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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Inc. VAT£88.13 -
Inc. VAT£497.21 -
Inc. VAT£304.01 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2017 Savigny-lès-Beaune Aux Guettes 1er Cru offers more terroir expression and complexity than the Les Serpentières at the moment. This is very detailed, displaying touches of graphite filtering through the black fruit. The palate is very well balanced with a fine line of acidity. A little compact now, but there is a sense of symmetry toward the finish that is compelling. This comes highly recommended.Inc. VAT£461.80 -
(12x75cl) 2011Vinous (91)
Good deep red. Discreet, pure, ripe aromas and flavors of black fruits, leather, coffee and clove. Silky and quite fine-grained; not overly sweet but round and plush for a 2011, especially a wine made from grapes picked with 11.5% potential alcohol. Tannins are quite suave for Savigny. Mounts subtly and lingers well on the finish.Inc. VAT£572.98 -
(6x75cl) 2015Vinous (91+)
Bright, deep red, the darkest of these 2015s. Very pure and ripe but youthfully bound-up nose hints at kirsch, licorice and bitter chocolate. Densely packed and impressively thick, with its flavors of black cherry, licorice and herbs given punch by good peppery verve. This firmly structured Dominode is seriously tight today but the tannins are refined and the long, subtle finish offers captivating violet lift. The most impressive of these 2015s, but lay it down for a while.Inc. VAT£483.30 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2017 Savigny-lès-Beaune La Dominode 1er Cru has another promising bouquet of pure blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone and light loamy scents that gain intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, offering plenty of crunchy black fruit. Slightly tarry toward the finish but perhaps offers the most persistency amongst Pavelot’s impressive range. Cellar this for three years if you can.Inc. VAT£531.40 -
Vinous (90-92)
The 2020 Savigny-lès-Beaune La Dominode 1er Cru is the most backward, surliest of Pavelot’s red ‘20s, black cherries and boysenberry fruit, pressed violets and incense emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, slightly chewy tannins but with decent weight on the finish. Just a bit "serious" at the moment. Hopefully it will lighten up in bottle.Inc. VAT£524.04 -
Burghound (94)
Sweet spot Outstanding. This is at once the spiciest and the most floral-suffused nose in the range with its ripe yet ultra-fresh nose of various dark berries, anise and newly turned earth scents. The mouthfeel is also intriguing as it combines excellent density with an appealing sleekness that carries over to the mineral-driven, powerful and compact finale that is wonderfully persistent if very clearly built-to-age. This is almost always Pavelot's best wine and it is highly likely to be so in 2022 as well.Inc. VAT£308.00 -
Inc. VAT£445.01 -
Inc. VAT£233.89 -
Inc. VAT£494.89 -
Inc. VAT£116.93 -
Inc. VAT£100.13 -
Inc. VAT£103.73 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-93)
Mid red purple. The sample is not quite as fresh (sample issue, not the wine itself). But the seamless quality of pinot planted in this vineyard manages to show through anyway. There is a volume of dark red berry fruit, a charm through the middle of the palate, much less evident structure though it is clearly there, and a fine long finish. (Antonin has also made a very small volume from Clos St-Jean by the pedicel method, leaving in the small bits of stem but removing the core. This will probably not be sold commercially, but is very interesting. It displays a pinker lift to the ruby colour, and a beautifully lifted nose, bringing out the rose petals, adding a perception of enhanced freshness, multi-layered and still with all the grace.) Drink from 2028-2034. Tasted Oct 2024.Inc. VAT£106.13 -
Inc. VAT£370.72 -
Inc. VAT£156.53 -
Inc. VAT£151.73 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (89-91)
Attractive pale colour. The bouquet is reticent with fresh citrus, and some leesy minerals. Definitely some citrus notes on the palate too along with white apple fruit, good length, well balanced, white wine terroirs. Drink from 2026-2029. Tasted Oct 2024.Inc. VAT£115.19 -
(6x75cl) 2021Inc. VAT£465.22 -
(6x75cl) 2019Inc. VAT£258.72 -
(1x300cl) 2018Jean-Marc Roulot Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2018 epitomises Burgundy's esteemed viticultural heritage. Crafted from meticulously selected Chardonnay grapes grown in the distinguished Corton-Charlemagne vineyard in the Côte de Beaune, this wine reflects Jean-Marc Roulot's unwavering commitment to excellence. The vineyard is renowned for its limestone-rich soils, imparting a profound mineral character to the wine. Utilising precise vineyard practices, Roulot ensures optimal grape quality, followed by gentle pressing and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the nuanced aromas and vibrant acidity. Matured in a combination of French and new oak barrels, the 2018 vintage exhibits a harmonious balance of complexity and elegance, showcasing layers of citrus, white flowers, and subtle toasted notes. A testament to Roulot's expertise and dedication, this Grand Cru offers exceptional ageing potential and an unforgettable expression of Burgundy's finest terroir.
