France - All White Wines
France is revered for its exceptional white wines, which showcase the country's rich winemaking heritage, diverse terroirs, and unwavering commitment to quality. Today, let us embark on a journey through the best white wines that France has to offer, exploring renowned vineyards and the regions that give birth to these extraordinary expressions.
In Burgundy, the appellations of Chablis, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet stand tall as the epitome of excellence in white wine production. Wineries such as Domaine Raveneau, Domaine Dauvissat, and Domaine Leflaive craft mesmerizing Chardonnays that capture the essence of the region's unique Kimmeridgian limestone soils. These wines exhibit precision, purity, and a remarkable balance of mineral notes, citrus flavors, and vibrant acidity.
Moving to the Loire Valley, the vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are celebrated for their exceptional Sauvignon Blancs. Domaine Vacheron, Domaine Didier Dagueneau, and Domaine Pascal Jolivet create expressive and terroir-driven wines that showcase the region's distinct flinty minerality, zesty citrus, and herbaceous undertones.
Further northeast in France, in the region of Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Domaine Trimbach, and Domaine Weinbach produce stunning white wines from varietals like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. These wines display remarkable depth, aromatic complexity, and a balance between sweetness and acidity, reflecting the region's unique microclimates and granite-rich soils.
In Bordeaux, the region of Graves is renowned for its white wines, particularly those crafted from the classic grape varieties of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Château Haut-Brion, Château Pape Clément, and Domaine de Chevalier are esteemed vineyards that produce rich and age-worthy white Bordeaux wines. These wines exhibit a beautiful interplay of tropical fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and a touch of toasty oak.
Finally, in the Rhône Valley, the appellation of Condrieu shines as a beacon of excellence in Viognier production. Renowned vineyards such as Domaine Georges Vernay and Domaine Yves Cuilleron create remarkable Viognier wines that seduce the senses with their exotic aromas of apricot, peach, and delicate floral notes. These wines showcase richness, elegance, and a silky texture that lingers on the palate.
France - All White Wines
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Burgundy | 1 | 94-96 (VN) | HK$18,140.00 | |||||
Vinous (94-96)There is just one barrel of the 2021 Montrachet Grand Cru this year. This oak comes through quite strongly at the moment, especially compared to the Chevalier alongside, though there is obviously real power and intensity here. The palate is very well-balanced and multi-layered with gorgeous yellow fruit, crushed stone and hints of lemongrass toward the finish. This seems to really fill the mouth with flavour, though it deserves four to five years in bottle. Maybe I just prefer the more nuanced Chevalier. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$8,575.00 | |||||
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Immerse your senses in the splendid Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Aligote 2013, a gem from the feted soils of Burgundy. Crafted by meticulous vintner, Arnaud Ente, respected globally for his dedication to terroir-expressive wines. This Aligoté uses grapes meticulously handpicked from vineyards with diverse soil types. Their vinification in old oak barrels bestows a rich, textured palate laced with melon, citrus and floral undertones. The wine's notable minerality reflects its birthplace, offering a captivating tension between freshness and depth. Arnaud Ente's precise viticulture and traditional vinification practices ensure this Bourgogne Aligoté's potential for graceful ageing, unfolding layers of complexity with every year. Subtle oak integration results in a wine that's beautifully balanced, with the vivacious acidity of Aligoté grape extraordinarily intact. Indulge in Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Aligote 2013 – a remarkable testimonial for Aligoté's potential to yield extraordinary wines when nurtured with passion and respect. It's less a wine, more an experience. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 89+ (WA) | HK$7,110.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (89+)Arnaud Ente's 2015 Bourgogne Aligoté offers up aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, blanched almond and honeysuckle—the prelude to a medium-bodied, bright and vibrant wine, with succulent acids, lovely extract and almost crystalline purity. This bottling hails from old vines planted in the commune of Meursault and is routinely one of the finest examples of this variety to be found in all the Côte d'Or. Indeed, while Aligoté is seldom cellared, this will really blossom with a few years' sleep: the 2008, for example, is at the peak of its powers today. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 88 (VN) | HK$7,430.00 | |||||
