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 - Neal Martin (93)
The 2020 Côte de Baleau has a lovely lilting bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, forest floor and hints of graphite. The oak is very well integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and fine tannins. It is nicely proportioned with a sophisticated off-dry finish. What a superb Saint-Émilion. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.Inc. VAT£152.89 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Tasted on two separate occasions, the 2021 Château Cote De Baleau reveals a dense ruby hue to go with beautiful aromatics of ripe black cherries, roasted herbs, leather, and smoked tobacco. It's a rich, medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, elegant Saint-Emilion with a supple, layered mouthfeel, ample tannins, and outstanding length. It's a gorgeous 2021 that readers will love. Drink bottles over the coming two decades.Inc. VAT£153.72 -
Exemplifying the elegance of the Loire Valley, the Cotelleraie Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil 2014 is a red wine masterpiece from the revered Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil region. Produced by Domaine de la Cotelleraie, a vineyard with eminent recognition for its meticulous dedication to sustainable practices and profound expertise of the Cabernet Franc grape. An expressive archival of terroir philosophy, this vintage attests to the inimitable loamy, gravel character of the land.
Following traditional vinification, an extended maturation in seasoned oak crafts a harmonious composition of ripe red fruits, autumnal spices, and a masterful tannin structure. The 2014 vinification period yielded an elegant, well-rounded finish that transcends the familiarity of Cabernet Franc. Revel in the expressive bouquet, and the beautifully balanced, velvety texture. A luminous example of its vintage, the Cotelleraie Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil 2014 showcases the epitome of elegance in French winemaking.
Inc. VAT£74.00 -
Offering an elixir of exceptional quality, the Coudray Bizot Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Cazetiers 2017 is an unmissable delight for any wine connoisseur. Cultivated in the prestigious Burgundy region of France, renowned for producing outstanding Pinot Noir, this wine reflects the unparalleled winemaking prowess of Coudray Bizot. A boutique house steeped in centuries-old tradition, Coudray Bizot utilises organic vineyard practices and low intervention approach, ensuring a harmonious expression of terroir. This 2017 Premier Cru demonstrates extraordinary richness and depth, imbued with dark fruit nuances and a seductive earthy undertone. The well-integrated tannins lend this wine an elegant structure, culminating in a superbly balanced and prolonged finish. Coudray Bizot Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Cazetiers 2017, an exemplary embodiment of Gevrey-Chambertin's heralded complexities, is a must-have for avid collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Inc. VAT£2,864.81 -
(6x75cl) 2017The Coudray-Bizot Echezeaux Grand Cru En Orveaux 2017 hails from the renowned vineyards of Echezeaux, in the heart of Burgundy's prestigious Côte de Nuits. This French red wine truly epitomises luxury and finesse. Crafted by the illustrious producer, Coudray-Bizot, who inherited centuries-old vines from the forefathers of Clos Vougeot, it has a rich legacy unparalleled in Burgundy. The grapes for this exuberant, powerful yet elegantly balanced wine are harvested from a single Grand Cru plot, En Orveaux, known for its iron-rich soils. With a traditional vinification process and 18-month ageing in oak barrels, it exhibits decadent flavours of dark berries, exotic spices and an earthy truffle undertone. This 2017 vintage, holding an intense ruby colour, mirrors the exceptional conditions of the year, promising generous aromas and a supple, persistent finish that heightens its opulent character. A vivid exemplification of the Burgundian soul and terroir, the Coudray-Bizot Echezeaux Grand Cru En Orveaux 2017 is truly a connoisseur's delight.
Inc. VAT£2,732.29 -
From the prestigious vineyards of Pessac-Leognan in Bordeaux, France, emerges the remarkably distinct Couhins 2019. This elegant vin de garde is the epitome of fine French winemaking, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship from world-renowned producer, Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin (ISVV). Grown in a unique terroir rich in gravel and clay, Couhins 2019 is composed predominantly from Merlot, which adds depth and body, balanced beautifully with the subtle spiciness from the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Embodying such elegance, Couhins 2019 is distinguished by its beguiling complex aroma of blackberries, cassis and violets, followed by impressive layers of red fruits and subtle oak nuances on the palate. Its stunning length and seamless tannin structure make for a sophisticated finish that marvellously demonstrates the vintage's confluence of power and finesse. As an icon of Bordeaux's rich winemaking tradition, Couhins 2019 is truly a joy to behold for discerning wine connoisseurs.
