France
The vast and diverse wine regions of France, each with its own unique terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques, are a treasure trove.
In Bordeaux, the birthplace of some of the world's most iconic wines, esteemed vineyards such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Haut-Brion produce exceptional red wines, showcasing the art of blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The region is also renowned for its exquisite white wines, with vineyards like Château d'Yquem and Domaine de Chevalier producing legendary sweet wines.
Moving to Burgundy, the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Armand Rousseau capture the essence of the region's revered terroir, crafting exquisite red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. Meanwhile, Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Coche-Dury are celebrated for their world-class white wines, predominantly made from Chardonnay.
The Champagne region, known for its sparkling wines, boasts illustrious houses such as Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Moët & Chandon, as well as grower-producers like Pierre Péters and Jacques Selosse. These vineyards create exceptional sparkling wines using the traditional method, offering a symphony of delicate bubbles, elegant flavors, and vibrant acidity.
In the Rhône Valley, iconic vineyards like Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Château de Beaucastel produce remarkable red wines in the northern appellations of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas, showcasing the elegance and power of Syrah. Further south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is celebrated for its rich and full-bodied red blends, with Château Rayas and Clos des Papes leading the way.
In Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and omaine Trimbach craft exquisite white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, expressing the region's unique terroir and varietal character.
These are just a few highlights among the diverse array of wines that France offers. From the Loire Valley's crisp whites and elegant reds to the Languedoc-Roussillon's bold and robust wines, each region presents its own vinous treasures.
France
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Vinous (93)
Deep ruby. Exotic, oak-spiced aromas of candied red and dark berries, with a suave floral quality adding complexity. Deeply concentrated but quite energetic, offering powerful black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and a velour-like texture. Dusty tannins add grip to a long, penetrating finish that closes on a note of bitter cherry.Inc. VAT£318.80 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2014 Domaine de l’A has a very opulent and intense bouquet with blackberry, boysenberry, rooibos and a light touch of fennel. I like the delineation here. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannin, a touch of graphite veins imparted by the Cabernet Franc to the extent that you might be duped into thinking there is some Cabernet Sauvignon creeping back into the blend! I appreciate the backbone of this Domaine de l’A. It is much more classic in style than the 2014 with admirable freshness and delineation on the finish. Keep this in the cellar for another couple of years if you can. Tasted at Berry Brothers & Rudd vertical with Stéphane Derenoncourt.Inc. VAT£126.72 -
(6x75cl) 2015Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)
The 2015 Domaine de l'A is one of the more flamboyant, extroverted wines in the Côtes de Castillon this year. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, licorice, mocha, espresso and tobacco infuse this sumptuous, racy wine. The 2015 is a stellar wine from Stéphane and Christiane Derenoncourt. Domaine de l'A is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, of which 20% has whole clusters. Yields were just 30 hectoliters per hectare.Inc. VAT£190.32 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-91)
The 2016 Domaine de l’A is plush and inviting. Dark cherry, chocolate and spice are pushed forward, and an aromatic lift from the Cabernet Franc appears on the midpalate and finish. This is an especially dense, rich wine for the appellation. Time should help the tannins settle down a bit. There is certainly plenty to look forward to. One of the big developments here has been a move to increase the Cabernet Franc, which is now around 30 percent, from the previous 15-20 percent. This is a hugely appealing wine from Stéphane Derenoncourt. Tasted two times.Inc. VAT£234.72 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91+)
The 2017 Domaine de l'A is a gorgeous, but also embryonic wine from Stéphane and Christiane Derenoncourt. I have seen Domaine de l'A blossom with time, but it is also a wine that requires a bit of patience. I suspect that will be the case here as well. Time in the glass brings out striking purity in the wine's dark, layered fruit, and yet the best is clearly yet to come. The 2017 was vinified and aged in French oak, about 40% new.Inc. VAT£240.12 -
Inc. VAT£227.06 -
(1x300cl) 2023Domaine de L'Ile Cotes de Provence Porquerolles Blanc 2023 exemplifies the quintessence of Provençal winemaking. Nestled on the picturesque island of Porquerolles, the estate benefits from a unique maritime climate and diverse soils, which are integral to the wine's distinct character. This blanc is a carefully curated assemblage of Grenache Blanc, Rolle, and Ugni Blanc varietals, organically cultivated to honour tradition and terroir. Handpicked during the optimal harvest period, the grapes undergo gentle pressing before fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving the wine’s vibrant purity and aromatic complexity. Domaine de L'Ile, renowned for its dedication to sustainable viticulture, ensures each bottle reflects meticulous craftsmanship and environmental stewardship. The 2023 vintage reveals a luminous pale gold hue, with an enticing bouquet of citrus blossoms, white nectarine, and a hint of herbal finesse. On the palate, it presents a harmonious balance of acidity and minerality, culminating in a refined, lingering finish. Perfectly suited to complement fresh seafood, salads, and light poultry dishes, Domaine de L'Ile Cotes de Provence Porquerolles Blanc 2023 is a stellar choice for discerning wine aficionados.
