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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Renowned for crafting luscious vintage sweet wines, the Arche Lafaurie Cuvee Madame 2005 signals a triumphant return to form. This vintage was meticulously produced in the esteemed vineyards of Sauternes, France, by revered winemakers Arche and Lafaurie. An apex in craftsmanship, the wine's unflinching adherence to traditional methods affirms its quality. Partially botrytised Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes were meticulously handpicked, then painstakingly fermented in oak barrels, allowing the wine to develop a rich, complex flavour profile.
The Arche Lafaurie Cuvee Madame 2005 sings with aromatic notes of honey, apricot, and spice, supported by undertones of roasted nuts, marmalade, and tropical fruits. With its luxuriously silken texture, and resonant, long finish, it exudes opulence. Best served slightly chilled, this wine is a testament to the sublime heights that can be reached when time-honoured winemaking practices are perfectly executed. Expect to be completely transported with every sip of the Arche Lafaurie Cuvee Madame 2005.
Inc. VAT£289.06 -
Inc. VAT£311.58 -
Et Arlaud Morey Saint Denis Clos Solon 2016 epitomises the elegance and complexity of Burgundy's renowned Morey-Saint-Denis appellation. Grown in the esteemed Clos Solon vineyard, the grapes benefit from the unique terroir characterised by limestone-rich soils and optimal drainage, imparting nuanced minerality and depth. Et Arlaud, a distinguished producer with a legacy of meticulous vineyard management, employs sustainable farming practices to ensure the highest quality fruit. Hand-harvested Pinot Noir undergoes gentle maceration and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving delicate aromatics and vibrant colour. The wine is then aged for 18 months in a combination of French oak barrels, enhancing its structure and introducing subtle spice notes. The 2016 vintage, celebrated for its ideal growing conditions, delivers a harmonious balance of ripe red fruits, silky tannins, and a persistent finish. Et Arlaud Morey Saint Denis Clos Solon 2016 is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and the timeless allure of Burgundy’s finest wines.
Inc. VAT£373.49 -
Vinous (90-92)
The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Aux Réas comes from vines that Cyprien Arlaud once were too vigorous and he has since managed to tame this. It has a well defined bouquet, surly at first, but opening with black cherry and bilberry fruit, a discrete marine influence in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, lightly spiced with a sprinkling of white pepper towards the finish. Impressive they manner in which this builds. Very elegant.Inc. VAT£97.46 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)
The 2023 Vosne-Romanée Aux Réas has a very attractive and floral bouquet with violet-infused red fruit that bursts from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a particularly silky texture. An understated, smooth, licorice-tinged finish lingers. Very fine.Inc. VAT£113.33 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)
The 2023 Vosne-Romanée Aux Réas has a very attractive and floral bouquet with violet-infused red fruit that bursts from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a particularly silky texture. An understated, smooth, licorice-tinged finish lingers. Very fine.Inc. VAT£626.00 -
(6x75cl) 2002For lovers of fine Bordeaux, the d'Agassac 2002 offers an unparalleled expression of the Haut-Médoc terroir. This exquisite blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is the result of meticulous grape selection and traditional vinification processes under the expert guidance of Château d'Agassac, one of the oldest wine-growing estates in France. Resting in French oak barrels for a year, the d'Agassac 2002 develops a complex, harmonious profile that brilliantly marries dark fruity tones with nuanced spice and earthy undertones. The palate features a persistent finish, textured tannins and a beautiful balance of ripe fruit and acidity. As per acclaimed critics from Wine Spectator and Decanter, the d'Agassac 2002 is a stellar vintage, delivering richness, structure and longevity. With its notable depth and character, the d'Agassac 2002 is an integral addition to the distinguished collection of every discerning Bordeaux enthusiast.
