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
-
Savor the effervescent elegance of R. Pouillon & Fils Les Blanchiens Premier Cru 2016, a testament to French winemaking artistry. Exclusively grown in the iconic Premier Cru vineyards of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the grapes are given a tender touch as they are hand-harvested. The producer, R. Pouillon & Fils, renowned for their century-long legacy and commitment to sustainability, painstakingly ages this Brut Nature on lees for three years, enhancing the depth and fullness of its expression.
A lovely blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, its distinct character presents a rich sensorial journey with nuanced hints of apple, pear, and yeasty brioche, graced with a crisp, lively finish. R. Pouillon & Fils Les Blanchiens Premier Cru 2016’s savoir-faire and earth-conscious cultivation celebrate the enduring essence of Champagne's terroir, capturing an exquisite vinous harmony in every bottle. Savour its vivacious charm—a radiant accompaniment to life’s memorable moments.
Inc. VAT£1,005.86 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The 2016 Rabaud-Promis has a pale to medium lemon color and reveals slowly emerging notions of fragrant earth, fungi, melons, baked peaches, cedar and ginger with a waft of paraffin. The palate is rich, concentrated and satiny with bold flavors and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy.Inc. VAT£958.60 -
Wine Enthusiast (94)
Rich, opulent and full-bodied, this wine has great concentration and is packed with notes of apricot, spice, lemon and toast. Its texture brings in minerality as well as a tangy edge. Drink from 2024.Inc. VAT£519.12 -
(6x75cl) 2021Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2021 Rahoul is attractive. Bright red cherry, iron , dried herbs, cedar, tobacco and menthol all develop nicely. Hopefully élevage will take care of some of the angular contours that are present at this stage. In 2021 Rahoul is quite savory and aromatic.Inc. VAT£123.20 -
(12x75cl) 2020Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2020 Rahoul Blanc has an attractive nose of Golden Delicious, lime cordial and light nectarine scents. This has vigor and focus. The palate is well balanced with fine acidity. Great tension here, not amazingly complex but I appreciate the manner in which this builds towards the citrus, almost yuzu like finish. Very fine.Inc. VAT£221.38 -
(12x37.5cl) 2023Gracefully crafted by the renowned winemakers at Raimbault-Pineau, the Pouilly Fume 2023 exudes finesse representative of France’s Upper Loire Vineyards. The Raimbault-Pineau Pouilly Fume 2023, made purely from Sauvignon Blanc, a testament to the Raimbault family’s six-generation winemaking legacy, showcases the vineyard's limestone soil influence, contributing to its unique mineral character. A masterstroke of perfection, each bottle is hand-harvested and distilled in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, ensuring the preservation of its delicate flavour profile.
On the palate, it unveils a remarkable balance of acidity and fragrance, characterised by smoky flint nuances, intermingling with vibrant notes of citrus and green apple. The finish, long and wonderfully refreshing, elevates the wine-drinking experience. Synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, the Raimbault-Pineau Pouilly Fume 2023 is an offering from the heart of France, promising a tasting journey that echoes tradition, innovation, and relentless pursuit of quality.