Inc. VAT£138.48 -
Indulge your senses with a bottle of Domaine de L'Ile Porquerolles Cotes de Provence 2023, a coveted release from the esteemed French winemaker. Passionately crafted, this wine reflects its origin from Porquerolles Island, the southernmost point of the famed Cotes de Provence region. The island's microclimate, coupled with clay and limestone soils, lends this wine its unique character. Unfallocediatedly aged in stainless steel vats to amplify its vibrant flavours, this delicate pink blend boasts a sublime mix of Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Expect notes of red fruit and citrus, with a hint of minerality. With generations of winemaking expertise, Domaine de L'Ile Porquerolles has mastered the art of balance and finesse. Experience for yourself this fresh, elegant rosé, a celebration of the Provençal terroir. The Domaine de L'Ile Porquerolles Cotes de Provence 2023 is undoubtedly an essential addition for discerning wine collectors.
Inc. VAT£157.46 -
Decanter (95)
At this family-owned, 26ha estate, seventh generation Alexis Depardon, at just 22, is gradually assuming charge of the domaine’s operations, currently overseeing the 3ha of Côte de Py in Morgon. He has a focus on terroir expression inherited from his parents. This cuvée is sourced from a rocky plot with blue schist soil. Rosemary George MW: Fresh red fruit aromas, and fresh on the palate with fruit and acidity in balance. Good weight and concentration. Andy Howard MW: Rounded and appealing style, lovely weight of dark berry and cherry fruit on the palate. Oak is subtle and well integrated. Freshness on the finish with acidity and a hint of graphite coming through. Fine, elegant Morgon. Dominique Vrigneau: Fresh on nose. Nice vibrant fruit in the mouth. Long clean finish and good balance. Pretty. Drinking Window 2021 - 2028Inc. VAT£141.49 -
(6x75cl) 2022The 'Domaine de la Borde Arbois Pupillin La Marcette 2022' is an exquisite embodiment of the finest French viniculture, hailing from the celebrated terroirs of Pupillin in the Arbois appellation. This organically produced gem is the essence of winemaker Julien Mareschal's passion, skill, and commitment, made following biodynamic principles on his family's estate perched on the steep, marl-rich slopes of Arbois.
Hand-harvested local Ploussard grapes undergo rigorous selection, before fermenting naturally in open vats, and 18 months ageing on lees in oak barrels. The result is a tantalising wine with a vibrant ruby hue, lingering fruit-forward flavours, and an elegant mineral finish - a testament to the dynamism of the 'terroir' of the Jura region.
Delicate yet bold, this vintage is an expressive illustration of Domaine de la Borde's mastery, an essential addition for any wine enthusiast. Taste 'Domaine de la Borde Arbois Pupillin La Marcette 2022', and delight in Jura's finest alchemy.
