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.
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France
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James Suckling (95-96)
This is very typical for St.-Julien with violets, berries, blackcurrants and crushed stone. Medium to full body with very fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Powdery tannins and a rich finish. Velvety texture. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 9% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot.Inc. VAT£1,047.40 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This is very typical for St.-Julien with violets, berries, blackcurrants and crushed stone. Medium to full body with very fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Powdery tannins and a rich finish. Velvety texture. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 9% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot.Inc. VAT£429.49 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Reminding me of the 2018 (as well as the 2009), if not slightly more concentrated, the 2022 Château Léoville Poyferré is one of the most opulent and flamboyant wines out of the Médoc in 2022, and it has incredible intensity while staying light on its feet and graceful. Its dense, glass-staining purple hue is followed by a sensational perfume of crème de cassis, graphite, darker chocolate, scorched earth, and flowers. Full-bodied on the palate, it brings extravagant levels of fruit as well as a seamless mouthfeel, beautifully integrated oak, tannins, and acidity, no hard edges, and a gorgeous finish. It shines even today, yet it has beautiful underlying structure and will evolve gracefully over the coming 30+ years. The 2022 is based on 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 4% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged 18-20 months in 80% new oak.Inc. VAT£1,202.47 -
(1x75cl) 2022Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Reminding me of the 2018 (as well as the 2009), if not slightly more concentrated, the 2022 Château Léoville Poyferré is one of the most opulent and flamboyant wines out of the Médoc in 2022, and it has incredible intensity while staying light on its feet and graceful. Its dense, glass-staining purple hue is followed by a sensational perfume of crème de cassis, graphite, darker chocolate, scorched earth, and flowers. Full-bodied on the palate, it brings extravagant levels of fruit as well as a seamless mouthfeel, beautifully integrated oak, tannins, and acidity, no hard edges, and a gorgeous finish. It shines even today, yet it has beautiful underlying structure and will evolve gracefully over the coming 30+ years. The 2022 is based on 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 4% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged 18-20 months in 80% new oak.Inc. VAT£139.46 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Reminding me of the 2018 (as well as the 2009), if not slightly more concentrated, the 2022 Château Léoville Poyferré is one of the most opulent and flamboyant wines out of the Médoc in 2022, and it has incredible intensity while staying light on its feet and graceful. Its dense, glass-staining purple hue is followed by a sensational perfume of crème de cassis, graphite, darker chocolate, scorched earth, and flowers. Full-bodied on the palate, it brings extravagant levels of fruit as well as a seamless mouthfeel, beautifully integrated oak, tannins, and acidity, no hard edges, and a gorgeous finish. It shines even today, yet it has beautiful underlying structure and will evolve gracefully over the coming 30+ years. The 2022 is based on 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 4% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged 18-20 months in 80% new oak.Inc. VAT£610.55 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Brilliant Poyferré, deep ruby colour, setting the scene for ink, campfire, espresso, mint, cassis and damson. Concentrated but with a delicious balance, this feels effortless and is truly a wine for Bordeaux lovers to seek out. Harvest September 14 to October 5. 80% new oak, 52hl/h yields, biggest since 2004, with more 1st wine than usual because the old Cabernet Sauvignon plots gave quality and quantity (after three low quantity years). Alix Combes new vineyard manager, replacing long time manager Bruno Clenet.Inc. VAT£447.80 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Brilliant Poyferré, deep ruby colour, setting the scene for ink, campfire, espresso, mint, cassis and damson. Concentrated but with a delicious balance, this feels effortless and is truly a wine for Bordeaux lovers to seek out. Harvest September 14 to October 5. 80% new oak, 52hl/h yields, biggest since 2004, with more 1st wine than usual because the old Cabernet Sauvignon plots gave quality and quantity (after three low quantity years). Alix Combes new vineyard manager, replacing long time manager Bruno Clenet.Inc. VAT£374.00 -
