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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Vinous (91)
The 2017 Puligny-Montrachet Champ Canet 1er Cru offers fine intensity on the nose of orchard fruit, touches of orange blossom and crushed stone scents, all quite intense while maintaining delineation. The palate is well defined with a fine line of acidity, and maybe just a little oaky at the moment, although that should be absorbed with time. It just feels conservative on the finish. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Savigny-lès-Beaune.HK$8,888.00 -
Vinous (89-92)
(a blend of five domain parcels; aging in barriques, 10% new): Slightly green-tinged yellow. Lively scents of lemon, lime and white peach lifted by exhilarating notes of white pepper and flowers. Ripe and sweet but penetrating too, with its concentrated flavors of apple and pear enlivened by saline minerality. This very well-balanced village wine finishes tactile and persistent. (13.3% alcohol)HK$7,425.00 -
Wine Advocate (93+)
Tasted from bottle, Drouhin's 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches Blanc is showing very well, offering up aromas of fresh pear, Meyer lemon and grapefruit zest that are still quite youthfully marked by a generous application of buttery new oak that experience shows will integrate nicely with a little age. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, satiny and textural, with racy underlying acids, a fragrant core of fruit and a long, penetrating finish. This is a very elegant, aromatic rendition of this emblematic Drouhin cuvée.HK$7,151.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2017 Meursault Charmes 1er Cru had been bottled in August 2018. It has a well-defined bouquet, hints of white chocolate infusing the citrus fruit, and just a touch of honey giving away the warmth of the growing season. The palate is well-balanced with a discreet spicy opening that dovetails into a pure, quite tensile midpalate. There is a sense of fullness to this Meursault, which displays impressive amplitude toward the persistent finish. This comes highly recommended.HK$9,800.00 -
Vinous (98)
The 2017 Montrachet Grand Cru is slightly deeper in color. This has a gorgeous bouquet of lemon thyme, orange blossom and crushed stone, all very focused, followed by an emerging touch of mintiness. The harmonious palate is powerful, ripe and slightly vanilla-y; it just lacks a little breeding and panache. A bold and brassy yet cerebral Montrachet that will need a lot of time. This surpasses all my expectations from barrel. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Savigny-lès-Beaune.HK$44,855.00 -
Vinous (98)
The 2017 Montrachet Grand Cru is slightly deeper in color. This has a gorgeous bouquet of lemon thyme, orange blossom and crushed stone, all very focused, followed by an emerging touch of mintiness. The harmonious palate is powerful, ripe and slightly vanilla-y; it just lacks a little breeding and panache. A bold and brassy yet cerebral Montrachet that will need a lot of time. This surpasses all my expectations from barrel. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Savigny-lès-Beaune.HK$59,440.00 -
Vinous (90-92)
Pale, green-tinged yellow. Captivating scents of white peach, citrus fruits, spices and noble Puligny herbs, lifted by a suggestion of anise. A pure, nicely balanced midweight with a very primary estery banana note and a saline nuance. Currently showing more intensity than dimension, this promising premier cru finishes slightly edgy but long. Still, on this day the finished 2016 was clearly deeper.HK$8,530.00 -
The illustrious Jules Desjourneys Beaujolais Blanc 2017 is a captivating testament to the mastery of Fabien Duperray, the esteemed winemaker who only focuses on vintage productions. Sourced from the heart of France's historic gastronomic region, Beaujolais, the grapes are primarily Chardonnay, meticulously handpicked from organically farmed, 80-year-old vines. The vinification process involves natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts and is matured in demi-muid barrels for 18 months to fully develop its rich flavours.
This luscious wine exhibits a vibrant yellow hue with an intoxicating bouquet of fresh fruits and floral notes, followed by a creamy undertone blending seamlessly with vivacious acidity and minerality. A veritable delight to the palate, Jules Desjourneys Beaujolais Blanc 2017 represents the epitome of precise winemaking and terroir expression - a must-have for any serious connoisseur. We invite you to a sensorial journey, a taste of the ethereal elegance and refined complexity that this exceptional Beaujolais Blanc has to offer.
