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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(1x300cl) 2019Jeb Dunnuck (91)
The second wine of Domaine De Chevalier, the 2019 L'Esprit De Chevalier is a ruby/purple-hued effort offering juicy black cherry and currant-like fruits as well as sappy, cedary herbs, damp earth, and hints of chocolate. This medium-bodied, juicy, up-front, certainly delicious red will keep for 10-15 years. I suspect it will be a good value as well.Inc. VAT£139.00 -
(6x150cl) 2019
Jeb Dunnuck (91)
The second wine of Domaine De Chevalier, the 2019 L'Esprit De Chevalier is a ruby/purple-hued effort offering juicy black cherry and currant-like fruits as well as sappy, cedary herbs, damp earth, and hints of chocolate. This medium-bodied, juicy, up-front, certainly delicious red will keep for 10-15 years. I suspect it will be a good value as well.Inc. VAT£310.01 -
Jeb Dunnuck (91)
The second wine of Domaine De Chevalier, the 2019 L'Esprit De Chevalier is a ruby/purple-hued effort offering juicy black cherry and currant-like fruits as well as sappy, cedary herbs, damp earth, and hints of chocolate. This medium-bodied, juicy, up-front, certainly delicious red will keep for 10-15 years. I suspect it will be a good value as well.Inc. VAT£156.20 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)
The 2021 L'Esprit de Chevalier has a tightly wound bouquet of blackberry and raspberry fruit permeated with traces of oyster shell; hints of sea spray emerge with time. The medium-bodied palate delivers graphite-infused black fruit, moderate weight, fine salinity and insistent grip and mineralité on the finish. Classic Pessac.Inc. VAT£300.24 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)
The 2021 L'Esprit de Chevalier has a tightly wound bouquet of blackberry and raspberry fruit permeated with traces of oyster shell; hints of sea spray emerge with time. The medium-bodied palate delivers graphite-infused black fruit, moderate weight, fine salinity and insistent grip and mineralité on the finish. Classic Pessac.Inc. VAT£133.32 -
(12x75cl) 2014Hailing from the distinguished wineries of Étoile, the Étoile 2014 is a remarkable vintage and an absolute must for any serious wine enthusiast. A superb offering from the esteemed French wine region, this blend delivers a refined testament to the proficiency of its expert vintners and intrinsic charm of its terroir.
The Étoile 2014 boasts a sublime alchemy of varietals, maturing in oak barrels to accentuate the inherent richness of their harvested grapes. This gives rise to the wine's distinctive, velvety feel and elusive subtleties, unfolding in an elegant dance of red fruit, black pepper and traces of earthy undertones. Each sip reveals another facet; another hint of Felicity that distinguishes this remarkable vintage.
The creation of the Étoile 2014 is rooted in traditional techniques coupled with a commitment to excellence, reflecting the true essence of its prestigious lineage. An epitome of French elegance and proficiency, invest in a bottle of Étoile 2014 and savour the bespoken symphony of flavours.
Inc. VAT£581.21 -
(6x150cl) 2014Hailing from the distinguished wineries of Étoile, the Étoile 2014 is a remarkable vintage and an absolute must for any serious wine enthusiast. A superb offering from the esteemed French wine region, this blend delivers a refined testament to the proficiency of its expert vintners and intrinsic charm of its terroir.
The Étoile 2014 boasts a sublime alchemy of varietals, maturing in oak barrels to accentuate the inherent richness of their harvested grapes. This gives rise to the wine's distinctive, velvety feel and elusive subtleties, unfolding in an elegant dance of red fruit, black pepper and traces of earthy undertones. Each sip reveals another facet; another hint of Felicity that distinguishes this remarkable vintage.
The creation of the Étoile 2014 is rooted in traditional techniques coupled with a commitment to excellence, reflecting the true essence of its prestigious lineage. An epitome of French elegance and proficiency, invest in a bottle of Étoile 2014 and savour the bespoken symphony of flavours.
Inc. VAT£575.21 -
Dive into excellence and old-world charm with the luxurious Francois Thiepont Lalande Pomerol Etoile 2015. This coveted Merlot blend, charting from the renowned Bordeaux region of France displays the illustrious skill and meticulous care of its producer, François Thiepont. Cultivated from the diverse terroir of clay and limestone in the Pomerol appellation, this vintage is aged traditionally in oak barrels for 18 months, resulting in a striking fusion of earthy tones, dark berry fruits like ripe blackberries and blueberries, and smoky undertones that linger on the palate.
