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 (94-96)
The 2020 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts 1er Cru is two-thirds whole cluster. It has a well-defined, quite tertiary bouquet, the whole bunch quite expressive at the moment, imparting light black pepper and clove aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. Good density here, grippy and quite concentrated towards the finish. Just a touch of black pepper emerges on the aftertaste. Serious and very complex. Closure: DiamInc. VAT£1,924.69 -
(12x75cl) 2021Burghound (91-94)
Outstanding Very firm reduction completely flattens the nose. There is excellent verve to the nicely detailed if not especially dense flavors that possess an unusually supple mid-palate that immediately firms up on the impressively long and complex finale. This is surprisingly accessible today though I suspect that it will shut down once in bottle. I would add that this is very pretty, indeed stylish, as well as quite classy but it's not what I would describe as a classic Malconsorts.Inc. VAT£6,868.86 -
(2x75cl) 2021Burghound (91-94)
Outstanding Very firm reduction completely flattens the nose. There is excellent verve to the nicely detailed if not especially dense flavors that possess an unusually supple mid-palate that immediately firms up on the impressively long and complex finale. This is surprisingly accessible today though I suspect that it will shut down once in bottle. I would add that this is very pretty, indeed stylish, as well as quite classy but it's not what I would describe as a classic Malconsorts.Inc. VAT£955.69 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93-96)
(100% vendange entier; 40% new oak): Good deep red. Much more backward and medicinal on the nose than the regular Malconsorts, offering scents of menthol, mint, licorice, violet and black pepper lifted by a piquant whiff of orange peel. Then brooding and dominated by its structure in the mouth, offer blueberry and blackberry flavors lifted by blood orange. Terrific cut and energy here, and even suaver than the previous wine. Finishes very spicy and impressively long, with serious fine-grained tannins starting drier than those of the Malconsorts but gaining sweetness as the wine opens in the glass. Both this wine and the first Malconsorts got a cold soak that lasted for five days. They were harvested on the same day, vinified entirely with their stems, and aged in the same percentage of new oak. The only difference is the location of the vines: The Cristiane comes from an enclave that on the map appears to be more La Tache than Malconsorts.Inc. VAT£1,473.56 -
Wine Advocate (94-96)
The 2013 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru les Malconsorts Christianne, which I asked to taste directly alongside the regular Malconsorts, has more delineation and precision, more mineralité coming through on the nose, veins of wet limestone and sea spray emerging with time. The palate is also noticeably different with greater tension and focus, a sense if coiled-up energy that is uncommon in this vintage. This surely illustrates the profound effects of terroir: a serious 2013 that should age with style.Inc. VAT£2,440.73 -
Wine Advocate (94-96)
The 2014 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru les Malconsorts Christianne is vinified exactly the same way as the regular Malconsorts, and to be honest, I find that the aromatics are very similar. The difference is more on the palate with a touch more richesse and depth, but a similar taste profile. It just fans out with more conviction on the finish, although in a strange way I like the nervosité and detail of the regular bottling. It will be interesting to see how its develops.Inc. VAT£2,142.83 -
Vinous (94-97)
(from older vines and different plant material than the regular Malconsorts, on soil with more of a clay component): Healthy dark red. Dark and brooding on the reticent nose. Densely packed and extremely intense, with its youthfully medicinal dark berry, dark chocolate and saline mineral flavors only hinting at the complexity to come. Boasts grand cru volume and breadth but extremely backward today. Most impressive right now on the dense, saline back end, which displays rich, seamless tannins and outstanding slow-mounting length. This vineyard typically ripens its fruit very quickly, noted Sieve.Inc. VAT£638.39 -
Vinous (94-96)
The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christiane 1er Cru is whole cluster fruit and has a touch more intensity on the nose, while the fruit is a little darker: bilberry and blackberry, plus touches of violet petals. The medium-bodied palate is rounded with a refined opening, a smooth texture and good grip. Plenty of freshness here, and then the structure synonymous with Malconsorts kicks in on the finish. Superb.Inc. VAT£1,258.01 -
Vinous (94-96)
