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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Decanter (95)
So much purity and definition, this is a beautiful wine with clarity of flavour. Touches of grilled almond and rosemary, mocha, smoke and coffee bean, there is so much freshness, with juice rushing in between the muscles and a mint leaf finish. 3.78pH, 60% new oak. Yields were 25-30hl/ha. In a year where second wines in the Médoc have sometimes suffered from over-concentration, La Croix de Beaucaillou is a standout success.Inc. VAT£198.35 -
(12x75cl) 2023James Suckling (94-95)
The purity of fruit is so beautiful here with blackcurrants and violets, as well as freshly shaved lead pencil. It’s medium-bodied with refined tannins that are wonderfully polished and give plenty of texture. Goes on for minutes. Second wine of Ducru. 58% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot.Inc. VAT£532.01 -
James Suckling (94-95)
The purity of fruit is so beautiful here with blackcurrants and violets, as well as freshly shaved lead pencil. It’s medium-bodied with refined tannins that are wonderfully polished and give plenty of texture. Goes on for minutes. Second wine of Ducru. 58% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot.Inc. VAT£241.40 -
(6x75cl) 2021Wine Advocate (91)
The 2021 La Croix St Georges wafts from the glass with aromas of raspberries, violets and cherries, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and sensual palate that's seamless, polished and charming, with minty oak on finish.Inc. VAT£349.68 -
Renowned for its class and elegance, the La Croizille 2007 vintage boasts luscious notes of ripe blackberry and plum interweaving with subtle hints of cedar and spice. This Bordeaux beauty, a product of the esteemed Château La Croizille, truly epitomises the estate's commitment to producing fine vintages that embody the distinct character of the Saint Émilion terroir. Expertly crafted from a blend of predominantly Merlot with a judicious addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, La Croizille 2007 exudes a sophistication only achievable through meticulous vinification techniques entailing hand-harvesting and traditional ageing in French oak barrels. Savour the harmonious interplay of fruit and tannin depth whilst experiencing the persistent finish that seals this wine's excellence. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a budding enthusiast, La Croizille 2007 promises a palatable discovery of the epitome of Bordeaux's prowess in winemaking.
Inc. VAT£435.49 -
(1x75cl) 2008Vinous - Neal Martin (85)
The 2008 La Dame de Montrose has a very austere and reserved bouquet, broody and earthy and frankly not much fun at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannin. This is masculine in style, dark plum and dark chocolate with a slightly smudged finish that does not exactly encourage another sip. I wonder if this deuxième vin peaked already? Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 10-Year On tasting.Inc. VAT£108.80 -
James Suckling (94)
Deep aromas of blueberries, spices, fresh chanterelles, and grapes ,follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a spicy finish. Intense and structured. Second wine of Montrose. Try after 2018.Inc. VAT£993.84 -
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Dark, rich, meaty cassis. Fine texture, spicy, a little leafy but deliciously fresh and alive. Broody, firm but all in place. Firm but fine-grained and some scent on the palate. This showed much better than en primeur – I may have scored it more highly as it was a contrast in style and balance to the preceding rather lack-lustre flight. I was certainly more generous than my fellow tasters.Inc. VAT£269.52 -
(6x75cl) 2012Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2012 La Dame de Montrose has a very classy, well-defined nose with vigorous blackberry, wild strawberry and cedar scents bursting from the glass. The oak is neatly enmeshed. The palate is well-defined with a fresh saline entry (more so than its peers). Ripe and generous, perhaps it tries too hard on the finish and loses some of its precision, but this is a fine effort. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.Inc. VAT£291.12 -
(3x150cl) 2013Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-90)
Dark red cherry, plum, graphite, gravel, smoke and cured meats all take shape in the 2013 La Dame de Montrose. Deceptively medium in body, this tightly-wound, mineral-driven red offers plenty of potential, although it will need time in bottle to soften some of the contours. A distinctly savory, floral minerally finish rounds things out. There is a lot to like here, including the wine's considerable early appeal and relatively delicate personality. This is a terrific second wine. Tasted twice.Inc. VAT£215.89 -
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Deep ruby and youthful in colour. Refined, stony mineral aroma with lots of elegant black fruit. Lovely wine with firm tannic structure and excellent balance.Inc. VAT£552.24 -
(1x150cl) 2014Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Deep ruby and youthful in colour. Refined, stony mineral aroma with lots of elegant black fruit. Lovely wine with firm tannic structure and excellent balance.Inc. VAT£106.01 -
(3x150cl) 2014Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Deep ruby and youthful in colour. Refined, stony mineral aroma with lots of elegant black fruit. Lovely wine with firm tannic structure and excellent balance.Inc. VAT£250.32 -
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Deep ruby and youthful in colour. Refined, stony mineral aroma with lots of elegant black fruit. Lovely wine with firm tannic structure and excellent balance.Inc. VAT£279.12 -