Inc. VAT£2,000.54 -
(1x300cl) 2020
Burghound (93)
Here the nose is moderately atypical with its array of white pepper, menthol, essence of pear and mineral reduction. There is outstanding volume to the stony and powerful larger-scaled flavors that possess a fleshy, even plump, mid-palate while delivering reasonable length on the vaguely sweet finale. As the description suggests, this is somewhat awkward today though it may better harmonize in time and my rating offers the benefit of the doubt that it will.Inc. VAT£2,310.14 -
(3x100cl) NVVinous (95)
The Eau de Vie L’Abricot du Roulot is an explosive, heady spirit endowed with soaring aromatics and intense, red-toned fruit that just builds over time. There’s real density and textural richness here. The long, sustained finish is a thing of beauty. The Abricot is a blend of several varieties of apricot that in time might be bottled separately. It is very good, dangerously good in far.Inc. VAT£302.08 -
(1x150cl) 2018The Jean-Marc Roulot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Le Cailleret 2018 2018 is as elegant as its name suggests. Lovingly crafted in Burgundy's world-renowned Côte de Beaune region, this fine wine bears the authentic stamp of master winemaker and producer, Jean-Marc Roulot. The vineyard, exclusively planted with Chardonnay grapes, boasts an ideal south-east exposure, endowing the wine with a unique character and complexity. This 1er Cru, harvested by hand and aged in French oak barrels, bears a harmonious balance of nervous tension and rounded fruit notes. Known for its precision and intricate layering, the Jean-Marc Roulot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Le Cailleret 2018 is a wine highly-rated and revered by connoisseurs worldwide. This bottle embodies Burgundy's unparalleled prowess in winemaking and carries the signature subtlety and depth of flavours that Roulot's wines are globally celebrated for.
Inc. VAT£862.27 -
Indulge in the sublime taste of Jean-Marc Seleque Partition 7 Parcelles Extra Brut 2016, an exceptional Champagne by a distinguished producer. Crafted with precision and passion in the hailed terroir of Pierry, a highly revered commune in the Côte des Blancs sub-region of Champagne, France. This extraordinary Champagne is a symphony of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes meticulously cultivated from seven select parcels, hence the name 'Partition 7 Parcelles'. The 2016 vintage was marked by optimal conditions that produced a perfect harmony of acidity and ripeness. Jean-Marc Seleque, a producer famed for his unwavering commitment to sustainable viticulture, employs traditional vinification methods and elevates the wine in oak barrels, lending it intricate buttery and toasted notes. This extra brut exudes elegance and complexity, with a well-balanced finish that lingers on the palate. Savour the Jean-Marc Seleque Partition 7 Parcelles Extra Brut 2016's delightful nuances of crisp apple, ripe peach, and toasted brioche. An absolute must for discerning Champagne aficionados.
