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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James Suckling (97)
Smelling this great Chateauneuf is like gazing into a deep chasm. Amazing complexity with aromas ranging from black raspberries through to candied orange, but also notes of raw meat and licorice. Super-concentrated, super-structured, but also more elegant than a wine built on this monumental scale can theoretically be. Extremely long, complete finish. A cuvee of 80% grenache, 10% syrah and 10% mourvedre. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.Inc. VAT£248.83 -
(1x75cl) 2018Inc. VAT£39.72 -
Inc. VAT£185.60 -
Inc. VAT£225.20 -
Inc. VAT£782.93 -
(1x75cl) 1996Inc. VAT£1,074.25 -
(1x75cl) 2005Inc. VAT£950.00 -
(1x75cl) 2006Inc. VAT£1,098.05 -
(1x75cl) 2007Inc. VAT£751.45 -
(3x150cl) 2014Wine Advocate (94)
Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2014 tasting, the 2014 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru from Duroché was shaded by the wood on the nose, and it was difficult to read the fruit at this present juncture. The palate is medium-bodied with good extraction, perhaps needing a little more of the delineation and precision that defines the Clos de Bèze from Faiveley this year. It remains tight-lipped, laconic toward the finish. It will develop more personality with bottle age—I suspect this is entering a sulky period where it may shut down for a period. Tasted September 2017.Inc. VAT£7,702.69 -
(3x75cl) 2016Wine Advocate (96)
Aromas of rose petal, cherries and raspberries mingling with nuances of warm spices and dark chocolate preface the 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru, a full-bodied, layered and richly textural wine that's broad shouldered and powerful, framed by supple tannins and bright acids. Of all Pierre Duroché's 2016s, this is the most youthfully reserved and will require the most cellaring to attain its plenitude.Inc. VAT£3,988.86 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97-99)
5 Star Wine. 12 rows below and 8 above going up to the top, planted 1920. Four whole barrels this year! 13,000 plants per hectare for horse work and no space wasted. Rich imperial purple, with little bouquet at first request. Super-succulent, oak shows a little here, suave finish, Clos de Bèze keeps its majesty under wraps, a discreet queen of Chambertin. Beautifully poised….Inc. VAT£789.59 -
(3x150cl) 2018Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97-99)
5 Star Wine. 12 rows below and 8 above going up to the top, planted 1920. Four whole barrels this year! 13,000 plants per hectare for horse work and no space wasted. Rich imperial purple, with little bouquet at first request. Super-succulent, oak shows a little here, suave finish, Clos de Bèze keeps its majesty under wraps, a discreet queen of Chambertin. Beautifully poised….Inc. VAT£9,797.16 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97-99)
5 Star Wine. 12 rows below and 8 above going up to the top, planted 1920. Four whole barrels this year! 13,000 plants per hectare for horse work and no space wasted. Rich imperial purple, with little bouquet at first request. Super-succulent, oak shows a little here, suave finish, Clos de Bèze keeps its majesty under wraps, a discreet queen of Chambertin. Beautifully poised….Inc. VAT£2,499.62 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97-99)
5 Star Wine. 12 rows below and 8 above going up to the top, planted 1920. Four whole barrels this year! 13,000 plants per hectare for horse work and no space wasted. Rich imperial purple, with little bouquet at first request. Super-succulent, oak shows a little here, suave finish, Clos de Bèze keeps its majesty under wraps, a discreet queen of Chambertin. Beautifully poised….Inc. VAT£5,355.49 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 2021 Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru has plenty of fruit on the nose: raspberry, cranberry and bergamot, with hints of crushed stone and blood orange merging with time in the glass, all delivered with wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins, very pure with raspberry, strawberry, rosehip and a touch of mint. Cohesive with impressive density on the finish, this is an excellent Clos de Bèze. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.Inc. VAT£1,237.73 -