Inc. VAT£276.70 -
Wine Advocate (100)
As heavenly and profound as it gets, the still youthful-colored 1978 Hermitage la Chapelle exhibits an insane bouquet of sweet cassis, truffle, smoked meats and licorice. Full-bodied, multidimensional, decadent and massive on the palate, with a stacked mid-palate and still present, sweet tannin, it tastes like a mix of the more fruit-loaded '90 and the more evolved, smoky and soy-laced '61. You could easily run out of adjectives describing this beauty, but it's a perfect wine any way you look at it. I see no reason to hold off, and it's drinking perfectly for my palate today, but it certainly won't fall off a cliff anytime soon.Inc. VAT£9,426.00 -
Wine Spectator (98)
Fantastic quality makes your palate spin with joy. Warm July and August with timely rains were a recipe for greatness, and this is a vin de garde. Seamless and silky, but also with a firm backbone of mineral, wet earth, plum, blackberry and leather notes. An old-fashioned red with a long finish.--La Chapelle vertical. Drink now through 2020. -PMInc. VAT£3,379.20 -
(1x75cl) 1983Wine Spectator (98)
Fantastic quality makes your palate spin with joy. Warm July and August with timely rains were a recipe for greatness, and this is a vin de garde. Seamless and silky, but also with a firm backbone of mineral, wet earth, plum, blackberry and leather notes. An old-fashioned red with a long finish.--La Chapelle vertical. Drink now through 2020. -PMInc. VAT£271.73 -
(12x75cl) 1988Jancis Robinson (18)
Bright, round and fully evolved. Tannins disappeared. Fresh and lively. Rather sumptuous. Not quite the life of the Verset Cornas 1998. Complex and superior. Lightly saltyInc. VAT£2,812.87 -
(1x300cl) 1988Jancis Robinson (18)
Bright, round and fully evolved. Tannins disappeared. Fresh and lively. Rather sumptuous. Not quite the life of the Verset Cornas 1998. Complex and superior. Lightly saltyInc. VAT£933.24 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93-96)
Deep, saturated ruby. Mute nose hints at cassis, violet and woodsmoke. Huge and primary in the mouth; the palate is inundated by a wave of almost confectionery fruit. But there also firm acidity and powerful underlying structure. Very fresh and unevolved for the vintage but harmonious from the start. Utterly seamless. Finishes with lush, melting tannins. An extraordinary showing for this wine, and as impressive as any '97 Hermitage I tasted in early December.Inc. VAT£286.01 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (94)
Opaque purple. Captivating aromas of boysenberry, dark cherry, pepper, spices, cocoa powder and smoky minerality. Then intense and penetrating in the mouth, with brilliantly fresh dark berry and kirsch flavors lifted by notes of cinnamon and star anise. Finishes pungent and impressively long, with a palate-saturating whiplash of dark berry and spice flavors. This wine calls for at least decade of aging. Only 900 bottles were slated to be sent to the American importer.Inc. VAT£829.55 -
(1x150cl) 2009Wine Advocate (98)
It will be thrilling to follow the 2009 and 2010 la Chapelles over the coming 40-50 years. Much more sexy, voluptuous and layered than the 2010, the 2009 Hermitage la Chapelle offers sensational levels of extract and concentration to go with notes of cassis, black raspberries, coffee bean, toasted bread and sweet spice. Beautifully pure, layered, and yet massively endowed, with sweet tannin, it will be drinkable at an earlier age than the 2010, but I suspect will be just as long lived. It's a true tour de force in Hermitage!Inc. VAT£361.72 -
James Suckling (97)
A gorgeous intensity of plum, spice and grilled meat on the nose. Cloves and hints of dried spices. This is a big, structured La Chappelle. Full and powerful with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. A bit austere and muscular but gorgeous. Tar, spice, dried meat and asphalt. Needs to be aged for at least another five or six years. This is another 1991 in the making.Inc. VAT£317.92 -
Decanter (97)
Tasted at Château La Lagune, owner Caroline Frey's Bordeaux outpost. One of the legendary wines from Hermitage Hil, La Chapelle comes from pretty much the only spot on the Rhone's Left Bank where you find granite, along with the classic galet stones. The Jaboulet style is to blend their plots from across the hill, resulting in the stunning power of this wine. The complexity here is of the kind that reveals a truly great wine. There are so many things happening, graphite, slate, fleshy layers of blackberry fruits that collide immediately afterwards by a tightly controlled edge of tannins, then the whole thing finishes slowly, cleanly. Incredible.Inc. VAT£138.12 -