The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christiane 1er Cru is whole cluster fruit and has a touch more intensity on the nose, while the fruit is a little darker: bilberry and blackberry, plus touches of violet petals. The medium-bodied palate is rounded with a refined opening, a smooth texture and good grip. Plenty of freshness here, and then the structure synonymous with Malconsorts kicks in on the finish. Superb.Inc. VAT£1,910.35 -
Vinous (94-96)
The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christiane 1er Cru is whole cluster fruit and has a touch more intensity on the nose, while the fruit is a little darker: bilberry and blackberry, plus touches of violet petals. The medium-bodied palate is rounded with a refined opening, a smooth texture and good grip. Plenty of freshness here, and then the structure synonymous with Malconsorts kicks in on the finish. Superb.Inc. VAT£4,568.69 -
Vinous (95-97)
The 2020 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christiane 1er Cru is 80% whole cluster, very different in aromatic profile to the regular cuvée, more ferrous with hints of red pepper infusing the red and black fruit. The palate is very well-defined and comparing side-by-side, this conveys more energy and tension than the regular cuvée, almost with greater precision towards the finish. Very long and tender, this is a marvellous Vosne-Romanée for long-term ageing. Closure: DiamInc. VAT£2,307.55 -
Vinous (93-95)
The 2021 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christiane 1er Cru has two-thirds whole cluster, a little more than the regular cuvée, malo not completed until August 2022. The bouquet is fresh on the entry with fine acidity; there's more detail and nuance here. The 2021 is beautifully balanced and quite granular towards the finish, full of tension with a long tail on the finish. Sublime.Inc. VAT£819.85 -
Vinous (93-95)
The 2021 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christiane 1er Cru has two-thirds whole cluster, a little more than the regular cuvée, malo not completed until August 2022. The bouquet is fresh on the entry with fine acidity; there's more detail and nuance here. The 2021 is beautifully balanced and quite granular towards the finish, full of tension with a long tail on the finish. Sublime.Inc. VAT£3,536.00 -
(12x75cl) 2017Vinous (94)
A sleeper in this vintage, the 2017 de Pressac is deep, plush and wonderfully expressive, with a bit more finesse than I have seen here in the past. The 2017 possesses terrific energy to match its translucent personality. Sweet floral, blood orange and spice nuances add striking aromatic top notes, The 2017 is pure class. Pressac remains one of Saint-Émilion's under the radar gems. The 2017 is pure class. Tasted three times.Inc. VAT£375.67 -
Vinous (94)
A sleeper in this vintage, the 2017 de Pressac is deep, plush and wonderfully expressive, with a bit more finesse than I have seen here in the past. The 2017 possesses terrific energy to match its translucent personality. Sweet floral, blood orange and spice nuances add striking aromatic top notes, The 2017 is pure class. Pressac remains one of Saint-Émilion's under the radar gems. The 2017 is pure class. Tasted three times.Inc. VAT£148.55 -
(1x75cl) 2019Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2019 de Pressac is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. A complex, mesmerizing wine, Pressac offers up an exotic mélange of black cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice, spice and menthol. All the elements are so well balanced. Espresso,, lavender, dried rose petal and cedar linger on the complex, beautifully delineated finish. The 2019 is seriously impressive. It's as simple as that.Inc. VAT£48.40 -
(6x150cl) 2019Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2019 de Pressac is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. A complex, mesmerizing wine, Pressac offers up an exotic mélange of black cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice, spice and menthol. All the elements are so well balanced. Espresso,, lavender, dried rose petal and cedar linger on the complex, beautifully delineated finish. The 2019 is seriously impressive. It's as simple as that.Inc. VAT£326.47 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2019 de Pressac is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. A complex, mesmerizing wine, Pressac offers up an exotic mélange of black cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice, spice and menthol. All the elements are so well balanced. Espresso,, lavender, dried rose petal and cedar linger on the complex, beautifully delineated finish. The 2019 is seriously impressive. It's as simple as that.Inc. VAT£203.38 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2020 de Pressac is a wine of real charm and seduction. Bright floral and citrus notes drive a core of sweet red cherry fruit. Chalk, mint, white pepper, smoke and dried herbs lend notable aromatic complexity. As always, the blend includes Cabernet Franc plus drops of Malbec and Carménère, which lends quite a bit of nuance. The 2020 is an especially elegant Pressac. In my view, Pressac remains one of the most criminally underrated wines in all of Saint-Émilion. On the other hand, that makes it a screaming value.Inc. VAT£408.41 -