Inc. VAT£2,507.06 -
Vinous (93-96)
Deep ruby-red. Liqueur-like aromas of blackberry, smoke, licorice, spice and earth, Thick, dense and sweet; a wine of uncanny volume and richness but extremely closed today and very hard to taste. Potentially great, but no fun right now.Inc. VAT£149,427.67 -
Vinous (93-96)
Deep ruby-red. Liqueur-like aromas of blackberry, smoke, licorice, spice and earth, Thick, dense and sweet; a wine of uncanny volume and richness but extremely closed today and very hard to taste. Potentially great, but no fun right now.Inc. VAT£17,107.19 -
Vinous (98)
Dark red. Three-dimensional aromas of dark fruits, minerals, roast coffee and musky underbrush. An extremely urgent grand cru with incredible texture and energy. Dense and almost painfully intense but utterly light on its feet for a wine of such sheer magnitude. Deeply spicy, complex and complete. Finishes with huge, broad tannins and great building persistence. A knockout, and a strong candidate for wine of the vintage.Inc. VAT£21,824.39 -
(1x75cl) 1996Vinous (91-94)
Deeper color. Sappy, spicy, liqueur-like aromas of framboise and creme de cassis Sweeter, lusher and more textured than the Fremieres; also a bit reduced. Very subtle, spicy and complex. At once dense and delineated. Fruit-driven Chambolle, not as obviously mineral as the '95, but very long and fine.Inc. VAT£4,677.20 -
(6x75cl) 1999Vinous (93)
The 1999 Chambolle-Musigny Les Charmes 1er Cru just has the edge over the 2001 when compared side-by-side. That said, I have a slight preference towards the aromatics of the 2001, this offering lovely red fruit laced with a light marine influence and espresso. The palate is where the action is: beautifully balanced and more powerful than the 2001, very precise and satin-like in texture. Unlike the 2001 this appears to improve with aeration, gaining more and more depth and fanning out with a sense of confidence towards the sappy finish. It just exudes the essence of Chambolle-Musigny with a lingering aftertaste. 538 bottles produced. Tasted at Carré des Feuillants restaurant in Paris.Inc. VAT£44,079.02 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The 2011 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes races out of the blocks on the nose, misbehaving like Lalou’s two dogs that are yapping around my ankles. Then it clams down with aeration, achieving more delineation and focus but still constituting one of the more exotic bouquets in this line-up. The palate is sweet in the mouth, corpulent and rounded, you could say almost nubile. Lavish, plush and caressing, this voluptuous Chambolle is one for those who prefer a more hedonistic style of Pinot?and why not.Inc. VAT£18,305.95 -
(1x75cl) 1996Vinous (89-92)
Excellent deep red. Black raspberry, minerals and smoky oak on the nose: the dark side of Chambolle, particularly in comparison to the redder-fruit '95. Minerally and firm, with excellent density for a village wine but limited complexity. Finishes firm, ripe and persistent.Inc. VAT£5,066.65 -
(1x75cl) 2009Vinous (94)
The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Fremieres is rich, seductive and incredibly primary, with little in the way of aromatic expressiveness. This is the first wine of these 2009s that is closed in on itself. With time in the glass hints of red cherries and flowers begin to emerge, yet this remains an implosive wine in need of considerable cellaring. The depth of the fruit and the elegance of the tannins are impossible to miss, but this multi-dimensional wine begs for patience.Inc. VAT£7,463.60 -
(1x75cl) 2001Vinous (94+)
Red-ruby. Forceful aromas of briary dark berries, plum, smoke, coffee and earth, with the subtle vegetal/herbal complexity that is the essence of this grand cru. Tight and bright, but a wine of great intensity and richness, with compelling chewy depths. Less tasteable today than the Combottes but this has more dimension and class. Finishes extremely subtle and long. This will require patience.Inc. VAT£9,472.40 -
(1x75cl) 2003Vinous (95)
Bright ruby-red. Knockout nose combines strawberry, underbrush, minerals and stone; like a fully ripe essence of Clos de la Roche. Superconcentrated and sweet, with the wine's distinct minerality giving it class and definition. Superripe but not over the top. Silky and full; a nobler version of the superb Combottes. Finishes tannic, minerally and very long, with a lingering juiciness. Captures the great potential of this vintage.Inc. VAT£7,823.05 -