Decanter (97)
Tasted at Château La Lagune, owner Caroline Frey's Bordeaux outpost. One of the legendary wines from Hermitage Hil, La Chapelle comes from pretty much the only spot on the Rhone's Left Bank where you find granite, along with the classic galet stones. The Jaboulet style is to blend their plots from across the hill, resulting in the stunning power of this wine. The complexity here is of the kind that reveals a truly great wine. There are so many things happening, graphite, slate, fleshy layers of blackberry fruits that collide immediately afterwards by a tightly controlled edge of tannins, then the whole thing finishes slowly, cleanly. Incredible.Inc. VAT£906.12 -
(1x600cl) 2017Jeb Dunnuck (99)
The 2017 Hermitage La Chapelle showed incredibly well and is a brilliant wine that's reminiscent of a richer, denser 2011. Loads of sun-kissed dark fruits, leather, graphite, and flowers, with ample spice and sandalwood nuances, give way to a full-bodied, pure, deep, multi-dimensional Hermitage that’s just about as good as it gets. The balance, length, and depth of this is something to behold, and while it unquestionably offers pleasure today, it has another 20-30 years of prime drinking ahead of it.Inc. VAT£1,731.64 -
(1x75cl) 2021James Suckling (96)
Incredibly deep and complex nose for the 2021 vintage with masses of forest berry, licorice and autumn trumpet mushroom aromas, with an enormous tannin structure that's very refined. The classic power of Hermitage comes through at the extremely long finish. Although the tannins are anything but aggressive, the aromas will need considerable time to fully unfurl. From parcels on the western side of the Hermitage hill with predominantly granite soils, the largest parcel being in Le Meal. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.Inc. VAT£255.20 -
James Suckling (96)
Incredibly deep and complex nose for the 2021 vintage with masses of forest berry, licorice and autumn trumpet mushroom aromas, with an enormous tannin structure that's very refined. The classic power of Hermitage comes through at the extremely long finish. Although the tannins are anything but aggressive, the aromas will need considerable time to fully unfurl. From parcels on the western side of the Hermitage hill with predominantly granite soils, the largest parcel being in Le Meal. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.Inc. VAT£1,126.92 -
James Suckling (96)
Incredibly deep and complex nose for the 2021 vintage with masses of forest berry, licorice and autumn trumpet mushroom aromas, with an enormous tannin structure that's very refined. The classic power of Hermitage comes through at the extremely long finish. Although the tannins are anything but aggressive, the aromas will need considerable time to fully unfurl. From parcels on the western side of the Hermitage hill with predominantly granite soils, the largest parcel being in Le Meal. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.Inc. VAT£970.32 -
(12x75cl) 1998Inc. VAT£587.71 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
I loved the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape from this brilliant team, and it should be snatched up by readers looking for a classic, impeccably made Châteauneuf du Pape to drink over the coming decade or more. Ripe black cherries, blackberries, Provençal garrigue, pepper, and Southern France street market-like nuances all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, elegant texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. Don't miss it. The blend is 70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre.Inc. VAT£205.63 -
Vinous (88+)
Full red-ruby. Reticent aromas of medicinal berries, licorice and gingerbread. Intensely flavored but a bit youthfully tough and closed; tightly wound and not yet pliant. Finishes a bit pinched, with a firm tannic spine. Dominated today by its rather inscrutable syrah component.Inc. VAT£790.18 -
Vinous (90-92)
Bright purple. Mineral-laced aromas of dark berries, cola and fresh flowers, with a peppery overtone. Lively and precise on the palate, offering bitter berry skin and spicecake flavors that put on weight with air. Closes silky and long, with firm tannins and spicy snap.Inc. VAT£443.38 -
Wine Advocate (96-98)