Inc. VAT£192.80 -
Hailing from the prestige of Bordeaux's Graves region, Couhins 2020 is a magnificent testament to the winemaking prowess that continues to define France's coveted vineyards. Produced meticulously by the esteemed Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), it's a wine that demonstrates an exacting balance between innovation and tradition.
The Couhins 2020 embodies an alluring array of aromatic white peach, ripe pear, and subtly integrated oak, displaying a classic wine profile with a modern twist. The terroir's unique gravelly soils together with the exceptional 2020 vintage's notable climate conditions enticingly manifest in each bottle.
A marvellously textured palate embraces the harmonious melding of orchard fruits, vivacious acidity, and a whisper of mineral sensation. The Couhins 2020 continually leaves an indelible impression amongst seasoned oenophiles for its outstanding value and superb ageing potential, effortlessly rising as a remarkable expression of Bordeaux's beloved Pessac-Léognan appellation.
Inc. VAT£326.81 -
Hailing from the prestige of Bordeaux's Graves region, Couhins 2020 is a magnificent testament to the winemaking prowess that continues to define France's coveted vineyards. Produced meticulously by the esteemed Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), it's a wine that demonstrates an exacting balance between innovation and tradition.
The Couhins 2020 embodies an alluring array of aromatic white peach, ripe pear, and subtly integrated oak, displaying a classic wine profile with a modern twist. The terroir's unique gravelly soils together with the exceptional 2020 vintage's notable climate conditions enticingly manifest in each bottle.
A marvellously textured palate embraces the harmonious melding of orchard fruits, vivacious acidity, and a whisper of mineral sensation. The Couhins 2020 continually leaves an indelible impression amongst seasoned oenophiles for its outstanding value and superb ageing potential, effortlessly rising as a remarkable expression of Bordeaux's beloved Pessac-Léognan appellation.
Inc. VAT£197.60 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2022 Couhins is fabulous. Aromatic and vibrant, with more linear energy than size, Couhins is super-classic. In 2022, it is a bit richer than in most years, but its essential savory drive is still very much in evidence. The long finish is striking.Inc. VAT£167.00 -
Exuding French elegance, Couhins Blanc 2016 is a compelling redefinition of excellence in viticulture. This White Bordeaux varietal is meticulously crafted in Pessac-Léognan, a lauded subregion of Graves. Couhins Blanc 2016 is from Château Couhins, a producer bestowed with Cru Classé status for its white wine. The exceptional terroir, with gravelly soil interspersed with clay, deftly infuses complex flavour profiles into the wine.
The vintage underwent meticulous vinification, with the savvy use of oak for ageing balancing the vivacious Sauvignon Blanc’s acidity, and eliciting a resinous, toasty charm. This bestows the Couhins Blanc 2016 with a multifaceted character, marrying ripe citrus fruits and acacia flower undertones, robed in creaminess from the judicious malolactic fermentation.
A stellar embodiment of the Château's commitment to traditional viticultural methods, every sip reaffirms the calibre of Couhins Blanc 2016, an absolute delight for the discerning palate. This is not just a wine, but a symphony of craftsmanship in a bottle.
Inc. VAT£398.81 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (93)
Fresh, bright, crisp, green apples, flowers, white peach and yellow citrus with a hint of underbrush come through easily on the nose and energetic, fresh, lemon-centric palate. Drink from 2022-2034.Inc. VAT£190.18 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
This estate makes a brilliant white, and their 2020 Château Couhins Blanc is pure gold, offering a bright citrus and lemon zest core as well as lots of white flowers and honeyed mineral-like nuances. Medium-bodied, bright, racy, yet also concentrated, it's going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades.Inc. VAT£191.15 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (93)
Brambled hedgerow fruit, orange peel, black tea and blackberries, an attractive wine from this excellent property, but a flash of heat throws the palate out of balance on the finish. André Lurton owner, 40% new oak for ageing.Inc. VAT£410.81 -
Hailing from France's Northern Rhône Valley, Coulet Cornas Terrasses du Serre 2009 is a supreme example of old-world winemaking. Cultivated by the illustrious Matthieu Barret, a third-generation vigneron known for his organic and biodynamic techniques, this fine wine boasts the heritage of Coulet's esteemed parcels planted in Cornas’ famed Terrasses du Serre.