This elegant French masterpiece exemplifies François Thiepont’s exemplary commitment to sustainability, reflected in the organic viticulture methods utilised. The François Thiepont Lalande Pomerol Etoile 2015 is not just a wine; it's an intoxicating synchronicity of heritage and innovation that sings a symphony of sophisticated flavours. Indulge in this robust blend and elevate your fine wine experience to a new pinnacle.
Inc. VAT£183.89 -
(12x75cl) 1990Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93)
Good thick red. Very ripe aromas of melting caramel, tobacco, game, cinnamon and violets. Great sweetness and spice in the mouth; dense but not quite as fat as some right-bank '90s; very stylish, actually, with decent acids. Tannins are quite firm. As accessible as this appears to be, we wouldn't be at all surprised to see it close up in the next 18-24 months.Inc. VAT£4,879.00 -
(12x75cl) 1994Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92-95)
1995 L'Evangile (aged in 42% new oak, a bit higher than average for this property): Deep ruby-purple color. Pristine, minerally, sappy, black and blue fruit nose, with a floral, violety cabernet franc aspect. Creamy-rich in the mouth, but clearly delineated and firmly structured; offers great depth of chocolatey fruit. Great persistence on the palate, with very fine tannins currently buried in fruit. Combines the tendresse of the '85 with the tannic structure of the '89, says Marchive.Inc. VAT£1,924.12 -
(1x150cl) 1994Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92-95)
1995 L'Evangile (aged in 42% new oak, a bit higher than average for this property): Deep ruby-purple color. Pristine, minerally, sappy, black and blue fruit nose, with a floral, violety cabernet franc aspect. Creamy-rich in the mouth, but clearly delineated and firmly structured; offers great depth of chocolatey fruit. Great persistence on the palate, with very fine tannins currently buried in fruit. Combines the tendresse of the '85 with the tannic structure of the '89, says Marchive.Inc. VAT£549.55 -
(1x300cl) 1994Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92-95)
1995 L'Evangile (aged in 42% new oak, a bit higher than average for this property): Deep ruby-purple color. Pristine, minerally, sappy, black and blue fruit nose, with a floral, violety cabernet franc aspect. Creamy-rich in the mouth, but clearly delineated and firmly structured; offers great depth of chocolatey fruit. Great persistence on the palate, with very fine tannins currently buried in fruit. Combines the tendresse of the '85 with the tannic structure of the '89, says Marchive.Inc. VAT£995.74 -
(12x75cl) 1996Wine Spectator (90)
Aromas of chocolate, blackberry and spices follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long chewy finish. Extremely well done for the vintage.Inc. VAT£2,839.27 -
(1x75cl) 1998Wine Spectator (100)
Big and chewy, yet refined and classy--perhaps the classiest young Evangile I have touched to my lips. Full-bodied, with full, velvety tannins but a racy and powerful finish that goes on and on. Score range: 95-100Inc. VAT£420.80 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90-92)
Good deep ruby-red. Currant, roasted plum and oak notes of chocolate and coconut on the nose. Then bright, pure and atypically powerful, with penetrating berry and mineral flavors. This densely packed wine was still in barrel and had not yet been fined. Builds impressively on the finish, showing rather fine-grained tannins and lingering fruit and mineral nuances.Inc. VAT£1,016.94 -
(12x75cl) 2005Wine Spectator (100)
Dark in color, almost purple black, with pure tapenade and hints of ripe plum and berry. Full-bodied, with layer upon layer of velvety tannins and chocolate, berry, vanilla and tea flavors. Lasts for minutes. I am blown away by this wine. This has been amazing since the moment I tasted it from barrel. Reminds me of the superb 1950. Best after 2015. 3,500 cases made. -JSInc. VAT£3,426.49 -
Wine Spectator (91)
Fresh tobacco and blackberry aromas follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with polished tannins and a pretty finish. Caressing and attractive, with a lot of new wood.Inc. VAT£1,966.87 -
Wine Advocate (94)
A 2,700-case blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc cropped at a low 27 hectoliters per hectare (compare that with 39 hectoliters per hectare in 2009 and 31 in 2010), this superb claret was aged 18 months in 75% new French oak. Mulberry, spring flower, black cherry and raspberry characteristics as well as hints of spice and coffee emerge from this full-bodied, opulent, structured beauty. It should age effortlessly for 15-20 years.Inc. VAT£2,135.50 -