A prodigious effort, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale was yet to be bottled during my June visit. It offers up sweet floral aromas, hints of thyme and rosemary and bold cherry fruit. Full-bodied and creamy-velvety in texture, it's a hugely seductive mouthful of wine that I found difficult to spit. If it emerges from the bottling process looking like this, buyers will have huge smiles on their faces.Inc. VAT£265.26
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Vinous (93)
Deep ruby. Exotic, oak-spiced aromas of candied red and dark berries, with a suave floral quality adding complexity. Deeply concentrated but quite energetic, offering powerful black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and a velour-like texture. Dusty tannins add grip to a long, penetrating finish that closes on a note of bitter cherry.In Bond£245.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2014 Domaine de l’A has a very opulent and intense bouquet with blackberry, boysenberry, rooibos and a light touch of fennel. I like the delineation here. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannin, a touch of graphite veins imparted by the Cabernet Franc to the extent that you might be duped into thinking there is some Cabernet Sauvignon creeping back into the blend! I appreciate the backbone of this Domaine de l’A. It is much more classic in style than the 2014 with admirable freshness and delineation on the finish. Keep this in the cellar for another couple of years if you can. Tasted at Berry Brothers & Rudd vertical with Stéphane Derenoncourt.In Bond£87.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)
The 2015 Domaine de l'A is one of the more flamboyant, extroverted wines in the Côtes de Castillon this year. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, licorice, mocha, espresso and tobacco infuse this sumptuous, racy wine. The 2015 is a stellar wine from Stéphane and Christiane Derenoncourt. Domaine de l'A is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, of which 20% has whole clusters. Yields were just 30 hectoliters per hectare.In Bond£140.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-91)
The 2016 Domaine de l’A is plush and inviting. Dark cherry, chocolate and spice are pushed forward, and an aromatic lift from the Cabernet Franc appears on the midpalate and finish. This is an especially dense, rich wine for the appellation. Time should help the tannins settle down a bit. There is certainly plenty to look forward to. One of the big developments here has been a move to increase the Cabernet Franc, which is now around 30 percent, from the previous 15-20 percent. This is a hugely appealing wine from Stéphane Derenoncourt. Tasted two times.In Bond£177.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91+)
The 2017 Domaine de l'A is a gorgeous, but also embryonic wine from Stéphane and Christiane Derenoncourt. I have seen Domaine de l'A blossom with time, but it is also a wine that requires a bit of patience. I suspect that will be the case here as well. Time in the glass brings out striking purity in the wine's dark, layered fruit, and yet the best is clearly yet to come. The 2017 was vinified and aged in French oak, about 40% new.In Bond£181.50 -
In Bond£172.00
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(1x300cl) 2023
Domaine de L'Ile Cotes de Provence Porquerolles Blanc 2023 exemplifies the quintessence of Provençal winemaking. Nestled on the picturesque island of Porquerolles, the estate benefits from a unique maritime climate and diverse soils, which are integral to the wine's distinct character. This blanc is a carefully curated assemblage of Grenache Blanc, Rolle, and Ugni Blanc varietals, organically cultivated to honour tradition and terroir. Handpicked during the optimal harvest period, the grapes undergo gentle pressing before fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving the wine’s vibrant purity and aromatic complexity. Domaine de L'Ile, renowned for its dedication to sustainable viticulture, ensures each bottle reflects meticulous craftsmanship and environmental stewardship. The 2023 vintage reveals a luminous pale gold hue, with an enticing bouquet of citrus blossoms, white nectarine, and a hint of herbal finesse. On the palate, it presents a harmonious balance of acidity and minerality, culminating in a refined, lingering finish. Perfectly suited to complement fresh seafood, salads, and light poultry dishes, Domaine de L'Ile Cotes de Provence Porquerolles Blanc 2023 is a stellar choice for discerning wine aficionados.
