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 (92)
We commenced with champagne, courtesy of the 2014 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Terre de Vertus from Larmandier-Bernier, which undergoes at least five years’ aging on the lees without any dosage and features a light pétillance. The bouquet requires two or three minutes to find its groove, eventually offering enticing scents of white peach and almond; a hint of lemon sherbet comes through with time. It is elegant and displays commendable weight (not a Zen-like champagne). A crisp sour lemon note lends sufficient tension toward the finish. Beautiful.Inc. VAT£685.46 -
Vinous (92)
The 2015 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus 1er Cru is a brilliant wine that combines textural richness and energy. The aromatics are a bit muted today, but that should not be an issue in a few months. All the 2015 needs is time. The Terre de Vertus is a blend of parcels in the Barillers and Faucherests lieux-dits. As always, the Terre de Vertus is vinified in neutral oak of various sizes. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: April, 2021.Inc. VAT£698.66 -
Vinous (96)
The 2016 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus 1er Cru is fabulous. Comprised of 100% Chardonnay from two mid-slope parcels in Vertus, it is perfumed and exotic, with striking aromatics. This cuvée straddles the line between still and sparkling wine. Lime, mint, white pepper and chalk lend tons of high-toned character. The 2016 is really quite compelling. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: November 1, 2023.Inc. VAT£505.46 -
Wine Advocate (96)
Disgorged in June 2018, the 2010 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant offers up a bright and detailed bouquet of citrus oil, flowers, white peach, warm bread and a delicate top note of walnut oil that's less pronounced than its delicately oxidative 2009 counterpart. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and satiny, with considerable concentration and old-vine extract, concluding with a long and saline finish.Inc. VAT£1,953.67 -
Wine Advocate (96)
Disgorged in June 2018, the 2010 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant offers up a bright and detailed bouquet of citrus oil, flowers, white peach, warm bread and a delicate top note of walnut oil that's less pronounced than its delicately oxidative 2009 counterpart. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and satiny, with considerable concentration and old-vine extract, concluding with a long and saline finish.Inc. VAT£1,021.46 -
Wine Advocate (97)
I'm increasingly convinced that Pierre Larmandier produced Champagne's wines of the vintage this year, and the 2011 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant only compounds that suspicion. Unfurling in the glass with a deep and complex nose of citrus zest, crisp yellow apples, smoke, warm bread, mandarin oil and oyster shell, it's full-bodied and fleshy but incisive, with huge concentration, bright acids and a long, intensely saline finish. Totally transcending the reputation of 2011, it has many of the textural properties of a great white Burgundy, married with the cut and chalky grip of Champagne's Côte de Blancs.Inc. VAT£572.66 -
Steeped in luxury, the Larmandier Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru 2012 is a stunning display of skill from Larmandier Bernier, a noteworthy Champagne producer. Drawing from old vines at Côte des Blancs, this wine embodies the terroir's chalky essence. Committed to biodynamic principle, the Larmandier family meticulously cultivates this single-varietal Chardonnay without artificial interference. Harvested manually, it undergoes natural fermentation and prolonged lees aging, contributing to its rich complexity.
The outcome? The Larmandier Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru 2012 exhibits sumptuous flavours. Lush notes of ripe citrus, baked apple, and almond mix with a mellow undercurrent of brioche, elegantly housed within a refined mineral structure. The wine’s potent acidity beautifully underpins this symphony of flavours, while the finish persists with a lingering finesse. Give this extraordinary Champagne the appreciation it deserves and add Larmandier Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru 2012 to your collection today.