Inc. VAT£114.80 -
Vinous (95)
My evening began with Pierre Rovani handing me a glass of Ramonet’s 1992 Bâtard-Montrachet, which was an incredible wine with which to start the night. Served from magnum, it was deeply-colored and packed with fruit and sweet toasted oak notes, showing stunning length on the palate and extraordinary balance. In a word: awesome.Inc. VAT£2,715.60 -
Vinous (95+)
Brooding, unevolved, eau de vie-like nose hints at poire quetsche (plum liqueur), iodine and curry powder. Wonderfully silky entry, then thick but utterly vibrant in the middle. Superrich but uncompromisingly dry; builds inexorably from entry to palate-staining finish. Not especially oaky on the nose or mid-palate despite the 100% new oak, but shows some late grilled notes.Inc. VAT£1,158.12 -
(1x75cl) 2014Wine Advocate (96)
The 2014 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru offers up notes of citrus zest, pastry cream, subtle noisette and a framing of new oak—the prelude to a wine that is notably more tight knit and unyielding than the Bienvenues. There’s lots of power and cut here, but so much is currently held in reserve, and cellaring will be essential to realize its full potential. Interestingly, one parcel of the Ramonet's holdings in Bâtard-Montrachet adjoins their parcel of Bienvenues, but the other parcel is in the middle of the vineyard on the border of Chassagne and Puligny, and perhaps that explains why these grands crus are generally so different.Inc. VAT£3,837.20 -
(3x150cl) 2015Burghound (95)
In the same fashion as the BBM there are soft notes of wood toast and petrol that set off the ripe and overtly ripe but not really exotic aromas of both white and yellow orchard fruit that flash background spice and citrus nuances. The wood is more prominent on the palate though there is so much concentration and sappy dry extract that the big-bodied flavors should have no difficulty ultimately integrating it. Interestingly, and has been the case in several recent vintages of this wine, it is no less refined than the BBM if a bit more broad-shouldered. Good stuff with sneaky good length and this too has most impressive underlying reserves that should permit it to also age effortlessly.Inc. VAT£6,910.16 -
Burghound (95)
In the same fashion as the BBM there are soft notes of wood toast and petrol that set off the ripe and overtly ripe but not really exotic aromas of both white and yellow orchard fruit that flash background spice and citrus nuances. The wood is more prominent on the palate though there is so much concentration and sappy dry extract that the big-bodied flavors should have no difficulty ultimately integrating it. Interestingly, and has been the case in several recent vintages of this wine, it is no less refined than the BBM if a bit more broad-shouldered. Good stuff with sneaky good length and this too has most impressive underlying reserves that should permit it to also age effortlessly.Inc. VAT£7,478.44 -
Inc. VAT£5,211.64 -
(1x75cl) 2018Inc. VAT£1,176.80 -
(1x75cl) 2019Burghound (95)
Here the nose is firmly reduced so in the unlikely event you're interested in opening a bottle right away, be sure to give it 30 minutes or so of air and decanting it would be better still. Otherwise, there is slightly better underlying energy to the rich yet nicely detailed, even precise, middleweight plus flavors that also deliver impressive length on the bitter lemon-inflected finale. While this isn't as structured as it usually is, it's still going to need close to a decade if you wish to see the '19 Bâtard at its peak.Inc. VAT£1,229.84 -
(2x75cl) 2019Burghound (95)
Here the nose is firmly reduced so in the unlikely event you're interested in opening a bottle right away, be sure to give it 30 minutes or so of air and decanting it would be better still. Otherwise, there is slightly better underlying energy to the rich yet nicely detailed, even precise, middleweight plus flavors that also deliver impressive length on the bitter lemon-inflected finale. While this isn't as structured as it usually is, it's still going to need close to a decade if you wish to see the '19 Bâtard at its peak.Inc. VAT£2,017.72 -
Burghound (95)
Here the nose is firmly reduced so in the unlikely event you're interested in opening a bottle right away, be sure to give it 30 minutes or so of air and decanting it would be better still. Otherwise, there is slightly better underlying energy to the rich yet nicely detailed, even precise, middleweight plus flavors that also deliver impressive length on the bitter lemon-inflected finale. While this isn't as structured as it usually is, it's still going to need close to a decade if you wish to see the '19 Bâtard at its peak.Inc. VAT£7,026.04 -
(6x75cl) 2020Burghound (96)
A suggestion of the exotic is present on the aromas of citrus confit, white peach, passion fruit and pretty floral nuances. While the larger-scaled flavors possess a bit more size and weight, they're actually slightly finer, though not denser, than those of the BBM while delivering outstanding length on the bone-dry, youthfully austere and decidedly built-to-age finale that exhibits first-rate length. This is a Ramonet Bâtard of relative finesse though to be sure, it does not lack for punch or potential longevity. I quite like this as it's stylish and even classy, which isn't an adjective always applied to Bâtard.Inc. VAT£7,955.09 -
Burghound (94)
A discreet though hardly invisible application of oak is present on the notably ripe and vaguely exotic nose of white and yellow peach, acacia and carnation, and even more phenolic character. There is better size, weight and volume though, somewhat surprisingly, not necessarily better concentration, to the succulent and caressing flavors that tighten up noticeably on the compact, tightly wound and built-to-age finale. This is very good and if not one of the domaine's all-time great vintages for the Bâtard, it's certainly no less than excellent.Inc. VAT£842.66 -
