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 | 2 | 95-96 (WA) | HK$23,635.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95-96)From the Puligny side of that cru, Jadot’s 2006 Batard-Montrachet from both purchased juice and grapes delivers vivid scents of saffron, jasmine, vanilla, musk, brown spices, and ripe peach. Vibrant – virtually electric – on the palate, yet all the while creamy in texture, here is a wine to make one firmly believe in the house proclivity to retain some malic acid. Blind, I might have imagined – at least until further reflection, and recognition of this wine’s sheer power – that I was drinking the Marcobrunn Riesling of my dreams. The persistence of fruit and spice here are as formidable as the foregoing features led one to hope. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 95-97 (IB) | HK$28,090.00 | |||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (95-97)From the Puligny side of the appellation. Clear beautiful yellow colour. The nose is discreet but very classy, then this huge wealth of fruit expands across the palate. We can wait for the nose. This is beautifully poised, a little wood, a slight youthful bitterness, but both add to the grip. Long and fine. Drink from 2028-2035. Tasted: October 2022 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (WA) | HK$28,267.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (92-94)Aromas of waxy citrus rind, marzipan, white flowers and warm pastry introduce the 2018 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru (Maison Louis Jadot), a full-bodied, ample and enveloping wine that's layered, textural and lively, concluding with a nicely defined finish. |
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Burgundy | 2 | 90-92 (VN) | HK$22,965.00 | |||||
Vinous (90-92)The 2020 Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru has a fragrant nose with apple blossom, granite and light citrus aromas, though it needs just a little more energy. The palate is well balanced with well integrated oak, fine depth, yet the finish feels a little richer than I would have liked and when juxtaposed against Jadot’s other Grand Crus. Enjoyable, but not intellectual. Closure: Diam |
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Burgundy | 1 | 16 (JR) | HK$1,855.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (16)Cask sample. Quite sweet and ripe on the nose. I’m not sure I would pick this as a Chablis blind! Really quite rich with a streak of green and it finishes rather suddenly. It certainly has weight… A big Chablis. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 87 (VN) | HK$2,961.00 | |||||
Vinous (87)The 2019 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru has a lot of new oak on the nose that, like the Blanchot, renders it rather predictable. The palate is balanced but fat in the mouth, with low acidity and a rather crowd-pleasing but simple finish. So-so. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$7,350.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 3 | 90-92 (VN) | HK$5,040.00 | |||||
Vinous (90-92)The 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet La Grande Montagne 1er Cru has a fresh and vibrant nose, clearly a level up from the Village Cru this year with more mineralité and tension. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, taut and fresh with a vibrant and poised, apricot and nectarine tinged finish. This will be delicious. Closure: Diam |
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Burgundy | 1 | 94-95 (WA) | HK$44,580.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (94-95)Representing 9 barrels, all from purchased fruit grown on the Chassagne side of the cru, Jadot’s 2006 Montrachet smells decadently of heliotrope, fading lilies, over-ripe peach, and grilled pineapple; comes to the palate predictably full and rich yet surprisingly fresh and invigorating; and lays down a plush, faintly warm, rich but not especially fine-grained carpet of flavor in the finish. While less dramatic than the Batard or mysterious than the Chevalier, this is nonetheless truly grand, and surely capable of at least a decade’s fascinating evolution. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 94 (TA) | HK$4,660.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (94)A regal Puligny with high-toned aromatics, sweet spice undercurrents and dignified concentration, these 85-year-old vines always make a distinguished, concentrated Puligny. This is beautifully textured with a light waxiness that is wiped from the palate by exuberant acidity on the lingering finish. 2022-30 |
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Burgundy | 2 | 90-92 (VN) | HK$5,575.00 | |||||
Vinous (90-92)The 2021 Puligny-Montrachet La Garenne 1er Cru has an attractive nose with touches of slate and a slight fumé scent that complements the malic aromas. This gains precision in the glass. The palate is well-balanced with a crisp bead of acidity. A stem ginger note hides in the background, whilst the finish feels reassuringly persistent. This should age well in bottle. |
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Burgundy | 2 | 92+ (VN) | HK$8,885.00 | |||||