Inc. VAT£923.06 -
(3x150cl) 2013
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The 2013 Champagne Vieille Vigne Du Levant takes things to the next level at Larmandier-Bernier. I love the aromatics, which flaunt the subtle and pretty of this cold vintage. Pouring a bright yellow color, it reveals detailed floral and candied citrus aromas in its notes of lemon drop candy, honeysuckle, and almond croissant. Medium to full-bodied, this is the most complete wine I have tasted today from this house, with a refined mousse and seamless acidity, and it only sees 2 grams per liter of dosage. This remarkable wine is drinking fantastically now and will have a long life ahead over the next decades. It’s long on the palate and a memorable wine.Inc. VAT£794.66 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The 2013 Champagne Vieille Vigne Du Levant takes things to the next level at Larmandier-Bernier. I love the aromatics, which flaunt the subtle and pretty of this cold vintage. Pouring a bright yellow color, it reveals detailed floral and candied citrus aromas in its notes of lemon drop candy, honeysuckle, and almond croissant. Medium to full-bodied, this is the most complete wine I have tasted today from this house, with a refined mousse and seamless acidity, and it only sees 2 grams per liter of dosage. This remarkable wine is drinking fantastically now and will have a long life ahead over the next decades. It’s long on the palate and a memorable wine.Inc. VAT£1,323.86 -
Jancis Robinson (18.5)
It’s an almost indescribable wine. It’s rich and smoky and broad and powerful but it’s also none of those things. There is fruit and spice and stones but you couldn’t pick them out if you tried. It’s utterly complete. Without beginning, without ending. It has a heartbeat, a drum, a rhythm that feels like a pulse. It’s a wine that leaves you scrambling for words and then giving up, to simply breathe it in.Inc. VAT£996.26 -
'Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux 2021' was exquisitely crafted in the illustrious vineyards of Domaine Laroche. Situated in the heart of Burgundy’s Chablis region, Butteaux is a notable Premier Cru vineyard renowned for its grand terroir. A masterful example of vinification, this wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel to maintain its pure fruit expressions and traditional Chablis character. In the glass, the Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux 2021 captivates with its bright golden hue, hinting at a rich concentration of classic flinty mineral tones layered with complex notes of ripe apple and citrus.
Domaine Laroche has held a celebrated reputation since 1850 for its commitment to expressing the precise character of each vineyard, ensuring every bottle is a testament to the passion and dedication invested in its creation. 'Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux 2021' is a must-try for connoisseurs seeking true Chablis distinction.
Inc. VAT£244.24 -
Discover the elegance of Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2017. This exemplary French vintage, hailing from the renowned vineyards in the commune of Chablis, is crafted by the illustrious Laroche house, illustrious for its commitment to preserving the authenticity of the region's soil. Its unique winemaking process involves fermentation in oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks to impart complexity and refinement.
Steeping with the grandeur of Grand Cru, this wine presents a satisfying minerality and vibrant acidity. Its bright, citrus-inflected palate hardware us to a distinguished finish offering hints of almond, white peach and floral notes. Appreciated by connoisseurs globally for its balanced elegance, this wine truly encapsulates the distinct varietal character of the Chardonnay grape the region is renowned for.
Encapsulating French winemaking at its infinity, the Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2017 is an accomplishment for those keen to experience the finest from Chablis.
Inc. VAT£829.46 -
Indulge in the elegance of Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2018, a testament to fine wine artistry. Produced by Domaine Laroche, a leading domaine in the renowned Chablis region of France, this exceptional wine stems from meticulously handpicked grapes grown on the sun-drenched slopes of Les Blanchots Grand Cru vineyard. Aging gracefully in Laroche’s characteristic centuries-old cellars, this Reserve captures the essence of the vineyard’s uniquely rich terroir. Underpinning its vibrant acidity is a symphony of complex citrus notes, white flower aromas and flinty minerality, epitomising the character of Lebanese Chablis. In 2018, breezy and sunny conditions facilitated exceptional vintages, and the Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2018 is certainly no exception. This exquisite, critically acclaimed wine encapsulates Laroche's commitment to crafting wines of supreme quality with an intimate expression of site-specific Chardonnay. Enjoy a sip of French tradition.
Inc. VAT£1,322.48 -
The Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2020 is a masterful expression of French viniculture. Hailing from the celebrated Domaine Laroche, renowned in Chablis for over 160 years, this Grand Cru is sourced from the esteemed Les Blanchots vineyard. The Laroche team, led by the experienced Grégory Viennois, employs precise, modern viticulture while respecting traditional Chablis methods. Hand-harvested in 2020, the grapes underwent subtle oak fermentation and maturation, producing a wine of exceptional character.
With its limpid gold hue, this wine's nose boasts intense floral and fruity notes of white peach and apple, complemented by a beautiful minerality and distinctive saline finish. A sip reveals intensity and complexity, flanked by a persistent, harmonious finish. The Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2020 is an elegant and refined vintage that's a testament to Chablis tradition.