(3x150cl) 2020Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2020 de Pressac is a wine of real charm and seduction. Bright floral and citrus notes drive a core of sweet red cherry fruit. Chalk, mint, white pepper, smoke and dried herbs lend notable aromatic complexity. As always, the blend includes Cabernet Franc plus drops of Malbec and Carménère, which lends quite a bit of nuance. The 2020 is an especially elegant Pressac. In my view, Pressac remains one of the most criminally underrated wines in all of Saint-Émilion. On the other hand, that makes it a screaming value.Inc. VAT£221.09 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2021 de Pressac is one the under the radar gems in Saint-Émilion. Bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice, mocha and new leather are all kicked up in a Saint-Émilion that balances fruit richness with energy. The 2021 is naturally not as deep or opulent as some recent vintages, but it nevertheless has plenty of complexity and character, not to mention the stylish personality that makes it one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux. Tasted three times.Inc. VAT£401.50 -
(1x75cl) 2021Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2021 de Pressac is one the under the radar gems in Saint-Émilion. Bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice, mocha and new leather are all kicked up in a Saint-Émilion that balances fruit richness with energy. The 2021 is naturally not as deep or opulent as some recent vintages, but it nevertheless has plenty of complexity and character, not to mention the stylish personality that makes it one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux. Tasted three times.Inc. VAT£56.65 -
James Suckling (94)
Complex aromas of quince, dried mango, honey, toasted almond and gingerbread. It’s full-bodied and vinous with creamy, soft bubbles and bright acidity. Toasty and layered. Long, dense and flavorful. Delicious now.Inc. VAT£491.06 -
(6x75cl) 2006Hailing from the esteemed Champagne house of De Venoge in France comes De Venoge Blanc De Blancs 2006. This vintage is crafted purely from Chardonnay grapes, sourced from the premier grand cru vineyards of the renowned Côte des Blancs. The astute blend showcases the richness of 2006 vineyards, while expressing the individuality of this distinctive terroir perfectly. Aged in the De Venoge cellars for over twelve years, the wine encapsulates exquisite elegance and sublime depth of flavour.
The De Venoge Blanc De Blancs 2006 displays tantalising notes of citrus fruits, buttery brioche and delicate white flowers, succeeding in an ample, full-bodied palate with a refreshing line of acidity. Its impressive length and precise, mineral-driven finish are testament to its supreme ageing potential and distinguished lineage. De Venoge, esteemed for their dedication to tradition and quality, adds just another masterpiece to its prestigious portfolio.
Inc. VAT£487.49 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The assemblage of the 2006 Louis XV Brut Millésimé is about the same as the 1995 and 1996—composed of 50/50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, all from grand cru villages. The only difference is that the Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (10% of the assemblage) spent 12 months in oak barrels. Disgorged in January 2017 (dosage: six grams per liter), the 2006 has a golden color and opens with a deep, ripe, elegant and vinous bouquet with toasty and chalky lemon and fresh white fruit flavors. On the palate, this is an intense, round, fresh and complex Louis XV with great purity and finesse. The wine opens on the palate like a soufflé, coating the whole palate without any pressure or weight—gorgeous! This is a delicate and fresh yet well-structured and persistent Louis XV whose intense and long but weightless finish reveals lovely, almost juicy fruit concentration with perfectly integrated freshness and lasting minerality that seems to give additional structure. The 2006 shows a lot of Chardonnay features right now and drinks perfectly today; however, it can be kept under perfect conditions for decades. Just keep it in the box, because the bottle is white and nothing makes a Champagne age faster than exposure to daylight. (Tasted in November 2017 from Lot LL15067017BT.)Inc. VAT£1,241.44 -
Regarded as one of the premium vintages of the decade, the De Venoge Champagne Louis XV Brut 2012 is a true testament to the winemaking finesse honed by the House of De Venoge. This Reims-established Champagne house, famed for its exceptional cellars, has indeed outdone itself with this distinct Brut, which finely balances delicacy and boldness. It's composed of grand Cru Chardonnays and Pinots Noirs, expertly aged for a minimum of six years before disgorgement, resulting in a golden champagne with an expressive, mineral nose and sublime floral notes.
