layers, framed by wonderfully plush tannins and a refreshing line, finishing with an exhilarating menthol lift.In Bond£223.00 -
Wine Spectator (100)
Cos is on top of it now. Very long and racy. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and big, racy tannins. The palate goes on and on. Very serious indeed. As good as or better than '00. Score range: 95-100Inc. VAT£1,641.60 -
(2x150cl) 2001Wine Spectator (100)
Cos is on top of it now. Very long and racy. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and big, racy tannins. The palate goes on and on. Very serious indeed. As good as or better than '00. Score range: 95-100In Bond£811.34 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (95)
(a blend of 58% cabernet sauvignon, 38% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot; aging in 80% new oak) Bright ruby. Pure, precise aromas of cassis, minerals, violet and fresh herbs, with an exotic note of curry that Prats says is from very ripe cabernet sauvignon. Wonderfully sweet and dense, with urgent fruit showing strong tobacco and spice notes and an almost exotic ripeness. But this has the fresh acidity to buffer its high sugars. A wine of great aromatic depth and verve, finishing with firm, thoroughly ripe tannins and superb persistence. Like so many 2002s, this is not yet showing much evidence of new oak. A potentially great vintage for this chateau.In Bond£1,277.00

