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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Bordeaux | 3 | 89-91 (WA) | HK$2,050.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (89-91)No tasting note given. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 97 (WS) | HK$40,175.00 | |||||
Wine Spectator (97)This has terrific depth and cut, offering a core of dried pineapple, Jonagold apple and white peach fruit, along with quinine and gooseberry notes, all lined with a bracing jicama edge. The finish is backed by salted butter, brioche and shortbread details. Shows power and purity, with terrific length. Approachable now, but give this time. Best from 2017 through 2030. -JM |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$109,885.00 | |||||
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Alsace | 1 | 97 (DC) | HK$5,740.00 | |||||
Decanter (97)The crown in the Hugel jewels, Schoelhammer comes from 30 rows in the core of Grand Cru Shoenenbourg, high above Riquewihr. An intense, dry and mineral-charged Riesling with floral aromas and concentrated lime/lemon zest flavours. Fermented in neutral oak, this retains absolute purity and clarity of flavour. Bottled in Spring 2012, this vintage was first released in 2018. Still very youthful and with decades ahead. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$2,395.00 | |||||
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Crafted within the distinguished region of Burgundy, J Thevenet Bongran Vire-Clesse 2011 is an exquisite testament to the mastery of its revered producer. Thevenet's acclaimed low-yield vineyard practices offer a rarity in the world of Chardonnay, yielding a rich, powerful expression. The painstakingly hand-harvested, native-yeast fermented grapes, matured on the lees in old oak barrels for up to two years, deliver an extraordinary opulence, its incredibly high natural sugar levels balanced by naturally occurring, ice-wine like acidity. Bongran Vire-Clesse 2011 displays a luxuriously golden hue, capturing the essence of ripe apple, pears, and quince on the nose, with nuances of honey, marzipan and delicate spices. The wine intrigues the palate with its immense concentration, ushering in a kaleidoscope of complex flavours that carry through to a prolonged, invigorating finish. Remarkably age-worthy, the J Thevenet Bongran Vire-Clesse 2011 is an absolute gem of the Mâconnais district. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (VN) | HK$19,940.00 | |||||
Vinous (92-94)(harvested on September 12, with potential alcohol of 12.8%; from an east-facing, cool site at the top of the hill, just under the trees, where phenolic maturity usually comes before sugar ripeness): Pale, bright, green-tinged yellow. Pungent, raw aromas of crushed stone, pepper, truffle and earth: very white soil in character. The impression of rawness continues on the tight, leanish palate, which offers pure flavors of crushed stone, pepper and saline minerality. With less stuffing here than the Montrachet, this penetrating, soil-driven wine comes across as austere. But its lingering perfume suggests that it will reward extended cellaring. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$3,110.00 | |||||
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The Jean et Sebastien Dauvissat Chablis Saint Pierre 2011 is an exquisite offering from the highly esteemed Dauvissat estate in the historic French winemaking region of Chablis, Burgundy. This old-world Chardonnay encapsulates the robust minerality characteristic of the Kimmeridgian soil it's cultivated in. Masterly hand-harvested and handled with paramount precision, this wine is a testament to the savoir-faire of the winemaking duo, Jean and Sebastien Dauvissat. They adhere to traditional wine-making techniques, ageing the wine in old French oak barrels, which bestow onto it a subtle grace and complexity with notes of crisp green apple, pear and chalky minerals. Structured and elegant, the Jean et Sebastien Dauvissat Chablis Saint Pierre 2011 is testament to the estate's reputation in producing Chablis wines that are distinguished by their superb quality and exceptional longevity. |
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Jura | 2 | 98-99 (WA) | HK$6,480.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (98-99)About to be bottled when I tasted it, the 2011 Château Chalon has a smoky, flinty, whisky-like character that is subtle and elegant. 2011 was a cool year with good weather during the harvest, delivering healthy grapes and a good crop that produced quality and quantity. Macle compared it with 2008, a year with good acidity, but 2011 is probably a bit rounder. The wine comes through as balanced and mineral. A second barrel had a stronger yeast character, with more aromas of bread dough, a little peaty and a little more powerful on the palate. This should make a great bottle of Château Chalon; it's quite classic and has a long life ahead of it in bottle. There are 8,000 bottles of this, bottled in two different lots. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$6,145.00 | |||||