Inc. VAT£148.40 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)
The 2020 d'Agassac is plump, juicy and expressive. Red cherry, blood orange, iron and a whole range of Cabernet inflections meld together in this very pleasing, supple Cru Bourgeois. This is very nicely done.Inc. VAT£185.60 -
(12x75cl) 2005Wine Advocate (93)
From the famous family of Comte de Neipperg, the 2005 D’Aiguilhe is sensational and may be one of the best cuvées I have ever tasted from Neipperg and his Côtes de Castillon estate. This wine has an opaque purple color and loads of Christmas fruitcake, licorice and crushed chalk along with plenty of blackcurrant and blackberry fruit. Full-bodied, rich, still structured and tannic, but super-concentrated, this is an amazing effort in 2005. Give it another several years of bottle age and drink it over the following 20 years.Inc. VAT£581.95 -
James Suckling (93)
Intense aromas of sliced mushrooms, blackberries and spices follow through to a full body, with sweet, ripe fruit, velvety tannins and a fresh clean finish. Tangy and fresh. Best ever from here and one of the values of the vintage. Best in 2016.Inc. VAT£495.55 -
(12x75cl) 2010Jeb Dunnuck (93)
The 2010 Château D'Aiguilhe is beautiful, with a complex, nuanced nose of red and black fruits as well as truffly earth, leather, and savory flowers. Medium-bodied, lively, and beautifully balanced, it's drinking at point yet has another decade. Drink 2025-2035.Inc. VAT£443.02 -
(1x75cl) 2010Jeb Dunnuck (93)
The 2010 Château D'Aiguilhe is beautiful, with a complex, nuanced nose of red and black fruits as well as truffly earth, leather, and savory flowers. Medium-bodied, lively, and beautifully balanced, it's drinking at point yet has another decade. Drink 2025-2035.Inc. VAT£116.65 -
(6x75cl) 2012James Suckling (91)
Beautiful aromas and flavors of juicy black plums, candied cherries and strawberries. This is also salty and very mineral. Full body, good acidity, velvety tannins and a long, spicy finish. Drink now.Inc. VAT£277.99 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (93)
Ripe, lush, sweet, dark red fruits, silky textures and a long, earthy, fruit-filled finish, with a blast of licorice, dark cocoa and black cherries in the finish. This could be the best vintage of d'Aiguilhe produced yet!Inc. VAT£286.15 -
Wine Spectator (90-93)
Lively, with fun raspberry and blackberry fruit that stays bright and engaging throughout, backed by light anise and floral notes on the finish. This should fill out nicely.Inc. VAT£267.70 -
(6x150cl) 2017Wine Spectator (90-93)
Lively, with fun raspberry and blackberry fruit that stays bright and engaging throughout, backed by light anise and floral notes on the finish. This should fill out nicely.Inc. VAT£270.70 -
Wine Spectator (90-93)
Lively, with fun raspberry and blackberry fruit that stays bright and engaging throughout, backed by light anise and floral notes on the finish. This should fill out nicely.Inc. VAT£146.38 -
James Suckling (92-93)
There’s real clarity of fruit in this young wine with blackcurrant and blackberry flavors, medium body, polished tannins and a persistent finish.Inc. VAT£291.55 -
James Suckling (92-93)
There’s real clarity of fruit in this young wine with blackcurrant and blackberry flavors, medium body, polished tannins and a persistent finish.Inc. VAT£303.55 -
James Suckling (92-93)
There’s real clarity of fruit in this young wine with blackcurrant and blackberry flavors, medium body, polished tannins and a persistent finish.Inc. VAT£166.18 -
(12x75cl) 2019Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2019 d'Aiguilhe has a really lovely bouquet of ample black cherry, mulberry and light floral scents, very pure and delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with cedar-infused red fruit. While not as exuberant as the aromatics, this is nicely detailed and quite poised on the finish. No, I still cannot pronounce its name, but this Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux is well worth seeking out.Inc. VAT£295.79 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2019 d'Aiguilhe has a really lovely bouquet of ample black cherry, mulberry and light floral scents, very pure and delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with cedar-infused red fruit. While not as exuberant as the aromatics, this is nicely detailed and quite poised on the finish. No, I still cannot pronounce its name, but this Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux is well worth seeking out.Inc. VAT£178.78 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2020 d'Aiguilhe captures all of the exuberance of the vintage. Jammy and explosive, the 2020 offers up a heady mélange of raspberry preserves, mocha, spice and rose petal. This lush, extravagantly rich wine is a real beauty, but the style is definitely pushed in the direction of ripeness and textural intensity. Give the tannins a few years to soften.Inc. VAT£246.46 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2020 d'Aiguilhe captures all of the exuberance of the vintage. Jammy and explosive, the 2020 offers up a heady mélange of raspberry preserves, mocha, spice and rose petal. This lush, extravagantly rich wine is a real beauty, but the style is definitely pushed in the direction of ripeness and textural intensity. Give the tannins a few years to soften.Inc. VAT£138.95 -