(1x75cl) 2006Vinous (96+)
Good medium red. Highly nuanced, soil-driven aromas of strawberry, flinty minerality, roasted herbs and crushed rocks. Powerful and stunningly pure, with explosive fruit framed and complicated by pungent minerality and high notes of pepper and spice. This extremely primary wine boasts outstanding precision but is almost brutal today. The tannins reach the incisors on the extremely long and tactile finish.Inc. VAT£8,111.60 -
(3x75cl) 2011Burghound (96)
Don't Miss! Mild reduction disguises the more subtle elements of the nose but there is plenty of earth character present on what appears to be ripe red berry aromas that lie beneath the funk. There is a highly seductive texture to the large-scaled, sleekly muscular, intense and massive flavors that again, despite all the sheer size and weight, manage to remain focused and betray absolutely no sense of heaviness. The breathtakingly long finish is quite saline with an almost pungent minerality that adds lift. Mostly wines would have been crushed coming after the Musigny but this more than held its own. This is flat out tremendous and entirely textbook.Inc. VAT£23,432.76 -
Vinous (99)
There are so many captivating wines in this tasting, but the 2015 Clos de la Roche seems to just have a little something extra. Ethereal, delicate and nuanced, especially in this context of much richer wines, the Clos de la Roche makes its case more with persistence and nuance rather than pure power. The bright red stone fruit, mineral and floral notes are all sketched with crystalline precision in a hauntingly beautiful Burgundy that hits all the right notes. I can only hope I will have a chance to taste the 2015 when it has had a few years (or more) in bottle.Inc. VAT£11,034.12 -
(12x75cl) 1995Decanter (98)
Medium-full colour. Just about mature. Rich, fresh, harmonious nose. Round and concentrated. Very good grip and class. Fullish body. Just about ready. Lots of vigour. Very lovely fruit. A lovely wine, very long on the palate.Inc. VAT£83,407.27 -
(1x75cl) 1996Wine Advocate (95)
The saturated ruby/purple-colored 1996 Clos de Vougeot has profound red cherry, rose, raspberry, and cinnamon aromas. Its medium-to-full-bodied, satin-textured personality is highly structured and youthfully firm. This wine's flavor profile is composed of bright black raspberries, cherries, blackberries, and copious spices. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2012+.Inc. VAT£5,584.40 -
Vinous (91-94)
Ruby-red. Sappy, sweet aromas of black cherry and licorice. Very backward and closed on the palate, even tough today, with major, tongue-dusting tannins. Currently dominated by its powerful structure, but the black fruit, herbal and mint flavors show superb sweetness. This may need a good decade of bottle aging.Inc. VAT£2,842.13 -
(4x75cl) 1998Vinous (91-94)
Ruby-red. Sappy, sweet aromas of black cherry and licorice. Very backward and closed on the palate, even tough today, with major, tongue-dusting tannins. Currently dominated by its powerful structure, but the black fruit, herbal and mint flavors show superb sweetness. This may need a good decade of bottle aging.Inc. VAT£19,285.00 -
Vinous (90)
The 2000 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru from Leroy, after having changed a corked bottle, has a fresh bouquet with blackberry, undergrowth, mint and a touch of clove. The palate is vibrant, a Clos Vougeot with a spring in its steps. It does not possess the depth or complexity of the finest Clos Vougeot that I have encountered from Leroy, but there is a beguiling transparency and an edgy, sappy finish that beckons you back for another sip. Fine, but not a bona fide success given expectations. Tasted at Carré des Feuillants restaurant in Paris.Inc. VAT£4,176.12 -
Inc. VAT£4,859.99
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Inc. VAT£22,475.95 -
(12x75cl) 2002Vinous (94+)
Dark red. Reticent nose hints at cherry and licorice. Intensely flavored and dense but austere and backward, dominated by its powerful structure. Hard to taste today, but extremely long on the back end, with noble, thoroughly ripe tannins.Inc. VAT£73,406.29 -
(3x75cl) 2006
Burghound (95)
This is quite ripe though not surmature, featuring a fresh array of distinctly earthy and ever so slightly rustic red and blue fruit aromas that are in perfect keeping with the robust, muscled and powerful full-bodied flavors underpinned by mouth coating tannins and superb concentration on the strikingly long finish. As impressive as this is, and it's very impressive, after the fireworks provided by the RSV and the Riche, it doesn't quite have the game to fully match up. Still, I hope to have the pleasure of trying a glass or two when it finally reaches full maturity.Inc. VAT£18,751.15