Inc. VAT£744.80 -
James Suckling (94)
I love all the candied citrus and white tree fruit aromas of this sophisticated Brut Nature that has impressive depth and a precise harmony of chalky acidity with generous berry fruits. Long mineral finish. A cuvee of 50% chardonnay with 40% pinot meunier and 10% pinot noir, of which half was a solera of reserve wines. Disgorged in October 2022. Drink now.Inc. VAT£246.26 -
Hailing from the distinguished cellars of Jean-Marc Seleque, the Soliste Chardonnay Les Tartieres et Les Porgeons Premier Cru 2016 is a paragon of elegance and refinement. This exquisite expression of Chardonnay is an homage to the illustrious Champagne region of France where it is carefully handcrafted. Following traditional methods, this single-varietal wine offers a refreshing sophistication that is characteristic of Jean-Marc Seleque's esteemed pedigree.
The 2016 vintage is a laudatory testament to a year of favourable growing conditions. Skillfully vinified and precisely aged in oak, it achieves an exquisite balance of depth and complexity. With vibrant notes of crisp apple, creamy vanilla, and a tantalising touch of minerality, it exudes refinement on the palate.
The Jean-Marc Seleque Soliste Chardonnay Les Tartieres et Les Porgeons Premier Cru 2016 is a testament to high-level winemaking. An exquisite representation of its breed, it promises to grace any connoisseur's collection with its sublime nuance and integrity.
Inc. VAT£484.40 -
The exquisite 'Jean-Marc Seleque Soliste Meunier Les Gouttes d'Or 1er Cru 2017' embodies the elegance and terroir-driven purity of the finest Champagne. Cultivated in Pierry – a premier cru village of the Marne Valley, France – this unique wine bears the signature of artisanal producer Jean-Marc Seleque. The Meunier grape, making up 100% of this composition, is harvested from an exceptional single vineyard, Les Gouttes d'Or.
Both the vineyard's chalky soil and an elaborate production process involving gentle pressing, indigenous yeasts, and long ageing on lees contribute to a complex profile. The 2017 vintage presents a delicate balance between ripeness and acidity, leading to an extraordinary depth of flavour. It displays notes of fresh stone fruit and zesty minerality, enhanced by a velvet effervescence.
Aesthetically bottled and meticulously crafted, the 'Jean-Marc Seleque Soliste Meunier Les Gouttes d'Or 1er Cru 2017' is a hallmark of refined Champagne.
Inc. VAT£542.00
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In Bond£70.00
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In Bond£373.00
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In Bond£212.00
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Vinous (91-93)
The 2017 Savigny-lès-Beaune Aux Guettes 1er Cru offers more terroir expression and complexity than the Les Serpentières at the moment. This is very detailed, displaying touches of graphite filtering through the black fruit. The palate is very well balanced with a fine line of acidity. A little compact now, but there is a sense of symmetry toward the finish that is compelling. This comes highly recommended.In Bond£349.00 -
(12x75cl) 2011
Vinous (91)
Good deep red. Discreet, pure, ripe aromas and flavors of black fruits, leather, coffee and clove. Silky and quite fine-grained; not overly sweet but round and plush for a 2011, especially a wine made from grapes picked with 11.5% potential alcohol. Tannins are quite suave for Savigny. Mounts subtly and lingers well on the finish.In Bond£439.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015
Vinous (91+)
Bright, deep red, the darkest of these 2015s. Very pure and ripe but youthfully bound-up nose hints at kirsch, licorice and bitter chocolate. Densely packed and impressively thick, with its flavors of black cherry, licorice and herbs given punch by good peppery verve. This firmly structured Dominode is seriously tight today but the tannins are refined and the long, subtle finish offers captivating violet lift. The most impressive of these 2015s, but lay it down for a while.In Bond£383.51 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2017 Savigny-lès-Beaune La Dominode 1er Cru has another promising bouquet of pure blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone and light loamy scents that gain intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, offering plenty of crunchy black fruit. Slightly tarry toward the finish but perhaps offers the most persistency amongst Pavelot’s impressive range. Cellar this for three years if you can.In Bond£407.00 -
Vinous (90-92)
The 2020 Savigny-lès-Beaune La Dominode 1er Cru is the most backward, surliest of Pavelot’s red ‘20s, black cherries and boysenberry fruit, pressed violets and incense emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, slightly chewy tannins but with decent weight on the finish. Just a bit "serious" at the moment. Hopefully it will lighten up in bottle.In Bond£399.50 -
Burghound (94)