HK$2,800.00 -
The Jules Desjourneys Macon Verze 2017 is an exquisite encapsulation of Burgundy's artisan wine production. Commandingly structured yet elegantly poised, this wine is sourced from a single plot in France's Mâconnais region, assembled assiduously by renowned vigneron Fabien Duperray. Since his debut in 2009, Duperray has commanded respect for his meticulous commitment to terroir-expression, leading to wines of remarkable character, such as the Macon Verze 2017. Characterised by a restrained mineral complexity underlying the luxuriant notes of ripe pear and citrus, this wine presents traces of oakiness due to an 18-month maturation in neutral French oak barrels. The Jules Desjourneys Macon Verze 2017 weaves an intoxicating narrative with each sip - a testament to Fabien Duperray's unwavering dedication to conveying the narrative of each vintage. This superbly crafted wine is a trophy of elegant craftsmanship, assuring oenophiles an enchanting fine wine experience.
HK$3,195.00 -
Indulge in the exquisite taste of Jules Desjourneys Pouilly Fuisse Vignes Blanches 2017, a fine example of expert French winemanship. Produced in the renowned vineyards of Pouilly Fuisse region, this exquisite Chardonnay carries an unmistakable authenticity in every bottle. The wine boasts a unique palette, elegantly crafted by winemaker, Fabien Duperray, offering compellingly rich flavours that seamlessly blend the expressive notes of citrus and ripe fruits with with subtler undertones of toasted almonds and delicate minerality.
This magnificent wine is further enhanced by Duperray's meticulous winemaking methods, featuring handpicked grapes and a judicious approach to oak usage, bestowing a captivating balance and depth to this Chardonnay. Dedication to traditional winemaking and respectful harvesting ensures that the Jules Desjourneys Pouilly Fuisse Vignes Blanches 2017 truly encapsulates the spirit of the Pouilly Fuisse promised land, creating an unforgettable tasting journey for wine aficionados around the globe.
HK$7,775.00 -
Immerse yourself in the charm of Burgundy with the splendid Jules Desjourneys Pouilly Loche 2017. Exquisitely crafted by revered winemaker, Fabien Duperray, this single-varietal Chardonnay emanates from the vineyards of Pouilly-Loché, renowned for its chalky clay soils. Anaerobic fermentation in 500 litres oak barrels over an extended 20-month period imbues this natural wine with a luscious depth, and without any fining or filtration, its authenticity remains untouched. Uncork a bottle to discover a vibrant palate filled with stimulating citrus and mineral notes with a superbly balanced acidity. This selection perfectly showcases Duperray’s meticulous attention to detail and his biodynamic approach to grape cultivation, producing a wine that shines amongst its peers. Decidedly, the Jules Desjourneys Pouilly Loche 2017 is an unparalleled expression of terroir from this prestigious appellation.
HK$6,495.00 -
Vinous (89.5)
The 2017 Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru is extremely tight to the point of being austere. White flowers, sage, mint, citrus and orchard fruit all emerge, albeit with great reluctance. Savory notes veer into the realm of the slightly vegetal, which I find gives the wine a somewhat awkward feel. The Preuses is not an easy wine to read today, that much is clear.HK$4,685.00 -
James Suckling (93-94)
This shows beautiful density and layers for a baby white with cooked apples, pears and hints of yogurt. Full-bodied, fresh and bright.HK$1,085.00 -
James Suckling (93-94)
This shows beautiful density and layers for a baby white with cooked apples, pears and hints of yogurt. Full-bodied, fresh and bright.HK$3,835.00 -
The Wine Independent (99)
The 2017 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc is a blend of 76.2% Semillon and 23.8% Sauvignon Blanc. The nose is very closed, eventually opening out to reveal notes of apple tart, fresh Bosc pears, and honey-drizzled white peaches with wafts of lime blossom and sea spray. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound with fantastic energy and tension, delivering a long, mineral-laced finish.HK$18,610.00 -
The Wine Independent (99)
The 2017 La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc is a blend of 76.2% Semillon and 23.8% Sauvignon Blanc. The nose is very closed, eventually opening out to reveal notes of apple tart, fresh Bosc pears, and honey-drizzled white peaches with wafts of lime blossom and sea spray. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound with fantastic energy and tension, delivering a long, mineral-laced finish.HK$36,225.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
A wine of stunning beauty, the 2017 Lafaurie-Peyraguey is so remarkably vivid from the very first taste. All the elements simply fall into place effortlessly. Orchard fruit, tangerine, passion fruit mint and exotic floral overtones all grace this precise, wonderfully inviting Sauternes from Silvio Denz. Lafaurie-Peyraguey is pure and total finesse.HK$4,365.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
A wine of stunning beauty, the 2017 Lafaurie-Peyraguey is so remarkably vivid from the very first taste. All the elements simply fall into place effortlessly. Orchard fruit, tangerine, passion fruit mint and exotic floral overtones all grace this precise, wonderfully inviting Sauternes from Silvio Denz. Lafaurie-Peyraguey is pure and total finesse.HK$4,305.00 -
HK$16,675.00 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
Unwinding in the glass with notes of Anjou pear, spring flowers, blanched almonds, citrus zest and white peach, the 2017 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets is full-bodied, deep and incisive, with a layered but tight-knit core that's built around racy acids and chalky dry extract, concluding with a long, searingly mineral finish. This might be the finest wine produced at Domaine Lamy-Caillat to date.HK$60,010.00 -
Discover the elegance of Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2017. This exemplary French vintage, hailing from the renowned vineyards in the commune of Chablis, is crafted by the illustrious Laroche house, illustrious for its commitment to preserving the authenticity of the region's soil. Its unique winemaking process involves fermentation in oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks to impart complexity and refinement.