(3x75cl) 2021Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 2021 Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru has plenty of fruit on the nose: raspberry, cranberry and bergamot, with hints of crushed stone and blood orange merging with time in the glass, all delivered with wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins, very pure with raspberry, strawberry, rosehip and a touch of mint. Cohesive with impressive density on the finish, this is an excellent Clos de Bèze. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.Inc. VAT£5,254.04 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2022 Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru has also turned out beautifully, unfurling in the glass with notes of blackberries and sweet red fruits mingled with rose petals, blood orange, spices and licorice. Full-bodied, ample and satiny, it's rich and layered, with an enveloping core of fruit, succulent acids and a broad, saline finish.Inc. VAT£1,302.53 -
(1x75cl) 1993Inc. VAT£204.25 -
(1x75cl) 1995Inc. VAT£204.25 -
(1x75cl) 2007Inc. VAT£371.05 -
Inc. VAT£548.93 -
Decanter (96)
The Durochés' 0.4ha in Charmes-Chambertin are split between five different parcels, which is all too common in the grands crus. But what a charming wine they have produced, all summer berry and rose petal perfume, lacy tannins, bright minerality and a fine, focussed finish.Inc. VAT£529.19 -
Decanter (97)
Sourced from what Burgundians often call 'Charmes-Charmes' to distinguish it from the Mazoyères part of this extensive Grand Cru, this cuvée uses fruit from five different parcels, all but one of which is 40 years' old. Floral and intense, with 20% whole bunches adding some freshness and spice, this is a serious, well-upholstered Pinot Noir showing fine tannins and appealingly understated oak.Inc. VAT£237.72 -
Decanter (97)
Sourced from what Burgundians often call 'Charmes-Charmes' to distinguish it from the Mazoyères part of this extensive Grand Cru, this cuvée uses fruit from five different parcels, all but one of which is 40 years' old. Floral and intense, with 20% whole bunches adding some freshness and spice, this is a serious, well-upholstered Pinot Noir showing fine tannins and appealingly understated oak.Inc. VAT£866.76 -
(3x75cl) 2019Vinous (96+)
The 2019 Chambertin Grand Cru, under the négoce label, is a debut release from just 500 square meters of ancient vine acquired from a distant relative of the family; Pierre Duroché manages the vineyard and harvests the crop. This is aged in one new 150-liter barrel. It has a really entrancing bouquet that soars from the glass, offering pure red cherries, crushed strawberry, minerals and rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, filigreed tannins. There is an unerring symmetry about this Chambertin, which is one of the best you will find in 2019. The persistence is astounding, though that is partially driven by the new wood. This will be fascinating to taste in bottle.Inc. VAT£1,811.16 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2020 Chambertin Grand Cru, from vines planted in 1934, has a little more depth and complexity than the Clos-de-Beze. Finely chiselled red cherries, wild strawberry and limestone scents unfurl in the glass. The palate is beautifully balanced, again, very silky and harmonious with a touch of more sapidity evident towards the finish. This has real class and pedigree here, this is an exceptional wine that will surely be highly sought-after.Inc. VAT£383.99 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2020 Chambertin Grand Cru, from vines planted in 1934, has a little more depth and complexity than the Clos-de-Beze. Finely chiselled red cherries, wild strawberry and limestone scents unfurl in the glass. The palate is beautifully balanced, again, very silky and harmonious with a touch of more sapidity evident towards the finish. This has real class and pedigree here, this is an exceptional wine that will surely be highly sought-after.Inc. VAT£3,081.49 -
Vinous (93)
The 2021 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, which includes 15% whole bunches, is precise and detailed on the nose with raspberry and wild strawberry, iris flower and notes of chalk dust. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fleshy and generous, not complex per se but sensual on the finish. This will be difficult to resist in its youth.Inc. VAT£371.99 -
(3x75cl) 2023Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-96)
The Durochés have two plots by Griotte-Chambertin, on very limestone soil, and two small alluvial plots in lower Charmes close to Mazoyères, all fermented together. Dense mid purple, there is more concentration here, plenty of charming fruit up front but with more backbone than sometimes. Fine balance between fruit, tannin and acidity, with a clean long finish where the fruit keeps growing. Some eggs in use as well as barrels here. Drink from 2030-2037. Tasted Nov 2024.Expected Price Range£1,080 - £1,320