Created from hand-harvested 100% Syrah grapes, its creation involved indigenous yeasts for natural fermentation. Aged for 18 months in oak barrels, the Coulet Cornas Terrasses du Serre 2009 matured quietly, imbued with complexity and depth.
Its ruby red hue leads to a nuanced bouquet of crushed blackberries and violets underscored by smoky undertones. The palate experiences a beautiful fusion of rich dark fruit, fresh acidity, and foundation of refined tannins, concluding with an enduring finish.
Each sip of Coulet Cornas Terrasses du Serre 2009 delivers a timeless expression of terroir, reflecting the ideal synergy of grape, soil, and climate of the Rhône Valley.
Inc. VAT£107.33 -
The Couly-Dutheil Clos de l'Echo Chinon 2014 is an exalted red wine from the renowned Loire Valley of France. This exceptional vintage, produced by esteemed vigneron Couly-Dutheil, is carefully crafted from the sumptuous Cabernet Franc grape variety, epitomising the quintessence of Chinon wines. At its heart, raw power meets elegant restraint. Revered for its broad, rich bouquet accentuated by earthy undertones of truffle and mushroom, it is also flavoured with fragrant red fruits, spice, and an invigorating mineral edge. Expertly matured in oak barrels, the wine boasts a beautiful body with a velvety texture and impressive longevity. The vineyard itself, the legendary Clos de l'Echo, is drenched in rich history and its sloping terraces capture the unique "terroir" which nurtures and blossoms such a fine concoction. The Couly-Dutheil Clos de l'Echo Chinon 2014 is a confident expression of mastery over viticulture, offering an unforgettable wine-drinking experience.
Inc. VAT£148.32 -
Wine Spectator (94)
This sports some seriously delicious plum, blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors, inlaid with ample brambly grip and backed by lively anise and tar accents on the finish. Vivacious. Best from 2019 through 2029. 200 cases imported.Inc. VAT£450.70 -
Vinous (94)
Dark violet color. Ripe dark berries, pungent flowers, licorice and cracked pepper on the expressive nose. Juicy and broad on entry, offering bitter cherry, black raspberry and baking spice flavors and a sweetening vanilla flourish. Round, polished tannins emerge slowly on a very long, smoky finish that strongly echoes the berry and floral notes.Inc. VAT£193.55 -
(1x75cl) 2012Wine Advocate (93-95)
In the same ballpark, the 2012 Cornas La Sabarotte (aged 16-18 months in 100% new French oak) offers ample graphite, creme de cassis, licorice and crushed flower notes, with loads of textbook Cornas meatiness in the background. It too is a medium to full-bodied, fresh, vibrant, yet seriously concentrated effort that shows the vintage beautifully. Give it a couple years in the cellar and enjoy it over the following 10-12 years or so.Inc. VAT£90.80 -
Wine Advocate (95-97)
The utterly profound 2015 Cornas La Sabarotte comes from a terrific lieu-dit located in the heart of the appellation and is brought up all in new French oak. Its deep purple/blue color is followed by incredible notes of black raspberries, blueberries, spring flowers, caramelized meats and licorice. Deep, full-bodied, utterly seamless and profound on the palate, with building, sweet tannin, it's a tour de force that will have two decades or more of longevity!Inc. VAT£343.03 -
(6x75cl) 2016Wine Advocate (94-96)
The top Cornas here is the 2016 Cornas la Sabarotte. It’s aging in 80% new oak until being bottled in June 2018. Yes, it’s an unabashedly modern style, full-bodied, creamy in texture and offering pristine purple raspberry fruit, but man is this good. It will be hard to keep from drinking this in its first 5-10 years.Inc. VAT£360.04 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94-97)
The 2017 Cornas La Sabarotte is similarly purple-colored and boasts more black fruits, spice, chocolate, and dried soil/earthy notes. It's full-bodied, powerful and rounded, with a terrific sense of balance and purity paired with ample meatiness, density, and classic full-throttle Cornas character. It might just rival the 2016, which is saying something.Inc. VAT£89.06 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94-97)
The 2017 Cornas La Sabarotte is similarly purple-colored and boasts more black fruits, spice, chocolate, and dried soil/earthy notes. It's full-bodied, powerful and rounded, with a terrific sense of balance and purity paired with ample meatiness, density, and classic full-throttle Cornas character. It might just rival the 2016, which is saying something.Inc. VAT£396.35 -
(1x75cl) 2018
Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)
The 2018 Cornas La Sabarotte sees the most new oak (100% actually) and comes from a rocky, granitic southeast facing lieu-dit and vines planted mostly in 1947. Despite the new oak élevage, you wouldn't know it by tasting it. It offers a monster bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, roasted meats, ground pepper, and chocolate, with plenty of classic Cornas meatiness and minerality. Powerful, full-bodied, and opulent on the palate, with a stacked mid-palate, it’s certainly the biggest, richest wine in the lineup. It's going to take 7-8 years for this to shed its considerable baby fat.Inc. VAT£99.20 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)