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James Suckling (95-96)
This is very typical for St.-Julien with violets, berries, blackcurrants and crushed stone. Medium to full body with very fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Powdery tannins and a rich finish. Velvety texture. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 9% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot.In Bond£837.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This is very typical for St.-Julien with violets, berries, blackcurrants and crushed stone. Medium to full body with very fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Powdery tannins and a rich finish. Velvety texture. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 9% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot.In Bond£340.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Reminding me of the 2018 (as well as the 2009), if not slightly more concentrated, the 2022 Château Léoville Poyferré is one of the most opulent and flamboyant wines out of the Médoc in 2022, and it has incredible intensity while staying light on its feet and graceful. Its dense, glass-staining purple hue is followed by a sensational perfume of crème de cassis, graphite, darker chocolate, scorched earth, and flowers. Full-bodied on the palate, it brings extravagant levels of fruit as well as a seamless mouthfeel, beautifully integrated oak, tannins, and acidity, no hard edges, and a gorgeous finish. It shines even today, yet it has beautiful underlying structure and will evolve gracefully over the coming 30+ years. The 2022 is based on 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 4% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged 18-20 months in 80% new oak.In Bond£970.00 -
(1x75cl) 2022
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Reminding me of the 2018 (as well as the 2009), if not slightly more concentrated, the 2022 Château Léoville Poyferré is one of the most opulent and flamboyant wines out of the Médoc in 2022, and it has incredible intensity while staying light on its feet and graceful. Its dense, glass-staining purple hue is followed by a sensational perfume of crème de cassis, graphite, darker chocolate, scorched earth, and flowers. Full-bodied on the palate, it brings extravagant levels of fruit as well as a seamless mouthfeel, beautifully integrated oak, tannins, and acidity, no hard edges, and a gorgeous finish. It shines even today, yet it has beautiful underlying structure and will evolve gracefully over the coming 30+ years. The 2022 is based on 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 4% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged 18-20 months in 80% new oak.In Bond£113.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Reminding me of the 2018 (as well as the 2009), if not slightly more concentrated, the 2022 Château Léoville Poyferré is one of the most opulent and flamboyant wines out of the Médoc in 2022, and it has incredible intensity while staying light on its feet and graceful. Its dense, glass-staining purple hue is followed by a sensational perfume of crème de cassis, graphite, darker chocolate, scorched earth, and flowers. Full-bodied on the palate, it brings extravagant levels of fruit as well as a seamless mouthfeel, beautifully integrated oak, tannins, and acidity, no hard edges, and a gorgeous finish. It shines even today, yet it has beautiful underlying structure and will evolve gracefully over the coming 30+ years. The 2022 is based on 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 4% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged 18-20 months in 80% new oak.In Bond£489.50 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Brilliant Poyferré, deep ruby colour, setting the scene for ink, campfire, espresso, mint, cassis and damson. Concentrated but with a delicious balance, this feels effortless and is truly a wine for Bordeaux lovers to seek out. Harvest September 14 to October 5. 80% new oak, 52hl/h yields, biggest since 2004, with more 1st wine than usual because the old Cabernet Sauvignon plots gave quality and quantity (after three low quantity years). Alix Combes new vineyard manager, replacing long time manager Bruno Clenet.In Bond£352.50 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)
Brilliant Poyferré, deep ruby colour, setting the scene for ink, campfire, espresso, mint, cassis and damson. Concentrated but with a delicious balance, this feels effortless and is truly a wine for Bordeaux lovers to seek out. Harvest September 14 to October 5. 80% new oak, 52hl/h yields, biggest since 2004, with more 1st wine than usual because the old Cabernet Sauvignon plots gave quality and quantity (after three low quantity years). Alix Combes new vineyard manager, replacing long time manager Bruno Clenet.In Bond£291.00 -
