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 (93-95)
The 2020 Meursault Les Charmes 1er Cru has a very pure with honeysuckle, orange zest and walnut, gaining intensity with time. This is a multi-dimensional nose, kaleidoscopic. The palate is well balanced with an almost Corton-Charlemagne-like entry, a little more austere compared to previous vintage with a lightly spiced finish. Very fine, quite intellectual, this is a scintillating, almost audacious Meursault-Charmes that has the edge over the Perrières (a view concurred by the man who made it!) Closure: Diam 30HK$16,545.00 -
Vinous (93-95)
The 2020 Meursault Les Genevrières 1er Cru has a vibrant, menthol-tinged bouquet that bursts from the glass, touches of quince and yellow plum coming through with time. The palate is very well balanced with orange zest and tangerine, very harmonious and poised with a hint of apricot towards the finish. Delicious, exuberant and punchy. Bottled under Diam 30. Closure: Diam 30HK$24,360.00 -
Vinous (93-95)
The 2020 Meursault Les Genevrières 1er Cru has a vibrant, menthol-tinged bouquet that bursts from the glass, touches of quince and yellow plum coming through with time. The palate is very well balanced with orange zest and tangerine, very harmonious and poised with a hint of apricot towards the finish. Delicious, exuberant and punchy. Bottled under Diam 30. Closure: Diam 30HK$32,155.00 -
Vinous (93-95)
The 2020 Meursault Goutte d'Or 1er Cru has a lovely bouquet with fine delineation, orange pith and apricot, hazelnut with a touch of flint. The palate is beautifully balanced with insistent grip on the entry, more saline than the Bouchères, fine delineation with great precision on the finish. Very...complete. Closure: Diam 30HK$21,650.00 -
Vinous (92-94)
The 2020 Meursault Les Perrières 1er Cru has quite a rich bouquet with tropical tones, maybe to the detriment of the mineralité that is slightly masked at the moment. The palate is very well balanced with a fine line of acidity, quite saline, lightly spiced with a vibrant finish that finally delivers the spiciness. Maybe pipped by the Les Charmes this year, this is a classy but not peak Perrières. Bottled under Diam 30. Closure: Diam 30HK$7,025.00 -
Vinous (92-94)
The 2020 Meursault Les Perrières 1er Cru has quite a rich bouquet with tropical tones, maybe to the detriment of the mineralité that is slightly masked at the moment. The palate is very well balanced with a fine line of acidity, quite saline, lightly spiced with a vibrant finish that finally delivers the spiciness. Maybe pipped by the Les Charmes this year, this is a classy but not peak Perrières. Bottled under Diam 30. Closure: Diam 30HK$21,670.00 -
Vinous (92-94)
The 2020 Meursault Les Perrières 1er Cru has quite a rich bouquet with tropical tones, maybe to the detriment of the mineralité that is slightly masked at the moment. The palate is very well balanced with a fine line of acidity, quite saline, lightly spiced with a vibrant finish that finally delivers the spiciness. Maybe pipped by the Les Charmes this year, this is a classy but not peak Perrières. Bottled under Diam 30. Closure: Diam 30HK$26,315.00 -
Vinous (94-96)
The 2020 Meursault Les Porusots 1er Cru has a perfumed bouquet with lemon verbena, orange pith, honeysuckle and pressed yellow flowers. Vibrant and concentrated. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, a little more extract here perhaps, spicy with touches of stem ginger towards the persistent finish. Superb. This vies with the Meursault-Charmes as "best in (Lafon's) show". Closure: Diam 30HK$16,545.00 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2020 Meursault Clos-de-la-Barre has a clean, quite precise bouquet that is a step up from the Village, traces of grilled almond and hazelnut. The palate is underpinned by a fine line of acidity, more mineralité and tension with a saline, slightly Puligny-like finish. One of those less-is-more Meursaults. Bottled under Diam 30. Closure: Diam 30HK$30,305.00 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2020 Meursault Clos-de-la-Barre has a clean, quite precise bouquet that is a step up from the Village, traces of grilled almond and hazelnut. The palate is underpinned by a fine line of acidity, more mineralité and tension with a saline, slightly Puligny-like finish. One of those less-is-more Meursaults. Bottled under Diam 30. Closure: Diam 30HK$6,270.00 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2020 Meursault Clos-de-la-Barre has a clean, quite precise bouquet that is a step up from the Village, traces of grilled almond and hazelnut. The palate is underpinned by a fine line of acidity, more mineralité and tension with a saline, slightly Puligny-like finish. One of those less-is-more Meursaults. Bottled under Diam 30. Closure: Diam 30HK$9,370.00 -