Wine Advocate (100)
An astonishing effort from the Rothschild family, the 2009 l’Evangile may be the reference point offering from this estate for decades to come. A blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new oak, with 15% natural alcohol, it exhibits a sumptuous bouquet of caramels, black raspberry liqueur, blackberries, violets, graphite and truffles. Thick, viscous flavors are reminiscent of such super-ripe vintages as 1982, 1959, 1949 and 1947. The striking aromatics, massive, full-bodied mouthfeel and multilayered palate that resembles a skyscraper in the mouth offer an abject lesson in great winemaking, extraordinary terroir, and the ability to combine power with precision, elegance and freshness. This is unquestionably a huge wine, but it also possesses mindboggling complexity and finesse. Because of its sheer extract and velvety personality, it will be drinkable in 4-5 years, and will keep for four decades or more where well-stored. The most profound L’Evangile ever made?Inc. VAT£4,129.61 -
(1x300cl) 2010
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)
Reserved aromatics at first, slowly uncurling to creme de cassis, orange peel, cherry pit, cassis, incense, intense and smoky, full of character, still very young. Muscular with a ton of life ahead of it, poised and pulled together with creamy tannins and crushed rose petals on the finish.Inc. VAT£1,565.74 -
(3x150cl) 2011James Suckling (93-94)
Love the nose of flowers, blackberries and minerals. Full and very silky with fresh acidity and a clean, long finish. Sexy. 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc.Inc. VAT£1,472.84 -
(1x600cl) 2012The Wine Cellar Insider (94-96)
The Merlot was picked from September 20 through October 9. The Cabernet Franc was harvested over 2 days, October 6 and October 8. From a blend of 93% Merlot with 7% Cabernet Franc, this is one of the highest percentages of Merlot in the estate’s history. However, this was not due to the lack of ripeness in the Cabernet Franc. Much of the Cabernet Franc was replanted starting in 2006. It is expected that the estate will be using closer to 20% Cabernet Franc in the blend starting in 2020. The wine reached 14.4% alcohol with a pH of 3.7. Yields were low at 31 hectoliters per hectare. Deep ruby in color, the wine exudes truffle, chocolate, plum liqueur, tobacco, smoke, roses and cherries. On the palate, the wine is pure silk and velvet in texture with volume, depth and length. Picture chocolate-covered cherries that you can eat, or drink, your choice. 94-96 PtsInc. VAT£1,381.66 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (94-96)
The Merlot was picked from September 20 through October 9. The Cabernet Franc was harvested over 2 days, October 6 and October 8. From a blend of 93% Merlot with 7% Cabernet Franc, this is one of the highest percentages of Merlot in the estate’s history. However, this was not due to the lack of ripeness in the Cabernet Franc. Much of the Cabernet Franc was replanted starting in 2006. It is expected that the estate will be using closer to 20% Cabernet Franc in the blend starting in 2020. The wine reached 14.4% alcohol with a pH of 3.7. Yields were low at 31 hectoliters per hectare. Deep ruby in color, the wine exudes truffle, chocolate, plum liqueur, tobacco, smoke, roses and cherries. On the palate, the wine is pure silk and velvet in texture with volume, depth and length. Picture chocolate-covered cherries that you can eat, or drink, your choice. 94-96 PtsInc. VAT£2,097.67 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (94-96)
The Merlot was picked from September 20 through October 9. The Cabernet Franc was harvested over 2 days, October 6 and October 8. From a blend of 93% Merlot with 7% Cabernet Franc, this is one of the highest percentages of Merlot in the estate’s history. However, this was not due to the lack of ripeness in the Cabernet Franc. Much of the Cabernet Franc was replanted starting in 2006. It is expected that the estate will be using closer to 20% Cabernet Franc in the blend starting in 2020. The wine reached 14.4% alcohol with a pH of 3.7. Yields were low at 31 hectoliters per hectare. Deep ruby in color, the wine exudes truffle, chocolate, plum liqueur, tobacco, smoke, roses and cherries. On the palate, the wine is pure silk and velvet in texture with volume, depth and length. Picture chocolate-covered cherries that you can eat, or drink, your choice. 94-96 PtsInc. VAT£908.75 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2014 L'Evangile comes racing out of the blocks on the nose with plenty of black cherry, blueberry, cold stone and black truffle scents, quintessentially Pomerol with impressive delineation and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly grainy texture, lovely black fruit here laced with Earl Grey, spice and sage, quite intense and fanning out gloriously towards the long finish. This seems to have gained precision after bottling and I did warn that it may merit a higher score. This is a deeply impressive L'Evangile that might challenge Lafite-Rothschild in the long term. Chapeau!Inc. VAT£814.55 -
