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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Languedoc | 10 | 92 (WA) | HK$5,225.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (92)An impressive Chardonnay from the limestone soils of Limoux, the 2016 Grand Vin Blanc could rival a decent Meursault. It's buttery and toasty up front, but it backs those oaky notes with plenty of plump pear and melon fruit. Medium-bodied, it's intense, concentrated and long, finishing with bright citrus and a lingering note of pencil shavings. |
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Rhone | 1 | 96 (WA) | HK$16,525.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (96)Even richer and more concentrated than the 2011, the blockbuster-styled 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is almost overflowing with notes of marmalade, ripe pineapple, white flowers and assorted honeyed nuances. A big, ripe and layered white, it stays remarkably fresh and lively on the palate, although I suspect there's little real acidity. Beautiful on all counts, it's so good now, I don't see a need to hold off, but it will be very long-lived. |
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Rhone | 1 | 93-95 (JD) | HK$3,585.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is another brilliant white from this team that hasn't put a foot wrong in the past decade or more. Buttered citrus, honeysuckle, flower oil, and white flowers all flow to this rich, beautifully layered, fresh and vibrant white that's impeccably balanced. Scheduled to be bottled shortly after my visit, it’s unquestionably another great vintage for this wine. |
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Rhone | 1 | 93-95 (JD) | HK$4,950.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is all Roussanne and comes from a three-hectare parcel of vines planted in 1901. It offers a heavenly bouquet of white currants, white flowers, honeysuckle, and toasted bread that opens up beautifully with time in the glass. Rich, full-bodied, powerful and concentrated, it stays perfectly balanced on the palate and has that rare sense of richness paired with freshness that’s the hallmark of truly great wines. |
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Rhone | 1 | 95 (JD) | HK$4,950.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (95)While the old-vine Roussanne cuvée from this estate gets all the attention from collectors, don’t make the mistake of discounting their classic Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc. The 2019 reveals a lighter gold hue as well as a beautiful and classic bouquet of honeyed citrus, quince, white flowers, bee’s wax, and a touch of flinty minerality. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it has flawless balance, nicely integrated acidity, and a great, minerally finish. You can enjoy bottles today with a decant or cellar for two to three decades, if you’re so inclined. |
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Rhone | 1 | - | HK$3,565.00 | |||||
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Rhone | 1 | 94-95 (JS) | HK$4,465.00 | |||||
James Suckling (94-95)Wonderful nose of orange blossom, melon and ripe stone fruit, then very creamy and silky on the concentrated and refined palate. Very delicious for a dry white of this stature, tasted from the barrel! 100% roussanne from 50 to 60-year-old vines. From organically grown grapes. |
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Rhone | 1 | 100 (WA) | HK$16,525.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (100)The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Vieilles Vignes (Roussanne) is a staggering wine of extraordinary complexity and richness. Aromas of rose petals, exotic fruits such as mango and nectarine intermixed with peach marmalade, honeysuckle and crushed pineapple emerge from this full-bodied white along with good acidity and lavish amounts of fruit and glycerin. It offers a nearly out of body wine tasting experience. |
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Loire | 2 | - | HK$1,760.00 | |||||
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Unveiling the prestigious Bel Air Bourgueil Vingt Lieux Dits 2020, an alluring testament to French winemaking wisdom. Handcrafted in the heart of Loire Valley, this remarkable vintage hails from a vineyard known for its rich, fertile soils and perfect climes for heroine grape, Cabernet Franc. The illustrious producer worked the terroir artfully, employing traditional harvesting methods to guarantee the most authentic expression of the grape character. Renowned for their exemplary savoir-faire, the winemaking process harmoniously blends tradition and innovation to yield an imposing structure and inspiring complexity. The finished product? A tantalising wine that effortlessly combines intensity and suppleness, boasting notes of juicy red currants, dark cherries, and hints of spicy pepper. All swirling together in a sumptuous dance, the Bel Air Bourgueil Vingt Lieux Dits 2020 promises to beautifully age and evolve, stimulating the palates of fine wine aficionados everywhere. |