Inc. VAT£788.66 -
(6x75cl) 2010Vinous (95)
The 2010 Chablis Les Clos is stunningly beautiful in this vintage. It represents everything Clos is supposed to be; silky, subtle, intense and weightless. Nothing in particular stands out, instead the Clos impresses for its fabulous balance and sheer pedigree.Inc. VAT£730.72 -
A delightful exemplification of a masterpiece, the Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2020 hails from the esteemed Laroche estate in the heart of France's visionary wine landscape. Nestled in the northernmost wine district of the Burgundy region, Laroche is a long-standing vanguard in the Chardonnay realm, enthralling connoisseurs through time-honoured wine-crafting traditions combined with pioneering innovations.
Strictly cultivated in a prestigious clos, or walled vineyard, the Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2020 underwent precise hand-harvesting before a gentle press and a long fermentation in aged French oak barrels. It exudes a finesse that is sensory evocative, bearing a harmonious spectrum of compelling notes — fresh fruits, spice, minerality, balanced by the emblematic crisp acidity of the Chablis sub-region where it originates. Indubitably, the Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2020 personifies a luxuriously complex yet brilliantly balanced spectacle that is testament to Laroche's noble wine legacy.
Inc. VAT£553.46 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2021 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru has a taut and fresh bouquet with hints of wild peach and yellow plum, underlying flinty aromas surfacing with aeration yet maintains a sense of strictness. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity - touches of orange rind coming through yet it just comes to a halt abruptly on the finish. Give it two or three years in bottle.Inc. VAT£612.29 -
(6x75cl) 2023Burghound (86-89)
There is a touch of phenolic character (think olive oil nuances) lurking in the background of the ripe aromas of pear, apple and citrus confit with just enough typicity to be interesting. There is better volume to the slightly richer medium weight flavors that possess a seductive mouthfeel and an equally refreshing finish that, by contrast, comes up somewhat short. That may well change before it’s bottled but that is to be seen.Inc. VAT£125.09 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The 2016 Laroque is blended of 95% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Cabernet Sauvignon from vines more than 50 years old and aged in 50% new French and Austrian oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly unfurls to reveal a beautiful core of redcurrants, Morello cherries, wild blueberries and fresh plums with touches of lilacs, oolong tea, chargrill, bay leaves and yeast extract plus a hint of wet slate. Medium to full-bodied, taut and finely textured with ripe, grainy tannins, it has bold freshness cutting through the densely packed red and black fruit layers, finishing on a lingering mineral note.Inc. VAT£225.35 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2017 Laroque is a wine of precision and class. Mocha, dried flowers, mint, blood orange, spice and star anise all open up effortlessly. Medium in body, perfumed and nuanced, with lovely palate presence, the 2017 has much to offer. Best of all, it will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is another impeccable wine from an estate that continues to improve. Tasted two times.Inc. VAT£173.69 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)
A blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc representing just 41% of the total production, the 2018 Château Laroque is still resting in barrels and oak tanks. Its deep purple color is followed by a classy bouquet of ripe black cherries, cassis, graphite, licorice, and crushed rocks. Deep, medium to full-bodied, with a beautiful mid-palate and ripe, silky tannins, it's an incredible success for the estate, which is firing on all cylinders today thanks to the talented David Suire!Inc. VAT£447.55 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)
A blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc representing just 41% of the total production, the 2018 Château Laroque is still resting in barrels and oak tanks. Its deep purple color is followed by a classy bouquet of ripe black cherries, cassis, graphite, licorice, and crushed rocks. Deep, medium to full-bodied, with a beautiful mid-palate and ripe, silky tannins, it's an incredible success for the estate, which is firing on all cylinders today thanks to the talented David Suire!Inc. VAT£270.77 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)
A blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc representing just 41% of the total production, the 2018 Château Laroque is still resting in barrels and oak tanks. Its deep purple color is followed by a classy bouquet of ripe black cherries, cassis, graphite, licorice, and crushed rocks. Deep, medium to full-bodied, with a beautiful mid-palate and ripe, silky tannins, it's an incredible success for the estate, which is firing on all cylinders today thanks to the talented David Suire!Inc. VAT£184.18 -
The Wine Independent (95+)
The 2019 Laroque, composed of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. It sports cedary overtones to start off, giving way to notes of stewed black plums, blueberry pie, and Chinese five spice with hints of crushed rocks and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied palate has a formidable backbone of firm tannins, with a lively line and muscular fruit, finishing long. This one is built for the longhaul, so give it another 3-5 years in cellar and drink it over the following 15 to 20-years+.Inc. VAT£124.99 -
The Wine Independent (95+)
The 2019 Laroque, composed of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. It sports cedary overtones to start off, giving way to notes of stewed black plums, blueberry pie, and Chinese five spice with hints of crushed rocks and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied palate has a formidable backbone of firm tannins, with a lively line and muscular fruit, finishing long. This one is built for the longhaul, so give it another 3-5 years in cellar and drink it over the following 15 to 20-years+.Inc. VAT£270.77 -