(12x75cl) 2016Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Appetising freshness but a little hint of wood shavings (Cabernet Franc?) on the nose. Bone dry and pretty vital but relatively early maturing. Lovely drink with St-Estèphe minerality. Everything in the right place but not a long-distance runner. Very pure though.Inc. VAT£464.64 -
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Appetising freshness but a little hint of wood shavings (Cabernet Franc?) on the nose. Bone dry and pretty vital but relatively early maturing. Lovely drink with St-Estèphe minerality. Everything in the right place but not a long-distance runner. Very pure though.Inc. VAT£226.92 -
James Suckling (94)
Very pure and attractive red cherries, plums and wild herbs on the nose here. Impressive polish and poise on the palate. The cabernet fits really beautifully into the merlot, delivering cassis, ripe red plums and spiced mulberries. A blend of 49% merlot, 43% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. Second wine of Château Montrose. Drink or hold. Better after 2022.Inc. VAT£218.52 -
Wine Enthusiast (94)
The second wine of Château Montrose is a major star in its own right. With dense tannins and concentrated black fruits, it has power and richness. The wine's potential, impressive for a second wine, is very evident in the structure. Drink from 2026.Inc. VAT£488.64 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)
Depth and power through the mid palate, good quality tannins, this is classically restrained St Estèphe power, with savoury yet juicy black fruits. Living up to its potential En Primeur, one to look out for, and a strong 2nd wine that beats out many 1st wines in the vintage. If you liked the Dame de Montrose 2010, get on board with this.Inc. VAT£401.34 -
(6x150cl) 2019Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)
Depth and power through the mid palate, good quality tannins, this is classically restrained St Estèphe power, with savoury yet juicy black fruits. Living up to its potential En Primeur, one to look out for, and a strong 2nd wine that beats out many 1st wines in the vintage. If you liked the Dame de Montrose 2010, get on board with this.Inc. VAT£512.47 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)
Depth and power through the mid palate, good quality tannins, this is classically restrained St Estèphe power, with savoury yet juicy black fruits. Living up to its potential En Primeur, one to look out for, and a strong 2nd wine that beats out many 1st wines in the vintage. If you liked the Dame de Montrose 2010, get on board with this.Inc. VAT£218.06 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2020 La Dame de Montrose is fabulous. Rich, dense and expansive, the 2020 offers notable vibrancy and a good bit of energy too. Bright acids cut through a core of red/purplish fruit in what is an intense, wonderfully saline Dame. The 2020 finishes with remarkable elegance and sophistication.Inc. VAT£200.28 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2020 La Dame de Montrose is fabulous. Rich, dense and expansive, the 2020 offers notable vibrancy and a good bit of energy too. Bright acids cut through a core of red/purplish fruit in what is an intense, wonderfully saline Dame. The 2020 finishes with remarkable elegance and sophistication.Inc. VAT£204.72 -
James Suckling (92-93)
A fine and silky St.-Estephe with medium body and supple, fine tannins. Fresh. Pretty blue and purple fruit with stone and some ash notes. Refined and elegant. 53% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon, 6% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£398.81 -
James Suckling (92-93)
A fine and silky St.-Estephe with medium body and supple, fine tannins. Fresh. Pretty blue and purple fruit with stone and some ash notes. Refined and elegant. 53% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon, 6% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£195.94 -
James Suckling (92-93)
A fine and silky St.-Estephe with medium body and supple, fine tannins. Fresh. Pretty blue and purple fruit with stone and some ash notes. Refined and elegant. 53% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon, 6% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£227.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
A fine and silky St.-Estephe with medium body and supple, fine tannins. Fresh. Pretty blue and purple fruit with stone and some ash notes. Refined and elegant. 53% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon, 6% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£215.60 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Wonderful freshness and brightness to this with currants and red berries, as well as chocolate and hints of coffee. Full and layered with round tannins and a fresh and vivid finish. Lemon rind underneath it all. It has lots of length for being mostly merlot. 71% merlot, 23% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot, and 1% cabernet franc. From organically grown grapes.Inc. VAT£245.38 -
James Suckling (94-95)
The blackberries and blackcurrants show through beautifully, together with very integrated tannins. Dense and textured. Transparent. Graphite coming through. Second wine of Montrose. 61% merlot, 32% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£223.40 -
(12x75cl) 2023James Suckling (94-95)
The blackberries and blackcurrants show through beautifully, together with very integrated tannins. Dense and textured. Transparent. Graphite coming through. Second wine of Montrose. 61% merlot, 32% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£395.21