The 2018 Cornas La Sabarotte sees the most new oak (100% actually) and comes from a rocky, granitic southeast facing lieu-dit and vines planted mostly in 1947. Despite the new oak élevage, you wouldn't know it by tasting it. It offers a monster bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, roasted meats, ground pepper, and chocolate, with plenty of classic Cornas meatiness and minerality. Powerful, full-bodied, and opulent on the palate, with a stacked mid-palate, it’s certainly the biggest, richest wine in the lineup. It's going to take 7-8 years for this to shed its considerable baby fat.Inc. VAT£383.15 -
Vinous (96-98)
Glass-staining ruby color. Vibrant, mineral-accented black and blue fruits, olive, exotic spices and a potent violet note on the intensely perfumed nose. Palate-staining blackberry, bitter cherry, licorice and vanilla flavors display sharp detail and become sweeter as the wine opens up. A spicy, extremely long and chewy finish features quickly building tannins that play surprisingly well with the wine's sappy, clinging dark fruit character.Inc. VAT£107.06 -
Inc. VAT£118.13 -
Vinous (92)
Glass-staining ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe dark fruit, incense and olive, and a smoky mineral flourish gains power with air. Shows very good depth as well as energy on the palate, offering densely packed blackberry and cherry liqueur flavors sharpened by a jolt of juicy acidity. In a rich yet lively style, showing impressive focus, youthfully chewy tannins and a very long, dark-fruit-driven finish.Inc. VAT£109.73 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)
From a cooler terroir in the northern part of the appellation, the 2017 Cornas Les Eygats is another brilliant example of this wine and the vintage. Thrilling crème de cassis, blueberry, and blackberry fruit notes give way to more ground pepper, granite-like minerality and liquid violet notes with time in the glass. Deep, rich, incredibly sexy, and voluptuous, it has remarkable purity of fruit, a supple, layered, sexy texture, and no hard edges. It's a brilliant, brilliant wine from this great estate.Inc. VAT£107.06 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)
From a cooler terroir in the northern part of the appellation, the 2017 Cornas Les Eygats is another brilliant example of this wine and the vintage. Thrilling crème de cassis, blueberry, and blackberry fruit notes give way to more ground pepper, granite-like minerality and liquid violet notes with time in the glass. Deep, rich, incredibly sexy, and voluptuous, it has remarkable purity of fruit, a supple, layered, sexy texture, and no hard edges. It's a brilliant, brilliant wine from this great estate.Inc. VAT£242.75 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
From a cooler parcel of pure granite soils, the 2018 Cornas Les Eygats is probably the most classic Cornas in the lineup (although these all have plenty of Cornas character) with its more mineral, iron, and almost bloody style. Loaded with massive amounts of blue and black fruits, violets, and crushed rock nuances, this full-bodied, multi-dimensional, seamless Cornas has polished tannins, flawless balance, and a monster of a finish. This broad, expansive, sexy Cornas should drink well for 20+ years.Inc. VAT£265.18
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Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2020 Côte de Baleau has a lovely lilting bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, forest floor and hints of graphite. The oak is very well integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and fine tannins. It is nicely proportioned with a sophisticated off-dry finish. What a superb Saint-Émilion. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.In Bond£109.50 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Tasted on two separate occasions, the 2021 Château Cote De Baleau reveals a dense ruby hue to go with beautiful aromatics of ripe black cherries, roasted herbs, leather, and smoked tobacco. It's a rich, medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, elegant Saint-Emilion with a supple, layered mouthfeel, ample tannins, and outstanding length. It's a gorgeous 2021 that readers will love. Drink bottles over the coming two decades.In Bond£109.50 -
Exemplifying the elegance of the Loire Valley, the Cotelleraie Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil 2014 is a red wine masterpiece from the revered Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil region. Produced by Domaine de la Cotelleraie, a vineyard with eminent recognition for its meticulous dedication to sustainable practices and profound expertise of the Cabernet Franc grape. An expressive archival of terroir philosophy, this vintage attests to the inimitable loamy, gravel character of the land.