Sweet spot Outstanding. This is at once the spiciest and the most floral-suffused nose in the range with its ripe yet ultra-fresh nose of various dark berries, anise and newly turned earth scents. The mouthfeel is also intriguing as it combines excellent density with an appealing sleekness that carries over to the mineral-driven, powerful and compact finale that is wonderfully persistent if very clearly built-to-age. This is almost always Pavelot's best wine and it is highly likely to be so in 2022 as well.In Bond£236.00 -
In Bond£329.50
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In Bond£177.00
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In Bond£393.81
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In Bond£94.00
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In Bond£80.00
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In Bond£83.00
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Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-93)
Mid red purple. The sample is not quite as fresh (sample issue, not the wine itself). But the seamless quality of pinot planted in this vineyard manages to show through anyway. There is a volume of dark red berry fruit, a charm through the middle of the palate, much less evident structure though it is clearly there, and a fine long finish. (Antonin has also made a very small volume from Clos St-Jean by the pedicel method, leaving in the small bits of stem but removing the core. This will probably not be sold commercially, but is very interesting. It displays a pinker lift to the ruby colour, and a beautifully lifted nose, bringing out the rose petals, adding a perception of enhanced freshness, multi-layered and still with all the grace.) Drink from 2028-2034. Tasted Oct 2024.In Bond£85.00 -
In Bond£289.69
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In Bond£127.00
-
In Bond£123.00
-
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (89-91)
Attractive pale colour. The bouquet is reticent with fresh citrus, and some leesy minerals. Definitely some citrus notes on the palate too along with white apple fruit, good length, well balanced, white wine terroirs. Drink from 2026-2029. Tasted Oct 2024.In Bond£93.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021In Bond£367.01
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(6x75cl) 2019In Bond£197.00
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(1x300cl) 2018
Jean-Marc Roulot Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2018 epitomises Burgundy's esteemed viticultural heritage. Crafted from meticulously selected Chardonnay grapes grown in the distinguished Corton-Charlemagne vineyard in the Côte de Beaune, this wine reflects Jean-Marc Roulot's unwavering commitment to excellence. The vineyard is renowned for its limestone-rich soils, imparting a profound mineral character to the wine. Utilising precise vineyard practices, Roulot ensures optimal grape quality, followed by gentle pressing and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the nuanced aromas and vibrant acidity. Matured in a combination of French and new oak barrels, the 2018 vintage exhibits a harmonious balance of complexity and elegance, showcasing layers of citrus, white flowers, and subtle toasted notes. A testament to Roulot's expertise and dedication, this Grand Cru offers exceptional ageing potential and an unforgettable expression of Burgundy's finest terroir.
In Bond£1,656.00 -
(1x300cl) 2020
Burghound (93)
Here the nose is moderately atypical with its array of white pepper, menthol, essence of pear and mineral reduction. There is outstanding volume to the stony and powerful larger-scaled flavors that possess a fleshy, even plump, mid-palate while delivering reasonable length on the vaguely sweet finale. As the description suggests, this is somewhat awkward today though it may better harmonize in time and my rating offers the benefit of the doubt that it will.In Bond£1,914.00 -
(3x100cl) NV
Vinous (95)
The Eau de Vie L’Abricot du Roulot is an explosive, heady spirit endowed with soaring aromatics and intense, red-toned fruit that just builds over time. There’s real density and textural richness here. The long, sustained finish is a thing of beauty. The Abricot is a blend of several varieties of apricot that in time might be bottled separately. It is very good, dangerously good in far.In Bond£228.00 -
(1x150cl) 2018
The Jean-Marc Roulot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Le Cailleret 2018 2018 is as elegant as its name suggests. Lovingly crafted in Burgundy's world-renowned Côte de Beaune region, this fine wine bears the authentic stamp of master winemaker and producer, Jean-Marc Roulot. The vineyard, exclusively planted with Chardonnay grapes, boasts an ideal south-east exposure, endowing the wine with a unique character and complexity. This 1er Cru, harvested by hand and aged in French oak barrels, bears a harmonious balance of nervous tension and rounded fruit notes. Known for its precision and intricate layering, the Jean-Marc Roulot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Le Cailleret 2018 is a wine highly-rated and revered by connoisseurs worldwide. This bottle embodies Burgundy's unparalleled prowess in winemaking and carries the signature subtlety and depth of flavours that Roulot's wines are globally celebrated for.