In Bond£2,072.00
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Vinous (93-96)
Deep ruby-red. Liqueur-like aromas of blackberry, smoke, licorice, spice and earth, Thick, dense and sweet; a wine of uncanny volume and richness but extremely closed today and very hard to taste. Potentially great, but no fun right now.In Bond£124,491.00 -
Vinous (93-96)
Deep ruby-red. Liqueur-like aromas of blackberry, smoke, licorice, spice and earth, Thick, dense and sweet; a wine of uncanny volume and richness but extremely closed today and very hard to taste. Potentially great, but no fun right now.In Bond£14,253.00 -
Vinous (98)
Dark red. Three-dimensional aromas of dark fruits, minerals, roast coffee and musky underbrush. An extremely urgent grand cru with incredible texture and energy. Dense and almost painfully intense but utterly light on its feet for a wine of such sheer magnitude. Deeply spicy, complex and complete. Finishes with huge, broad tannins and great building persistence. A knockout, and a strong candidate for wine of the vintage.In Bond£18,184.00 -
(1x75cl) 1996
Vinous (91-94)
Deeper color. Sappy, spicy, liqueur-like aromas of framboise and creme de cassis Sweeter, lusher and more textured than the Fremieres; also a bit reduced. Very subtle, spicy and complex. At once dense and delineated. Fruit-driven Chambolle, not as obviously mineral as the '95, but very long and fine.In Bond£3,895.00 -
(6x75cl) 1999
Vinous (93)
The 1999 Chambolle-Musigny Les Charmes 1er Cru just has the edge over the 2001 when compared side-by-side. That said, I have a slight preference towards the aromatics of the 2001, this offering lovely red fruit laced with a light marine influence and espresso. The palate is where the action is: beautifully balanced and more powerful than the 2001, very precise and satin-like in texture. Unlike the 2001 this appears to improve with aeration, gaining more and more depth and fanning out with a sense of confidence towards the sappy finish. It just exudes the essence of Chambolle-Musigny with a lingering aftertaste. 538 bottles produced. Tasted at Carré des Feuillants restaurant in Paris.In Bond£36,716.49 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The 2011 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes races out of the blocks on the nose, misbehaving like Lalou’s two dogs that are yapping around my ankles. Then it clams down with aeration, achieving more delineation and focus but still constituting one of the more exotic bouquets in this line-up. The palate is sweet in the mouth, corpulent and rounded, you could say almost nubile. Lavish, plush and caressing, this voluptuous Chambolle is one for those who prefer a more hedonistic style of Pinot?and why not.In Bond£15,246.00 -
(1x75cl) 1996
Vinous (89-92)
Excellent deep red. Black raspberry, minerals and smoky oak on the nose: the dark side of Chambolle, particularly in comparison to the redder-fruit '95. Minerally and firm, with excellent density for a village wine but limited complexity. Finishes firm, ripe and persistent.In Bond£4,219.00 -
(1x75cl) 2009
Vinous (94)
The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Fremieres is rich, seductive and incredibly primary, with little in the way of aromatic expressiveness. This is the first wine of these 2009s that is closed in on itself. With time in the glass hints of red cherries and flowers begin to emerge, yet this remains an implosive wine in need of considerable cellaring. The depth of the fruit and the elegance of the tannins are impossible to miss, but this multi-dimensional wine begs for patience.In Bond£6,217.00 -
(1x75cl) 2001
Vinous (94+)
Red-ruby. Forceful aromas of briary dark berries, plum, smoke, coffee and earth, with the subtle vegetal/herbal complexity that is the essence of this grand cru. Tight and bright, but a wine of great intensity and richness, with compelling chewy depths. Less tasteable today than the Combottes but this has more dimension and class. Finishes extremely subtle and long. This will require patience.In Bond£7,891.00 -
(1x75cl) 2003
Vinous (95)
Bright ruby-red. Knockout nose combines strawberry, underbrush, minerals and stone; like a fully ripe essence of Clos de la Roche. Superconcentrated and sweet, with the wine's distinct minerality giving it class and definition. Superripe but not over the top. Silky and full; a nobler version of the superb Combottes. Finishes tannic, minerally and very long, with a lingering juiciness. Captures the great potential of this vintage.In Bond£6,516.00 -
(1x75cl) 2006
Vinous (96+)