Following traditional vinification, an extended maturation in seasoned oak crafts a harmonious composition of ripe red fruits, autumnal spices, and a masterful tannin structure. The 2014 vinification period yielded an elegant, well-rounded finish that transcends the familiarity of Cabernet Franc. Revel in the expressive bouquet, and the beautifully balanced, velvety texture. A luminous example of its vintage, the Cotelleraie Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil 2014 showcases the epitome of elegance in French winemaking.
In Bond£58.80 -
Offering an elixir of exceptional quality, the Coudray Bizot Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Cazetiers 2017 is an unmissable delight for any wine connoisseur. Cultivated in the prestigious Burgundy region of France, renowned for producing outstanding Pinot Noir, this wine reflects the unparalleled winemaking prowess of Coudray Bizot. A boutique house steeped in centuries-old tradition, Coudray Bizot utilises organic vineyard practices and low intervention approach, ensuring a harmonious expression of terroir. This 2017 Premier Cru demonstrates extraordinary richness and depth, imbued with dark fruit nuances and a seductive earthy undertone. The well-integrated tannins lend this wine an elegant structure, culminating in a superbly balanced and prolonged finish. Coudray Bizot Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Cazetiers 2017, an exemplary embodiment of Gevrey-Chambertin's heralded complexities, is a must-have for avid collectors and enthusiasts alike.
In Bond£2,346.00 -
(6x75cl) 2017
The Coudray-Bizot Echezeaux Grand Cru En Orveaux 2017 hails from the renowned vineyards of Echezeaux, in the heart of Burgundy's prestigious Côte de Nuits. This French red wine truly epitomises luxury and finesse. Crafted by the illustrious producer, Coudray-Bizot, who inherited centuries-old vines from the forefathers of Clos Vougeot, it has a rich legacy unparalleled in Burgundy. The grapes for this exuberant, powerful yet elegantly balanced wine are harvested from a single Grand Cru plot, En Orveaux, known for its iron-rich soils. With a traditional vinification process and 18-month ageing in oak barrels, it exhibits decadent flavours of dark berries, exotic spices and an earthy truffle undertone. This 2017 vintage, holding an intense ruby colour, mirrors the exceptional conditions of the year, promising generous aromas and a supple, persistent finish that heightens its opulent character. A vivid exemplification of the Burgundian soul and terroir, the Coudray-Bizot Echezeaux Grand Cru En Orveaux 2017 is truly a connoisseur's delight.
In Bond£2,259.00 -
From the prestigious vineyards of Pessac-Leognan in Bordeaux, France, emerges the remarkably distinct Couhins 2019. This elegant vin de garde is the epitome of fine French winemaking, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship from world-renowned producer, Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin (ISVV). Grown in a unique terroir rich in gravel and clay, Couhins 2019 is composed predominantly from Merlot, which adds depth and body, balanced beautifully with the subtle spiciness from the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Embodying such elegance, Couhins 2019 is distinguished by its beguiling complex aroma of blackberries, cassis and violets, followed by impressive layers of red fruits and subtle oak nuances on the palate. Its stunning length and seamless tannin structure make for a sophisticated finish that marvellously demonstrates the vintage's confluence of power and finesse. As an icon of Bordeaux's rich winemaking tradition, Couhins 2019 is truly a joy to behold for discerning wine connoisseurs.
