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
-
(12x75cl) 2012James Suckling (90)
Aromas of grilled meat and berry character with hints of toasted oak. Spices, too. Full body, silky tannins and some pretty blueberry, vanilla and chalk character. Better in 2018.Inc. VAT£513.53 -
The La Couspaude 2013, a premium Saint-Emilion Bordeaux, exudes a genuinely unique character for any wine enthusiast's palate. Produced and bottled by the Aubert Family, this exquisite wine is an illustrious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sourced from a vintage of only seven hectares, endowed with limestone and clay soils, this grand Saint-Emilion Grand Cru was matured 18 months in new French oak barrels, lending it a phenomenal structure. A convergence of rich, plummy fruit and opulent spice notes offer a captivating complexity on the nose, followed by an equally expressive mouthful; generous, intense, with a gracefully enduring finish, befitting its noble lineage.
Akin to its predecessors, the La Couspaude 2013 ardently maintains an unerring proportion between depth and elegance, firmly cementing its standing as a cherished member of the Aubert Family wine portfolio. A stunning choice for any serious fine wine collection.
Inc. VAT£171.26 -
(12x75cl) 2016Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-92)
The La Couspade is a deep, plush wine. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke and torrefaction are all pushed forward. Rich, sumptuous and super-inviting, the 2016 has great palate presence and terrific depth.Inc. VAT£544.45 -
-
(12x75cl) 2019Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Mulberries, red plums, spice box, and flowery incense notes all emerge from the 2019 Château La Couspaude, a beautifully polished, elegant, medium to full-bodied effort with notable tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. This impressive, beautifully balanced Saint-Emilion will keep for 15+ years. The blend is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon.Inc. VAT£485.21 -
Wine Enthusiast (93)
Unusually for Merlot-dominated Pomerol, this 13-acre vineyard is planted with 51% of the two Cabernets. The resulting wine is richly fruity and structured, with generous chocolate and black-coffee flavors as well as dark berry fruits. The wine needs time and will be best from 2025.Inc. VAT£199.78 -
Classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé “B” in St-Émilion, there is talk of a potential upgrade to the promised land of Classé “A” just next year – a testament to the extraordinary quality of Château Canon over the past few vintages. A whopping 90% of Canon’s vines are planted on the plateau of St-Émilion, 70% of which is Merlot with the rest Cabernet Franc. A stunningly picturesque vineyard as it happens, workers during the harvest here are treated to gorgeous views of two church spires including the ancient St-Martin-de-Mazerat. This beauty is certainly translated through the vineyard’s terroir into a wine of transcendent polish and lifted elegance.Inc. VAT£481.15 -
(1x300cl) 2019
James Suckling (94)
Ripe plums and berries with hints of dried flowers and cedar, following through to a medium-to full-bodied palate with a chalky and stony undertone to the plum and cherry character. It’s finely textured and long. Drink after 2025.Inc. VAT£182.78 -
(1x600cl) 2019
James Suckling (94)
Ripe plums and berries with hints of dried flowers and cedar, following through to a medium-to full-bodied palate with a chalky and stony undertone to the plum and cherry character. It’s finely textured and long. Drink after 2025.Inc. VAT£401.57 -
(12x75cl) 2022
James Suckling (95-96)
Very fine and polished with sweet tobacco and chocolate with green olives. Currants. Medium-bodied with fine and polished tannins with a lovely length. Friendly nature to this. Turns slightly salty. 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£458.81 -
(12x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (94-95)
Crunchy and pretty fruit with orange-peel, currant, earth and bark character. It's medium-bodied with racy tannins and a fresh finish. Vivid.Inc. VAT£445.61 -
(6x75cl) 2021Immerse yourself in the magnificent world of French wines with the Croix Chaigneau 2021. This exquisite red Bordeaux, produced in the Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation, is a quintessential representation of the region's deeply rooted viticultural heritage. In the hands of meticulous winegrower, Nicolas Robin, every bottle meticulously reflects the extraordinary terroir of gravelly-clay soils over iron-rich subsoil. Crafted predominantly from Merlot grapes, this ruby-hued wine is a symphony of harmoniously intermingled flavours. Savour the delightful notes of dark fruit, harmonised by a subtle hint of spice creating an intoxicating olfactory journey. The palate does not disappoint either, cascading a velvety texture of matured tannins that echo a fine intricacy of tastes and an impressively persistent finish. Embark on an unparalleled sensory journey with the Croix Chaigneau 2021, a testament to the seduction of French winemaking.