-
James Suckling (97)
Smelling this great Chateauneuf is like gazing into a deep chasm. Amazing complexity with aromas ranging from black raspberries through to candied orange, but also notes of raw meat and licorice. Super-concentrated, super-structured, but also more elegant than a wine built on this monumental scale can theoretically be. Extremely long, complete finish. A cuvee of 80% grenache, 10% syrah and 10% mourvedre. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.In Bond£186.00 -
(1x75cl) 2018In Bond£30.00 -
In Bond£134.00 -
In Bond£167.00 -
Inc. VAT£778.80 -
(1x75cl) 1996In Bond£892.00 -
(1x75cl) 2005In Bond£789.00 -
(1x75cl) 2006In Bond£912.37 -
(1x75cl) 2007In Bond£623.00 -
(3x150cl) 2014Wine Advocate (94)
Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2014 tasting, the 2014 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru from Duroché was shaded by the wood on the nose, and it was difficult to read the fruit at this present juncture. The palate is medium-bodied with good extraction, perhaps needing a little more of the delineation and precision that defines the Clos de Bèze from Faiveley this year. It remains tight-lipped, laconic toward the finish. It will develop more personality with bottle age—I suspect this is entering a sulky period where it may shut down for a period. Tasted September 2017.In Bond£6,401.00 -
(3x75cl) 2016Wine Advocate (96)
Aromas of rose petal, cherries and raspberries mingling with nuances of warm spices and dark chocolate preface the 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru, a full-bodied, layered and richly textural wine that's broad shouldered and powerful, framed by supple tannins and bright acids. Of all Pierre Duroché's 2016s, this is the most youthfully reserved and will require the most cellaring to attain its plenitude.In Bond£3,314.43 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97-99)
5 Star Wine. 12 rows below and 8 above going up to the top, planted 1920. Four whole barrels this year! 13,000 plants per hectare for horse work and no space wasted. Rich imperial purple, with little bouquet at first request. Super-succulent, oak shows a little here, suave finish, Clos de Bèze keeps its majesty under wraps, a discreet queen of Chambertin. Beautifully poised….In Bond£655.00 -
(3x150cl) 2018Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97-99)
5 Star Wine. 12 rows below and 8 above going up to the top, planted 1920. Four whole barrels this year! 13,000 plants per hectare for horse work and no space wasted. Rich imperial purple, with little bouquet at first request. Super-succulent, oak shows a little here, suave finish, Clos de Bèze keeps its majesty under wraps, a discreet queen of Chambertin. Beautifully poised….In Bond£8,146.39 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97-99)
5 Star Wine. 12 rows below and 8 above going up to the top, planted 1920. Four whole barrels this year! 13,000 plants per hectare for horse work and no space wasted. Rich imperial purple, with little bouquet at first request. Super-succulent, oak shows a little here, suave finish, Clos de Bèze keeps its majesty under wraps, a discreet queen of Chambertin. Beautifully poised….In Bond£2,075.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97-99)
5 Star Wine. 12 rows below and 8 above going up to the top, planted 1920. Four whole barrels this year! 13,000 plants per hectare for horse work and no space wasted. Rich imperial purple, with little bouquet at first request. Super-succulent, oak shows a little here, suave finish, Clos de Bèze keeps its majesty under wraps, a discreet queen of Chambertin. Beautifully poised….In Bond£4,445.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 2021 Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru has plenty of fruit on the nose: raspberry, cranberry and bergamot, with hints of crushed stone and blood orange merging with time in the glass, all delivered with wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins, very pure with raspberry, strawberry, rosehip and a touch of mint. Cohesive with impressive density on the finish, this is an excellent Clos de Bèze. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.In Bond£1,028.00 -