In Bond£140.00 -
Hailing from the prestige of Bordeaux's Graves region, Couhins 2020 is a magnificent testament to the winemaking prowess that continues to define France's coveted vineyards. Produced meticulously by the esteemed Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), it's a wine that demonstrates an exacting balance between innovation and tradition.
The Couhins 2020 embodies an alluring array of aromatic white peach, ripe pear, and subtly integrated oak, displaying a classic wine profile with a modern twist. The terroir's unique gravelly soils together with the exceptional 2020 vintage's notable climate conditions enticingly manifest in each bottle.
A marvellously textured palate embraces the harmonious melding of orchard fruits, vivacious acidity, and a whisper of mineral sensation. The Couhins 2020 continually leaves an indelible impression amongst seasoned oenophiles for its outstanding value and superb ageing potential, effortlessly rising as a remarkable expression of Bordeaux's beloved Pessac-Léognan appellation.
In Bond£231.00 -
Hailing from the prestige of Bordeaux's Graves region, Couhins 2020 is a magnificent testament to the winemaking prowess that continues to define France's coveted vineyards. Produced meticulously by the esteemed Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), it's a wine that demonstrates an exacting balance between innovation and tradition.
The Couhins 2020 embodies an alluring array of aromatic white peach, ripe pear, and subtly integrated oak, displaying a classic wine profile with a modern twist. The terroir's unique gravelly soils together with the exceptional 2020 vintage's notable climate conditions enticingly manifest in each bottle.
A marvellously textured palate embraces the harmonious melding of orchard fruits, vivacious acidity, and a whisper of mineral sensation. The Couhins 2020 continually leaves an indelible impression amongst seasoned oenophiles for its outstanding value and superb ageing potential, effortlessly rising as a remarkable expression of Bordeaux's beloved Pessac-Léognan appellation.
In Bond£144.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2022 Couhins is fabulous. Aromatic and vibrant, with more linear energy than size, Couhins is super-classic. In 2022, it is a bit richer than in most years, but its essential savory drive is still very much in evidence. The long finish is striking.In Bond£118.50 -
Exuding French elegance, Couhins Blanc 2016 is a compelling redefinition of excellence in viticulture. This White Bordeaux varietal is meticulously crafted in Pessac-Léognan, a lauded subregion of Graves. Couhins Blanc 2016 is from Château Couhins, a producer bestowed with Cru Classé status for its white wine. The exceptional terroir, with gravelly soil interspersed with clay, deftly infuses complex flavour profiles into the wine.
The vintage underwent meticulous vinification, with the savvy use of oak for ageing balancing the vivacious Sauvignon Blanc’s acidity, and eliciting a resinous, toasty charm. This bestows the Couhins Blanc 2016 with a multifaceted character, marrying ripe citrus fruits and acacia flower undertones, robed in creaminess from the judicious malolactic fermentation.
A stellar embodiment of the Château's commitment to traditional viticultural methods, every sip reaffirms the calibre of Couhins Blanc 2016, an absolute delight for the discerning palate. This is not just a wine, but a symphony of craftsmanship in a bottle.
In Bond£291.00 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (93)
Fresh, bright, crisp, green apples, flowers, white peach and yellow citrus with a hint of underbrush come through easily on the nose and energetic, fresh, lemon-centric palate. Drink from 2022-2034.In Bond£138.50 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
This estate makes a brilliant white, and their 2020 Château Couhins Blanc is pure gold, offering a bright citrus and lemon zest core as well as lots of white flowers and honeyed mineral-like nuances. Medium-bodied, bright, racy, yet also concentrated, it's going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades.In Bond£140.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (93)
Brambled hedgerow fruit, orange peel, black tea and blackberries, an attractive wine from this excellent property, but a flash of heat throws the palate out of balance on the finish. André Lurton owner, 40% new oak for ageing.In Bond£301.00 -
Hailing from France's Northern Rhône Valley, Coulet Cornas Terrasses du Serre 2009 is a supreme example of old-world winemaking. Cultivated by the illustrious Matthieu Barret, a third-generation vigneron known for his organic and biodynamic techniques, this fine wine boasts the heritage of Coulet's esteemed parcels planted in Cornas’ famed Terrasses du Serre.