Burghound (94)
A discreet though hardly invisible application of oak is present on the notably ripe and vaguely exotic nose of white and yellow peach, acacia and carnation, and even more phenolic character. There is better size, weight and volume though, somewhat surprisingly, not necessarily better concentration, to the succulent and caressing flavors that tighten up noticeably on the compact, tightly wound and built-to-age finale. This is very good and if not one of the domaine's all-time great vintages for the Bâtard, it's certainly no less than excellent.Inc. VAT£2,904.78 -
(6x75cl) 2021Burghound (94)
A discreet though hardly invisible application of oak is present on the notably ripe and vaguely exotic nose of white and yellow peach, acacia and carnation, and even more phenolic character. There is better size, weight and volume though, somewhat surprisingly, not necessarily better concentration, to the succulent and caressing flavors that tighten up noticeably on the compact, tightly wound and built-to-age finale. This is very good and if not one of the domaine's all-time great vintages for the Bâtard, it's certainly no less than excellent.Inc. VAT£6,200.15 -
(1x150cl) 2022Inc. VAT£3,097.34 -
Inc. VAT£2,905.60 -
Vinous (92)
The 1992 Bienvenue-Bâtard-Montrachet continues to entrance, even if I believe it has lost some of its luster in recent years. Here it has an elegant bouquet that feels quite generous and rich for a 1992, a patina of toastiness that complements the citrus fruit. The palate is rounded in the mouth: hints of almond and coconut, perhaps a notch lower in acidity than I might have liked with a subtle honeyed tincture on the finish. It is a gorgeous Bienvenue if not in the same class as the 1988. Tasted at the La Paulée in Beaune.Inc. VAT£27,835.87 -
(3x75cl) 2011Inc. VAT£2,605.22 -
(1x75cl) 2013Wine Advocate (94)
The 2013 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru is a dramatic, expressive wine that bursts from the glass with aromas of buttered yellow orchard fruit, smoke, pastry cream, subtle apricot and spice. On the palate, it's full-bodied, ample and richly textural, with a bright but expansive profile and a long, heady finish. It's already drinking well.Inc. VAT£1,151.24 -
(1x150cl) 2018Burghound (94)
Hints of mineral reduction and matchstick character suffuse the elegant aromas of honeysuckle, acacia blossom and spiced pear that are trimmed in wisps of wood and lemon rind. The super-sleek, intense and nicely detailed flavors possess good richness on the citrusy and beautifully long finale where moderate warmth slowly emerges. This elegant effort is perhaps a bit bolder and powerful than is usually the case and a BBM that should age gracefully over the next decade.Inc. VAT£2,010.60 -
(6x75cl) 2018Burghound (94)
Hints of mineral reduction and matchstick character suffuse the elegant aromas of honeysuckle, acacia blossom and spiced pear that are trimmed in wisps of wood and lemon rind. The super-sleek, intense and nicely detailed flavors possess good richness on the citrusy and beautifully long finale where moderate warmth slowly emerges. This elegant effort is perhaps a bit bolder and powerful than is usually the case and a BBM that should age gracefully over the next decade.Inc. VAT£5,836.84 -
(1x75cl) 2019Burghound (94)
A touch of matchstick character is present on the cool if ripe aromas of honeysuckle, carnation, lemon-lime and crushed fennel. The supple and caressing medium weight flavors are rich to the point of opulence with excellent density and punch that carries over to the impressively long and sappy finale where the only reproach is again a touch of warmth. I would not describe the '19 BBM as a classic example from Ramonet but it's extremely good nonetheless.Inc. VAT£1,314.26 -
Burghound (94)
A touch of matchstick character is present on the cool if ripe aromas of honeysuckle, carnation, lemon-lime and crushed fennel. The supple and caressing medium weight flavors are rich to the point of opulence with excellent density and punch that carries over to the impressively long and sappy finale where the only reproach is again a touch of warmth. I would not describe the '19 BBM as a classic example from Ramonet but it's extremely good nonetheless.Inc. VAT£6,221.15 -
Burghound (94)
Here there is enough reduction to largely mask the nuances of the fruit though it's evident that the wood treatment is more prominent though not so much that it shouldn't progressively integrate over time. On the palate there is a beautiful texture to the expansive and sleek medium weight plus flavors that possess focused power on the impressively complex, persistent and impeccably well-balanced finale. In the context of the Ramonet BBM, the 2020 version is a big wine and perhaps not quite as refined as it normally is, though with that said, it's also more powerful than usual. Either way, this should amply repay 10 to 12 years of keeping.Inc. VAT£1,029.86
-
Savor the effervescent elegance of R. Pouillon & Fils Les Blanchiens Premier Cru 2016, a testament to French winemaking artistry. Exclusively grown in the iconic Premier Cru vineyards of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the grapes are given a tender touch as they are hand-harvested. The producer, R. Pouillon & Fils, renowned for their century-long legacy and commitment to sustainability, painstakingly ages this Brut Nature on lees for three years, enhancing the depth and fullness of its expression.