The producer's tradition of responsible viticulture attitudes towards their terroir ensures top-grade grapes for every bottle. On tasting, the De Venoge Champagne Louis XV Brut 2012 unveils complex layers of stone fruit and honey, beautifully rounded by a harmonious yet crisp acidity. Its finish is filled with an enveloping creaminess and a cool mineral flourish. It's a lustrous Champagne that resonates luxury and elegance.
Inc. VAT£352.51 -
Wine Advocate (97)
The 2006 Louis XV Brut Rosé Millésimé is almost the same assemblage as the white, with 50/50 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but it gets its marvelous color from the 6% of red Pinot Noir from 40-year-old vines cultivated in the single vineyard La Forêt in Les Riceys. The wine displays a beautifully intense and slightly cloudy/milky pink color. The pink Louis XV is intense yet pure and complex on the nose, with toasty mocha, nougat and concentrated yet chalky/mineral flavored red fruit and paté de fruit aromas. On the palate, this is a round, intense, almost smooth but elegantly pure, dry and fresh, perfectly balanced, structured and charmingly vinous Rosé Champagne with a dominant Pinot Noir character at the moment, although its freshness and tight mineral elegance is driven by the Chardonnay part. The finish is intense yet finessed, with vibrant red currant flavors, very fine tannins, good grip and impressive length. Wild strawberries, raspberries and cherries emerge in the aftertaste. This is a gorgeous food Champagne but you can also meditate with it. I guess I have rarely had better Rosé Champagnes. Tasted November 2017 from Lot LL150 6R5153BT, which was disgorged in February 2016 (dosage: six grams per liter).Inc. VAT£348.53 -
(6x75cl) NVJeb Dunnuck (93)
A bright medium yellow hue, the NV Champagne Blanc de Blancs Princes Brut shows linear tension and drive, with more chalky austerity. A very pretty wine, this release is crafted from the 2019 vintage, with 10% from 2018 added. On opening, it reveals a floral bouquet of orange blossom and lemon confit, and it’s vertical and straight on the palate, with a refined mousse and a zesty core of energetic acidity. It was sourced predominantly from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, along with 20% from Trépail. Disgorged in 2024.Inc. VAT£428.10 -
Matured within the esteemed Maison De Venoge's centuries-old wine cellars in the heart of Champagne, France, comes the exquisite De Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut 2002. As a highly respected blend of 50% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, and 25% Pinot Meunier grapes, it showcases the superior craftsmanship of De Venoge's winemakers. Each grape is meticulously selected from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards within the Montagne de Reims and Côtes de Blancs regions, thus guaranteeing exceptional quality.
The De Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut 2002 unveils an aromatic symphony of honeyed apricot and brioche, harmonized with a sublime buttery character. The palette is further tantalised with nuances of fresh almonds and pear, elevating the complexity of this divine vintage. A captivating cascade of finely tuned bubbles and luminous golden hues, it elegantly embodies the timeless sophistication of De Venoge's Champagne legacy.
Inc. VAT£504.64 -
Presenting the illustrious de Venoge Grand Vin des Princes Rose Millesime Champagne 2014. This luxurious champagne, hailing from the famed House of de Venoge in Champagne, France, is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of this historic champagne producer. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from premier Grand Cru vineyards are expertly combined to create a harmonious blend that captures the vintage's unique character. Each bottle is made using traditional methods with secondary fermentation in the bottle, offering a rich, complex profile with mature red fruit aromas, refined minerality, and a stunning crystalline pink hue. The champagne's opulent mousse, well-balanced structure, and distinguished long, lingering finish represent the pinnacle of de Venoge's artistry. This superb vintage rose champagne bears the emblem of de Venoge’s prestigious ‘Princes’ line, encapsulating elegance and prestige in every sip. Relish the de Venoge Grand Vin des Princes Rose Millesime Champagne 2014 - a true crown jewel in the world of effervescence.