In Bond£103.00 -
Indulge your senses with a bottle of Domaine de L'Ile Porquerolles Cotes de Provence 2023, a coveted release from the esteemed French winemaker. Passionately crafted, this wine reflects its origin from Porquerolles Island, the southernmost point of the famed Cotes de Provence region. The island's microclimate, coupled with clay and limestone soils, lends this wine its unique character. Unfallocediatedly aged in stainless steel vats to amplify its vibrant flavours, this delicate pink blend boasts a sublime mix of Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Expect notes of red fruit and citrus, with a hint of minerality. With generations of winemaking expertise, Domaine de L'Ile Porquerolles has mastered the art of balance and finesse. Experience for yourself this fresh, elegant rosé, a celebration of the Provençal terroir. The Domaine de L'Ile Porquerolles Cotes de Provence 2023 is undoubtedly an essential addition for discerning wine collectors.
In Bond£114.00 -
Decanter (95)
At this family-owned, 26ha estate, seventh generation Alexis Depardon, at just 22, is gradually assuming charge of the domaine’s operations, currently overseeing the 3ha of Côte de Py in Morgon. He has a focus on terroir expression inherited from his parents. This cuvée is sourced from a rocky plot with blue schist soil. Rosemary George MW: Fresh red fruit aromas, and fresh on the palate with fruit and acidity in balance. Good weight and concentration. Andy Howard MW: Rounded and appealing style, lovely weight of dark berry and cherry fruit on the palate. Oak is subtle and well integrated. Freshness on the finish with acidity and a hint of graphite coming through. Fine, elegant Morgon. Dominique Vrigneau: Fresh on nose. Nice vibrant fruit in the mouth. Long clean finish and good balance. Pretty. Drinking Window 2021 - 2028In Bond£100.00 -
(6x75cl) 2022
The 'Domaine de la Borde Arbois Pupillin La Marcette 2022' is an exquisite embodiment of the finest French viniculture, hailing from the celebrated terroirs of Pupillin in the Arbois appellation. This organically produced gem is the essence of winemaker Julien Mareschal's passion, skill, and commitment, made following biodynamic principles on his family's estate perched on the steep, marl-rich slopes of Arbois.
Hand-harvested local Ploussard grapes undergo rigorous selection, before fermenting naturally in open vats, and 18 months ageing on lees in oak barrels. The result is a tantalising wine with a vibrant ruby hue, lingering fruit-forward flavours, and an elegant mineral finish - a testament to the dynamism of the 'terroir' of the Jura region.
Delicate yet bold, this vintage is an expressive illustration of Domaine de la Borde's mastery, an essential addition for any wine enthusiast. Taste 'Domaine de la Borde Arbois Pupillin La Marcette 2022', and delight in Jura's finest alchemy.