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Decanter (95)
So much purity and definition, this is a beautiful wine with clarity of flavour. Touches of grilled almond and rosemary, mocha, smoke and coffee bean, there is so much freshness, with juice rushing in between the muscles and a mint leaf finish. 3.78pH, 60% new oak. Yields were 25-30hl/ha. In a year where second wines in the Médoc have sometimes suffered from over-concentration, La Croix de Beaucaillou is a standout success.In Bond£146.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023James Suckling (94-95)
The purity of fruit is so beautiful here with blackcurrants and violets, as well as freshly shaved lead pencil. It’s medium-bodied with refined tannins that are wonderfully polished and give plenty of texture. Goes on for minutes. Second wine of Ducru. 58% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot.In Bond£402.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
The purity of fruit is so beautiful here with blackcurrants and violets, as well as freshly shaved lead pencil. It’s medium-bodied with refined tannins that are wonderfully polished and give plenty of texture. Goes on for minutes. Second wine of Ducru. 58% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot.In Bond£180.50 -
(6x75cl) 2021Wine Advocate (91)
The 2021 La Croix St Georges wafts from the glass with aromas of raspberries, violets and cherries, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and sensual palate that's seamless, polished and charming, with minty oak on finish.In Bond£272.16 -
Renowned for its class and elegance, the La Croizille 2007 vintage boasts luscious notes of ripe blackberry and plum interweaving with subtle hints of cedar and spice. This Bordeaux beauty, a product of the esteemed Château La Croizille, truly epitomises the estate's commitment to producing fine vintages that embody the distinct character of the Saint Émilion terroir. Expertly crafted from a blend of predominantly Merlot with a judicious addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, La Croizille 2007 exudes a sophistication only achievable through meticulous vinification techniques entailing hand-harvesting and traditional ageing in French oak barrels. Savour the harmonious interplay of fruit and tannin depth whilst experiencing the persistent finish that seals this wine's excellence. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a budding enthusiast, La Croizille 2007 promises a palatable discovery of the epitome of Bordeaux's prowess in winemaking.
In Bond£345.00 -
(1x75cl) 2008Vinous - Neal Martin (85)
The 2008 La Dame de Montrose has a very austere and reserved bouquet, broody and earthy and frankly not much fun at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannin. This is masculine in style, dark plum and dark chocolate with a slightly smudged finish that does not exactly encourage another sip. I wonder if this deuxième vin peaked already? Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 10-Year On tasting.In Bond£88.00 -
James Suckling (94)
Deep aromas of blueberries, spices, fresh chanterelles, and grapes ,follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a spicy finish. Intense and structured. Second wine of Montrose. Try after 2018.In Bond£791.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Dark, rich, meaty cassis. Fine texture, spicy, a little leafy but deliciously fresh and alive. Broody, firm but all in place. Firm but fine-grained and some scent on the palate. This showed much better than en primeur – I may have scored it more highly as it was a contrast in style and balance to the preceding rather lack-lustre flight. I was certainly more generous than my fellow tasters.In Bond£206.00 -
(6x75cl) 2012Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2012 La Dame de Montrose has a very classy, well-defined nose with vigorous blackberry, wild strawberry and cedar scents bursting from the glass. The oak is neatly enmeshed. The palate is well-defined with a fresh saline entry (more so than its peers). Ripe and generous, perhaps it tries too hard on the finish and loses some of its precision, but this is a fine effort. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.In Bond£224.00 -
(3x150cl) 2013Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-90)
Dark red cherry, plum, graphite, gravel, smoke and cured meats all take shape in the 2013 La Dame de Montrose. Deceptively medium in body, this tightly-wound, mineral-driven red offers plenty of potential, although it will need time in bottle to soften some of the contours. A distinctly savory, floral minerally finish rounds things out. There is a lot to like here, including the wine's considerable early appeal and relatively delicate personality. This is a terrific second wine. Tasted twice.In Bond£162.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Deep ruby and youthful in colour. Refined, stony mineral aroma with lots of elegant black fruit. Lovely wine with firm tannic structure and excellent balance.In Bond£423.00 -
(1x150cl) 2014Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Deep ruby and youthful in colour. Refined, stony mineral aroma with lots of elegant black fruit. Lovely wine with firm tannic structure and excellent balance.In Bond£83.00 -
(3x150cl) 2014Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Deep ruby and youthful in colour. Refined, stony mineral aroma with lots of elegant black fruit. Lovely wine with firm tannic structure and excellent balance.In Bond£190.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Deep ruby and youthful in colour. Refined, stony mineral aroma with lots of elegant black fruit. Lovely wine with firm tannic structure and excellent balance.In Bond£214.00 -