Inc. VAT£610.24
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Vinous (94-96)
The 2020 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts 1er Cru is two-thirds whole cluster. It has a well-defined, quite tertiary bouquet, the whole bunch quite expressive at the moment, imparting light black pepper and clove aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. Good density here, grippy and quite concentrated towards the finish. Just a touch of black pepper emerges on the aftertaste. Serious and very complex. Closure: DiamIn Bond£1,586.00 -
(12x75cl) 2021
Burghound (91-94)
Outstanding Very firm reduction completely flattens the nose. There is excellent verve to the nicely detailed if not especially dense flavors that possess an unusually supple mid-palate that immediately firms up on the impressively long and complex finale. This is surprisingly accessible today though I suspect that it will shut down once in bottle. I would add that this is very pretty, indeed stylish, as well as quite classy but it's not what I would describe as a classic Malconsorts.In Bond£5,685.57 -
(2x75cl) 2021
Burghound (91-94)
Outstanding Very firm reduction completely flattens the nose. There is excellent verve to the nicely detailed if not especially dense flavors that possess an unusually supple mid-palate that immediately firms up on the impressively long and complex finale. This is surprisingly accessible today though I suspect that it will shut down once in bottle. I would add that this is very pretty, indeed stylish, as well as quite classy but it's not what I would describe as a classic Malconsorts.In Bond£790.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93-96)
(100% vendange entier; 40% new oak): Good deep red. Much more backward and medicinal on the nose than the regular Malconsorts, offering scents of menthol, mint, licorice, violet and black pepper lifted by a piquant whiff of orange peel. Then brooding and dominated by its structure in the mouth, offer blueberry and blackberry flavors lifted by blood orange. Terrific cut and energy here, and even suaver than the previous wine. Finishes very spicy and impressively long, with serious fine-grained tannins starting drier than those of the Malconsorts but gaining sweetness as the wine opens in the glass. Both this wine and the first Malconsorts got a cold soak that lasted for five days. They were harvested on the same day, vinified entirely with their stems, and aged in the same percentage of new oak. The only difference is the location of the vines: The Cristiane comes from an enclave that on the map appears to be more La Tache than Malconsorts.In Bond£1,222.00 -
Wine Advocate (94-96)
The 2013 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru les Malconsorts Christianne, which I asked to taste directly alongside the regular Malconsorts, has more delineation and precision, more mineralité coming through on the nose, veins of wet limestone and sea spray emerging with time. The palate is also noticeably different with greater tension and focus, a sense if coiled-up energy that is uncommon in this vintage. This surely illustrates the profound effects of terroir: a serious 2013 that should age with style.In Bond£2,022.00 -
Wine Advocate (94-96)
The 2014 Vosne Romanée 1er Cru les Malconsorts Christianne is vinified exactly the same way as the regular Malconsorts, and to be honest, I find that the aromatics are very similar. The difference is more on the palate with a touch more richesse and depth, but a similar taste profile. It just fans out with more conviction on the finish, although in a strange way I like the nervosité and detail of the regular bottling. It will be interesting to see how its develops.In Bond£1,775.00 -
Vinous (94-97)
(from older vines and different plant material than the regular Malconsorts, on soil with more of a clay component): Healthy dark red. Dark and brooding on the reticent nose. Densely packed and extremely intense, with its youthfully medicinal dark berry, dark chocolate and saline mineral flavors only hinting at the complexity to come. Boasts grand cru volume and breadth but extremely backward today. Most impressive right now on the dense, saline back end, which displays rich, seamless tannins and outstanding slow-mounting length. This vineyard typically ripens its fruit very quickly, noted Sieve.In Bond£529.00 -
Vinous (94-96)
The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christiane 1er Cru is whole cluster fruit and has a touch more intensity on the nose, while the fruit is a little darker: bilberry and blackberry, plus touches of violet petals. The medium-bodied palate is rounded with a refined opening, a smooth texture and good grip. Plenty of freshness here, and then the structure synonymous with Malconsorts kicks in on the finish. Superb.In Bond£1,043.00 -
Vinous (94-96)