Jancis Robinson (19)
Tank sample. Mid lemon. Huge weight, breadth and depth. Spice and real volume and intensity of flavour. Forceful and immediately imposing simply by the size of its style. Tremendous white wine. Honed, dense and focused. (MH)HK$29,395.00 -
Introducing the exquisite Comtesse de Cherisey Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Chalumeaux 2020, a prestigious French white wine produced from the vineyards of Puligny-Montrachet, renowned for the highest quality Chardonnay. This single-vineyard cuvée comes from the historic estate of Comtesse de Cherisey, recognised for precision, elegance, and luxury. The 2020 vintage offers a complex bouquet, with rich layers of citrus, stone fruits, and subtle minerals, underpinned by a background of refined, integrated oak. Following traditional vinification methods, the wine matures for over a year in French oak barrels, striking a balance between freshness and opulence. The Comtesse de Cherisey Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Chalumeaux 2020 delivers a wine experience showcasing intense minerality, vibrant acidity, and superb length. This is the epitome of fine Burgundian Chardonnay, reflecting the meticulous, sophisticated, and time-honoured winemaking revered by Comtesse de Cherisey. Drink now or cellar to witness the evolution of its character over the next decade.
HK$16,675.00 -
James Suckling (98-99)
A super white with dense mango, lemon and lime, as well as some clove and nutmeg. Full-bodied, really complete and long. Sensational. So much potential here. 66% sauvignon blanc and 34% semillon.HK$6,910.00 -
Explore the symphony of flavours embedded within the Cottenceau Givry Champ Pourot 2020. Artfully rendered in the vineyards of Burgundy, France, this fine wine is a testament to traditional winemaking methods with modern precision. Cottenceau, the esteemed vintners noted for exclusive wines, have invested their expertise in crafting this superior 2020 vintage.
Created with hand-picked Pinot Noir grapes, each cluster is meticulously selected for its specific attributes. From controlled-temperature fermentations to 12-month maturation in French oak barrels, evolution in the bottle cultivates a harmonious blend of depth and structure, unparalleled in its taste and aroma.
Bringing forth a rich palate of red and black berries intertwined with hints of finely ground spice, the Cottenceau Givry Champ Pourot 2020 presents a memorable finish. A vibrant display of delicate tannins and seamless acidity, it encapsulates the true essence of the Givry. For connoisseurs seeking sophistication in a bottle, the Cottenceau Givry Champ Pourot 2020 sets a bar none can parallel.
HK$7,345.00 -
Hailing from the esteemed terroirs of Burgundy, Cottenceau Montagny 1er Cru Les Vignes longues 2020 is a testament to exceptional winemaking prowess. Crafted by renowned vintner Cottenceau, this first-class single vineyard wine encapsulates the heart of Montagny's unique climate and soil structure. The meticulous traditional winemaking techniques employed yield a dynamic wine with delightful longevity.
Each grape is hand-harvested from old Chardonnay vines in the Les Vignes longues plot, ensuring maximum concentration of flavour. The 2020 vintage sports exquisite complexity adorned by a blend of citrus and mineral notes balanced with a subtle undertone of oak, owing to the wine’s partial maturation in French barrique barrels.
The Cottenceau Montagny 1er Cru Les Vignes longues 2020 is a prestigious embodiment of sublime quality and artisanal mastery. It is eagerly anticipated by connoisseurs, thus serving as an indisputable signature of fine tasteful indulgence from the coveted slopes of Montagny.
