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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Vinous (91-93)
The 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Loups 1er Cru contains half Premier Crus (La Riotte and Clos Sorbé) and the other half from younger vines in Clos des Lambrays planted in 2000 that is likely to enter the Grant Vin next year. Including 50% whole bunches, it has an attractive dark berry fruit and subtle briny scents on the nose. Good intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, a mixture of red and black fruit with a very precise finish enhanced by the stem addition. This is a much more serious wine than the Village Cru.Inc. VAT£164.52 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-96)
This cuvée no longer contains Clos des Lambrays young vines. The plot called 30 rangs (planted 2000) was in this wine up to 2021. La Riotte and Le Village remain, the 20 ares of Clos Sorbe has been added to new vineyards (see below) from Domaine Cosson, but instead there is fruit from half a hectare of Les Blanchards, also ex Cosson. Glowing purple. A beautifully lifted bouquet with 40% whole bunches, alpine strawberries, all in finesse. Then the wine builds to an extra level of intensity, more than expected from the elegance of the nose, The fruit shows additional nuances as well, entirely red fruit, some ripe cherries now showing as well. Just a few spices to finish.Inc. VAT£824.00 -
(6x75cl) 2023Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-94)
A blend of small clay based 1er Cru vineyards which also see the sun. they no longer include the young vines of Lambrays (from 2022). An even, deep ruby purple. This is not ultra concentrated but it is fine, and the 40% whole bunches give that additional fresh white pepper tingle that works so well here, especially alongside the darker fruit. Fully ripe yet finely balanced. Picked before the rain hence the riper flavour profile. Drink from 2029-2036. Tasted Nov 2024.Inc. VAT£743.93 -
Vinous (88)
(aged in one-third new oak): Good medium red. Slightly sauvage aromas of red plum, currant, chocolate, mocha and leather. Offers modest depth and flesh but nice cut and peppery energy to its musky red fruit flavors. This distinctly low-fat wine has well-integrated acidity and finishes with good length.Inc. VAT£100.13 -
(6x75cl) 2014Vinous (88)
(aged in one-third new oak): Good medium red. Slightly sauvage aromas of red plum, currant, chocolate, mocha and leather. Offers modest depth and flesh but nice cut and peppery energy to its musky red fruit flavors. This distinctly low-fat wine has well-integrated acidity and finishes with good length.Inc. VAT£1,309.68 -
Vinous (90+)
(completely destemmed and aged in one-third new oak; bottled in March, along with the sold-out premier cru, which I did not have a chance to taste, and the Clos des Lambrays): Moderately saturated medium red. Very ripe but not roasted on the nose, with its raspberry fruit complicated by spices and sexy earth tones, plus a slightly metallic whiff of cassis bud reduction. Juicy, spicy and savory but still a bit youthfully imploded for village wine. At once less sweet and less floral than the 2016 version, but if that wine is more fun, this one is deeper. Finishes with a firm tannic spine.Inc. VAT£337.32 -
Vinous (90+)
(completely destemmed and aged in one-third new oak; bottled in March, along with the sold-out premier cru, which I did not have a chance to taste, and the Clos des Lambrays): Moderately saturated medium red. Very ripe but not roasted on the nose, with its raspberry fruit complicated by spices and sexy earth tones, plus a slightly metallic whiff of cassis bud reduction. Juicy, spicy and savory but still a bit youthfully imploded for village wine. At once less sweet and less floral than the 2016 version, but if that wine is more fun, this one is deeper. Finishes with a firm tannic spine.Inc. VAT£667.92 -
Jancis Robinson (16.5)
Blend of fruit from La Bidaude (very poor soils and lots of hard limestone), En la Rue de Vergy, Clos Solon. Bidaude should be a premier cru, suggests Bruno Champy. (Lavalle map shows it as such 1855.) One-third new oak, one-third second use. 100% destemmed. On lees and has not been racked. Will be racked today (pump arrives on cue). Rich black fruit with just a touch of smoky reduction. Smoky and spiced on the nose. Concentrated dark fruit in the heart but surrounded by smooth ripe tannins. Great depth of fruit and elegant at the same time. Rich but approachable.Inc. VAT£121.32 -
Vinous (87-89)
The 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis Village comes from the upper sectors of the vineyard and is completely de-stemmed. It has an attractive nose with dark berry fruit, loam and light seaweed scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, very smooth, creamy textured and seductive with a plummy, sensual finish. Not bad, though chasing the tail of Lambray's other 2021s.Inc. VAT£649.24 -
Inc. VAT£577.55 -
Inc. VAT£1,363.92 -
Inc. VAT£1,344.72 -
(6x75cl) 2022Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet Clos du Cailleret 1er Cru comes across much more backward on the nose: lemon curd and hints of nougat, with camomile emerging with time. Maybe just picked a little tardy? The palate is lightly peppered on the entry. Fine depth and grip, a concentrated Les Caillerets, but it suffers a minor loss of delineation and precision on the finish compared to the others. Bottled under Diam 10. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.Inc. VAT£1,317.54 -