Vinous (88)This was followed by the 2016 Bourgogne Aligoté from Domaine Arnaud Ente. “Best wine in the range?” I half-jested, in praise of Ente’s Aligoté rather than disparaging his Chardonnays. Pale silvery in hue, it offers attractive scents of white flowers and apricot blossom, linden and hints of lemon verbena. The palate is well balanced, although I would have liked a little more tension toward the stem-ginger-tinged finish, which I felt was a little “woolly.” |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$6,890.00 | |||||
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Introducing the 'Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2014', a vision of authentic craftsmanship, from one of the most respected vintners in Burgundy, Arnaud Ente. This elegantly balanced Chardonnay was vinified with indigenous yeast and matured meticulously in oak barrels for 12 months before a further 6 in stainless steel, creating an intricate, textural experience. Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2014 hails from Burgundy, a region revered for its limestone-rich soils and cool climate, both pivotal in imbuing Ente's wines with matchless acidity and mineral depth. Remarkably, this wine is an embodiment of the meticulous viticulture and hands-on vinification at the estate. Its shimmering gold hue is a prelude to an aromatic symphony of orchard fruits, honey and toasted nuts, flawlessly balanced on the palate with a lasting finish. Acquiring a bottle of Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2014 is an investment in a true artisanal expression of one of Burgundy's greatest terroirs. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 87 (WA) | HK$7,110.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (87)The 2015 Bourgogne Blanc from Arnaud Ente is initially quite reduced, so decanting is advised if you're drinking this young, but with time in the glass a pretty bouquet of apple, pear and iodine begins to take shape. On the palate, the wine is medium-full, sappy and succulent, with more richness and texture than the Aligoté but without its intensity and purity. This would score higher if it weren't for the overt reduction. Ente's constantly delicious Bourgogne Blanc comes from young vines (a portion in the commune of Puligny, planted in 2002, and the rest in the commune of Meursault, planted in 2012), but while it commands a premium over his Aligoté, I tend to prefer the latter. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$6,745.00 | |||||
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Immerse in the world of fine wine with the illustrious Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2016. Imbued with sublime elegance and precision, this first-rate French wine hails from the esteemed vineyards of Arnaud Ente, one of Burgundy's monumental wine producers. Fermented in oak barrels and aged for an impactful 18 months, the production process is meticulous, reverenting the esteemed old-world wine-making traditions. The Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2016 is characterised by a strikingly fresh bouquet, underlined by citrus notes and an alluring minerality. You'll discover an exquisite palate balance, persisting through to a tantalising, lingering finish. Arnaud Ente's mastery is unmistakable – showcasing his infamous attention to detail in viticulture and vinification to create a wine capturing the quintessence of the Burgundy terroir. Celebrate a pivotal moment, impress a distinguished guest, or simply enjoy an evening of sophistication with the lauded Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2016. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$7,240.00 | |||||
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Discover the Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2018, an exceptional vintage from one of Burgundy's most distinguished vignerons. This stunning white wine was carefully crafted in Arnaud's biodynamic vineyards, located in the heart of the Meursault region. Its flawless profile exudes the finesse and meticulous craftsmanship for which the Ente family is renowned. The grapes are harvested by hands to maintain their quality, before undergoing a gentle pressing and fermentation in barrel. The Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2018 possesses a sophisticated and palatable balance, with the refreshing tang of citrus fruits complementing hints of brioche and toasted almonds. Its lingering, mineral-driven finish completes the memorable tasting experience. Arnaud Ente's unyielding dedication to producing France's finest Chardonnay is in full display here. Savour this quintessential expression of a classic Burgundian Blanc, demonstrating the unique terroir of Arnaud Ente's vineyards. The Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2018 is truly exceptional, a tribute to the mastery of its revered producer. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 90 (VN) | HK$20,580.00 | |||||
Vinous (90)Pale yellow. Musky yellow fruits and gingery spices on the nose. Ripe and silky, with harmonious acidity framing the sweet peach and nutmeg flavors. A rich village wine, particularly in the context of this cellar, but I like its cut and balance. Underlying lemon and crushed stone flavors give the finish a slight youthful aggressiveness that calls for a year or two of patience. The crop level was 22 hectoliters per hectare in these parcels. Incidentally, Ente describes 2012 as a good year but a bit too rich and thick; he compared it to 2007 and 2008 in quality, adding that the '08s also had too much thickness. (But take advantage of Ente's atypically rich and concentrated 2012 Bourgogne Blanc if you spot a bottle, as this wine, made from parcels in Meursault and Puligny, will be easier to drink at the outset. I rated it 88 points.) |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$17,940.00 | |||||