A lovely blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, its distinct character presents a rich sensorial journey with nuanced hints of apple, pear, and yeasty brioche, graced with a crisp, lively finish. R. Pouillon & Fils Les Blanchiens Premier Cru 2016’s savoir-faire and earth-conscious cultivation celebrate the enduring essence of Champagne's terroir, capturing an exquisite vinous harmony in every bottle. Savour its vivacious charm—a radiant accompaniment to life’s memorable moments.
In Bond£821.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The 2016 Rabaud-Promis has a pale to medium lemon color and reveals slowly emerging notions of fragrant earth, fungi, melons, baked peaches, cedar and ginger with a waft of paraffin. The palate is rich, concentrated and satiny with bold flavors and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy.In Bond£763.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (94)
Rich, opulent and full-bodied, this wine has great concentration and is packed with notes of apricot, spice, lemon and toast. Its texture brings in minerality as well as a tangy edge. Drink from 2024.In Bond£414.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89)
The 2021 Rahoul is attractive. Bright red cherry, iron , dried herbs, cedar, tobacco and menthol all develop nicely. Hopefully élevage will take care of some of the angular contours that are present at this stage. In 2021 Rahoul is quite savory and aromatic.In Bond£82.00 -
(12x75cl) 2020
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2020 Rahoul Blanc has an attractive nose of Golden Delicious, lime cordial and light nectarine scents. This has vigor and focus. The palate is well balanced with fine acidity. Great tension here, not amazingly complex but I appreciate the manner in which this builds towards the citrus, almost yuzu like finish. Very fine.In Bond£146.00 -
(12x37.5cl) 2023
Gracefully crafted by the renowned winemakers at Raimbault-Pineau, the Pouilly Fume 2023 exudes finesse representative of France’s Upper Loire Vineyards. The Raimbault-Pineau Pouilly Fume 2023, made purely from Sauvignon Blanc, a testament to the Raimbault family’s six-generation winemaking legacy, showcases the vineyard's limestone soil influence, contributing to its unique mineral character. A masterstroke of perfection, each bottle is hand-harvested and distilled in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, ensuring the preservation of its delicate flavour profile.
On the palate, it unveils a remarkable balance of acidity and fragrance, characterised by smoky flint nuances, intermingling with vibrant notes of citrus and green apple. The finish, long and wonderfully refreshing, elevates the wine-drinking experience. Synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, the Raimbault-Pineau Pouilly Fume 2023 is an offering from the heart of France, promising a tasting journey that echoes tradition, innovation, and relentless pursuit of quality.