(3x75cl) 2021Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 2021 Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru has plenty of fruit on the nose: raspberry, cranberry and bergamot, with hints of crushed stone and blood orange merging with time in the glass, all delivered with wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins, very pure with raspberry, strawberry, rosehip and a touch of mint. Cohesive with impressive density on the finish, this is an excellent Clos de Bèze. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.In Bond£4,368.04 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2022 Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru has also turned out beautifully, unfurling in the glass with notes of blackberries and sweet red fruits mingled with rose petals, blood orange, spices and licorice. Full-bodied, ample and satiny, it's rich and layered, with an enveloping core of fruit, succulent acids and a broad, saline finish.In Bond£1,082.00 -
(1x75cl) 1993In Bond£167.00 -
(1x75cl) 1995In Bond£167.00 -
(1x75cl) 2007In Bond£306.00 -
Inc. VAT£544.80 -
Decanter (96)
The Durochés' 0.4ha in Charmes-Chambertin are split between five different parcels, which is all too common in the grands crus. But what a charming wine they have produced, all summer berry and rose petal perfume, lacy tannins, bright minerality and a fine, focussed finish.In Bond£438.00 -
Decanter (97)
Sourced from what Burgundians often call 'Charmes-Charmes' to distinguish it from the Mazoyères part of this extensive Grand Cru, this cuvée uses fruit from five different parcels, all but one of which is 40 years' old. Floral and intense, with 20% whole bunches adding some freshness and spice, this is a serious, well-upholstered Pinot Noir showing fine tannins and appealingly understated oak.In Bond£195.00 -
Decanter (97)
Sourced from what Burgundians often call 'Charmes-Charmes' to distinguish it from the Mazoyères part of this extensive Grand Cru, this cuvée uses fruit from five different parcels, all but one of which is 40 years' old. Floral and intense, with 20% whole bunches adding some freshness and spice, this is a serious, well-upholstered Pinot Noir showing fine tannins and appealingly understated oak.In Bond£713.00 -
(3x75cl) 2019Vinous (96+)
The 2019 Chambertin Grand Cru, under the négoce label, is a debut release from just 500 square meters of ancient vine acquired from a distant relative of the family; Pierre Duroché manages the vineyard and harvests the crop. This is aged in one new 150-liter barrel. It has a really entrancing bouquet that soars from the glass, offering pure red cherries, crushed strawberry, minerals and rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, filigreed tannins. There is an unerring symmetry about this Chambertin, which is one of the best you will find in 2019. The persistence is astounding, though that is partially driven by the new wood. This will be fascinating to taste in bottle.In Bond£1,500.00 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2020 Chambertin Grand Cru, from vines planted in 1934, has a little more depth and complexity than the Clos-de-Beze. Finely chiselled red cherries, wild strawberry and limestone scents unfurl in the glass. The palate is beautifully balanced, again, very silky and harmonious with a touch of more sapidity evident towards the finish. This has real class and pedigree here, this is an exceptional wine that will surely be highly sought-after.In Bond£317.00 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2020 Chambertin Grand Cru, from vines planted in 1934, has a little more depth and complexity than the Clos-de-Beze. Finely chiselled red cherries, wild strawberry and limestone scents unfurl in the glass. The palate is beautifully balanced, again, very silky and harmonious with a touch of more sapidity evident towards the finish. This has real class and pedigree here, this is an exceptional wine that will surely be highly sought-after.In Bond£2,550.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2021 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, which includes 15% whole bunches, is precise and detailed on the nose with raspberry and wild strawberry, iris flower and notes of chalk dust. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, fleshy and generous, not complex per se but sensual on the finish. This will be difficult to resist in its youth.In Bond£307.00 -
(3x75cl) 2023Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-96)
The Durochés have two plots by Griotte-Chambertin, on very limestone soil, and two small alluvial plots in lower Charmes close to Mazoyères, all fermented together. Dense mid purple, there is more concentration here, plenty of charming fruit up front but with more backbone than sometimes. Fine balance between fruit, tannin and acidity, with a clean long finish where the fruit keeps growing. Some eggs in use as well as barrels here. Drink from 2030-2037. Tasted Nov 2024.Expected Price Range£1,080 - £1,320