James Suckling (100)
Stunning aromas of blackberries, black olives, brown sugar and dried flowers. Tar. Full-bodied, dense and layered. Superfine tannins, yet this is muscular and long. An amazing wine reminiscent of the great L’Evangiles of the 1950s. Straight track. Goes on and on. Truly great wine. Try in 2024. Just a baby.Inc. VAT£1,259.83 -
James Suckling (99)
So ethereal and great on the nose with glorious fresh flowers, such as violets, together with black olives. Dark berries, too. But the archetypal Pomerol nose. Full-bodied yet, at the same time, so refined and structured. Glorious tannin tension and focus. Vibrant finish. Shows energy and focus. Try after 2024.Inc. VAT£4,519.15 -
James Suckling (99)
So ethereal and great on the nose with glorious fresh flowers, such as violets, together with black olives. Dark berries, too. But the archetypal Pomerol nose. Full-bodied yet, at the same time, so refined and structured. Glorious tannin tension and focus. Vibrant finish. Shows energy and focus. Try after 2024.Inc. VAT£1,483.18 -
James Suckling (99)
So ethereal and great on the nose with glorious fresh flowers, such as violets, together with black olives. Dark berries, too. But the archetypal Pomerol nose. Full-bodied yet, at the same time, so refined and structured. Glorious tannin tension and focus. Vibrant finish. Shows energy and focus. Try after 2024.Inc. VAT£1,228.78 -
Wine Spectator (97)
This is a breed apart, with a remarkably dense yet lithe core of braised fig, warmed plum sauce and steeped black currant fruit, coated with ganache and melted licorice details and infused with incense and black tea notes. Incredibly lush through the finish, but maintains cut and drive due to the well-embedded alder spine. Best from 2022 through 2040. 3,000 cases made.Inc. VAT£480.79
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(1x300cl) 2019
Jeb Dunnuck (91)
The second wine of Domaine De Chevalier, the 2019 L'Esprit De Chevalier is a ruby/purple-hued effort offering juicy black cherry and currant-like fruits as well as sappy, cedary herbs, damp earth, and hints of chocolate. This medium-bodied, juicy, up-front, certainly delicious red will keep for 10-15 years. I suspect it will be a good value as well.In Bond£103.00 -
(6x150cl) 2019
Jeb Dunnuck (91)
The second wine of Domaine De Chevalier, the 2019 L'Esprit De Chevalier is a ruby/purple-hued effort offering juicy black cherry and currant-like fruits as well as sappy, cedary herbs, damp earth, and hints of chocolate. This medium-bodied, juicy, up-front, certainly delicious red will keep for 10-15 years. I suspect it will be a good value as well.In Bond£217.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (91)
The second wine of Domaine De Chevalier, the 2019 L'Esprit De Chevalier is a ruby/purple-hued effort offering juicy black cherry and currant-like fruits as well as sappy, cedary herbs, damp earth, and hints of chocolate. This medium-bodied, juicy, up-front, certainly delicious red will keep for 10-15 years. I suspect it will be a good value as well.In Bond£109.50 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)
The 2021 L'Esprit de Chevalier has a tightly wound bouquet of blackberry and raspberry fruit permeated with traces of oyster shell; hints of sea spray emerge with time. The medium-bodied palate delivers graphite-infused black fruit, moderate weight, fine salinity and insistent grip and mineralité on the finish. Classic Pessac.In Bond£213.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)
The 2021 L'Esprit de Chevalier has a tightly wound bouquet of blackberry and raspberry fruit permeated with traces of oyster shell; hints of sea spray emerge with time. The medium-bodied palate delivers graphite-infused black fruit, moderate weight, fine salinity and insistent grip and mineralité on the finish. Classic Pessac.In Bond£92.50 -
(12x75cl) 2014
Hailing from the distinguished wineries of Étoile, the Étoile 2014 is a remarkable vintage and an absolute must for any serious wine enthusiast. A superb offering from the esteemed French wine region, this blend delivers a refined testament to the proficiency of its expert vintners and intrinsic charm of its terroir.