In Bond£75.00 -
Vinous (95)
My evening began with Pierre Rovani handing me a glass of Ramonet’s 1992 Bâtard-Montrachet, which was an incredible wine with which to start the night. Served from magnum, it was deeply-colored and packed with fruit and sweet toasted oak notes, showing stunning length on the palate and extraordinary balance. In a word: awesome.Inc. VAT£2,715.60 -
Vinous (95+)
Brooding, unevolved, eau de vie-like nose hints at poire quetsche (plum liqueur), iodine and curry powder. Wonderfully silky entry, then thick but utterly vibrant in the middle. Superrich but uncompromisingly dry; builds inexorably from entry to palate-staining finish. Not especially oaky on the nose or mid-palate despite the 100% new oak, but shows some late grilled notes.In Bond£962.00 -
(1x75cl) 2014
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2014 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru offers up notes of citrus zest, pastry cream, subtle noisette and a framing of new oak—the prelude to a wine that is notably more tight knit and unyielding than the Bienvenues. There’s lots of power and cut here, but so much is currently held in reserve, and cellaring will be essential to realize its full potential. Interestingly, one parcel of the Ramonet's holdings in Bâtard-Montrachet adjoins their parcel of Bienvenues, but the other parcel is in the middle of the vineyard on the border of Chassagne and Puligny, and perhaps that explains why these grands crus are generally so different.In Bond£3,195.00 -
(3x150cl) 2015
Burghound (95)
In the same fashion as the BBM there are soft notes of wood toast and petrol that set off the ripe and overtly ripe but not really exotic aromas of both white and yellow orchard fruit that flash background spice and citrus nuances. The wood is more prominent on the palate though there is so much concentration and sappy dry extract that the big-bodied flavors should have no difficulty ultimately integrating it. Interestingly, and has been the case in several recent vintages of this wine, it is no less refined than the BBM if a bit more broad-shouldered. Good stuff with sneaky good length and this too has most impressive underlying reserves that should permit it to also age effortlessly.In Bond£5,739.18 -
Burghound (95)
In the same fashion as the BBM there are soft notes of wood toast and petrol that set off the ripe and overtly ripe but not really exotic aromas of both white and yellow orchard fruit that flash background spice and citrus nuances. The wood is more prominent on the palate though there is so much concentration and sappy dry extract that the big-bodied flavors should have no difficulty ultimately integrating it. Interestingly, and has been the case in several recent vintages of this wine, it is no less refined than the BBM if a bit more broad-shouldered. Good stuff with sneaky good length and this too has most impressive underlying reserves that should permit it to also age effortlessly.In Bond£6,216.00 -
In Bond£4,327.00
-
(1x75cl) 2018In Bond£978.00
-
(1x75cl) 2019
Burghound (95)
Here the nose is firmly reduced so in the unlikely event you're interested in opening a bottle right away, be sure to give it 30 minutes or so of air and decanting it would be better still. Otherwise, there is slightly better underlying energy to the rich yet nicely detailed, even precise, middleweight plus flavors that also deliver impressive length on the bitter lemon-inflected finale. While this isn't as structured as it usually is, it's still going to need close to a decade if you wish to see the '19 Bâtard at its peak.In Bond£1,021.65 -
(2x75cl) 2019
Burghound (95)
Here the nose is firmly reduced so in the unlikely event you're interested in opening a bottle right away, be sure to give it 30 minutes or so of air and decanting it would be better still. Otherwise, there is slightly better underlying energy to the rich yet nicely detailed, even precise, middleweight plus flavors that also deliver impressive length on the bitter lemon-inflected finale. While this isn't as structured as it usually is, it's still going to need close to a decade if you wish to see the '19 Bâtard at its peak.In Bond£1,675.00 -
Burghound (95)
Here the nose is firmly reduced so in the unlikely event you're interested in opening a bottle right away, be sure to give it 30 minutes or so of air and decanting it would be better still. Otherwise, there is slightly better underlying energy to the rich yet nicely detailed, even precise, middleweight plus flavors that also deliver impressive length on the bitter lemon-inflected finale. While this isn't as structured as it usually is, it's still going to need close to a decade if you wish to see the '19 Bâtard at its peak.In Bond£5,839.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020
Burghound (96)
A suggestion of the exotic is present on the aromas of citrus confit, white peach, passion fruit and pretty floral nuances. While the larger-scaled flavors possess a bit more size and weight, they're actually slightly finer, though not denser, than those of the BBM while delivering outstanding length on the bone-dry, youthfully austere and decidedly built-to-age finale that exhibits first-rate length. This is a Ramonet Bâtard of relative finesse though to be sure, it does not lack for punch or potential longevity. I quite like this as it's stylish and even classy, which isn't an adjective always applied to Bâtard.In Bond£6,610.00 -
Burghound (94)