In Bond£211.34 -
Wine Advocate (100)
As heavenly and profound as it gets, the still youthful-colored 1978 Hermitage la Chapelle exhibits an insane bouquet of sweet cassis, truffle, smoked meats and licorice. Full-bodied, multidimensional, decadent and massive on the palate, with a stacked mid-palate and still present, sweet tannin, it tastes like a mix of the more fruit-loaded '90 and the more evolved, smoky and soy-laced '61. You could easily run out of adjectives describing this beauty, but it's a perfect wine any way you look at it. I see no reason to hold off, and it's drinking perfectly for my palate today, but it certainly won't fall off a cliff anytime soon.Inc. VAT£9,426.00 -
Wine Spectator (98)
Fantastic quality makes your palate spin with joy. Warm July and August with timely rains were a recipe for greatness, and this is a vin de garde. Seamless and silky, but also with a firm backbone of mineral, wet earth, plum, blackberry and leather notes. An old-fashioned red with a long finish.--La Chapelle vertical. Drink now through 2020. -PMInc. VAT£3,379.20 -
(1x75cl) 1983
Wine Spectator (98)
Fantastic quality makes your palate spin with joy. Warm July and August with timely rains were a recipe for greatness, and this is a vin de garde. Seamless and silky, but also with a firm backbone of mineral, wet earth, plum, blackberry and leather notes. An old-fashioned red with a long finish.--La Chapelle vertical. Drink now through 2020. -PMIn Bond£223.00 -
(12x75cl) 1988
Jancis Robinson (18)
Bright, round and fully evolved. Tannins disappeared. Fresh and lively. Rather sumptuous. Not quite the life of the Verset Cornas 1998. Complex and superior. Lightly saltyIn Bond£2,312.00 -
(1x300cl) 1988
Jancis Robinson (18)
Bright, round and fully evolved. Tannins disappeared. Fresh and lively. Rather sumptuous. Not quite the life of the Verset Cornas 1998. Complex and superior. Lightly saltyIn Bond£767.01 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93-96)
Deep, saturated ruby. Mute nose hints at cassis, violet and woodsmoke. Huge and primary in the mouth; the palate is inundated by a wave of almost confectionery fruit. But there also firm acidity and powerful underlying structure. Very fresh and unevolved for the vintage but harmonious from the start. Utterly seamless. Finishes with lush, melting tannins. An extraordinary showing for this wine, and as impressive as any '97 Hermitage I tasted in early December.In Bond£233.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (94)
Opaque purple. Captivating aromas of boysenberry, dark cherry, pepper, spices, cocoa powder and smoky minerality. Then intense and penetrating in the mouth, with brilliantly fresh dark berry and kirsch flavors lifted by notes of cinnamon and star anise. Finishes pungent and impressively long, with a palate-saturating whiplash of dark berry and spice flavors. This wine calls for at least decade of aging. Only 900 bottles were slated to be sent to the American importer.In Bond£672.00 -
(1x150cl) 2009
Wine Advocate (98)
It will be thrilling to follow the 2009 and 2010 la Chapelles over the coming 40-50 years. Much more sexy, voluptuous and layered than the 2010, the 2009 Hermitage la Chapelle offers sensational levels of extract and concentration to go with notes of cassis, black raspberries, coffee bean, toasted bread and sweet spice. Beautifully pure, layered, and yet massively endowed, with sweet tannin, it will be drinkable at an earlier age than the 2010, but I suspect will be just as long lived. It's a true tour de force in Hermitage!In Bond£295.00 -
James Suckling (97)
A gorgeous intensity of plum, spice and grilled meat on the nose. Cloves and hints of dried spices. This is a big, structured La Chappelle. Full and powerful with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. A bit austere and muscular but gorgeous. Tar, spice, dried meat and asphalt. Needs to be aged for at least another five or six years. This is another 1991 in the making.In Bond£258.50 -
Decanter (97)
Tasted at Château La Lagune, owner Caroline Frey's Bordeaux outpost. One of the legendary wines from Hermitage Hil, La Chapelle comes from pretty much the only spot on the Rhone's Left Bank where you find granite, along with the classic galet stones. The Jaboulet style is to blend their plots from across the hill, resulting in the stunning power of this wine. The complexity here is of the kind that reveals a truly great wine. There are so many things happening, graphite, slate, fleshy layers of blackberry fruits that collide immediately afterwards by a tightly controlled edge of tannins, then the whole thing finishes slowly, cleanly. Incredible.In Bond£112.00 -
Decanter (97)