Inc. VAT£2,138.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015Inc. VAT£1,386.25 -
Inc. VAT£1,368.72 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)
The 2016 Nove is the top wine from Lamothe-Bergeron. Dark cherry, plum, chocolate, espresso, leather, licorice and a generous sheen of new oak give the Nove its distinctly lush, powerful feel. I would give the 2016 a year or two in bottle to help the oak integrate a bit further.Inc. VAT£121.09 -
(6x75cl) 2016Unravel the exquisite excellence of the Lamothe Bouscaut 2016, a testament to fine viticulture from the prestigious Pessac-Leognan region of Bordeaux, France. Crafted by the skilled winemaking team at Chateau Bouscaut, Lamothe Bouscaut 2016 represents a harmonious blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Sémillon.Revered for its meticulous vinification in oak, each bottle delivers a charismatic culmination of the terroir's prestigious essence. An elegant aroma of exotic fruits, well-balanced with seductive white flower undertones and a tang of minerality, sets the stage. On the palate, you can anticipate a blend of rich textures and poised vivacity that resonates with the vintage's inherent vibrance. Accents of buttery brioche and honeyed almonds in the finish highlights its ageing potential. Embrace Lamothe Bouscaut 2016, a timeless symphony of enological expertise and Bordeaux legacy, a genuine indulgence for discerning wine lovers.
Inc. VAT£143.60 -
(6x75cl) 2020Relish in the refined elegance of the Lamothe Bouscaut Blanc 2020, an exquisite Pessac-Léognan hailing from the historic vineyards of Bordeaux. This wine, a concoction of Savignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, is a testament to the dedicated craftsmanship of Château Bouscaut. The estate, boasting a thousand years of viticultural heritage in its gravelly soil, reflects its legacy in the complexity of this wine. The Lamothe Bouscaut Blanc 2020 enjoys an intricate vinification process, with grapes independently harvested at dawn to preserve their freshness. Maturation takes place in oak barrels, where the wine is meticulously stirred for the first months, adding depth to its flavour profile. The resultant wine is a harmonious alchemy of ripe citrus, exotic fruits, punctuated by subtle vanilla undertones, beautifully unfolding in a balanced, lengthy finish. Enjoying laudable reviews from globally recognised wine experts, the Lamothe Bouscaut Blanc 2020 makes an exclusive addition to the discerning wine collector's cellar.
Inc. VAT£147.20 -
Inc. VAT£292.40 -
Inc. VAT£412.13 -
(6x75cl) 2018Inc. VAT£2,825.09 -
Inc. VAT£1,981.49 -
(2x75cl) 2014Inc. VAT£3,272.81 -
(2x75cl) 2017Wine Advocate (95+)
Unwinding in the glass with notes of Anjou pear, spring flowers, blanched almonds, citrus zest and white peach, the 2017 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets is full-bodied, deep and incisive, with a layered but tight-knit core that's built around racy acids and chalky dry extract, concluding with a long, searingly mineral finish. This might be the finest wine produced at Domaine Lamy-Caillat to date.Inc. VAT£3,272.81 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
Unwinding in the glass with notes of Anjou pear, spring flowers, blanched almonds, citrus zest and white peach, the 2017 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets is full-bodied, deep and incisive, with a layered but tight-knit core that's built around racy acids and chalky dry extract, concluding with a long, searingly mineral finish. This might be the finest wine produced at Domaine Lamy-Caillat to date.Inc. VAT£4,528.84 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2018 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets has turned out brilliantly, revealing an incipiently complex bouquet featuring scents of white flowers, Anjou pear, fresh peach, fresh pastry and flinty reduction. Medium to full-bodied, deep and satiny, it's a lively, concentrated wine with lovely mid-palate amplitude and a lively, saline finish. Inherently more open and immediate than the superb 2017 rendition, it will nevertheless merit and reward some bottle age.Inc. VAT£4,058.44 -
(6x75cl) 2019Wine Advocate (94-97)
The 2019 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets is, as usual, the most chiseled and incisive of the Lamy-Caillat premiers crus. Mingling notes of white flowers, crisp green orchard fruit, citrus oil, wet stones and wheat toast with subtle hints of flinty reduction, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with huge reserves of concentration and extract, concluding with a tangy, mineral finish.Inc. VAT£5,784.80 -
(6x75cl) 2020Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97)
(5 Star Wine) Just bottled in early August. Gorgeous bright primrose. What sensuality on the palate but you know this wine is full of stones too. Not just on the label. The bouquet is going to take time. Just a baby, but this is going to be a truly beautiful wine. If you have this, you MUST wait because so much will be missed. Cashmere with little baby diamonds inside.Inc. VAT£5,119.24 -