The Étoile 2014 boasts a sublime alchemy of varietals, maturing in oak barrels to accentuate the inherent richness of their harvested grapes. This gives rise to the wine's distinctive, velvety feel and elusive subtleties, unfolding in an elegant dance of red fruit, black pepper and traces of earthy undertones. Each sip reveals another facet; another hint of Felicity that distinguishes this remarkable vintage.
The creation of the Étoile 2014 is rooted in traditional techniques coupled with a commitment to excellence, reflecting the true essence of its prestigious lineage. An epitome of French elegance and proficiency, invest in a bottle of Étoile 2014 and savour the bespoken symphony of flavours.
In Bond£443.00 -
(6x150cl) 2014
Hailing from the distinguished wineries of Étoile, the Étoile 2014 is a remarkable vintage and an absolute must for any serious wine enthusiast. A superb offering from the esteemed French wine region, this blend delivers a refined testament to the proficiency of its expert vintners and intrinsic charm of its terroir.
The Étoile 2014 boasts a sublime alchemy of varietals, maturing in oak barrels to accentuate the inherent richness of their harvested grapes. This gives rise to the wine's distinctive, velvety feel and elusive subtleties, unfolding in an elegant dance of red fruit, black pepper and traces of earthy undertones. Each sip reveals another facet; another hint of Felicity that distinguishes this remarkable vintage.
The creation of the Étoile 2014 is rooted in traditional techniques coupled with a commitment to excellence, reflecting the true essence of its prestigious lineage. An epitome of French elegance and proficiency, invest in a bottle of Étoile 2014 and savour the bespoken symphony of flavours.
In Bond£438.00 -
Dive into excellence and old-world charm with the luxurious Francois Thiepont Lalande Pomerol Etoile 2015. This coveted Merlot blend, charting from the renowned Bordeaux region of France displays the illustrious skill and meticulous care of its producer, François Thiepont. Cultivated from the diverse terroir of clay and limestone in the Pomerol appellation, this vintage is aged traditionally in oak barrels for 18 months, resulting in a striking fusion of earthy tones, dark berry fruits like ripe blackberries and blueberries, and smoky undertones that linger on the palate.
This elegant French masterpiece exemplifies François Thiepont’s exemplary commitment to sustainability, reflected in the organic viticulture methods utilised. The François Thiepont Lalande Pomerol Etoile 2015 is not just a wine; it's an intoxicating synchronicity of heritage and innovation that sings a symphony of sophisticated flavours. Indulge in this robust blend and elevate your fine wine experience to a new pinnacle.
In Bond£134.00 -
(12x75cl) 1990
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93)
Good thick red. Very ripe aromas of melting caramel, tobacco, game, cinnamon and violets. Great sweetness and spice in the mouth; dense but not quite as fat as some right-bank '90s; very stylish, actually, with decent acids. Tannins are quite firm. As accessible as this appears to be, we wouldn't be at all surprised to see it close up in the next 18-24 months.In Bond£4,030.00 -
(12x75cl) 1994
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92-95)
1995 L'Evangile (aged in 42% new oak, a bit higher than average for this property): Deep ruby-purple color. Pristine, minerally, sappy, black and blue fruit nose, with a floral, violety cabernet franc aspect. Creamy-rich in the mouth, but clearly delineated and firmly structured; offers great depth of chocolatey fruit. Great persistence on the palate, with very fine tannins currently buried in fruit. Combines the tendresse of the '85 with the tannic structure of the '89, says Marchive.In Bond£1,564.95 -
(1x150cl) 1994
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92-95)
1995 L'Evangile (aged in 42% new oak, a bit higher than average for this property): Deep ruby-purple color. Pristine, minerally, sappy, black and blue fruit nose, with a floral, violety cabernet franc aspect. Creamy-rich in the mouth, but clearly delineated and firmly structured; offers great depth of chocolatey fruit. Great persistence on the palate, with very fine tannins currently buried in fruit. Combines the tendresse of the '85 with the tannic structure of the '89, says Marchive.In Bond£451.55 -
(1x300cl) 1994
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92-95)