The Wine Independent (95+)
The 2019 Laroque, composed of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. It sports cedary overtones to start off, giving way to notes of stewed black plums, blueberry pie, and Chinese five spice with hints of crushed rocks and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied palate has a formidable backbone of firm tannins, with a lively line and muscular fruit, finishing long. This one is built for the longhaul, so give it another 3-5 years in cellar and drink it over the following 15 to 20-years+.Inc. VAT£167.98 -
The Wine Independent (97)
A blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Laroque is deep garnet-purple in color. A little subdued to begin, offering subtle notes of crushed rocks and damp soil, it opens out to a core of ripe black and red plums and fresh blackberries, plus a fragrant waft of lilacs. The full-bodied palate is bursting with taut, muscular black fruits and amazing tension, framed by ripe, rounded tannins, and finishing with great length and depth.Inc. VAT£270.77 -
The Wine Independent (97)
A blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Laroque is deep garnet-purple in color. A little subdued to begin, offering subtle notes of crushed rocks and damp soil, it opens out to a core of ripe black and red plums and fresh blackberries, plus a fragrant waft of lilacs. The full-bodied palate is bursting with taut, muscular black fruits and amazing tension, framed by ripe, rounded tannins, and finishing with great length and depth.Inc. VAT£173.38 -
Vinous (94)
The 2021 Laroque is classy, elegant and polished. A wine of stature and breeding, Laroque is a quintessentially finessed Saint-Émilion. Silky tannins wrap around a core of dark cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and menthol. All the elements are very nicely balanced.Inc. VAT£315.84 -
(1x300cl) 2021Vinous (94)
The 2021 Laroque is classy, elegant and polished. A wine of stature and breeding, Laroque is a quintessentially finessed Saint-Émilion. Silky tannins wrap around a core of dark cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and menthol. All the elements are very nicely balanced.Inc. VAT£295.70
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Vinous (92)
We commenced with champagne, courtesy of the 2014 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Terre de Vertus from Larmandier-Bernier, which undergoes at least five years’ aging on the lees without any dosage and features a light pétillance. The bouquet requires two or three minutes to find its groove, eventually offering enticing scents of white peach and almond; a hint of lemon sherbet comes through with time. It is elegant and displays commendable weight (not a Zen-like champagne). A crisp sour lemon note lends sufficient tension toward the finish. Beautiful.In Bond£554.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2015 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus 1er Cru is a brilliant wine that combines textural richness and energy. The aromatics are a bit muted today, but that should not be an issue in a few months. All the 2015 needs is time. The Terre de Vertus is a blend of parcels in the Barillers and Faucherests lieux-dits. As always, the Terre de Vertus is vinified in neutral oak of various sizes. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: April, 2021.In Bond£565.00 -
Vinous (96)
The 2016 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus 1er Cru is fabulous. Comprised of 100% Chardonnay from two mid-slope parcels in Vertus, it is perfumed and exotic, with striking aromatics. This cuvée straddles the line between still and sparkling wine. Lime, mint, white pepper and chalk lend tons of high-toned character. The 2016 is really quite compelling. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: November 1, 2023.In Bond£404.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
Disgorged in June 2018, the 2010 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant offers up a bright and detailed bouquet of citrus oil, flowers, white peach, warm bread and a delicate top note of walnut oil that's less pronounced than its delicately oxidative 2009 counterpart. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and satiny, with considerable concentration and old-vine extract, concluding with a long and saline finish.In Bond£1,596.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
Disgorged in June 2018, the 2010 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant offers up a bright and detailed bouquet of citrus oil, flowers, white peach, warm bread and a delicate top note of walnut oil that's less pronounced than its delicately oxidative 2009 counterpart. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and satiny, with considerable concentration and old-vine extract, concluding with a long and saline finish.In Bond£834.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
I'm increasingly convinced that Pierre Larmandier produced Champagne's wines of the vintage this year, and the 2011 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant only compounds that suspicion. Unfurling in the glass with a deep and complex nose of citrus zest, crisp yellow apples, smoke, warm bread, mandarin oil and oyster shell, it's full-bodied and fleshy but incisive, with huge concentration, bright acids and a long, intensely saline finish. Totally transcending the reputation of 2011, it has many of the textural properties of a great white Burgundy, married with the cut and chalky grip of Champagne's Côte de Blancs.In Bond£460.00 -
Steeped in luxury, the Larmandier Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru 2012 is a stunning display of skill from Larmandier Bernier, a noteworthy Champagne producer. Drawing from old vines at Côte des Blancs, this wine embodies the terroir's chalky essence. Committed to biodynamic principle, the Larmandier family meticulously cultivates this single-varietal Chardonnay without artificial interference. Harvested manually, it undergoes natural fermentation and prolonged lees aging, contributing to its rich complexity.