Vinous (92+)Pale, bright yellow. White peach, crushed herbs and dusty stone on the nose, plus a touch of brown spices. Surprisingly sweet, rich and pliant on the palate but with strong acidity that hasn't yet integrated with the wine's fruit. Concentrated, saline wine with a very long finish. Offers outstanding potential. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92 (VN) | HK$6,265.00 | |||||
Vinous (92)Bright, light yellow. Deeper-pitched aromas of yellow peach and honey. In a distinctly ripe style but broad and quite dry; in fact, with its superb concentration and fullness, this premier cru made for a good transition to Jadot's grand crus in my tasting. This compellingly rich wine conveys an almost marzipan-like sweetness and should give pleasure early or late. Very long on the aftertaste. As with the Combettes, the yield here was almost 90% of normal. Incidentally, Jadot did not make a Puligny-Montrachet Le Cailleret in 2016. |
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Champagne | 1 | 94 (VN (AG)) | HK$5,600.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)The NV (2017) Brut Nature Amplitude is 100% Chardonnay from old vines in Vrigny and Janvry. It is also one of the most impressive wines I have tasted from Lamblot. There's terrific energy and plenty of cut, not to mention tons of character. Readers should find a powerful, broad Champagne built on textural richness and saline-infused vibrancy. The 2017 finishes with real palate-staining intensity. The style is a bit rustic and assertive, but it all works. Disgorged: February 7, 2022. |
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Champagne | 2 | - | HK$4,480.00 | |||||
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Experience the intoxicating richness of Adrien Renoir Coteaux Champenois Blanc 2020, a wine borne out of the revered terroir of the Coteaux Champenois region in Champagne, France. Crafted by the accomplished fifth-generation vigneron, Adrien Renoir, this exquisite white wine embodies the meticulous virtues of tradition and precision. Each grape is individually handpicked, attesting to the artisanal quality rooted in its creation. Aging in oak barrels uncovers an elegant harmony of vibrant citrus, persuading pear notes, and subtly earthy undertones, manifesting in a full-bodied, gastronomic delight. The standout 2020 vintage finds a charismatic balance between formidable acidity and decadent ripeness. Adrien Renoir Coteaux Champenois Blanc 2020 is a testament to the inimitable strength of the Chardonnay grape, proving itself as a formidable ambassador for the potential of still wines from the illustrious Champagne region. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (VN (NM)) | HK$7,110.00 | |||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)The 2015 Aile d'Argent Blanc has a lively, quite fresh bouquet with scents of pear, melon and touches of yellow flowers; there is plenty of energy here. The palate is well balanced with a spicy, lemongrass-tinged opening, not deep or voluminous but displaying a pleasant sharpness toward the finish. Enjoy this over the next decade, or possibly more. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 95-96 (JS) | HK$6,090.00 | |||||
James Suckling (95-96)The impressive ripeness and intensity combined with elegance and finesse are what make this wonderful white. Honeysuckle, apricots, glazed grapefruit, spices and nutmeg. Medium to full body and fleshy fruit that’s lifted by the delicious acidity to the long finish. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 97-98 (JS) | HK$7,110.00 | |||||
James Suckling (97-98)A very exotic Aile d’Argent with dried-mango, fresh-pineapple, and sliced-lemon aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very ripe, yet it’s framed by bright acidity. Tangy and vivid with a long, intense finish. Exciting. Contrastive. 38% semillon and the rest sauvignon blanc and gris. |
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Bordeaux | 3 | 95-96 (JS) | HK$5,335.00 | |||||
James Suckling (95-96)This is full-bodied with layers of fruit. Ripe and flavorful. Lots going on with a fleshy feel. No malolactic this year. Sweet peach, honeysuckle and citrus. Contrastive. 52% sauvignon blanc, 14% sauvignon gris and 34% semillon. |
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Bordeaux | 5 | 96 (JA) | HK$6,605.00 | |||||
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)Beautiful intensity and grip through the palate, this shows white pear, juicy citrus, and slate-filled salinity on the finish. Great stuff, with teasingly drawn out flavours, lift and tension, and hidden depths. Some frost meant the yields were lower than normal at 32hl/h. 15% malolactic fermentation to soften the acidities, with Sauvignon Gris vines included within the Sauvignon Blanc count, and no Muscadelle in the blend as the vines have now been uprooted, giving a slight break in style (for the better in my opinion). 3.25ph, 45% new barrels for ageing. First year with Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy as director from beginning to end of the growing season, after Philippe Dhaulluin's retirement. |
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Aile d'Argent
(6x75cl)
2023
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Bordeaux | - | - |