1995 L'Evangile (aged in 42% new oak, a bit higher than average for this property): Deep ruby-purple color. Pristine, minerally, sappy, black and blue fruit nose, with a floral, violety cabernet franc aspect. Creamy-rich in the mouth, but clearly delineated and firmly structured; offers great depth of chocolatey fruit. Great persistence on the palate, with very fine tannins currently buried in fruit. Combines the tendresse of the '85 with the tannic structure of the '89, says Marchive.In Bond£816.00 -
(12x75cl) 1996
Wine Spectator (90)
Aromas of chocolate, blackberry and spices follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long chewy finish. Extremely well done for the vintage.In Bond£2,334.00 -
(1x75cl) 1998
Wine Spectator (100)
Big and chewy, yet refined and classy--perhaps the classiest young Evangile I have touched to my lips. Full-bodied, with full, velvety tannins but a racy and powerful finish that goes on and on. Score range: 95-100In Bond£348.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90-92)
Good deep ruby-red. Currant, roasted plum and oak notes of chocolate and coconut on the nose. Then bright, pure and atypically powerful, with penetrating berry and mineral flavors. This densely packed wine was still in barrel and had not yet been fined. Builds impressively on the finish, showing rather fine-grained tannins and lingering fruit and mineral nuances.In Bond£829.50 -
(12x75cl) 2005
Wine Spectator (100)
Dark in color, almost purple black, with pure tapenade and hints of ripe plum and berry. Full-bodied, with layer upon layer of velvety tannins and chocolate, berry, vanilla and tea flavors. Lasts for minutes. I am blown away by this wine. This has been amazing since the moment I tasted it from barrel. Reminds me of the superb 1950. Best after 2015. 3,500 cases made. -JSIn Bond£2,816.00 -
Wine Spectator (91)
Fresh tobacco and blackberry aromas follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with polished tannins and a pretty finish. Caressing and attractive, with a lot of new wood.In Bond£1,607.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
A 2,700-case blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc cropped at a low 27 hectoliters per hectare (compare that with 39 hectoliters per hectare in 2009 and 31 in 2010), this superb claret was aged 18 months in 75% new French oak. Mulberry, spring flower, black cherry and raspberry characteristics as well as hints of spice and coffee emerge from this full-bodied, opulent, structured beauty. It should age effortlessly for 15-20 years.In Bond£1,741.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
An astonishing effort from the Rothschild family, the 2009 l’Evangile may be the reference point offering from this estate for decades to come. A blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new oak, with 15% natural alcohol, it exhibits a sumptuous bouquet of caramels, black raspberry liqueur, blackberries, violets, graphite and truffles. Thick, viscous flavors are reminiscent of such super-ripe vintages as 1982, 1959, 1949 and 1947. The striking aromatics, massive, full-bodied mouthfeel and multilayered palate that resembles a skyscraper in the mouth offer an abject lesson in great winemaking, extraordinary terroir, and the ability to combine power with precision, elegance and freshness. This is unquestionably a huge wine, but it also possesses mindboggling complexity and finesse. Because of its sheer extract and velvety personality, it will be drinkable in 4-5 years, and will keep for four decades or more where well-stored. The most profound L’Evangile ever made?In Bond£3,400.00 -
(1x300cl) 2010
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)
Reserved aromatics at first, slowly uncurling to creme de cassis, orange peel, cherry pit, cassis, incense, intense and smoky, full of character, still very young. Muscular with a ton of life ahead of it, poised and pulled together with creamy tannins and crushed rose petals on the finish.In Bond£1,291.00 -
(3x150cl) 2011
James Suckling (93-94)
Love the nose of flowers, blackberries and minerals. Full and very silky with fresh acidity and a clean, long finish. Sexy. 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc.In Bond£1,211.34 -
(1x600cl) 2012
The Wine Cellar Insider (94-96)
The Merlot was picked from September 20 through October 9. The Cabernet Franc was harvested over 2 days, October 6 and October 8. From a blend of 93% Merlot with 7% Cabernet Franc, this is one of the highest percentages of Merlot in the estate’s history. However, this was not due to the lack of ripeness in the Cabernet Franc. Much of the Cabernet Franc was replanted starting in 2006. It is expected that the estate will be using closer to 20% Cabernet Franc in the blend starting in 2020. The wine reached 14.4% alcohol with a pH of 3.7. Yields were low at 31 hectoliters per hectare. Deep ruby in color, the wine exudes truffle, chocolate, plum liqueur, tobacco, smoke, roses and cherries. On the palate, the wine is pure silk and velvet in texture with volume, depth and length. Picture chocolate-covered cherries that you can eat, or drink, your choice. 94-96 PtsIn Bond£1,130.00 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (94-96)