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Loire | 1 | - | HK$4,510.00 | |||||
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The Belargus Anjou Quarts 2020 is an exquisite manifestation of the French viticulture traditions. Crafted in the historical Loire Valley, this seductive wine exhibits aromatic complexity and dynamic vivacity. It is a pure expression of the Anjou terroir, where each vine is nourished by the diverse soil composition of quartz and schist. Belargus, recognised globally, is renowned for producing distinctive wines of incomparable quality. This 2020 vintage is made from 100% Chenin Blanc – revered for the intense honeyed floral and apple notes it imparts into the wine. Elaborated by organic winemaking methods, Belargus Anjou Quarts 2020 portrays an enthralling balance between acidity and sweetness. Its golden hue and rich texture resonate with the meticulous care and time-honoured technique devoted to its creation. Belargus Anjou Quarts 2020 is a testament to the winemaker's commitment to sustainable methods and pure, keen attention to detail. It is truly a connoisseur's delight. |
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Loire | 1 | - | HK$4,515.00 | |||||
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The Belargus Anjou Roueres 2020 is a paragon of finesse from the prestigious loamy soils of Anjou, in the Loire Valley, France. This esteemed wine, cultivated by Belargus' master winemakers, elegantly showcases the region's characteristic Chenin Blanc grape, exuding a bouquet of quince, chamomile, and acacia. The wine's concise minerality brims with the immensity of its terroir. Belargus winery, a distinguished producer known for their sequencing of biodynamic principles, ensures every bottle reflects a purity of fruit with nuanced structure. A part of the 2020 vintage, the Anjou Roueres offers a sensibly dry palate with balanced acidity. The fermentation and maturation process in oak barrels underscores the delicate complexity of the genuine Chenin Blanc. Whether accompanying a light repast or treasured solo, the Belargus Anjou Roueres 2020 deserves a spot in every discerning wine aficionado's cellar. It is an eloquent testament to the harmonious relationship between nature's generosity and masterful winemaking. |
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Loire | 1 | 97 (WA) | HK$4,200.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (97)"Le Veau is one of the three plots listed in the original decree creating the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, on the western side," Ivan Massonnat explains, introducing his Anjou Sec Veau. The southwest-facing 1.68-hectare-plot rests on a flush schist area, giving this Anjou from the Quarts-de-Chaume AC (which is exclusively reserved for noble sweet wines) not only richness and power but also mineral tension and great aging potential. In 2018, Massonnat forgot to isolate the fruits of Le Veau, so it went into the Ronceray that I described earlier this year. The 2019 Anjou Sec Veau exhibits an intensely golden-yellow color followed by accordingly intense and concentrated, full and almost overripe, sweet and juicy tropical fruit that is absolutely exciting and made to meditate about whether the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation should not be opened to dry wines as well. However, this unique 2019 opens mind-blowingly intense, rich and complex and immediately asks for our time in order to explore all its depths and to follow the developments in the glass (I am using Zwiesel's wide and open Sensory Giacomo Conterno glass, which is just perfect for this kind of wine). On the palate, this full-bodied and rich yet perfectly balanced and elegant Chenin promptly reveals great finesse and minerality before the fruits come through and cover the palate with an almost oily texture; the spectacularly long finish, carried by crystalline acidity, cuts through this richness to leave the palate with a powerful, intense and aromatic as well as persistently salty aftertaste. This is another picture-book Chenin Blanc from Domaine Belargus, whose interplay of finesse and salinity with power and richness is mind-blowing. Natural cork. Tasted in September 2021. |
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Loire | 1 | - | HK$4,200.00 | |||||
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Explore the unique and luxurious delight of the 'Belargus Anjou Veau 2020'. Crafted with precision in the rich soils of Loire Valley, France, this remarkable wine carries the distinct regional essence. The producer, Maison Belargus, is renowned for quality wines matured through innovative techniques. Rigorously following sustainable viticulture, the Belargus Anjou Veau 2020 boasts of expressive local varietals, with handling that enhances its natural aromatics. The wine was vinified naturally and aged in used wooden barrels to create an unfiltered, impeccably pure expression retaining its fruit intensity. With a nose braced by fresh citrus and a lively palate hinting at touches of exotic fruits, the Belargus Anjou Veau 2020 forms a perfect harmony of immense freshness and approachable depth. Bask in the classic elegance of this white, a delightful addition to any sophisticated wine collection. |