Inc. VAT£4,532.69
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Vinous (91-93)
The 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Loups 1er Cru contains half Premier Crus (La Riotte and Clos Sorbé) and the other half from younger vines in Clos des Lambrays planted in 2000 that is likely to enter the Grant Vin next year. Including 50% whole bunches, it has an attractive dark berry fruit and subtle briny scents on the nose. Good intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, a mixture of red and black fruit with a very precise finish enhanced by the stem addition. This is a much more serious wine than the Village Cru.In Bond£134.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-96)
This cuvée no longer contains Clos des Lambrays young vines. The plot called 30 rangs (planted 2000) was in this wine up to 2021. La Riotte and Le Village remain, the 20 ares of Clos Sorbe has been added to new vineyards (see below) from Domaine Cosson, but instead there is fruit from half a hectare of Les Blanchards, also ex Cosson. Glowing purple. A beautifully lifted bouquet with 40% whole bunches, alpine strawberries, all in finesse. Then the wine builds to an extra level of intensity, more than expected from the elegance of the nose, The fruit shows additional nuances as well, entirely red fruit, some ripe cherries now showing as well. Just a few spices to finish.In Bond£666.00 -
(6x75cl) 2023
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-94)
A blend of small clay based 1er Cru vineyards which also see the sun. they no longer include the young vines of Lambrays (from 2022). An even, deep ruby purple. This is not ultra concentrated but it is fine, and the 40% whole bunches give that additional fresh white pepper tingle that works so well here, especially alongside the darker fruit. Fully ripe yet finely balanced. Picked before the rain hence the riper flavour profile. Drink from 2029-2036. Tasted Nov 2024.In Bond£600.00 -
Vinous (88)
(aged in one-third new oak): Good medium red. Slightly sauvage aromas of red plum, currant, chocolate, mocha and leather. Offers modest depth and flesh but nice cut and peppery energy to its musky red fruit flavors. This distinctly low-fat wine has well-integrated acidity and finishes with good length.In Bond£80.00 -
(6x75cl) 2014
Vinous (88)
(aged in one-third new oak): Good medium red. Slightly sauvage aromas of red plum, currant, chocolate, mocha and leather. Offers modest depth and flesh but nice cut and peppery energy to its musky red fruit flavors. This distinctly low-fat wine has well-integrated acidity and finishes with good length.In Bond£1,072.16 -
Vinous (90+)
(completely destemmed and aged in one-third new oak; bottled in March, along with the sold-out premier cru, which I did not have a chance to taste, and the Clos des Lambrays): Moderately saturated medium red. Very ripe but not roasted on the nose, with its raspberry fruit complicated by spices and sexy earth tones, plus a slightly metallic whiff of cassis bud reduction. Juicy, spicy and savory but still a bit youthfully imploded for village wine. At once less sweet and less floral than the 2016 version, but if that wine is more fun, this one is deeper. Finishes with a firm tannic spine.In Bond£278.00 -
Vinous (90+)
(completely destemmed and aged in one-third new oak; bottled in March, along with the sold-out premier cru, which I did not have a chance to taste, and the Clos des Lambrays): Moderately saturated medium red. Very ripe but not roasted on the nose, with its raspberry fruit complicated by spices and sexy earth tones, plus a slightly metallic whiff of cassis bud reduction. Juicy, spicy and savory but still a bit youthfully imploded for village wine. At once less sweet and less floral than the 2016 version, but if that wine is more fun, this one is deeper. Finishes with a firm tannic spine.In Bond£538.00 -
Jancis Robinson (16.5)
Blend of fruit from La Bidaude (very poor soils and lots of hard limestone), En la Rue de Vergy, Clos Solon. Bidaude should be a premier cru, suggests Bruno Champy. (Lavalle map shows it as such 1855.) One-third new oak, one-third second use. 100% destemmed. On lees and has not been racked. Will be racked today (pump arrives on cue). Rich black fruit with just a touch of smoky reduction. Smoky and spiced on the nose. Concentrated dark fruit in the heart but surrounded by smooth ripe tannins. Great depth of fruit and elegant at the same time. Rich but approachable.In Bond£98.00 -
Vinous (87-89)
The 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis Village comes from the upper sectors of the vineyard and is completely de-stemmed. It has an attractive nose with dark berry fruit, loam and light seaweed scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, very smooth, creamy textured and seductive with a plummy, sensual finish. Not bad, though chasing the tail of Lambray's other 2021s.In Bond£525.00 -
In Bond£462.00
-
In Bond£1,118.00
-
In Bond£1,102.00
-
(6x75cl) 2022
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet Clos du Cailleret 1er Cru comes across much more backward on the nose: lemon curd and hints of nougat, with camomile emerging with time. Maybe just picked a little tardy? The palate is lightly peppered on the entry. Fine depth and grip, a concentrated Les Caillerets, but it suffers a minor loss of delineation and precision on the finish compared to the others. Bottled under Diam 10. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.In Bond£1,080.00 -