Good medium red. Highly nuanced, soil-driven aromas of strawberry, flinty minerality, roasted herbs and crushed rocks. Powerful and stunningly pure, with explosive fruit framed and complicated by pungent minerality and high notes of pepper and spice. This extremely primary wine boasts outstanding precision but is almost brutal today. The tannins reach the incisors on the extremely long and tactile finish.In Bond£6,757.00 -
(3x75cl) 2011
Burghound (96)
Don't Miss! Mild reduction disguises the more subtle elements of the nose but there is plenty of earth character present on what appears to be ripe red berry aromas that lie beneath the funk. There is a highly seductive texture to the large-scaled, sleekly muscular, intense and massive flavors that again, despite all the sheer size and weight, manage to remain focused and betray absolutely no sense of heaviness. The breathtakingly long finish is quite saline with an almost pungent minerality that adds lift. Mostly wines would have been crushed coming after the Musigny but this more than held its own. This is flat out tremendous and entirely textbook.In Bond£19,518.00 -
Vinous (99)
There are so many captivating wines in this tasting, but the 2015 Clos de la Roche seems to just have a little something extra. Ethereal, delicate and nuanced, especially in this context of much richer wines, the Clos de la Roche makes its case more with persistence and nuance rather than pure power. The bright red stone fruit, mineral and floral notes are all sketched with crystalline precision in a hauntingly beautiful Burgundy that hits all the right notes. I can only hope I will have a chance to taste the 2015 when it has had a few years (or more) in bottle.In Bond£9,192.00 -
(12x75cl) 1995
Decanter (98)
Medium-full colour. Just about mature. Rich, fresh, harmonious nose. Round and concentrated. Very good grip and class. Fullish body. Just about ready. Lots of vigour. Very lovely fruit. A lovely wine, very long on the palate.In Bond£69,474.00 -
(1x75cl) 1996
Wine Advocate (95)
The saturated ruby/purple-colored 1996 Clos de Vougeot has profound red cherry, rose, raspberry, and cinnamon aromas. Its medium-to-full-bodied, satin-textured personality is highly structured and youthfully firm. This wine's flavor profile is composed of bright black raspberries, cherries, blackberries, and copious spices. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2012+.In Bond£4,651.00 -
Vinous (91-94)
Ruby-red. Sappy, sweet aromas of black cherry and licorice. Very backward and closed on the palate, even tough today, with major, tongue-dusting tannins. Currently dominated by its powerful structure, but the black fruit, herbal and mint flavors show superb sweetness. This may need a good decade of bottle aging.In Bond£2,365.00 -
(4x75cl) 1998
Vinous (91-94)
Ruby-red. Sappy, sweet aromas of black cherry and licorice. Very backward and closed on the palate, even tough today, with major, tongue-dusting tannins. Currently dominated by its powerful structure, but the black fruit, herbal and mint flavors show superb sweetness. This may need a good decade of bottle aging.In Bond£16,058.00 -
Vinous (90)
The 2000 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru from Leroy, after having changed a corked bottle, has a fresh bouquet with blackberry, undergrowth, mint and a touch of clove. The palate is vibrant, a Clos Vougeot with a spring in its steps. It does not possess the depth or complexity of the finest Clos Vougeot that I have encountered from Leroy, but there is a beguiling transparency and an edgy, sappy finish that beckons you back for another sip. Fine, but not a bona fide success given expectations. Tasted at Carré des Feuillants restaurant in Paris.In Bond£3,477.00 -
In Bond£4,047.00
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In Bond£18,721.00
-
(12x75cl) 2002
Vinous (94+)
Dark red. Reticent nose hints at cherry and licorice. Intensely flavored and dense but austere and backward, dominated by its powerful structure. Hard to taste today, but extremely long on the back end, with noble, thoroughly ripe tannins.In Bond£61,136.08 -
(3x75cl) 2006
Burghound (95)
This is quite ripe though not surmature, featuring a fresh array of distinctly earthy and ever so slightly rustic red and blue fruit aromas that are in perfect keeping with the robust, muscled and powerful full-bodied flavors underpinned by mouth coating tannins and superb concentration on the strikingly long finish. As impressive as this is, and it's very impressive, after the fireworks provided by the RSV and the Riche, it doesn't quite have the game to fully match up. Still, I hope to have the pleasure of trying a glass or two when it finally reaches full maturity.In Bond£15,617.00