Inc. VAT£115.49 -
(1x75cl) 2010Wine Advocate (91)
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 La Croix de Gay gives up notes of new leather, warm blackberries and black cherry compote with wafts of menthol, chocolate box and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a muscular core of black fruits with a solid line of chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on an invigorating herbal note.Inc. VAT£87.85 -
(12x75cl) 2011Wine Enthusiast (90)
Here is a smoky, juicy wine, its tannins soft and gentle while also showing ripe spice and mouthwatering acidity. The dry tannins at the end provide structure.Inc. VAT£420.74 -
(6x75cl) 2016Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2016 La Croix de Gay has an appealing bouquet featuring plenty of dusky black fruit laced with espresso and light tertiary aromas. This could only be from Pomerol, though it is less floral than before. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, a fine bead of acidity and a judicious touch of black pepper sprinkled over the finish. Lovely for those seeking a more “restrained” Pomerol. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.Inc. VAT£369.34 -
(12x75cl) 2017James Suckling (89-90)
Shows some very good depth of fruit and intensity with chocolate, coffee and dark-berry character. Medium to full body. Soft tannins.Inc. VAT£382.87 -
-
-
(12x75cl) 2019Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2019 La Croix de Gay is a bit rustic and rough around the edges, but it has good depth and plenty of character. Black fruit, leather, chocolate, licorice and dried herbs give the 2019 savory intensity to match its succulent dark fruit.Inc. VAT£400.87 -
(1x300cl) 2019Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2019 La Croix de Gay is a bit rustic and rough around the edges, but it has good depth and plenty of character. Black fruit, leather, chocolate, licorice and dried herbs give the 2019 savory intensity to match its succulent dark fruit.Inc. VAT£198.38 -
(1x600cl) 2019Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2019 La Croix de Gay is a bit rustic and rough around the edges, but it has good depth and plenty of character. Black fruit, leather, chocolate, licorice and dried herbs give the 2019 savory intensity to match its succulent dark fruit.Inc. VAT£336.46 -
(6x150cl) 2019Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2019 La Croix de Gay is a bit rustic and rough around the edges, but it has good depth and plenty of character. Black fruit, leather, chocolate, licorice and dried herbs give the 2019 savory intensity to match its succulent dark fruit.Inc. VAT£424.75 -
(12x37.5cl) 2020Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.Inc. VAT£249.20 -
(12x75cl) 2020Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.Inc. VAT£437.21 -
(1x300cl) 2020Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.Inc. VAT£209.74 -
(1x600cl) 2020Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.Inc. VAT£364.27 -
(3x75cl) 2020Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.Inc. VAT£132.40 -
(6x150cl) 2020Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.Inc. VAT£451.61 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.Inc. VAT£250.40 -
(12x37.5cl) 2021Vinous - Neal Martin (83-85)
The 2021 La Croix de Gay did show some reduction on three samples tasted, and yet underneath, I feel there is some underripeness. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins, and rather hard for a Pomerol, with an austere, bitter finish. I re-tasted this from two further bottles, hoping to find a more promising wine, but they simply reaffirmed my initial finding.Inc. VAT£258.80
-
(12x75cl) 2012
James Suckling (90)
Aromas of grilled meat and berry character with hints of toasted oak. Spices, too. Full body, silky tannins and some pretty blueberry, vanilla and chalk character. Better in 2018.In Bond£395.88 -
The La Couspaude 2013, a premium Saint-Emilion Bordeaux, exudes a genuinely unique character for any wine enthusiast's palate. Produced and bottled by the Aubert Family, this exquisite wine is an illustrious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sourced from a vintage of only seven hectares, endowed with limestone and clay soils, this grand Saint-Emilion Grand Cru was matured 18 months in new French oak barrels, lending it a phenomenal structure. A convergence of rich, plummy fruit and opulent spice notes offer a captivating complexity on the nose, followed by an equally expressive mouthful; generous, intense, with a gracefully enduring finish, befitting its noble lineage.
Akin to its predecessors, the La Couspaude 2013 ardently maintains an unerring proportion between depth and elegance, firmly cementing its standing as a cherished member of the Aubert Family wine portfolio. A stunning choice for any serious fine wine collection.