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Loire | 4 | - | HK$3,510.00 | |||||
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Hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Anjou in France's Loire Valley, the Belargus Coteaux du Layon 2018 is a magnificent embodiment of the domain's artisanal mastery. This delicate, late harvest Chenin Blanc is the work of renowned vigneron, Thibaud Boudignon, in collaboration with Jonatan Laval and Jean-Jérôme Kérouanton; their combined expertise imbuing a pioneering spirit into this luscious golden elixir. Immaculately tended, the aged vines give rise to wine with a pure, concentrated flavour profile, heady with notes of candied pear, honey, and wild flowers. The minimal-intervention winemaking process, featuring indigenous yeasts and extended lees contact, further amplifies the wine's organic expressions. Both fascinating and complex, the Belargus Coteaux du Layon 2018 is a testament to Anjou's unique climate and schist-rich terroir, showcasing an unprecedented level of freshness and minerality that will delight any discerning palate. Enjoy this sweet, opulent gem in its youth or in years to come. |
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Loire | 5 | - | HK$4,645.00 | |||||
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The Belargus Coteaux du Layon Chaume Premier Cru Echarderie 2018 is an exquisite embodying example of France's esteemed viticulture. Born of the fertile soils of the scenic Loire Valley, this wine is expertly crafted by master vintners following time-honoured French winemaking traditions. The vineyard hand harvests and meticulously selects botrytis-affected grapes, while the process of long fermentation and matured on lees creates this nuanced sweet wine. The Belargus Coteaux du Layon Chaume Premier Cru Echarderie 2018 surprises with its delicately-balanced acidity, lush palate of ripe white peach, honey, and subtly infused notes of orange blossom. This premier cru, made in limited quantity only, captures the essence of the Layon River region's terroir. It's a rewarding experience for the discerning palates, who recognise the intricate dynamics between its vibrancy, sweetness, and complexity. A splendid proof of Belargus's dedication to perfection. |
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Loire | 2 | - | HK$3,510.00 | |||||
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Immerse yourself in the sheer sophistication of the Belargus Savennieres Gaudrets 2019. Brought to you by Belargus, a distinguished French winery in the heart of the Anjou, this stunning expression of Chenin Blanc exudes the sumptuous depths that set Savennieres wines apart. This wine draws its complexity from the estate's schistous terroir and the meticulous vinification process. Hand-harvested grapes are gently pressed and fermented with natural yeasts in stainless steel tanks, followed by a year of maturation on fine lees, which imparts an enchanting minerality and layered profile. The 2019 vintage boasts noteworthy intensity, defined by ripe fruit aromas intermingled with notes of honey and spice. On the palate, it carries a gratifying acidity and harmoniously balanced richness that stroked the gourmand's soul. Belargus Savennieres Gaudrets 2019 is an experience of finesse and precision, embodying the winemaker’s relentless pursuit of quality, resulting in a wine that is truly worthy of the discerning connoisseur’s collection. |
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Rhone | 3 | - | HK$2,495.00 | |||||
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Rhone | 1 | 94-97 (WA) | HK$4,170.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (94-97)A 60-40 blend of Marsanne and Roussanne from Péléat, the 2018 Hermitage Blanc is a powerhouse white Hermitage. Barrel fermented and aged in two-thirds new oak, it's full-bodied, rich and broad, loaded with honeyed notes of pear, melon and citrus yet comes across as balanced, with a long, refreshing finish. Tasted blind on another occasion, I liked it less, finding it slightly tropical and confected and shorter on the finish, but otherwise similar (91 - 93). |
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Burgundy | 5 | - | HK$5,585.00 | |||||
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Expressing the brilliance of Burgundy's viticulture, Bellene Meursault Forges 2021 is a paragon of elegance and complexity. Borne out of France's renowned Côte de Beaune region, this wine is painstakingly crafted by Nicolas Potel's Domaine de Bellene, whose approach emulates the long-held traditions of artisan winemaking. An epitome of Meursault's trademark characteristics, Bellene Meursault Forges 2021 harmoniously unites the luscious flavours of ripe fruit with a perfect dash of oak, emanating an opulent bouquet laced with notes of citrus, honey, and white flowers. Its harmonious balance and subtle minerality are the direct results of the carefully selected and organically cultivated Chardonnay grapes from Les Forges, a revered plot featuring limestone-enriched soils. Aged for 15 months in French oak barrels prior to bottling, it boasts a long-lasting, creamy mouthfeel that punctuates its sophistication. Bellene Meursault Forges 2021 is a crowning jewel, cast into the elite echelon of white Burgundy wines. |