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The Arnaud Ente Meursault 2017 exudes graceful sophistication. Crafted in the renowned vineyards of Burgundy, France, this vintage was meticulously tended to by expert winemaker, Arnaud Ente, a virtuoso known for artisanal winemaking. Respecting tradition and ensuring attention to detail, this Chardonnay grape is handled with exceptional care from vine to bottle. It has an exquisite balance between acidity and richness, resulting in an opulent white wine with complex aromas of fresh green apples, citrus, and subtle touches of oak. Every stage of production: viticulture, fermentation, and maturation in oak barrels, is executed with a philosophy of respect for nature and terroir. Unlike most wines from Meursault, Arnaud Ente's 2017 vintage has a remarkable longevity due to its structured, focused character. The Arnaud Ente Meursault 2017 is not just a wine, but an experience of flavours expressing the quintessence of its Burgundy roots and the distilled expertise of Ente's proficient vintner skills. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 90 (VN) | HK$16,095.00 | |||||
Vinous (90)Pale straw-yellow. Much less expressive on the nose than the basic village wine, hinting at hazelnut and lees. Then fat and rich in the mouth, offering very good floral lift to the flavors of tangerine and spices. Perhaps a bit youthfully aggressive in the mid-palate today, but the finish is suave and long, with nicely delineated lemon and pineapple flavors. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$109,560.00 | |||||
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Experience the luxurious sophistication of the exquisite Auvenay Auxey Duresses Les Clous Blanc 2002. This legendary white wine is a soulful creation of winemaker Madame Lalou Bize-Leroy, revered for her meticulous attention to detail. Produced in the revered Burgundy region of France, this indulgence spellbinds with its stunning nuances. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in a sublimely slow, natural process, it is aged in fine oak barrels to develop its harmonious balance and complexity. Emanating subtle notes of orchard fruits, the Auvenay Auxey Duresses Les Clous Blanc 2002 takes wine enthusiasts on an unforgettable journey of taste sensation. This ethereal blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay gives a rich depth of flavour, enhanced by its well-aged maturity. No expense or effort has been spared in making this exceptional vintage, earning it a well-deserved status among connoisseurs globally. Savour the refined elegance of Auvenay Auxey Duresses Les Clous Blanc 2002 and its lasting, memorable finish. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 91-93 (VN) | HK$116,380.00 | |||||
Vinous (91-93)Ripe but vibrant aromas of citrus peel and toasty oak. Wonderfully dense and silky, with terrific citric lift to the flavors of lemon drop and spices. At once tactile and smooth, finishing with superb building length. An elegantly styled but very fat and rich Goutte d'Or. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$2,175.00 | |||||
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The Bachey Legros Chassagne-Montrachet 2019, an offering from one of Burgundy's oldest wine families, is an exceptional wine. This gorgeous Chardonnay comes from the chalky soils of the renowned Côte des Blancs and is a testament to the meticulous practices of Samuel Bachelet, the sixth-generation winegrower. Produced from 50-year-old vines grown on two hectares, this vintage presents a marvel of complexity. Fermented and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, the Chassagne-Montrachet 2019 enchants with its pale golden hue, punctuated by an elegant nose of citrus fruits and floral undertones. On the palate, it delivers a balanced harmony of minerality and toasted almond nuances. Exquisite as an aperitif, this premium wine pairs superbly with seafood and white meats. The Bachey Legros Chassagne-Montrachet 2019 perfectly encapsulates the Bachelet's dedication to tradition, their rigorous respect for terroir, and their relentless pursuit of excellence. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$5,060.00 | |||||
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Experience the refined elegance of the 'Ballot Millot & Fils Meursault-Perrieres 1er Cru 2021', a fine example of French winemaking genius. Nestled in the region of Burgundy, this wine is a tribute to Ballot Millot's uncompromising commitment to tradition and innovation. Ballot Millot & Fils Meursault-Perrieres 1er Cru 2021 boasts an exquisite balance of ripeness and precision, a reflection of select limestone-clay soil and a measured maturation in neutral oak barrels. The nose allures with hints of white peach, brioche and almond, whilst the palate unfolds into a splendid meander of pear, citrus and minerality. A lingering finish encapsulates the vineyard's unique terroir. From the pedigree of Ballot Millot, a family-owned domaine since the 17th century, this premium Burgundy Chardonnay assures an enriching drinking journey for any connoisseur. Savour the depth of the 'Ballot Millot & Fils Meursault-Perrieres 1er Cru 2021'; a celebration of French viticulture in one sublime bottle. |