A discreet though hardly invisible application of oak is present on the notably ripe and vaguely exotic nose of white and yellow peach, acacia and carnation, and even more phenolic character. There is better size, weight and volume though, somewhat surprisingly, not necessarily better concentration, to the succulent and caressing flavors that tighten up noticeably on the compact, tightly wound and built-to-age finale. This is very good and if not one of the domaine's all-time great vintages for the Bâtard, it's certainly no less than excellent.In Bond£699.00 -
Burghound (94)
A discreet though hardly invisible application of oak is present on the notably ripe and vaguely exotic nose of white and yellow peach, acacia and carnation, and even more phenolic character. There is better size, weight and volume though, somewhat surprisingly, not necessarily better concentration, to the succulent and caressing flavors that tighten up noticeably on the compact, tightly wound and built-to-age finale. This is very good and if not one of the domaine's all-time great vintages for the Bâtard, it's certainly no less than excellent.In Bond£2,411.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021
Burghound (94)
A discreet though hardly invisible application of oak is present on the notably ripe and vaguely exotic nose of white and yellow peach, acacia and carnation, and even more phenolic character. There is better size, weight and volume though, somewhat surprisingly, not necessarily better concentration, to the succulent and caressing flavors that tighten up noticeably on the compact, tightly wound and built-to-age finale. This is very good and if not one of the domaine's all-time great vintages for the Bâtard, it's certainly no less than excellent.In Bond£5,147.50 -
(1x150cl) 2022In Bond£2,574.23
-
In Bond£2,411.00
-
Vinous (92)
The 1992 Bienvenue-Bâtard-Montrachet continues to entrance, even if I believe it has lost some of its luster in recent years. Here it has an elegant bouquet that feels quite generous and rich for a 1992, a patina of toastiness that complements the citrus fruit. The palate is rounded in the mouth: hints of almond and coconut, perhaps a notch lower in acidity than I might have liked with a subtle honeyed tincture on the finish. It is a gorgeous Bienvenue if not in the same class as the 1988. Tasted at the La Paulée in Beaune.In Bond£23,169.00 -
(3x75cl) 2011In Bond£2,163.00
-
(1x75cl) 2013
Wine Advocate (94)
The 2013 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru is a dramatic, expressive wine that bursts from the glass with aromas of buttered yellow orchard fruit, smoke, pastry cream, subtle apricot and spice. On the palate, it's full-bodied, ample and richly textural, with a bright but expansive profile and a long, heady finish. It's already drinking well.In Bond£956.70 -
(1x150cl) 2018
Burghound (94)
Hints of mineral reduction and matchstick character suffuse the elegant aromas of honeysuckle, acacia blossom and spiced pear that are trimmed in wisps of wood and lemon rind. The super-sleek, intense and nicely detailed flavors possess good richness on the citrusy and beautifully long finale where moderate warmth slowly emerges. This elegant effort is perhaps a bit bolder and powerful than is usually the case and a BBM that should age gracefully over the next decade.In Bond£1,669.07 -
(6x75cl) 2018
Burghound (94)
Hints of mineral reduction and matchstick character suffuse the elegant aromas of honeysuckle, acacia blossom and spiced pear that are trimmed in wisps of wood and lemon rind. The super-sleek, intense and nicely detailed flavors possess good richness on the citrusy and beautifully long finale where moderate warmth slowly emerges. This elegant effort is perhaps a bit bolder and powerful than is usually the case and a BBM that should age gracefully over the next decade.In Bond£4,848.00 -
(1x75cl) 2019
Burghound (94)
A touch of matchstick character is present on the cool if ripe aromas of honeysuckle, carnation, lemon-lime and crushed fennel. The supple and caressing medium weight flavors are rich to the point of opulence with excellent density and punch that carries over to the impressively long and sappy finale where the only reproach is again a touch of warmth. I would not describe the '19 BBM as a classic example from Ramonet but it's extremely good nonetheless.In Bond£1,092.00 -
Burghound (94)
A touch of matchstick character is present on the cool if ripe aromas of honeysuckle, carnation, lemon-lime and crushed fennel. The supple and caressing medium weight flavors are rich to the point of opulence with excellent density and punch that carries over to the impressively long and sappy finale where the only reproach is again a touch of warmth. I would not describe the '19 BBM as a classic example from Ramonet but it's extremely good nonetheless.In Bond£5,165.00 -
Burghound (94)
Here there is enough reduction to largely mask the nuances of the fruit though it's evident that the wood treatment is more prominent though not so much that it shouldn't progressively integrate over time. On the palate there is a beautiful texture to the expansive and sleek medium weight plus flavors that possess focused power on the impressively complex, persistent and impeccably well-balanced finale. In the context of the Ramonet BBM, the 2020 version is a big wine and perhaps not quite as refined as it normally is, though with that said, it's also more powerful than usual. Either way, this should amply repay 10 to 12 years of keeping.In Bond£855.00