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Burgundy | 7 | - | HK$2,825.00 | |||||
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Experience the sublime elegance of Belleville Rully La Cree 2020, a phenomenal expression of Burgundy's terroir. Produced by the esteemed Belleville family, this white wine reflects exceptional winemaking skills honed over several generations. Grown in the exalted vineyards of Rully La Cree, the Chardonnay grapes reveal their nuanced characteristics instilled by the village's celebrated limestone-rich soils. Fermentation utilises indigenous yeast only, followed by 15 months meticulous maturation in fine French oak barrels. The result is a mineral-driven wine boasting an impeccable balance of fruit and acidity. The Belleville Rully La Cree 2020 captivates the senses with its intricate layering of brioche aromas, crisp apple flavours, and subtlety of oak. Its brilliant golden hue, inviting nose, and sophisticated palette embody the homage it pays to the cherished Chardonnay grape. Indulge in this truly exquisite Burgundian masterpiece lauded by discerning enophiles from all around the globe. |
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Burgundy | 8 | - | HK$2,895.00 | |||||
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Exquisite and nuanced, the Belleville Rully La Cree 2021 is an exemplifying representation of the celebrated terroir of Burgundy, France. Produced by Domaine Belleville, an esteemed winery rooted in the careful craftsmanship of generations, this French Chardonnay possesses a delicate balance of refined subtlety and sensory delight. Fermented in oak barrels with malolactic fermentation undertaken, this wine triumphantly combines traditional winemaking techniques with an ambitious, modern interpretation. Its golden hue whispers promise of a vibrant palate, while a nose of floral notes and white fruit harmoniously complements its intricate texture and enduring finish. The Belleville Rully La Cree 2021 is grown in mineral-rich soils that lend an exceptional depth to its flavour profile, making this wine an inimitable testament to meticulous, unrelenting pursuit of perfection. Indulge in the velvety embrace of this alluring wine and experience the deft artistry of Burgundy's esteemed vineyards. |
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Loire | 2 | - | HK$3,245.00 | |||||
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Unveiling the splendour of classical French wine-making, the Belliviere Coteaux Loir Vv Eparses 2018 is a wine lover’s delight. Exquisitely crafted from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes, this distinguished creation originates from a collection of old vineyards found in Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir by the esteemed Bellivière family. The grapes from these respectful vineyards are meticulously handpicked and vinified separately to preserve their unique identities. Applying the traditional biodynamic farming approach intertwined with modern vinification techniques, this result is a wine with an expressive bouquet marked by fruity undertones, flaunting a balanced acidity. Its elegance, combined with a lingering minerality, pays the truest homage to its terroir. Endowed with a potential for an extended cellar life, this gem is a testament to the Bellivière’s unyielding commitment to crafting wines vouchsafing superior quality. Delight in each sip of the Belliviere Coteaux Loir Vv Eparses 2018 and embark on a flavour journey through the revered French wine territories. |
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Loire | 1 | - | HK$3,105.00 | |||||
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The Belliviere Coteaux Loir Vv Eparses 2020 is an exquisite example of the viticultural brilliance that the Loir region in France has to offer. Hand-harvested and traditionally vinified with natural yeasts, this biodynamic wine is carefully produced by Domaine de Bellivière, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship. Predominantly crafted from Chenin Blanc grapes, the 2020 vintage offers an aromatic bouquet with floral undertones, married nicely with a complex palate of ripe fruits and a hint of oak. Acidity and minerality are beautifully balanced in this bottle, showcasing the vibrant and expressive character that Belliviere Coteaux Loir Vv Eparses 2020 is famous for. It's a fantastic partner to seafood or poultry dishes, perfect for fine dining settings or to commemorate special events. This wine harmoniously unites tradition and innovation, granting each bottle with a multi-layered narrative of the land and its passionate producer. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (VN) | HK$6,360.00 | |||||