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The Joseph Paget Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres 2011 is a superb exhibition of quintessential Burgundian craftsmanship. Cultivated by the esteemed producer, Joseph Paget, in the revered Genevrieres Climat, it candidly reflects the terroir's limestone-rich soil and excellent sun exposure. This Chardonnay is a testament to the meticulous art of traditional viticulture, undergoing fermentation in oak barrels, and aged for 12 months, unifying finesse with complexity. Demonstrating a masterful balance of lush richness and elegant minerality, the 2011 vintage is a paragon of the Meursault's Genevrieres appellation. It radiates vibrant citrus and white peach notes entwined with a subtle underpinning of toasted almond and spices. On the palate, it begins with a silky texture, seamlessly transitioning into a lively, extended finish. This wine's depth of character, structure and age-worthiness makes the Joseph Paget Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres 2011 a venerated addition to any fine wine collection. |
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Languedoc | 1 | - | HK$28,725.00 | |||||
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Experience the splendour of southern France with La Grange des Peres Vin de Pays de l'Herault Blanc 2011. Elaborated in the bucolic Languedoc region, this sumptuous white wine texturises the essence of France's Vin de Pays. Crafted by Laurent Vaillé, a devoted winemaker with mentors like Jean-François Coche-Dury and Gérard Chave, its distinctive character unfolds in every sip. The production journey, steeped in precision, commences on limestone and clay soils, the vineyard's secret for distinctive minerality and nuanced complexity. Heralded as one of the region's best, this celebrated vinification marries Roussanne and Chardonnay, maturing in new French oak barrels for 24 months. Resulting in a harmonious ensemble of honeyed stone fruits, vibrant acidity and indulgent creaminess. A particular standout amongst connoisseurs, La Grange des Peres Vin de Pays de l'Herault Blanc 2011 elevates every occasion with its opulent profile and intricate finish. Indulge in the excellence of the most coveted expression of Languedoc. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 94-97 (VN (ID)) | HK$18,280.00 | |||||
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (94-97)(73% semillon and 27% sauvignon blanc): Pale straw-green. Lovely semillon aromas of white peach and beeswax complicated by lavender, jasmine and minerals. Multilayered and complex on the palate, showing more minerality to go with the very intense, pure flavors of peach, lemon and green fig. The sauvignon blanc really stands out on the long, deep finish. This very bright, focused wine is one of the stars of the vintage, red wines included. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 95 (WA) | HK$9,735.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95)Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Bâtard-Montrachet 2011 from Anne-Claude Leflaive is slightly deeper in color than its peers. The nose is a little austere at first, but it unfolds nicely with impressive mineral (slate and flint) scents, well defined and poised. The palate is well balanced with a keen thread of acidity. There is a bright citric heart to this Bâtard-Montrachet with fleeting touches of nectarine and citrus lemon joining the edgy mineral finish. This is a classy Grand Cru – regal but not imposing. |
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Burgundy | 2 | 95 (WA) | HK$56,650.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95)The 2011 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru was picked on August 25, the earliest harvest in the history of the Domaine Leflaive, and the resulting wine was another of the sleepers in this tasting, unfurling in the glass with an attractive bouquet of white flowers, fresh peach, tangerine, pear, pastry cream and warm bread. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, expansive and satiny textured, with a layered and open-knit core that's fleshy but lively, concluding with a long and precise finish. This is a forward Chevalier from Leflaive that's already drinking well, but it's a superb effort. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 94 (WS) | HK$55,060.00 | |||||
Wine Spectator (94)This bright version evokes lime blossom, apple, hazelnut and stone notes. Lean and athletic, presenting a firm yet refined structure and a long finish of citrus and mineral. The oak is beautifully integrated. Best from 2016 through 2026. 326 cases imported. -BS |
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Burgundy | 1 | 94+ (VN) | HK$184,860.00 | |||||