The outcome? The Larmandier Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru 2012 exhibits sumptuous flavours. Lush notes of ripe citrus, baked apple, and almond mix with a mellow undercurrent of brioche, elegantly housed within a refined mineral structure. The wine’s potent acidity beautifully underpins this symphony of flavours, while the finish persists with a lingering finesse. Give this extraordinary Champagne the appreciation it deserves and add Larmandier Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru 2012 to your collection today.
In Bond£752.00 -
(3x150cl) 2013
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The 2013 Champagne Vieille Vigne Du Levant takes things to the next level at Larmandier-Bernier. I love the aromatics, which flaunt the subtle and pretty of this cold vintage. Pouring a bright yellow color, it reveals detailed floral and candied citrus aromas in its notes of lemon drop candy, honeysuckle, and almond croissant. Medium to full-bodied, this is the most complete wine I have tasted today from this house, with a refined mousse and seamless acidity, and it only sees 2 grams per liter of dosage. This remarkable wine is drinking fantastically now and will have a long life ahead over the next decades. It’s long on the palate and a memorable wine.In Bond£645.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The 2013 Champagne Vieille Vigne Du Levant takes things to the next level at Larmandier-Bernier. I love the aromatics, which flaunt the subtle and pretty of this cold vintage. Pouring a bright yellow color, it reveals detailed floral and candied citrus aromas in its notes of lemon drop candy, honeysuckle, and almond croissant. Medium to full-bodied, this is the most complete wine I have tasted today from this house, with a refined mousse and seamless acidity, and it only sees 2 grams per liter of dosage. This remarkable wine is drinking fantastically now and will have a long life ahead over the next decades. It’s long on the palate and a memorable wine.In Bond£1,086.00 -
Jancis Robinson (18.5)
It’s an almost indescribable wine. It’s rich and smoky and broad and powerful but it’s also none of those things. There is fruit and spice and stones but you couldn’t pick them out if you tried. It’s utterly complete. Without beginning, without ending. It has a heartbeat, a drum, a rhythm that feels like a pulse. It’s a wine that leaves you scrambling for words and then giving up, to simply breathe it in.In Bond£813.00 -
'Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux 2021' was exquisitely crafted in the illustrious vineyards of Domaine Laroche. Situated in the heart of Burgundy’s Chablis region, Butteaux is a notable Premier Cru vineyard renowned for its grand terroir. A masterful example of vinification, this wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel to maintain its pure fruit expressions and traditional Chablis character. In the glass, the Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux 2021 captivates with its bright golden hue, hinting at a rich concentration of classic flinty mineral tones layered with complex notes of ripe apple and citrus.
Domaine Laroche has held a celebrated reputation since 1850 for its commitment to expressing the precise character of each vineyard, ensuring every bottle is a testament to the passion and dedication invested in its creation. 'Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux 2021' is a must-try for connoisseurs seeking true Chablis distinction.
In Bond£187.00 -
Discover the elegance of Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2017. This exemplary French vintage, hailing from the renowned vineyards in the commune of Chablis, is crafted by the illustrious Laroche house, illustrious for its commitment to preserving the authenticity of the region's soil. Its unique winemaking process involves fermentation in oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks to impart complexity and refinement.
Steeping with the grandeur of Grand Cru, this wine presents a satisfying minerality and vibrant acidity. Its bright, citrus-inflected palate hardware us to a distinguished finish offering hints of almond, white peach and floral notes. Appreciated by connoisseurs globally for its balanced elegance, this wine truly encapsulates the distinct varietal character of the Chardonnay grape the region is renowned for.