The Merlot was picked from September 20 through October 9. The Cabernet Franc was harvested over 2 days, October 6 and October 8. From a blend of 93% Merlot with 7% Cabernet Franc, this is one of the highest percentages of Merlot in the estate’s history. However, this was not due to the lack of ripeness in the Cabernet Franc. Much of the Cabernet Franc was replanted starting in 2006. It is expected that the estate will be using closer to 20% Cabernet Franc in the blend starting in 2020. The wine reached 14.4% alcohol with a pH of 3.7. Yields were low at 31 hectoliters per hectare. Deep ruby in color, the wine exudes truffle, chocolate, plum liqueur, tobacco, smoke, roses and cherries. On the palate, the wine is pure silk and velvet in texture with volume, depth and length. Picture chocolate-covered cherries that you can eat, or drink, your choice. 94-96 PtsIn Bond£1,716.00 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (94-96)
The Merlot was picked from September 20 through October 9. The Cabernet Franc was harvested over 2 days, October 6 and October 8. From a blend of 93% Merlot with 7% Cabernet Franc, this is one of the highest percentages of Merlot in the estate’s history. However, this was not due to the lack of ripeness in the Cabernet Franc. Much of the Cabernet Franc was replanted starting in 2006. It is expected that the estate will be using closer to 20% Cabernet Franc in the blend starting in 2020. The wine reached 14.4% alcohol with a pH of 3.7. Yields were low at 31 hectoliters per hectare. Deep ruby in color, the wine exudes truffle, chocolate, plum liqueur, tobacco, smoke, roses and cherries. On the palate, the wine is pure silk and velvet in texture with volume, depth and length. Picture chocolate-covered cherries that you can eat, or drink, your choice. 94-96 PtsIn Bond£738.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2014 L'Evangile comes racing out of the blocks on the nose with plenty of black cherry, blueberry, cold stone and black truffle scents, quintessentially Pomerol with impressive delineation and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly grainy texture, lovely black fruit here laced with Earl Grey, spice and sage, quite intense and fanning out gloriously towards the long finish. This seems to have gained precision after bottling and I did warn that it may merit a higher score. This is a deeply impressive L'Evangile that might challenge Lafite-Rothschild in the long term. Chapeau!In Bond£659.50 -
James Suckling (100)
Stunning aromas of blackberries, black olives, brown sugar and dried flowers. Tar. Full-bodied, dense and layered. Superfine tannins, yet this is muscular and long. An amazing wine reminiscent of the great L’Evangiles of the 1950s. Straight track. Goes on and on. Truly great wine. Try in 2024. Just a baby.In Bond£1,028.50 -
James Suckling (99)
So ethereal and great on the nose with glorious fresh flowers, such as violets, together with black olives. Dark berries, too. But the archetypal Pomerol nose. Full-bodied yet, at the same time, so refined and structured. Glorious tannin tension and focus. Vibrant finish. Shows energy and focus. Try after 2024.In Bond£3,726.00 -
James Suckling (99)
So ethereal and great on the nose with glorious fresh flowers, such as violets, together with black olives. Dark berries, too. But the archetypal Pomerol nose. Full-bodied yet, at the same time, so refined and structured. Glorious tannin tension and focus. Vibrant finish. Shows energy and focus. Try after 2024.In Bond£1,216.00 -
James Suckling (99)
So ethereal and great on the nose with glorious fresh flowers, such as violets, together with black olives. Dark berries, too. But the archetypal Pomerol nose. Full-bodied yet, at the same time, so refined and structured. Glorious tannin tension and focus. Vibrant finish. Shows energy and focus. Try after 2024.In Bond£1,004.00 -
Wine Spectator (97)
This is a breed apart, with a remarkably dense yet lithe core of braised fig, warmed plum sauce and steeped black currant fruit, coated with ganache and melted licorice details and infused with incense and black tea notes. Incredibly lush through the finish, but maintains cut and drive due to the well-embedded alder spine. Best from 2022 through 2040. 3,000 cases made.In Bond£394.00