James Suckling (93)
A pretty texture to this wine with sliced lemon, green apple and fresh celery. Grapefruit and nougat, too. Medium body. Sancerre-like. Sauvignon blanc. Drink now.Inc. VAT£174.80 -
James Suckling (93)
A pretty texture to this wine with sliced lemon, green apple and fresh celery. Grapefruit and nougat, too. Medium body. Sancerre-like. Sauvignon blanc. Drink now.Inc. VAT£129.80 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
The 2022 Château D'Aiguilhe brings more of everything, with a gorgeous nose of black raspberries, crushed stone, spring flowers, and violets that opens up beautifully with air. This carries to a medium to full-bodied effort delivering ripe, polished tannins, a seamless mouthfeel, and a great, great finish.Inc. VAT£144.35 -
(12x75cl) 2005Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)
Pale yellow-gold color. Peach and apricot aromas carry through onto the dense palate, where they are joined by suave oak and a finishing element of candied citrus peel. Ripe acidity gives the wine a juicy quality in the middle, as well as a firm edge on the finish that calls for some patience.Inc. VAT£716.81 -
Wine Advocate (89)
The 1996 d'Armailhac is fully mature on the nose with dark plum, briary, cloves and quite a strong violet aroma. The palate is slightly aggressive on the entry with chalky tannin. The acidity is quite pronounced here, firm in the mouth, masculine for d'Armailhac with less flesh than other vintages, although there is decent freshness and spiciness towards the finish. You could drink this now but I might just afford it another 3-4 years to show its mettle. Tasted July 2016.Inc. VAT£1,283.34 -
(12x75cl) 2000Wine Spectator (90)
Juicy red. Plenty of tobacco, berry and currant character in this. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a long finish. Best after 2008. 15,415 cases made. -JSInc. VAT£1,290.28
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Renowned for crafting luscious vintage sweet wines, the Arche Lafaurie Cuvee Madame 2005 signals a triumphant return to form. This vintage was meticulously produced in the esteemed vineyards of Sauternes, France, by revered winemakers Arche and Lafaurie. An apex in craftsmanship, the wine's unflinching adherence to traditional methods affirms its quality. Partially botrytised Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes were meticulously handpicked, then painstakingly fermented in oak barrels, allowing the wine to develop a rich, complex flavour profile.
The Arche Lafaurie Cuvee Madame 2005 sings with aromatic notes of honey, apricot, and spice, supported by undertones of roasted nuts, marmalade, and tropical fruits. With its luxuriously silken texture, and resonant, long finish, it exudes opulence. Best served slightly chilled, this wine is a testament to the sublime heights that can be reached when time-honoured winemaking practices are perfectly executed. Expect to be completely transported with every sip of the Arche Lafaurie Cuvee Madame 2005.
In Bond£201.00 -
In Bond£234.00
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Et Arlaud Morey Saint Denis Clos Solon 2016 epitomises the elegance and complexity of Burgundy's renowned Morey-Saint-Denis appellation. Grown in the esteemed Clos Solon vineyard, the grapes benefit from the unique terroir characterised by limestone-rich soils and optimal drainage, imparting nuanced minerality and depth. Et Arlaud, a distinguished producer with a legacy of meticulous vineyard management, employs sustainable farming practices to ensure the highest quality fruit. Hand-harvested Pinot Noir undergoes gentle maceration and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving delicate aromatics and vibrant colour. The wine is then aged for 18 months in a combination of French oak barrels, enhancing its structure and introducing subtle spice notes. The 2016 vintage, celebrated for its ideal growing conditions, delivers a harmonious balance of ripe red fruits, silky tannins, and a persistent finish. Et Arlaud Morey Saint Denis Clos Solon 2016 is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and the timeless allure of Burgundy’s finest wines.