Encapsulating French winemaking at its infinity, the Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2017 is an accomplishment for those keen to experience the finest from Chablis.
In Bond£674.00 -
Indulge in the elegance of Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2018, a testament to fine wine artistry. Produced by Domaine Laroche, a leading domaine in the renowned Chablis region of France, this exceptional wine stems from meticulously handpicked grapes grown on the sun-drenched slopes of Les Blanchots Grand Cru vineyard. Aging gracefully in Laroche’s characteristic centuries-old cellars, this Reserve captures the essence of the vineyard’s uniquely rich terroir. Underpinning its vibrant acidity is a symphony of complex citrus notes, white flower aromas and flinty minerality, epitomising the character of Lebanese Chablis. In 2018, breezy and sunny conditions facilitated exceptional vintages, and the Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2018 is certainly no exception. This exquisite, critically acclaimed wine encapsulates Laroche's commitment to crafting wines of supreme quality with an intimate expression of site-specific Chardonnay. Enjoy a sip of French tradition.
In Bond£1,069.00 -
The Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2020 is a masterful expression of French viniculture. Hailing from the celebrated Domaine Laroche, renowned in Chablis for over 160 years, this Grand Cru is sourced from the esteemed Les Blanchots vineyard. The Laroche team, led by the experienced Grégory Viennois, employs precise, modern viticulture while respecting traditional Chablis methods. Hand-harvested in 2020, the grapes underwent subtle oak fermentation and maturation, producing a wine of exceptional character.
With its limpid gold hue, this wine's nose boasts intense floral and fruity notes of white peach and apple, complemented by a beautiful minerality and distinctive saline finish. A sip reveals intensity and complexity, flanked by a persistent, harmonious finish. The Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2020 is an elegant and refined vintage that's a testament to Chablis tradition.
In Bond£640.00 -
(6x75cl) 2010
Vinous (95)
The 2010 Chablis Les Clos is stunningly beautiful in this vintage. It represents everything Clos is supposed to be; silky, subtle, intense and weightless. Nothing in particular stands out, instead the Clos impresses for its fabulous balance and sheer pedigree.In Bond£589.69 -
A delightful exemplification of a masterpiece, the Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2020 hails from the esteemed Laroche estate in the heart of France's visionary wine landscape. Nestled in the northernmost wine district of the Burgundy region, Laroche is a long-standing vanguard in the Chardonnay realm, enthralling connoisseurs through time-honoured wine-crafting traditions combined with pioneering innovations.
Strictly cultivated in a prestigious clos, or walled vineyard, the Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2020 underwent precise hand-harvesting before a gentle press and a long fermentation in aged French oak barrels. It exudes a finesse that is sensory evocative, bearing a harmonious spectrum of compelling notes — fresh fruits, spice, minerality, balanced by the emblematic crisp acidity of the Chablis sub-region where it originates. Indubitably, the Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2020 personifies a luxuriously complex yet brilliantly balanced spectacle that is testament to Laroche's noble wine legacy.