Steeping with the grandeur of Grand Cru, this wine presents a satisfying minerality and vibrant acidity. Its bright, citrus-inflected palate hardware us to a distinguished finish offering hints of almond, white peach and floral notes. Appreciated by connoisseurs globally for its balanced elegance, this wine truly encapsulates the distinct varietal character of the Chardonnay grape the region is renowned for.
Encapsulating French winemaking at its infinity, the Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Reserve de l'Obedience 2017 is an accomplishment for those keen to experience the finest from Chablis.
HK$11,320.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2017 Latour-Martillac Blanc is powerful and quite dense in the glass, with tons of structure that gives the wine its distinctive, almost phenolic feel. Orchard fruit, citrus and floral notes develop with air, but it is the wine's sheer power that stands out most.HK$3,395.00 -
HK$6,945.00 -
Vinous (97)
The 2017 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru has a clean, precise bouquet, fresh, taut and understated compared to its peers, perhaps the most elegant of an octet of Chevaliers tasted blind. The well-balanced palate delivers real power, offering flavors of candied orange peel and spices and a fine saline undercurrent. Harmonious, elegant yet intense, this should age with style and panache. It vies with Olivier Leflaive's own Chevalier for supremacy, and juxtaposing them blind, it has its nose in front. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Savigny-lès-Beaune.HK$17,055.00 -
Wine Advocate (91-93)
The 2017 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon is excellent, and a clear step up over the Puligny Village, something that can't be taken for granted. Offering up aromas of lemon, beeswax, white flowers and blanched almonds, the wine is medium to full-bodied, satiny and nicely concentrated, with tangy acids, chewy extract and a long, precise finish. It's promisingly tight-knit and should develop further before it's bottled.HK$21,710.00 -
HK$23,055.00 -
Decanter (93)
This is the best ‘just crack on and drink it’ white wine in Bordeaux in my opinion. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, it’s so full of exotic fruits and fragrant white flowers, with seductive aromatics. Juicy and mouthwatering, easy to enjoy.HK$2,100.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2017 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru has a light and slightly earthy nose, a touch of orange pith emerging with time. The palate displays good weight and concentration, offering candied orange peel and lemon zest and turning a little peachy toward the finish, all underpinned by a fine bead of acidity and decent length. This should drink well for 12–15 years. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Savigny-lès-Beaune.HK$9,800.00 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2017 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 1er Cru has a fresh bouquet, quite vigorous compared to its peers, with yellow flower scents complementing the clear honey and subtle linseed aromas that gradually unfurl. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, and full of tension, displaying good depth and concentration toward the finish. This is quite a powerful Puligny, perhaps missing a little bit of nerve compared to its peers, yet satisfying and persistent in the mouth. (DIAM GC closure)HK$4,800.00 -
Vinous (92-94)
The 2017 Meursault Charmes 1er Cru comes from Domaine Prieur-Brunet, specifically two plots in Meursault Charmes-Dessus (1.2 hectares), one close to Les Referts and the other close to Genevrières. These are integrated with existing vineyards owned by Louis Jadot, so the label will be under Domaine Louis Jadot and not Prieur-Brunet. This has a pretty, quite precise bouquet of citrus fruit infused with yellow flower aromas; light touches of walnut emerge with time. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity and a hint of black currant leaf toward the finish; certainly a more elegant take on this Premier Cru. The cru has clearly benefited from the addition of the new holdings. An excellent Meursault.HK$3,965.00