HK$6,455.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17+)
Full bottle all of 1,405 g. 95% Sémillon, 4% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Muscadelle. Cask sample. 18 months in oak envisaged. No information on yield. Greenish hint to the golden hue. Very classic with a botrytis note and some real freshness. Weight and integrity here with a savoury, even bacon-fat, finish. Not one of the sweetest wines, or what I probably mean is that the acidity is more pronounced than in many of its peers. Sleek and fresh. But probably for relatively early drinking. 13.5% Drink 2024 – 2038HK$3,395.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17+)
Full bottle all of 1,405 g. 95% Sémillon, 4% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Muscadelle. Cask sample. 18 months in oak envisaged. No information on yield. Greenish hint to the golden hue. Very classic with a botrytis note and some real freshness. Weight and integrity here with a savoury, even bacon-fat, finish. Not one of the sweetest wines, or what I probably mean is that the acidity is more pronounced than in many of its peers. Sleek and fresh. But probably for relatively early drinking. 13.5% Drink 2024 – 2038HK$1,485.00 -
Feast your palate to an exquisite experience with the Cuvelier et Fils Blanc 2020. This Bordeaux white is a product from the celebrated Cuvelier family vineyards, distinguishing French winemakers since the 19th century. Source from vineyards painstakingly maintained in the world-renowned terroir of Graves, this blend showcases Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. The result is an aromatic journey of pear and citrus, underpinned by a delicate minerality thanks to the limestone-rich soils. Exhibiting a gem-like pale yellow hue, this spirited white is aged in French oak barrels, lending subtle vanilla notes and a distinct character. With strict control on yield and meticulous attention to winemaking, Cuvelier et Fils Blanc 2020 exhibits the quintessence of quality and refinement. A study in balance and complexity, this wine delightfully pairs with a multitude of dishes, making it a versatile addition to any discerning wine enthusiast's collection.
HK$2,060.00 -
Drift into the luxuriance of French winemaking with the d'Eugenie Montrachet Grand Cru 2020, a quintessentially Burgundian Chardonnay. This Grand Cru, cultivated by the illustrious Domaine d'Eugenie, is drawn from the limestoned vineyards of Côte de Beaune, an area renowned for its profound influence on terroir. The grapes are handpicked and meticulously sorted before ageing in French oak barrels, a process lending complex aromas of citrus and bread crust, all sumptuously melded with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, the full-bodied d'Eugenie Montrachet Grand Cru 2020 reveals delicate minerality, enlivened flavours, and an enduring finish. A true testament to the mastery of Côte de Beaune, this vintage is an unparalleled choice for discerning oenophiles. Cherish the grandeur and brilliance of Burgundian winemaking epitomised by d'Eugenie Montrachet Grand Cru 2020. It sets the benchmark for delectability, refinement, and profundity in white Burgundy.
HK$18,740.00 -
The Wine Independent (97+)
The 2020 Château d'Yquem a blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. It has 135 grams per liter of residual sugar and a pH of 3.79. Pale lemon-gold colored, citrus and baking spice notes emerge slowly from the glass, rising to offer well-defined scents of candied ginger, orange blossoms, allspice, and almond tart, leading to a flamboyant core of peach cobbler, ripe, juicy pineapple, jasmine tea, and apple butter with a waft of saffron. The palate is full-bodied and characteristically rich, yet possesses impressive tension and therefore stunning harmony. Layers of exotic spices and fragrant white flower accents fill the palate, leading to a long finish with lingering chalk and mineral nuances. It’s a showy Yquem that is gregarious in youth but is reserving that extra something for those with the patience to wait twenty years or more.HK$26,735.00 -
The Wine Independent (97+)
The 2020 Château d'Yquem a blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. It has 135 grams per liter of residual sugar and a pH of 3.79. Pale lemon-gold colored, citrus and baking spice notes emerge slowly from the glass, rising to offer well-defined scents of candied ginger, orange blossoms, allspice, and almond tart, leading to a flamboyant core of peach cobbler, ripe, juicy pineapple, jasmine tea, and apple butter with a waft of saffron. The palate is full-bodied and characteristically rich, yet possesses impressive tension and therefore stunning harmony. Layers of exotic spices and fragrant white flower accents fill the palate, leading to a long finish with lingering chalk and mineral nuances. It’s a showy Yquem that is gregarious in youth but is reserving that extra something for those with the patience to wait twenty years or more.HK$4,105.00 -
The Wine Independent (97+)
The 2020 Château d'Yquem a blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. It has 135 grams per liter of residual sugar and a pH of 3.79. Pale lemon-gold colored, citrus and baking spice notes emerge slowly from the glass, rising to offer well-defined scents of candied ginger, orange blossoms, allspice, and almond tart, leading to a flamboyant core of peach cobbler, ripe, juicy pineapple, jasmine tea, and apple butter with a waft of saffron. The palate is full-bodied and characteristically rich, yet possesses impressive tension and therefore stunning harmony. Layers of exotic spices and fragrant white flower accents fill the palate, leading to a long finish with lingering chalk and mineral nuances. It’s a showy Yquem that is gregarious in youth but is reserving that extra something for those with the patience to wait twenty years or more.HK$5,460.00 -