Created from hand-harvested 100% Syrah grapes, its creation involved indigenous yeasts for natural fermentation. Aged for 18 months in oak barrels, the Coulet Cornas Terrasses du Serre 2009 matured quietly, imbued with complexity and depth.
Its ruby red hue leads to a nuanced bouquet of crushed blackberries and violets underscored by smoky undertones. The palate experiences a beautiful fusion of rich dark fruit, fresh acidity, and foundation of refined tannins, concluding with an enduring finish.
Each sip of Coulet Cornas Terrasses du Serre 2009 delivers a timeless expression of terroir, reflecting the ideal synergy of grape, soil, and climate of the Rhône Valley.
In Bond£86.00 -
The Couly-Dutheil Clos de l'Echo Chinon 2014 is an exalted red wine from the renowned Loire Valley of France. This exceptional vintage, produced by esteemed vigneron Couly-Dutheil, is carefully crafted from the sumptuous Cabernet Franc grape variety, epitomising the quintessence of Chinon wines. At its heart, raw power meets elegant restraint. Revered for its broad, rich bouquet accentuated by earthy undertones of truffle and mushroom, it is also flavoured with fragrant red fruits, spice, and an invigorating mineral edge. Expertly matured in oak barrels, the wine boasts a beautiful body with a velvety texture and impressive longevity. The vineyard itself, the legendary Clos de l'Echo, is drenched in rich history and its sloping terraces capture the unique "terroir" which nurtures and blossoms such a fine concoction. The Couly-Dutheil Clos de l'Echo Chinon 2014 is a confident expression of mastery over viticulture, offering an unforgettable wine-drinking experience.
In Bond£105.00 -
Wine Spectator (94)
This sports some seriously delicious plum, blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors, inlaid with ample brambly grip and backed by lively anise and tar accents on the finish. Vivacious. Best from 2019 through 2029. 200 cases imported.In Bond£337.00 -
Vinous (94)
Dark violet color. Ripe dark berries, pungent flowers, licorice and cracked pepper on the expressive nose. Juicy and broad on entry, offering bitter cherry, black raspberry and baking spice flavors and a sweetening vanilla flourish. Round, polished tannins emerge slowly on a very long, smoky finish that strongly echoes the berry and floral notes.In Bond£142.00 -
(1x75cl) 2012
Wine Advocate (93-95)
In the same ballpark, the 2012 Cornas La Sabarotte (aged 16-18 months in 100% new French oak) offers ample graphite, creme de cassis, licorice and crushed flower notes, with loads of textbook Cornas meatiness in the background. It too is a medium to full-bodied, fresh, vibrant, yet seriously concentrated effort that shows the vintage beautifully. Give it a couple years in the cellar and enjoy it over the following 10-12 years or so.In Bond£73.00 -
Wine Advocate (95-97)
The utterly profound 2015 Cornas La Sabarotte comes from a terrific lieu-dit located in the heart of the appellation and is brought up all in new French oak. Its deep purple/blue color is followed by incredible notes of black raspberries, blueberries, spring flowers, caramelized meats and licorice. Deep, full-bodied, utterly seamless and profound on the palate, with building, sweet tannin, it's a tour de force that will have two decades or more of longevity!In Bond£273.00 -
(6x75cl) 2016
Wine Advocate (94-96)
The top Cornas here is the 2016 Cornas la Sabarotte. It’s aging in 80% new oak until being bottled in June 2018. Yes, it’s an unabashedly modern style, full-bodied, creamy in texture and offering pristine purple raspberry fruit, but man is this good. It will be hard to keep from drinking this in its first 5-10 years.In Bond£284.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94-97)
The 2017 Cornas La Sabarotte is similarly purple-colored and boasts more black fruits, spice, chocolate, and dried soil/earthy notes. It's full-bodied, powerful and rounded, with a terrific sense of balance and purity paired with ample meatiness, density, and classic full-throttle Cornas character. It might just rival the 2016, which is saying something.In Bond£71.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94-97)