In Bond£292.00 -
Vinous (90-92)
The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Aux Réas comes from vines that Cyprien Arlaud once were too vigorous and he has since managed to tame this. It has a well defined bouquet, surly at first, but opening with black cherry and bilberry fruit, a discrete marine influence in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, lightly spiced with a sprinkling of white pepper towards the finish. Impressive they manner in which this builds. Very elegant.Inc. VAT£93.60 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)
The 2023 Vosne-Romanée Aux Réas has a very attractive and floral bouquet with violet-infused red fruit that bursts from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a particularly silky texture. An understated, smooth, licorice-tinged finish lingers. Very fine.In Bond£91.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)
The 2023 Vosne-Romanée Aux Réas has a very attractive and floral bouquet with violet-infused red fruit that bursts from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a particularly silky texture. An understated, smooth, licorice-tinged finish lingers. Very fine.In Bond£501.00 -
(6x75cl) 2002
For lovers of fine Bordeaux, the d'Agassac 2002 offers an unparalleled expression of the Haut-Médoc terroir. This exquisite blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is the result of meticulous grape selection and traditional vinification processes under the expert guidance of Château d'Agassac, one of the oldest wine-growing estates in France. Resting in French oak barrels for a year, the d'Agassac 2002 develops a complex, harmonious profile that brilliantly marries dark fruity tones with nuanced spice and earthy undertones. The palate features a persistent finish, textured tannins and a beautiful balance of ripe fruit and acidity. As per acclaimed critics from Wine Spectator and Decanter, the d'Agassac 2002 is a stellar vintage, delivering richness, structure and longevity. With its notable depth and character, the d'Agassac 2002 is an integral addition to the distinguished collection of every discerning Bordeaux enthusiast.
In Bond£103.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)
The 2020 d'Agassac is plump, juicy and expressive. Red cherry, blood orange, iron and a whole range of Cabernet inflections meld together in this very pleasing, supple Cru Bourgeois. This is very nicely done.In Bond£134.00 -
(12x75cl) 2005
Wine Advocate (93)
From the famous family of Comte de Neipperg, the 2005 D’Aiguilhe is sensational and may be one of the best cuvées I have ever tasted from Neipperg and his Côtes de Castillon estate. This wine has an opaque purple color and loads of Christmas fruitcake, licorice and crushed chalk along with plenty of blackcurrant and blackberry fruit. Full-bodied, rich, still structured and tannic, but super-concentrated, this is an amazing effort in 2005. Give it another several years of bottle age and drink it over the following 20 years.In Bond£445.00 -
James Suckling (93)
Intense aromas of sliced mushrooms, blackberries and spices follow through to a full body, with sweet, ripe fruit, velvety tannins and a fresh clean finish. Tangy and fresh. Best ever from here and one of the values of the vintage. Best in 2016.In Bond£373.00 -
(12x75cl) 2010
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
The 2010 Château D'Aiguilhe is beautiful, with a complex, nuanced nose of red and black fruits as well as truffly earth, leather, and savory flowers. Medium-bodied, lively, and beautifully balanced, it's drinking at point yet has another decade. Drink 2025-2035.In Bond£327.84 -
(1x75cl) 2010
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
The 2010 Château D'Aiguilhe is beautiful, with a complex, nuanced nose of red and black fruits as well as truffly earth, leather, and savory flowers. Medium-bodied, lively, and beautifully balanced, it's drinking at point yet has another decade. Drink 2025-2035.In Bond£94.00 -
(6x75cl) 2012
James Suckling (91)
Beautiful aromas and flavors of juicy black plums, candied cherries and strawberries. This is also salty and very mineral. Full body, good acidity, velvety tannins and a long, spicy finish. Drink now.In Bond£212.37 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (93)
Ripe, lush, sweet, dark red fruits, silky textures and a long, earthy, fruit-filled finish, with a blast of licorice, dark cocoa and black cherries in the finish. This could be the best vintage of d'Aiguilhe produced yet!In Bond£198.50 -
Wine Spectator (90-93)
Lively, with fun raspberry and blackberry fruit that stays bright and engaging throughout, backed by light anise and floral notes on the finish. This should fill out nicely.In Bond£184.50 -
(6x150cl) 2017