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Jura | 1 | - | HK$4,090.00 | |||||
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Savour the mellow intricacies and depth of the Benedicte et Stephane Tissot Arbois Clos Tour Curo 2019, a product of Jura's prestigious wine-growing region in France. Conscientious biodynamic practices and traditional vinification processes lend this wine a unique character. Benedicte and Stephane Tissot, renowned figures in Juras' viniculture scene, craft elegant Chardonnay grapes from limestone-rich soils, ensuring richness and an enticing mineral quality. The 2019 Clos Tour Curo, with its extended barrel aging, exhibits a luxurious texture with a harmonious balance of fruit and acidity. This wine is a profound sensory experience brought to life by its luminous golden hue, delicate citrusy accents underscored by a toasty finish. The Benedicte et Stephane Tissot Arbois Clos Tour Curo 2019 stands unmistakably as a testament to the passion and commitment that Benedicte and Stephane Tissot pour into every bottle, encapsulating a small part of the Jura's soul in each delectable drop. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$7,540.00 | |||||
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Delve into the world of exquisite wine with the Bernard Bonin Meursault Le Limozin 2017, a superb example of illustrious French viticulture. This white Burgundy wine, gracefully crafted amidst the renowned Meursault village, reflects Bernard Bonin's commitment to minimalist, biodynamic winemaking. With its precise bouquet, the Meursault Le Limozin boasts an intoxicating blend of white flower, apple and pear aromas, underlaid by an intriguing minerality. Aged in French oak barrels for up to eighteen months, this Chardonnay is known for its impressive structure and remarkable ageing potential. Bernard Bonin, a reputable 6th generation winemaker, manages his family estate with meticulous care, believing in letting Mother Nature express herself in his wines. Bernard Bonin Meursault Le Limozin 2017, encapsulating the quintessence of its terroir and the genius of its producer, is certainly a wine connoisseur's dream. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$9,225.00 | |||||
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Exquisite in its complexity, Bernard Bonin Meursault Les Tillets 2020 is a well-crafted Burgundian delight. Produced from select Chardonnay vines planted in the revered Meursault appellation of France's Côte de Beaune subregion, every sip encapsulates the unique terroir of the climate-blessed vineyard. Esteemed vigneron, Bernard Bonin, employs a biodynamic methodology, an embodiment of his deep commitment to sustainable viticulture. This revered nectar is matured in oak barrels, a technique contributing to its unequaled balance of flavour and texture. Luxuriate in the bouquet of ripe fruits and delicate oaky aromas, which together create an arena of depth that seamlessly transitions to an opulent palate of citrus and subtle minerality. Averring its timeless quality, the finish of Bernard Bonin Meursault Les Tillets 2020 is pleasingly long and harmonious. An insightful choice for those relishing a wine that champions an intimate connection between the land and the bottle. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 98 (TA) | HK$17,940.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (98)Hailing from the Puligny side on the upper slopes between DRC and Ramonet, this sublime wine has incredible freshness and a dazzling aromatic profile. Cinnamon and clove blend with pear core, chamomile, sweet orchard fruit and crushed rocks. Though thoroughly concentrated with good extract, the wine seems to float on the palate thanks to the gracious lift of the seamless, mouth-watering acidity. Vague chalkiness adds compelling texture to the long finish. 2025-40 |
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Loire | 1 | 92+ (VN) | HK$5,185.00 | |||||
Vinous (92+)Light yellow. Subtle aromas of fresh yellow apple and pineapple are laced with wild herbs. Juicy and fine-grained, with piquant acidity framing the lemon and mineral flavors. In spite of its enormous depth, this chenin blanc literally dances across the palate. Pure, crisp and very long on the finish, I prefer this to the richer 2011. Only bottled earlier this year, this Saumur will be released sometime in late 2015. If it develops like the 2010, it has the potential to be one of the great white wines of the vintage. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97+ (WA) | HK$95,035.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (97+)Raphel Coche told me that the 2012 Corton Charlemagne was the only vineyard that escaped hail damage this year. It has a very succinct nose, not predisposed to go out and grab you by the lapels. The aromatics unfurl with a sense of ease prioritizing finesse over power: beeswax, linden, lemon thyme and fresh pear. The palate is exquisitely balanced with fleeting glimpses of Seville orange and apricot. But there is more about the tension, the effortlessness and that it just rolls out across the finish like a huge Turkish rug. This is the kind of wine that exhausts superlatives. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 93 (WA) | HK$19,105.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (93)Aromas of crisp Anjou pear, lime zest, orange oil, fresh hazelnuts and white flowers introduce the 2019 Meursault Village, a medium to full-bodied, layered and incisive wine that's chalky and concentrated, with racy acids and an abundance of structuring dry extract. When I was served this wine blind a month after tasting it at the domaine, I mistook it for its 2017 counterpart, which should give some indication of the pitch-perfect balance Raphaël Coche succeeded in attaining in the more extreme 2019 vintage. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$43,695.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | 93-95 (IB) | HK$18,140.00 | |||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-95)The white Musigny was racked just before the harvest, now back in barrel. Clear pale colour even with a faint green reflection. Rather a beautiful gently perfumed nose, flinty yet fine, this year the Musigny Blanc does seem like grand cru quality. A little lemongrass and then a crystalline white fruit. Really promising. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 94 (VN) | HK$7,970.00 | |||||
Vinous (94)The 2009 Meursault Genevrières wraps around the palate with layers of fruit. The 60 year-old vines add serious muscle and depth in this gorgeous, weighty Genevrières. A textured, expressive finish rounds things out in style. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 96+ (VN) | HK$10,095.00 | |||||
Vinous (96+)Usually we feature older wines in Cellar Favorites, but given the understandable trepidation consumers have around cellaring white Burgundy, I thought it would be interesting to see how a handful of highly touted white Burgundies are faring. To be honest, I had a selfish reason for wanting to taste these wines. I bought many of the Lafon 2010s (it is my daughter’s birth year), but I did so not really knowing when the wines would be ready to drink or how long they will last. I think I can at least offer a view on the first part of that question, but the second, happily, remains a question mark, in the best sense of the term.Vinous readers will recall that 2010 is unusual in the Côte de Beaune for its combination of both elevated ripeness and high acidity, two attributes one rarely finds in the same vintage. At Lafon, the 2010s were positively electric when I tasted them from barrel and then from bottle. Today, a few years later, the 2010 whites are every bit as impressive. Although projecting drinking windows for white Burgundy these days is fraught with peril, based on this showing all of the 2010s need at least a few more years in bottle with the possible exception of the Goutte d’Or.While the preceding Meursaults all offer a measure of exuberance – albeit in a classically austere style – the 2010 Meursault Genevrières is a much more introverted wine that draws the taster in with its myriad shades of dimension. Deceptively medium in body, the 2010 is all about intensity, cut and inward energy, with the classic reductive flavor profile that is typical of this great site, and breathtaking harmony. The 2010 refreshes the palate with every taste as it continues to grow in the glass. Over the last few years, the 2010 has blossomed into a spectacular Meursault. This is the best showing yet from the Genevrières. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 93+ (VN) | HK$9,345.00 | |||||
Vinous (93+)Pale yellow. Orange, lime oil and spices on the nose. Densely packed and utterly seamless, with an impression of baby fat leavened by strong underlying energy. Complex flavors of orange, minerals, crushed stone and spices. Today the Poruzots shows more power but this will be the superior wine in five years. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (VN) | HK$8,605.00 | |||||
Vinous (92-94)(ready to bottle): Bright, light yellow. Knockout nose combines lime, orange peel and minerals. Distinctly tactile, even a bit phenolic, with penetrating acidity giving the citrus and stone flavors terrific cut. The crop level here was just 25 hectoliters per hectare, which Lafon described as typical of the vintage. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 96 (VN) | HK$16,505.00 | |||||
Vinous (96)The 2017 Meursault Les Perrières 1er Cru showed some reduction on the nose, but there is impressive delineation and focus and real mineralité here. It just needs bottle age. The palate is very well balanced, a live wire of acidity, tensile and mineral-driven with a judicious touch of spice toward the persistent finish. This is very classy and persistent, translating the terroir with style, a wine that flirts with profundity. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Savigny-lès-Beaune. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 96-98 (VN) | HK$15,475.00 | |||||
Vinous (96-98)The 2018 Meursault Les Perrières 1er Cru rivets you to the spot with crushed pebble and crushed limestone scents that could only really originate from this vineyard. Such intensity! The beautifully balanced palate delivers a fabulous line of acidity, notes of orange zest and white peach and a stunning crescendo toward the finish, which shows amazing persistence. A Les Perrières with class. Brilliant. |
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