The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christiane 1er Cru is whole cluster fruit and has a touch more intensity on the nose, while the fruit is a little darker: bilberry and blackberry, plus touches of violet petals. The medium-bodied palate is rounded with a refined opening, a smooth texture and good grip. Plenty of freshness here, and then the structure synonymous with Malconsorts kicks in on the finish. Superb.In Bond£1,583.00 -
Vinous (94-96)
The 2019 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christiane 1er Cru is whole cluster fruit and has a touch more intensity on the nose, while the fruit is a little darker: bilberry and blackberry, plus touches of violet petals. The medium-bodied palate is rounded with a refined opening, a smooth texture and good grip. Plenty of freshness here, and then the structure synonymous with Malconsorts kicks in on the finish. Superb.In Bond£3,788.00 -
Vinous (95-97)
The 2020 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christiane 1er Cru is 80% whole cluster, very different in aromatic profile to the regular cuvée, more ferrous with hints of red pepper infusing the red and black fruit. The palate is very well-defined and comparing side-by-side, this conveys more energy and tension than the regular cuvée, almost with greater precision towards the finish. Very long and tender, this is a marvellous Vosne-Romanée for long-term ageing. Closure: DiamIn Bond£1,914.00 -
Vinous (93-95)
The 2021 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christiane 1er Cru has two-thirds whole cluster, a little more than the regular cuvée, malo not completed until August 2022. The bouquet is fresh on the entry with fine acidity; there's more detail and nuance here. The 2021 is beautifully balanced and quite granular towards the finish, full of tension with a long tail on the finish. Sublime.In Bond£680.00 -
Vinous (93-95)
The 2021 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts Cuvée Christiane 1er Cru has two-thirds whole cluster, a little more than the regular cuvée, malo not completed until August 2022. The bouquet is fresh on the entry with fine acidity; there's more detail and nuance here. The 2021 is beautifully balanced and quite granular towards the finish, full of tension with a long tail on the finish. Sublime.In Bond£2,926.00 -
(12x75cl) 2017
Vinous (94)
A sleeper in this vintage, the 2017 de Pressac is deep, plush and wonderfully expressive, with a bit more finesse than I have seen here in the past. The 2017 possesses terrific energy to match its translucent personality. Sweet floral, blood orange and spice nuances add striking aromatic top notes, The 2017 is pure class. Pressac remains one of Saint-Émilion's under the radar gems. The 2017 is pure class. Tasted three times.In Bond£281.00 -
Vinous (94)
A sleeper in this vintage, the 2017 de Pressac is deep, plush and wonderfully expressive, with a bit more finesse than I have seen here in the past. The 2017 possesses terrific energy to match its translucent personality. Sweet floral, blood orange and spice nuances add striking aromatic top notes, The 2017 is pure class. Pressac remains one of Saint-Émilion's under the radar gems. The 2017 is pure class. Tasted three times.In Bond£104.50 -
(1x75cl) 2019
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2019 de Pressac is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. A complex, mesmerizing wine, Pressac offers up an exotic mélange of black cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice, spice and menthol. All the elements are so well balanced. Espresso,, lavender, dried rose petal and cedar linger on the complex, beautifully delineated finish. The 2019 is seriously impressive. It's as simple as that.In Bond£37.00 -
(6x150cl) 2019
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2019 de Pressac is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. A complex, mesmerizing wine, Pressac offers up an exotic mélange of black cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice, spice and menthol. All the elements are so well balanced. Espresso,, lavender, dried rose petal and cedar linger on the complex, beautifully delineated finish. The 2019 is seriously impressive. It's as simple as that.In Bond£240.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2019 de Pressac is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. A complex, mesmerizing wine, Pressac offers up an exotic mélange of black cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice, spice and menthol. All the elements are so well balanced. Espresso,, lavender, dried rose petal and cedar linger on the complex, beautifully delineated finish. The 2019 is seriously impressive. It's as simple as that.In Bond£149.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2020 de Pressac is a wine of real charm and seduction. Bright floral and citrus notes drive a core of sweet red cherry fruit. Chalk, mint, white pepper, smoke and dried herbs lend notable aromatic complexity. As always, the blend includes Cabernet Franc plus drops of Malbec and Carménère, which lends quite a bit of nuance. The 2020 is an especially elegant Pressac. In my view, Pressac remains one of the most criminally underrated wines in all of Saint-Émilion. On the other hand, that makes it a screaming value.In Bond£299.00 -