The 2017 Cornas La Sabarotte is similarly purple-colored and boasts more black fruits, spice, chocolate, and dried soil/earthy notes. It's full-bodied, powerful and rounded, with a terrific sense of balance and purity paired with ample meatiness, density, and classic full-throttle Cornas character. It might just rival the 2016, which is saying something.In Bond£311.00 -
(1x75cl) 2018
Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)
The 2018 Cornas La Sabarotte sees the most new oak (100% actually) and comes from a rocky, granitic southeast facing lieu-dit and vines planted mostly in 1947. Despite the new oak élevage, you wouldn't know it by tasting it. It offers a monster bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, roasted meats, ground pepper, and chocolate, with plenty of classic Cornas meatiness and minerality. Powerful, full-bodied, and opulent on the palate, with a stacked mid-palate, it’s certainly the biggest, richest wine in the lineup. It's going to take 7-8 years for this to shed its considerable baby fat.In Bond£80.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)
The 2018 Cornas La Sabarotte sees the most new oak (100% actually) and comes from a rocky, granitic southeast facing lieu-dit and vines planted mostly in 1947. Despite the new oak élevage, you wouldn't know it by tasting it. It offers a monster bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, roasted meats, ground pepper, and chocolate, with plenty of classic Cornas meatiness and minerality. Powerful, full-bodied, and opulent on the palate, with a stacked mid-palate, it’s certainly the biggest, richest wine in the lineup. It's going to take 7-8 years for this to shed its considerable baby fat.In Bond£300.00 -
Vinous (96-98)
Glass-staining ruby color. Vibrant, mineral-accented black and blue fruits, olive, exotic spices and a potent violet note on the intensely perfumed nose. Palate-staining blackberry, bitter cherry, licorice and vanilla flavors display sharp detail and become sweeter as the wine opens up. A spicy, extremely long and chewy finish features quickly building tannins that play surprisingly well with the wine's sappy, clinging dark fruit character.In Bond£86.00 -
In Bond£95.00
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Vinous (92)
Glass-staining ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe dark fruit, incense and olive, and a smoky mineral flourish gains power with air. Shows very good depth as well as energy on the palate, offering densely packed blackberry and cherry liqueur flavors sharpened by a jolt of juicy acidity. In a rich yet lively style, showing impressive focus, youthfully chewy tannins and a very long, dark-fruit-driven finish.In Bond£88.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)
From a cooler terroir in the northern part of the appellation, the 2017 Cornas Les Eygats is another brilliant example of this wine and the vintage. Thrilling crème de cassis, blueberry, and blackberry fruit notes give way to more ground pepper, granite-like minerality and liquid violet notes with time in the glass. Deep, rich, incredibly sexy, and voluptuous, it has remarkable purity of fruit, a supple, layered, sexy texture, and no hard edges. It's a brilliant, brilliant wine from this great estate.In Bond£86.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)
From a cooler terroir in the northern part of the appellation, the 2017 Cornas Les Eygats is another brilliant example of this wine and the vintage. Thrilling crème de cassis, blueberry, and blackberry fruit notes give way to more ground pepper, granite-like minerality and liquid violet notes with time in the glass. Deep, rich, incredibly sexy, and voluptuous, it has remarkable purity of fruit, a supple, layered, sexy texture, and no hard edges. It's a brilliant, brilliant wine from this great estate.In Bond£183.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
From a cooler parcel of pure granite soils, the 2018 Cornas Les Eygats is probably the most classic Cornas in the lineup (although these all have plenty of Cornas character) with its more mineral, iron, and almost bloody style. Loaded with massive amounts of blue and black fruits, violets, and crushed rock nuances, this full-bodied, multi-dimensional, seamless Cornas has polished tannins, flawless balance, and a monster of a finish. This broad, expansive, sexy Cornas should drink well for 20+ years.In Bond£201.00