In Bond£444.00 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2021 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru has a taut and fresh bouquet with hints of wild peach and yellow plum, underlying flinty aromas surfacing with aeration yet maintains a sense of strictness. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity - touches of orange rind coming through yet it just comes to a halt abruptly on the finish. Give it two or three years in bottle.In Bond£491.00 -
(6x75cl) 2023
Burghound (86-89)
There is a touch of phenolic character (think olive oil nuances) lurking in the background of the ripe aromas of pear, apple and citrus confit with just enough typicity to be interesting. There is better volume to the slightly richer medium weight flavors that possess a seductive mouthfeel and an equally refreshing finish that, by contrast, comes up somewhat short. That may well change before it’s bottled but that is to be seen.In Bond£85.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The 2016 Laroque is blended of 95% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Cabernet Sauvignon from vines more than 50 years old and aged in 50% new French and Austrian oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly unfurls to reveal a beautiful core of redcurrants, Morello cherries, wild blueberries and fresh plums with touches of lilacs, oolong tea, chargrill, bay leaves and yeast extract plus a hint of wet slate. Medium to full-bodied, taut and finely textured with ripe, grainy tannins, it has bold freshness cutting through the densely packed red and black fruit layers, finishing on a lingering mineral note.In Bond£168.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2017 Laroque is a wine of precision and class. Mocha, dried flowers, mint, blood orange, spice and star anise all open up effortlessly. Medium in body, perfumed and nuanced, with lovely palate presence, the 2017 has much to offer. Best of all, it will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is another impeccable wine from an estate that continues to improve. Tasted two times.In Bond£125.50 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)
A blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc representing just 41% of the total production, the 2018 Château Laroque is still resting in barrels and oak tanks. Its deep purple color is followed by a classy bouquet of ripe black cherries, cassis, graphite, licorice, and crushed rocks. Deep, medium to full-bodied, with a beautiful mid-palate and ripe, silky tannins, it's an incredible success for the estate, which is firing on all cylinders today thanks to the talented David Suire!In Bond£333.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)
A blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc representing just 41% of the total production, the 2018 Château Laroque is still resting in barrels and oak tanks. Its deep purple color is followed by a classy bouquet of ripe black cherries, cassis, graphite, licorice, and crushed rocks. Deep, medium to full-bodied, with a beautiful mid-palate and ripe, silky tannins, it's an incredible success for the estate, which is firing on all cylinders today thanks to the talented David Suire!In Bond£199.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)
A blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc representing just 41% of the total production, the 2018 Château Laroque is still resting in barrels and oak tanks. Its deep purple color is followed by a classy bouquet of ripe black cherries, cassis, graphite, licorice, and crushed rocks. Deep, medium to full-bodied, with a beautiful mid-palate and ripe, silky tannins, it's an incredible success for the estate, which is firing on all cylinders today thanks to the talented David Suire!In Bond£133.50 -
The Wine Independent (95+)
The 2019 Laroque, composed of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. It sports cedary overtones to start off, giving way to notes of stewed black plums, blueberry pie, and Chinese five spice with hints of crushed rocks and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied palate has a formidable backbone of firm tannins, with a lively line and muscular fruit, finishing long. This one is built for the longhaul, so give it another 3-5 years in cellar and drink it over the following 15 to 20-years+.In Bond£97.50 -
The Wine Independent (95+)
The 2019 Laroque, composed of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. It sports cedary overtones to start off, giving way to notes of stewed black plums, blueberry pie, and Chinese five spice with hints of crushed rocks and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied palate has a formidable backbone of firm tannins, with a lively line and muscular fruit, finishing long. This one is built for the longhaul, so give it another 3-5 years in cellar and drink it over the following 15 to 20-years+.In Bond£199.00 -
The Wine Independent (95+)
The 2019 Laroque, composed of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. It sports cedary overtones to start off, giving way to notes of stewed black plums, blueberry pie, and Chinese five spice with hints of crushed rocks and unsmoked cigars. The full-bodied palate has a formidable backbone of firm tannins, with a lively line and muscular fruit, finishing long. This one is built for the longhaul, so give it another 3-5 years in cellar and drink it over the following 15 to 20-years+.In Bond£120.00 -
The Wine Independent (97)
A blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Laroque is deep garnet-purple in color. A little subdued to begin, offering subtle notes of crushed rocks and damp soil, it opens out to a core of ripe black and red plums and fresh blackberries, plus a fragrant waft of lilacs. The full-bodied palate is bursting with taut, muscular black fruits and amazing tension, framed by ripe, rounded tannins, and finishing with great length and depth.In Bond£199.00 -
The Wine Independent (97)
A blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Laroque is deep garnet-purple in color. A little subdued to begin, offering subtle notes of crushed rocks and damp soil, it opens out to a core of ripe black and red plums and fresh blackberries, plus a fragrant waft of lilacs. The full-bodied palate is bursting with taut, muscular black fruits and amazing tension, framed by ripe, rounded tannins, and finishing with great length and depth.In Bond£124.50 -
Vinous (94)
The 2021 Laroque is classy, elegant and polished. A wine of stature and breeding, Laroque is a quintessentially finessed Saint-Émilion. Silky tannins wrap around a core of dark cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and menthol. All the elements are very nicely balanced.In Bond£226.00 -
(1x300cl) 2021
Vinous (94)
The 2021 Laroque is classy, elegant and polished. A wine of stature and breeding, Laroque is a quintessentially finessed Saint-Émilion. Silky tannins wrap around a core of dark cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and menthol. All the elements are very nicely balanced.In Bond£234.02