(3x150cl) 2020
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2020 de Pressac is a wine of real charm and seduction. Bright floral and citrus notes drive a core of sweet red cherry fruit. Chalk, mint, white pepper, smoke and dried herbs lend notable aromatic complexity. As always, the blend includes Cabernet Franc plus drops of Malbec and Carménère, which lends quite a bit of nuance. The 2020 is an especially elegant Pressac. In my view, Pressac remains one of the most criminally underrated wines in all of Saint-Émilion. On the other hand, that makes it a screaming value.In Bond£165.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2021 de Pressac is one the under the radar gems in Saint-Émilion. Bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice, mocha and new leather are all kicked up in a Saint-Émilion that balances fruit richness with energy. The 2021 is naturally not as deep or opulent as some recent vintages, but it nevertheless has plenty of complexity and character, not to mention the stylish personality that makes it one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux. Tasted three times.In Bond£296.00 -
(1x75cl) 2021
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2021 de Pressac is one the under the radar gems in Saint-Émilion. Bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice, mocha and new leather are all kicked up in a Saint-Émilion that balances fruit richness with energy. The 2021 is naturally not as deep or opulent as some recent vintages, but it nevertheless has plenty of complexity and character, not to mention the stylish personality that makes it one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux. Tasted three times.In Bond£44.00 -
James Suckling (94)
Complex aromas of quince, dried mango, honey, toasted almond and gingerbread. It’s full-bodied and vinous with creamy, soft bubbles and bright acidity. Toasty and layered. Long, dense and flavorful. Delicious now.In Bond£392.00 -
(6x75cl) 2006
Hailing from the esteemed Champagne house of De Venoge in France comes De Venoge Blanc De Blancs 2006. This vintage is crafted purely from Chardonnay grapes, sourced from the premier grand cru vineyards of the renowned Côte des Blancs. The astute blend showcases the richness of 2006 vineyards, while expressing the individuality of this distinctive terroir perfectly. Aged in the De Venoge cellars for over twelve years, the wine encapsulates exquisite elegance and sublime depth of flavour.
The De Venoge Blanc De Blancs 2006 displays tantalising notes of citrus fruits, buttery brioche and delicate white flowers, succeeding in an ample, full-bodied palate with a refreshing line of acidity. Its impressive length and precise, mineral-driven finish are testament to its supreme ageing potential and distinguished lineage. De Venoge, esteemed for their dedication to tradition and quality, adds just another masterpiece to its prestigious portfolio.
In Bond£385.57 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The assemblage of the 2006 Louis XV Brut Millésimé is about the same as the 1995 and 1996—composed of 50/50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, all from grand cru villages. The only difference is that the Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (10% of the assemblage) spent 12 months in oak barrels. Disgorged in January 2017 (dosage: six grams per liter), the 2006 has a golden color and opens with a deep, ripe, elegant and vinous bouquet with toasty and chalky lemon and fresh white fruit flavors. On the palate, this is an intense, round, fresh and complex Louis XV with great purity and finesse. The wine opens on the palate like a soufflé, coating the whole palate without any pressure or weight—gorgeous! This is a delicate and fresh yet well-structured and persistent Louis XV whose intense and long but weightless finish reveals lovely, almost juicy fruit concentration with perfectly integrated freshness and lasting minerality that seems to give additional structure. The 2006 shows a lot of Chardonnay features right now and drinks perfectly today; however, it can be kept under perfect conditions for decades. Just keep it in the box, because the bottle is white and nothing makes a Champagne age faster than exposure to daylight. (Tasted in November 2017 from Lot LL15067017BT.)In Bond£1,018.00 -
Regarded as one of the premium vintages of the decade, the De Venoge Champagne Louis XV Brut 2012 is a true testament to the winemaking finesse honed by the House of De Venoge. This Reims-established Champagne house, famed for its exceptional cellars, has indeed outdone itself with this distinct Brut, which finely balances delicacy and boldness. It's composed of grand Cru Chardonnays and Pinots Noirs, expertly aged for a minimum of six years before disgorgement, resulting in a golden champagne with an expressive, mineral nose and sublime floral notes.