(12x75cl) 2016Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Appetising freshness but a little hint of wood shavings (Cabernet Franc?) on the nose. Bone dry and pretty vital but relatively early maturing. Lovely drink with St-Estèphe minerality. Everything in the right place but not a long-distance runner. Very pure though.In Bond£350.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Appetising freshness but a little hint of wood shavings (Cabernet Franc?) on the nose. Bone dry and pretty vital but relatively early maturing. Lovely drink with St-Estèphe minerality. Everything in the right place but not a long-distance runner. Very pure though.In Bond£170.50 -
James Suckling (94)
Very pure and attractive red cherries, plums and wild herbs on the nose here. Impressive polish and poise on the palate. The cabernet fits really beautifully into the merlot, delivering cassis, ripe red plums and spiced mulberries. A blend of 49% merlot, 43% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. Second wine of Château Montrose. Drink or hold. Better after 2022.In Bond£163.50 -
Wine Enthusiast (94)
The second wine of Château Montrose is a major star in its own right. With dense tannins and concentrated black fruits, it has power and richness. The wine's potential, impressive for a second wine, is very evident in the structure. Drink from 2026.In Bond£370.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)
Depth and power through the mid palate, good quality tannins, this is classically restrained St Estèphe power, with savoury yet juicy black fruits. Living up to its potential En Primeur, one to look out for, and a strong 2nd wine that beats out many 1st wines in the vintage. If you liked the Dame de Montrose 2010, get on board with this.In Bond£300.00 -
(6x150cl) 2019Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)
Depth and power through the mid palate, good quality tannins, this is classically restrained St Estèphe power, with savoury yet juicy black fruits. Living up to its potential En Primeur, one to look out for, and a strong 2nd wine that beats out many 1st wines in the vintage. If you liked the Dame de Montrose 2010, get on board with this.In Bond£395.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)
Depth and power through the mid palate, good quality tannins, this is classically restrained St Estèphe power, with savoury yet juicy black fruits. Living up to its potential En Primeur, one to look out for, and a strong 2nd wine that beats out many 1st wines in the vintage. If you liked the Dame de Montrose 2010, get on board with this.In Bond£164.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2020 La Dame de Montrose is fabulous. Rich, dense and expansive, the 2020 offers notable vibrancy and a good bit of energy too. Bright acids cut through a core of red/purplish fruit in what is an intense, wonderfully saline Dame. The 2020 finishes with remarkable elegance and sophistication.In Bond£154.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2020 La Dame de Montrose is fabulous. Rich, dense and expansive, the 2020 offers notable vibrancy and a good bit of energy too. Bright acids cut through a core of red/purplish fruit in what is an intense, wonderfully saline Dame. The 2020 finishes with remarkable elegance and sophistication.In Bond£152.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
A fine and silky St.-Estephe with medium body and supple, fine tannins. Fresh. Pretty blue and purple fruit with stone and some ash notes. Refined and elegant. 53% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon, 6% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.In Bond£291.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
A fine and silky St.-Estephe with medium body and supple, fine tannins. Fresh. Pretty blue and purple fruit with stone and some ash notes. Refined and elegant. 53% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon, 6% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.In Bond£149.50 -
James Suckling (92-93)
A fine and silky St.-Estephe with medium body and supple, fine tannins. Fresh. Pretty blue and purple fruit with stone and some ash notes. Refined and elegant. 53% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon, 6% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.In Bond£168.50 -
James Suckling (92-93)
A fine and silky St.-Estephe with medium body and supple, fine tannins. Fresh. Pretty blue and purple fruit with stone and some ash notes. Refined and elegant. 53% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon, 6% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc.In Bond£159.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Wonderful freshness and brightness to this with currants and red berries, as well as chocolate and hints of coffee. Full and layered with round tannins and a fresh and vivid finish. Lemon rind underneath it all. It has lots of length for being mostly merlot. 71% merlot, 23% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot, and 1% cabernet franc. From organically grown grapes.In Bond£184.50 -
James Suckling (94-95)
The blackberries and blackcurrants show through beautifully, together with very integrated tannins. Dense and textured. Transparent. Graphite coming through. Second wine of Montrose. 61% merlot, 32% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.In Bond£165.50 -
(12x75cl) 2023James Suckling (94-95)
The blackberries and blackcurrants show through beautifully, together with very integrated tannins. Dense and textured. Transparent. Graphite coming through. Second wine of Montrose. 61% merlot, 32% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.In Bond£288.00