In Bond£125.50 -
(12x75cl) 2016
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-92)
The La Couspade is a deep, plush wine. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke and torrefaction are all pushed forward. Rich, sumptuous and super-inviting, the 2016 has great palate presence and terrific depth.In Bond£421.65 -
-
(12x75cl) 2019
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Mulberries, red plums, spice box, and flowery incense notes all emerge from the 2019 Château La Couspaude, a beautifully polished, elegant, medium to full-bodied effort with notable tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. This impressive, beautifully balanced Saint-Emilion will keep for 15+ years. The blend is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon.In Bond£363.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (93)
Unusually for Merlot-dominated Pomerol, this 13-acre vineyard is planted with 51% of the two Cabernets. The resulting wine is richly fruity and structured, with generous chocolate and black-coffee flavors as well as dark berry fruits. The wine needs time and will be best from 2025.In Bond£146.50 -
Classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé “B” in St-Émilion, there is talk of a potential upgrade to the promised land of Classé “A” just next year – a testament to the extraordinary quality of Château Canon over the past few vintages. A whopping 90% of Canon’s vines are planted on the plateau of St-Émilion, 70% of which is Merlot with the rest Cabernet Franc. A stunningly picturesque vineyard as it happens, workers during the harvest here are treated to gorgeous views of two church spires including the ancient St-Martin-de-Mazerat. This beauty is certainly translated through the vineyard’s terroir into a wine of transcendent polish and lifted elegance.In Bond£361.00
-
(1x300cl) 2019
James Suckling (94)
Ripe plums and berries with hints of dried flowers and cedar, following through to a medium-to full-bodied palate with a chalky and stony undertone to the plum and cherry character. It’s finely textured and long. Drink after 2025.In Bond£139.00 -
(1x600cl) 2019
James Suckling (94)
Ripe plums and berries with hints of dried flowers and cedar, following through to a medium-to full-bodied palate with a chalky and stony undertone to the plum and cherry character. It’s finely textured and long. Drink after 2025.In Bond£308.00 -
(12x75cl) 2022
James Suckling (95-96)
Very fine and polished with sweet tobacco and chocolate with green olives. Currants. Medium-bodied with fine and polished tannins with a lovely length. Friendly nature to this. Turns slightly salty. 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc.In Bond£341.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (94-95)
Crunchy and pretty fruit with orange-peel, currant, earth and bark character. It's medium-bodied with racy tannins and a fresh finish. Vivid.In Bond£330.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021
Immerse yourself in the magnificent world of French wines with the Croix Chaigneau 2021. This exquisite red Bordeaux, produced in the Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation, is a quintessential representation of the region's deeply rooted viticultural heritage. In the hands of meticulous winegrower, Nicolas Robin, every bottle meticulously reflects the extraordinary terroir of gravelly-clay soils over iron-rich subsoil. Crafted predominantly from Merlot grapes, this ruby-hued wine is a symphony of harmoniously intermingled flavours. Savour the delightful notes of dark fruit, harmonised by a subtle hint of spice creating an intoxicating olfactory journey. The palate does not disappoint either, cascading a velvety texture of matured tannins that echo a fine intricacy of tastes and an impressively persistent finish. Embark on an unparalleled sensory journey with the Croix Chaigneau 2021, a testament to the seduction of French winemaking.
In Bond£77.00 -
(1x75cl) 2010
Wine Advocate (91)
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 La Croix de Gay gives up notes of new leather, warm blackberries and black cherry compote with wafts of menthol, chocolate box and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a muscular core of black fruits with a solid line of chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on an invigorating herbal note.In Bond£70.00 -
(12x75cl) 2011
Wine Enthusiast (90)
Here is a smoky, juicy wine, its tannins soft and gentle while also showing ripe spice and mouthwatering acidity. The dry tannins at the end provide structure.In Bond£318.56 -
(6x75cl) 2016
Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2016 La Croix de Gay has an appealing bouquet featuring plenty of dusky black fruit laced with espresso and light tertiary aromas. This could only be from Pomerol, though it is less floral than before. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, a fine bead of acidity and a judicious touch of black pepper sprinkled over the finish. Lovely for those seeking a more “restrained” Pomerol. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.In Bond£291.75 -
(12x75cl) 2017
James Suckling (89-90)
Shows some very good depth of fruit and intensity with chocolate, coffee and dark-berry character. Medium to full body. Soft tannins.In Bond£287.00 -
-
-
(12x75cl) 2019
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2019 La Croix de Gay is a bit rustic and rough around the edges, but it has good depth and plenty of character. Black fruit, leather, chocolate, licorice and dried herbs give the 2019 savory intensity to match its succulent dark fruit.In Bond£302.00 -
(1x300cl) 2019
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2019 La Croix de Gay is a bit rustic and rough around the edges, but it has good depth and plenty of character. Black fruit, leather, chocolate, licorice and dried herbs give the 2019 savory intensity to match its succulent dark fruit.In Bond£152.00 -
(1x600cl) 2019
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2019 La Croix de Gay is a bit rustic and rough around the edges, but it has good depth and plenty of character. Black fruit, leather, chocolate, licorice and dried herbs give the 2019 savory intensity to match its succulent dark fruit.In Bond£259.00 -
(6x150cl) 2019
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2019 La Croix de Gay is a bit rustic and rough around the edges, but it has good depth and plenty of character. Black fruit, leather, chocolate, licorice and dried herbs give the 2019 savory intensity to match its succulent dark fruit.In Bond£314.00 -
(12x37.5cl) 2020
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.In Bond£187.00 -
(12x75cl) 2020
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.In Bond£323.00 -
(1x300cl) 2020
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.In Bond£161.00 -
(1x600cl) 2020
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.In Bond£276.00 -
(3x75cl) 2020
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.In Bond£100.00 -
(6x150cl) 2020
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.In Bond£335.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2020 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry fruit, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, game and smoke adds to an impression of somber, virile intensity. Powerful, sinewy tannins are pretty dominant. It will be interesting to see if this softens with time. Today, it is a brute.In Bond£188.00 -
(12x37.5cl) 2021
Vinous - Neal Martin (83-85)
The 2021 La Croix de Gay did show some reduction on three samples tasted, and yet underneath, I feel there is some underripeness. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins, and rather hard for a Pomerol, with an austere, bitter finish. I re-tasted this from two further bottles, hoping to find a more promising wine, but they simply reaffirmed my initial finding.In Bond£195.00