The producer's tradition of responsible viticulture attitudes towards their terroir ensures top-grade grapes for every bottle. On tasting, the De Venoge Champagne Louis XV Brut 2012 unveils complex layers of stone fruit and honey, beautifully rounded by a harmonious yet crisp acidity. Its finish is filled with an enveloping creaminess and a cool mineral flourish. It's a lustrous Champagne that resonates luxury and elegance.
In Bond£291.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
The 2006 Louis XV Brut Rosé Millésimé is almost the same assemblage as the white, with 50/50 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but it gets its marvelous color from the 6% of red Pinot Noir from 40-year-old vines cultivated in the single vineyard La Forêt in Les Riceys. The wine displays a beautifully intense and slightly cloudy/milky pink color. The pink Louis XV is intense yet pure and complex on the nose, with toasty mocha, nougat and concentrated yet chalky/mineral flavored red fruit and paté de fruit aromas. On the palate, this is a round, intense, almost smooth but elegantly pure, dry and fresh, perfectly balanced, structured and charmingly vinous Rosé Champagne with a dominant Pinot Noir character at the moment, although its freshness and tight mineral elegance is driven by the Chardonnay part. The finish is intense yet finessed, with vibrant red currant flavors, very fine tannins, good grip and impressive length. Wild strawberries, raspberries and cherries emerge in the aftertaste. This is a gorgeous food Champagne but you can also meditate with it. I guess I have rarely had better Rosé Champagnes. Tasted November 2017 from Lot LL150 6R5153BT, which was disgorged in February 2016 (dosage: six grams per liter).In Bond£287.00 -
(6x75cl) NV
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
A bright medium yellow hue, the NV Champagne Blanc de Blancs Princes Brut shows linear tension and drive, with more chalky austerity. A very pretty wine, this release is crafted from the 2019 vintage, with 10% from 2018 added. On opening, it reveals a floral bouquet of orange blossom and lemon confit, and it’s vertical and straight on the palate, with a refined mousse and a zesty core of energetic acidity. It was sourced predominantly from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, along with 20% from Trépail. Disgorged in 2024.In Bond£336.08 -
Matured within the esteemed Maison De Venoge's centuries-old wine cellars in the heart of Champagne, France, comes the exquisite De Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut 2002. As a highly respected blend of 50% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, and 25% Pinot Meunier grapes, it showcases the superior craftsmanship of De Venoge's winemakers. Each grape is meticulously selected from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards within the Montagne de Reims and Côtes de Blancs regions, thus guaranteeing exceptional quality.
The De Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut 2002 unveils an aromatic symphony of honeyed apricot and brioche, harmonized with a sublime buttery character. The palette is further tantalised with nuances of fresh almonds and pear, elevating the complexity of this divine vintage. A captivating cascade of finely tuned bubbles and luminous golden hues, it elegantly embodies the timeless sophistication of De Venoge's Champagne legacy.
In Bond£404.00 -
Presenting the illustrious de Venoge Grand Vin des Princes Rose Millesime Champagne 2014. This luxurious champagne, hailing from the famed House of de Venoge in Champagne, France, is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of this historic champagne producer. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from premier Grand Cru vineyards are expertly combined to create a harmonious blend that captures the vintage's unique character. Each bottle is made using traditional methods with secondary fermentation in the bottle, offering a rich, complex profile with mature red fruit aromas, refined minerality, and a stunning crystalline pink hue. The champagne's opulent mousse, well-balanced structure, and distinguished long, lingering finish represent the pinnacle of de Venoge's artistry. This superb vintage rose champagne bears the emblem of de Venoge’s prestigious ‘Princes’ line, encapsulating elegance and prestige in every sip. Relish the de Venoge Grand Vin des Princes Rose Millesime Champagne 2014 - a true crown jewel in the world of effervescence.
In Bond£492.00