HK$5,198 - HK$6,173 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 93 (IB) | HK$4,640.00 | |||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93)Slightly the deepest in colour and the richest nose of the four premier crus. Some lemon notes and light plum, then white fruit. This has the most assured texture of the four. Good grip, as Clive Coates would have said, stretching out very nicely in a fine long finish. |
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Burgundy | 2 | - | HK$3,430.00 | |||||
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The Alain Gras Auxey Duresses Crais Blanc 2022 is a sublime expression of its terroir, lovingly crafted in the idyllic Burgundy region of France. This fine wine is masterfully created by esteemed winemaker, Alain Gras, whose meticulous dedication to quality ensures a product of remarkable finesse. The Auxey Duresses vineyards, located on the high slopes of the Côte de Beaune, give a natural acidity, balanced by lush fruitiness from the Chardonnay grape. The 2022 vintage benefitted from a mild summer, ensuing a wine of beautiful complexity and depth. Alain Gras employs traditional winemaking methods, ageing the wine for over 12 months in French oak barrels, creating a harmonious blend of buttery, mineral and floral notes. Alain Gras Auxey Duresses Crais Blanc 2022 is a testament to the rich, nuanced world of Burgundian wines, possessing both the heritage of its region and the innovative touch of its producer. |
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Rhone | 3 | - | HK$2,675.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 6 | - | HK$4,480.00 | |||||
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Experience the refined elegance in every bottle of Albert Bichot Nuits-Saint-Georges Blanc Terrasses 2015. A distinguished creation from the renowned Bichot Domain, permeating 6 generations of unrivalled winemaking expertise from the heart of Burgundy, France. This exquisite Chardonnay emanates from Nuits-Saint-Georges, distinctively celebrated for its terraced vineyard landscapes. The 2015 vintage embodies a unique combination of exposure and altitude, endowed with abundant sunshine and chalky-clay soil focusing on the intensity of the grapes. Its vinification manages to preserve the authenticity of its fruit while magnifying the organoleptic characteristics. Enjoy the harmonious interplay of almond, peach and pear notes, along with vibrant acidity and an enduring finish. Its exceptional purity and complexity extend a luxurious invitation to all discerning wine enthusiasts. Indulge in the quintessential charm of the Albert Bichot Nuits-Saint-Georges Blanc Terrasses 2015, a timeless testimony to meticulous French viticulture and traditional savoir-faire. |
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Burgundy | 4 | - | HK$2,825.00 | |||||
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Proudly presenting the exquisite Albert Bichot Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2019, a top-tier embodiment of French winemaking mastery showcasing the vintage's depth and density. This prestigious wine is meticulously vinified in stainless steel to protect its natural purity, typical of Chablis's limestone-rich kimmeridgian soils. Made in the heart of Burgundy by the esteemed Maison Albert Bichot, the 2019 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons is reflective of six generations' vineyard knowledge, finesse, and genuine passion. This distinguished white wine is beautifully pale gold in colour. Its nose resonates with aromas of ripe fruit and citrus zest, brilliantly melded with hints of minerality. A complex, enlightening palate unfurls vibrant citrus and white-fleshed fruit flavours finely balanced with a long-lasting brisk finish. Undeniably, such authenticity and coherence make the Albert Bichot Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2019 not just an elegant wine, but a testament to Chablis's remarkable terroir. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$6,195.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | 86-88 (VN) | HK$7,060.00 | |||||
Vinous (86-88)The 2020 Beaune Clos des Mouches 1er Cru Blanc, which comes from the top of the vineyard, feels a little disjointed on the nose, lacks some mineralité. The palate is well balanced with a smooth opening, slightly honeyed in texture with tropical notes towards the finish. Again, this is missing some tension on the finish, but it should give drinking pleasure over the next 4-5 years. Closure: Diam |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$22,455.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 2 | 88 (VN) | HK$9,025.00 | |||||
Vinous (88)The 2015 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru has a primal, simple bouquet that struggles to get past the honeyed fruit, the aromatics overwhelmed by the growing season. The palate is slightly honeyed on the entry with notes of mango, passion fruit and a touch of spice, suggesting that there might have been some botrytis in the vineyard. This is not unattractive but falls short of other Corton-Charlemagnes of this vintage. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting. (DIAM 30 closure) |
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