Wine Spectator (90-93)
Lively, with fun raspberry and blackberry fruit that stays bright and engaging throughout, backed by light anise and floral notes on the finish. This should fill out nicely.In Bond£187.00 -
Wine Spectator (90-93)
Lively, with fun raspberry and blackberry fruit that stays bright and engaging throughout, backed by light anise and floral notes on the finish. This should fill out nicely.In Bond£102.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
There’s real clarity of fruit in this young wine with blackcurrant and blackberry flavors, medium body, polished tannins and a persistent finish.In Bond£203.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
There’s real clarity of fruit in this young wine with blackcurrant and blackberry flavors, medium body, polished tannins and a persistent finish.In Bond£213.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
There’s real clarity of fruit in this young wine with blackcurrant and blackberry flavors, medium body, polished tannins and a persistent finish.In Bond£118.50 -
(12x75cl) 2019
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2019 d'Aiguilhe has a really lovely bouquet of ample black cherry, mulberry and light floral scents, very pure and delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with cedar-infused red fruit. While not as exuberant as the aromatics, this is nicely detailed and quite poised on the finish. No, I still cannot pronounce its name, but this Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux is well worth seeking out.In Bond£214.43 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2019 d'Aiguilhe has a really lovely bouquet of ample black cherry, mulberry and light floral scents, very pure and delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with cedar-infused red fruit. While not as exuberant as the aromatics, this is nicely detailed and quite poised on the finish. No, I still cannot pronounce its name, but this Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux is well worth seeking out.In Bond£129.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2020 d'Aiguilhe captures all of the exuberance of the vintage. Jammy and explosive, the 2020 offers up a heady mélange of raspberry preserves, mocha, spice and rose petal. This lush, extravagantly rich wine is a real beauty, but the style is definitely pushed in the direction of ripeness and textural intensity. Give the tannins a few years to soften.In Bond£184.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2020 d'Aiguilhe captures all of the exuberance of the vintage. Jammy and explosive, the 2020 offers up a heady mélange of raspberry preserves, mocha, spice and rose petal. This lush, extravagantly rich wine is a real beauty, but the style is definitely pushed in the direction of ripeness and textural intensity. Give the tannins a few years to soften.In Bond£96.50 -
James Suckling (93)
A pretty texture to this wine with sliced lemon, green apple and fresh celery. Grapefruit and nougat, too. Medium body. Sancerre-like. Sauvignon blanc. Drink now.In Bond£125.00 -
James Suckling (93)
A pretty texture to this wine with sliced lemon, green apple and fresh celery. Grapefruit and nougat, too. Medium body. Sancerre-like. Sauvignon blanc. Drink now.In Bond£87.50 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
The 2022 Château D'Aiguilhe brings more of everything, with a gorgeous nose of black raspberries, crushed stone, spring flowers, and violets that opens up beautifully with air. This carries to a medium to full-bodied effort delivering ripe, polished tannins, a seamless mouthfeel, and a great, great finish.In Bond£101.00 -
(12x75cl) 2005
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)
Pale yellow-gold color. Peach and apricot aromas carry through onto the dense palate, where they are joined by suave oak and a finishing element of candied citrus peel. Ripe acidity gives the wine a juicy quality in the middle, as well as a firm edge on the finish that calls for some patience.In Bond£556.00 -
Wine Advocate (89)
The 1996 d'Armailhac is fully mature on the nose with dark plum, briary, cloves and quite a strong violet aroma. The palate is slightly aggressive on the entry with chalky tannin. The acidity is quite pronounced here, firm in the mouth, masculine for d'Armailhac with less flesh than other vintages, although there is decent freshness and spiciness towards the finish. You could drink this now but I might just afford it another 3-4 years to show its mettle. Tasted July 2016.Inc. VAT£1,242.00 -
(12x75cl) 2000
Wine Spectator (90)
Juicy red. Plenty of tobacco, berry and currant character in this. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a long finish. Best after 2008. 15,415 cases made. -JSIn Bond£1,042.00