In Bond£1,761.00
-
(6x75cl) 2015In Bond£1,139.18
-
In Bond£1,122.00
-
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)
The 2016 Nove is the top wine from Lamothe-Bergeron. Dark cherry, plum, chocolate, espresso, leather, licorice and a generous sheen of new oak give the Nove its distinctly lush, powerful feel. I would give the 2016 a year or two in bottle to help the oak integrate a bit further.In Bond£83.00 -
(6x75cl) 2016
Unravel the exquisite excellence of the Lamothe Bouscaut 2016, a testament to fine viticulture from the prestigious Pessac-Leognan region of Bordeaux, France. Crafted by the skilled winemaking team at Chateau Bouscaut, Lamothe Bouscaut 2016 represents a harmonious blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Sémillon.Revered for its meticulous vinification in oak, each bottle delivers a charismatic culmination of the terroir's prestigious essence. An elegant aroma of exotic fruits, well-balanced with seductive white flower undertones and a tang of minerality, sets the stage. On the palate, you can anticipate a blend of rich textures and poised vivacity that resonates with the vintage's inherent vibrance. Accents of buttery brioche and honeyed almonds in the finish highlights its ageing potential. Embrace Lamothe Bouscaut 2016, a timeless symphony of enological expertise and Bordeaux legacy, a genuine indulgence for discerning wine lovers.
In Bond£99.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020
Relish in the refined elegance of the Lamothe Bouscaut Blanc 2020, an exquisite Pessac-Léognan hailing from the historic vineyards of Bordeaux. This wine, a concoction of Savignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, is a testament to the dedicated craftsmanship of Château Bouscaut. The estate, boasting a thousand years of viticultural heritage in its gravelly soil, reflects its legacy in the complexity of this wine. The Lamothe Bouscaut Blanc 2020 enjoys an intricate vinification process, with grapes independently harvested at dawn to preserve their freshness. Maturation takes place in oak barrels, where the wine is meticulously stirred for the first months, adding depth to its flavour profile. The resultant wine is a harmonious alchemy of ripe citrus, exotic fruits, punctuated by subtle vanilla undertones, beautifully unfolding in a balanced, lengthy finish. Enjoying laudable reviews from globally recognised wine experts, the Lamothe Bouscaut Blanc 2020 makes an exclusive addition to the discerning wine collector's cellar.
In Bond£102.00 -
In Bond£241.00
-
In Bond£340.00
-
(6x75cl) 2018In Bond£2,335.00
-
In Bond£1,632.00
-
(2x75cl) 2014In Bond£2,722.00
-
(2x75cl) 2017
Wine Advocate (95+)
Unwinding in the glass with notes of Anjou pear, spring flowers, blanched almonds, citrus zest and white peach, the 2017 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets is full-bodied, deep and incisive, with a layered but tight-knit core that's built around racy acids and chalky dry extract, concluding with a long, searingly mineral finish. This might be the finest wine produced at Domaine Lamy-Caillat to date.In Bond£2,722.00 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
Unwinding in the glass with notes of Anjou pear, spring flowers, blanched almonds, citrus zest and white peach, the 2017 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets is full-bodied, deep and incisive, with a layered but tight-knit core that's built around racy acids and chalky dry extract, concluding with a long, searingly mineral finish. This might be the finest wine produced at Domaine Lamy-Caillat to date.In Bond£3,758.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2018 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets has turned out brilliantly, revealing an incipiently complex bouquet featuring scents of white flowers, Anjou pear, fresh peach, fresh pastry and flinty reduction. Medium to full-bodied, deep and satiny, it's a lively, concentrated wine with lovely mid-palate amplitude and a lively, saline finish. Inherently more open and immediate than the superb 2017 rendition, it will nevertheless merit and reward some bottle age.In Bond£3,366.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019
Wine Advocate (94-97)
The 2019 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets is, as usual, the most chiseled and incisive of the Lamy-Caillat premiers crus. Mingling notes of white flowers, crisp green orchard fruit, citrus oil, wet stones and wheat toast with subtle hints of flinty reduction, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with huge reserves of concentration and extract, concluding with a tangy, mineral finish.In Bond£4,800.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97)
(5 Star Wine) Just bottled in early August. Gorgeous bright primrose. What sensuality on the palate but you know this wine is full of stones too. Not just on the label. The bouquet is going to take time. Just a baby, but this is going to be a truly beautiful wine. If you have this, you MUST wait because so much will be missed. Cashmere with little baby diamonds inside.In Bond£4,250.00 -
In Bond£3,758.00