Vinous (92-94)(one of the four barrels was new in 2016): Musky, noble reduction to the aromas of pear, minerals and flowers. At once thick and juicy, boasting lovely concentration and clarity to its soil-driven flavors of stone fruits and saline, rocky minerals. Tight in the middle at present but this fine-grained wine broadens out on the very long, glistening, palate-saturating back end. Leroux told me he made between 25 and 30 hectoliters per hectare from these very old vines, which he noted is the normal yield here. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$5,175.00 | |||||
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Dive into the exquisite world of fine wine with Benoit Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2020. Originating from Burgundy, this divine creation is a testament to the exceptional wine-making expertise of the Ente family, a respected presence in French viticulture since the end of WWII. Each bottle represents years of passion dedicated to the craft. The vino is cultivated from lush Chardonnay grapes, grown on the remarkable soils of Mersault, celebrated for their mineral-rich compositions. These sun-soaked vineyards, kissed by a delicate balance of cool and warm breezes, are carefully tended to yield an outstanding harvest. The Benoit Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2020 boasts a harmonious blend of serene acidity and bright fruit profiles, its light oak notes lending a comforting warmth. Meticulously vinified, it represents the sophisticated interplay between traditional methods and innovative practices. This bottle serves as an ideal accompaniment to your cherished moments, making every occasion even more memorable. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$12,175.00 | |||||
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Crafted by gifted vintner Benoit Ente, the Benoit Ente Chassagne-Montrachet Les Houilleres 2020 is a scintillating embodiment of Burgundy's exquisite Chardonnay. Born in the esteemed region of Chassagne-Montrachet in France, this wine hails from the coveted 'Les Houilleres' vineyard, a testament to Ente's meticulous attention to site-specific expressions. Exuding a delightful harmony of richness and freshness, the wine has undergone vinification in oak barrels, infusing it with nuanced complexity yet preserving its inherent purity. Bursting with vibrant notes of citrus, nectarine, and a subtle hint of almond, it finishes with an elegant minerality characteristic of the limestone-rich soils of its heritage. Benoit Ente, a stalwart of organic viticulture, strategically limits yields to enhance concentration, delivering a wine of exceptional depth and longevity. Savour the unparalleled craftsmanship of the Benoit Ente Chassagne-Montrachet Les Houilleres 2020, a superlative alliance of tradition and innovation in each sip. |
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Burgundy | 3 | 94 (WA) | HK$16,105.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (94)The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Truffière is also showing very well, wafting from the glass with notes of crisp yellow and green orchard fruit mingled with honeysuckle, bread dough, orange oil and iodine. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, with lively acids and a seamless, elegant profile, it concludes with chalky grip on the finish. As readers may remember, this cuvée derives from an isolated parcel surrounded by trees and the dry stone walls Burgundians know as "murgers." |
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Burgundy | 2 | 95 (WA) | HK$18,505.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95)Unwinding in the glass with aromas of white peach, pear, dried white flowers, nutmeg and toasty reduction, the 2020 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Truffière is medium to full-bodied, satiny and concentrated, with a deep, layered core, racy acids and a long, penetrating finish. Pure and chiseled, it's a brilliant white Burgundy from Benoit Ente. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92+ (WA) | HK$9,635.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (92+)The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Village has turned out brilliantly, wafting from the glass with scents of citrus oil, crisp green apple, freshly baked bread and mandarin orange. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, it's taut and incisive, with fine concentration, tangy acids and a long, chalky finish. This pure, precise wine is built to age with grace. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (VN) | HK$8,050.00 | |||||
Vinous (92-94)The 2021 Chassagne-Montrachet Village comes from eight different parcels and was racked just before harvest. Wow. This has a very seductive and aromatic bouquet with white peach, Golden Delicious, hints of marzipan and chamomile. The palate is well defined with a waxy-textured opening, lively and overtly spicy with a generous dose of lemongrass that electrifies the finish. Highly recommended. |
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