Tasted at Château La Lagune, owner Caroline Frey's Bordeaux outpost. One of the legendary wines from Hermitage Hil, La Chapelle comes from pretty much the only spot on the Rhone's Left Bank where you find granite, along with the classic galet stones. The Jaboulet style is to blend their plots from across the hill, resulting in the stunning power of this wine. The complexity here is of the kind that reveals a truly great wine. There are so many things happening, graphite, slate, fleshy layers of blackberry fruits that collide immediately afterwards by a tightly controlled edge of tannins, then the whole thing finishes slowly, cleanly. Incredible.In Bond£736.50 -
(1x600cl) 2017
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
The 2017 Hermitage La Chapelle showed incredibly well and is a brilliant wine that's reminiscent of a richer, denser 2011. Loads of sun-kissed dark fruits, leather, graphite, and flowers, with ample spice and sandalwood nuances, give way to a full-bodied, pure, deep, multi-dimensional Hermitage that’s just about as good as it gets. The balance, length, and depth of this is something to behold, and while it unquestionably offers pleasure today, it has another 20-30 years of prime drinking ahead of it.In Bond£1,421.65 -
(1x75cl) 2021
James Suckling (96)
Incredibly deep and complex nose for the 2021 vintage with masses of forest berry, licorice and autumn trumpet mushroom aromas, with an enormous tannin structure that's very refined. The classic power of Hermitage comes through at the extremely long finish. Although the tannins are anything but aggressive, the aromas will need considerable time to fully unfurl. From parcels on the western side of the Hermitage hill with predominantly granite soils, the largest parcel being in Le Meal. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.In Bond£210.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Incredibly deep and complex nose for the 2021 vintage with masses of forest berry, licorice and autumn trumpet mushroom aromas, with an enormous tannin structure that's very refined. The classic power of Hermitage comes through at the extremely long finish. Although the tannins are anything but aggressive, the aromas will need considerable time to fully unfurl. From parcels on the western side of the Hermitage hill with predominantly granite soils, the largest parcel being in Le Meal. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.In Bond£920.50 -
James Suckling (96)
Incredibly deep and complex nose for the 2021 vintage with masses of forest berry, licorice and autumn trumpet mushroom aromas, with an enormous tannin structure that's very refined. The classic power of Hermitage comes through at the extremely long finish. Although the tannins are anything but aggressive, the aromas will need considerable time to fully unfurl. From parcels on the western side of the Hermitage hill with predominantly granite soils, the largest parcel being in Le Meal. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.In Bond£790.00 -
(12x75cl) 1998In Bond£450.00
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Jeb Dunnuck (94)
I loved the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape from this brilliant team, and it should be snatched up by readers looking for a classic, impeccably made Châteauneuf du Pape to drink over the coming decade or more. Ripe black cherries, blackberries, Provençal garrigue, pepper, and Southern France street market-like nuances all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, elegant texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. Don't miss it. The blend is 70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre.In Bond£150.00 -
Vinous (88+)
Full red-ruby. Reticent aromas of medicinal berries, licorice and gingerbread. Intensely flavored but a bit youthfully tough and closed; tightly wound and not yet pliant. Finishes a bit pinched, with a firm tannic spine. Dominated today by its rather inscrutable syrah component.In Bond£620.00 -
Vinous (90-92)
Bright purple. Mineral-laced aromas of dark berries, cola and fresh flowers, with a peppery overtone. Lively and precise on the palate, offering bitter berry skin and spicecake flavors that put on weight with air. Closes silky and long, with firm tannins and spicy snap.In Bond£331.00 -
Wine Advocate (96-98)
A prodigious effort, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale was yet to be bottled during my June visit. It offers up sweet floral aromas, hints of thyme and rosemary and bold cherry fruit. Full-bodied and creamy-velvety in texture, it's a hugely seductive mouthful of wine that I found difficult to spit. If it emerges from the bottling process looking like this, buyers will have huge smiles on their faces.In Bond£199.00