The Wine Independent (97+)
The 2020 Château d'Yquem a blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. It has 135 grams per liter of residual sugar and a pH of 3.79. Pale lemon-gold colored, citrus and baking spice notes emerge slowly from the glass, rising to offer well-defined scents of candied ginger, orange blossoms, allspice, and almond tart, leading to a flamboyant core of peach cobbler, ripe, juicy pineapple, jasmine tea, and apple butter with a waft of saffron. The palate is full-bodied and characteristically rich, yet possesses impressive tension and therefore stunning harmony. Layers of exotic spices and fragrant white flower accents fill the palate, leading to a long finish with lingering chalk and mineral nuances. It’s a showy Yquem that is gregarious in youth but is reserving that extra something for those with the patience to wait twenty years or more.HK$7,000.00 -
The Wine Independent (97+)
The 2020 Château d'Yquem a blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc. It has 135 grams per liter of residual sugar and a pH of 3.79. Pale lemon-gold colored, citrus and baking spice notes emerge slowly from the glass, rising to offer well-defined scents of candied ginger, orange blossoms, allspice, and almond tart, leading to a flamboyant core of peach cobbler, ripe, juicy pineapple, jasmine tea, and apple butter with a waft of saffron. The palate is full-bodied and characteristically rich, yet possesses impressive tension and therefore stunning harmony. Layers of exotic spices and fragrant white flower accents fill the palate, leading to a long finish with lingering chalk and mineral nuances. It’s a showy Yquem that is gregarious in youth but is reserving that extra something for those with the patience to wait twenty years or more.HK$17,115.00 -
Burghound (93)
Outstanding. Pungent aromas of wood and reduction clearly need aeration so be sure to do that if you choose to crack a bottle young. By contrast there is fine density and verve to the utterly delicious middleweight flavors that possess a more refined and more mineral-driven texture before culminating in a clean, very dry and sneaky long finish. Assuming this cleans up appropriately it should ultimately offer very fine quality over a mid-term aging curve.HK$3,375.00 -
The Darviot Perrin Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes 2020 is an exceptional representation of the noble French Burgundy tradition. Originating from the charming village of Meursault in the Côte de Beaune, this illustrious wine showcases the meticulous winemaking ethos of renowned producer, Darviot Perrin. This 2020 vintage is notable for its elegant, aromatic balance, harmoniously blending sumptuous fruit flavours with refined, chiseled minerality.
Beautifully crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes, each bunch is carefully selected and vinified separately to ensure utmost precision in its flavour composition. The wine then spends 15 to 20 months in oak barrels, gently maturing to reach peak richness and complexity.
Alluringly golden, it decants a wondrous bouquet of honey, citrus and ripe peach. As a taste of terroir, Darviot Perrin Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes 2020 presents a profile marked with striking purity, intensity and persistence on the palate.
HK$9,300.00 -
Experience the magnificence of Darviot-Perrin Beaune Longbois 2020, an exceptional example of French viticulture. Handcrafted from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the revered vineyards of Beaune, a division of the Côte de Beaune in the heart of Burgundy, this fine beverage is a true celebration of its terroir. Produced by the highly respected Darviot-Perrin, a family-run Burgundian winery renowned for its detailed and uncompromising winemaking style, this red wine is as noteworthy as it is delightful. Benefitting from a classic vinification process, this spirited vintage expresses mature, dark fruit aromas coupled with an elegant earthiness. On the palate, Darviot-Perrin Beaune Longbois 2020 displays a remarkable balance of texture and structure, ensuring an impressively long finish. Sip this captivating wine paired with a gourmet meal to indulge in an inimitable epicurean experience. For astute wine enthusiasts, Darviot-Perrin Beaune Longbois 2020 is a necessity in every fine wine collection.
HK$4,485.00 -
Vinous (85-87)
The 2020 Bourgogne Chardonnay has a light, slightly resinous, malic bouquet. The palate is ripe on the entry with light tropical notes, touches of orange peel and mandarin with a touch of spice on the finish. Fine. Closure: DiamHK$4,840.00 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2020 Meursault Les Perrières 1er Cru has a well-defined nose with perhaps more mineralité than others. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth entry, light tropical notes with hints of peach and apricot, quite sensual towards the finish that lingers in the mouth. Delicious, but maybe it just needs a little more tension. Closure: DiamHK$8,047.00