In Bond£713.00 -
Indulge in the sublime taste of Jean-Marc Seleque Partition 7 Parcelles Extra Brut 2016, an exceptional Champagne by a distinguished producer. Crafted with precision and passion in the hailed terroir of Pierry, a highly revered commune in the Côte des Blancs sub-region of Champagne, France. This extraordinary Champagne is a symphony of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes meticulously cultivated from seven select parcels, hence the name 'Partition 7 Parcelles'. The 2016 vintage was marked by optimal conditions that produced a perfect harmony of acidity and ripeness. Jean-Marc Seleque, a producer famed for his unwavering commitment to sustainable viticulture, employs traditional vinification methods and elevates the wine in oak barrels, lending it intricate buttery and toasted notes. This extra brut exudes elegance and complexity, with a well-balanced finish that lingers on the palate. Savour the Jean-Marc Seleque Partition 7 Parcelles Extra Brut 2016's delightful nuances of crisp apple, ripe peach, and toasted brioche. An absolute must for discerning Champagne aficionados.
In Bond£600.00 -
James Suckling (94)
I love all the candied citrus and white tree fruit aromas of this sophisticated Brut Nature that has impressive depth and a precise harmony of chalky acidity with generous berry fruits. Long mineral finish. A cuvee of 50% chardonnay with 40% pinot meunier and 10% pinot noir, of which half was a solera of reserve wines. Disgorged in October 2022. Drink now.In Bond£188.00 -
Hailing from the distinguished cellars of Jean-Marc Seleque, the Soliste Chardonnay Les Tartieres et Les Porgeons Premier Cru 2016 is a paragon of elegance and refinement. This exquisite expression of Chardonnay is an homage to the illustrious Champagne region of France where it is carefully handcrafted. Following traditional methods, this single-varietal wine offers a refreshing sophistication that is characteristic of Jean-Marc Seleque's esteemed pedigree.
The 2016 vintage is a laudatory testament to a year of favourable growing conditions. Skillfully vinified and precisely aged in oak, it achieves an exquisite balance of depth and complexity. With vibrant notes of crisp apple, creamy vanilla, and a tantalising touch of minerality, it exudes refinement on the palate.
The Jean-Marc Seleque Soliste Chardonnay Les Tartieres et Les Porgeons Premier Cru 2016 is a testament to high-level winemaking. An exquisite representation of its breed, it promises to grace any connoisseur's collection with its sublime nuance and integrity.
In Bond£383.00 -
The exquisite 'Jean-Marc Seleque Soliste Meunier Les Gouttes d'Or 1er Cru 2017' embodies the elegance and terroir-driven purity of the finest Champagne. Cultivated in Pierry – a premier cru village of the Marne Valley, France – this unique wine bears the signature of artisanal producer Jean-Marc Seleque. The Meunier grape, making up 100% of this composition, is harvested from an exceptional single vineyard, Les Gouttes d'Or.
Both the vineyard's chalky soil and an elaborate production process involving gentle pressing, indigenous yeasts, and long ageing on lees contribute to a complex profile. The 2017 vintage presents a delicate balance between ripeness and acidity, leading to an extraordinary depth of flavour. It displays notes of fresh stone fruit and zesty minerality, enhanced by a velvet effervescence.
Aesthetically bottled and meticulously crafted, the 'Jean-Marc Seleque Soliste Meunier Les Gouttes d'Or 1er Cru 2017' is a hallmark of refined Champagne.
In Bond£431.00