Vinous (94+)The 2011 Corton-Charlemagne impresses for its energy and crystalline purity. Warm smoke and slate nuances add complexity to a wine that manages to be both richly textured yet also weightless and transparent. An eternal finish graced with hints of apricot and wild flowers leaves a lasting impression as the wine gains volume through to the finish. This is a dazzling showing. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 17 (JR) | HK$4,065.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (17)Nutty, apple fruit, long and expressive finish. Some spiciness. Open and developing, even now. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 17 (JR) | HK$4,425.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (17)Phenolic and pithy again, like the Blanchot. Quite stylised for Chablis – partly ‘naturalistic’, partly oxidative! It works though, and there's a bit of oak in the mix too. Not archetypal Chablis, but still impressive. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 16.5 (JR) | HK$4,425.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (16.5)Tangy, open-knit, fine apple fruit and broad texture. Much more conventional than their Vaudésir and Blanchot – and perhaps less interesting therefore? |
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Burgundy | 3 | 94-96 (VN) | HK$42,015.00 | |||||
Vinous (94-96)The 2011 Corton-Charlemagne is drop-dead gorgeous. Subtle, nuanced and very pretty, the 2011 is all about understatement and reserve. The aromas and flavors show off striking inner perfume and impeccable balance. This is a great showing from an utterly beautiful wine with a bright future, but it is also a wine that demand's the taster's full attention. |
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Burgundy | 2 | 94-96 (VN) | HK$93,860.00 | |||||
Vinous (94-96)The 2011 Corton-Charlemagne is drop-dead gorgeous. Subtle, nuanced and very pretty, the 2011 is all about understatement and reserve. The aromas and flavors show off striking inner perfume and impeccable balance. This is a great showing from an utterly beautiful wine with a bright future, but it is also a wine that demand's the taster's full attention. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 94 (VN) | HK$8,390.00 | |||||
Vinous (94)The 2011 Meursault Charmes wraps around the palate with gorgeous depth and pure textural richness. The resonance and warmth of the fruit is incredibly inviting, while the creamy, expansive finish is pure Charmes. Expressive floral and spice notes add gorgeous inner perfume as the wine continues to show off its pedigree. This is a drop-dead gorgeous Meursault from Matrot, not to mention a wine of immense pleasure. The Charmes is a blend of parcels at the top of the hill (75%), mid-slope (15%) and bottom of the slope (10%). |
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Bordeaux | 5 | 93-96 (VN (ID)) | HK$2,910.00 | |||||
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (93-96)(3.52 pH; 7.5 g/l total acidity; 180 g/l residual sugar): Bright yellow-gold. Enticing sauvignon blanc-dominated aromas of kiwi, passion fruit and green fig complicated by dried apricot and orange jam. Fresh, dense and very sweet, with extremely persistent flavors of tangerine, ripe apricot, saffron and peach nectar. Finishes very bright and long. This wine sports one of the highest residual sugar levels of the vintage yet it comes across as less sweet than the numbers would suggest thanks to its very high total acidity. Another outstanding wine for Nairac, which insiders know to be the single best buy in Sauternes today. The last few years have seen one great Nairac after another. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 97 (VN) | HK$46,390.00 | |||||
Vinous (97)The 2011 Batard-Montrachet boasts serious richness, depth and structure. A wine of pure brawn and intensity, the 2011 impresses for its exceptional balance and harmony, but it is also very reticent and nowhere near ready to show the full breadth of its personality. The finish alone is simply sensational. Readers should give the 2011 at least a few years in bottle to settle down. The Batard is imposing, sensational and regal in every way. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 94+ (VN) | HK$6,390.00 | |||||
Vinous (94+)(a 50/50 blend of vines from Pernand and Aloxe, with both parcels picked the same day): Pale green-tinged yellow. Pungent aromas of lemon, lime, apple, crushed stone, nutmeg and medicinal herbs. Wonderfully intense, backward wine with almost painful penetration to its pineapple and crushed stone flavors. Finishes with uncanny aromatic persistence for the vintage. Structured for a graceful evolution in bottle. I wouldn't go near this for at least five or six years. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$4,495.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$7,220.00 | |||||
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The Potinet Ampeau Meursault 1er Cru Charmes 2011 is a captivating white wine crafted in Burgundy's esteemed Meursault region. Produced by the venerable Potinet-Ampeau domain, known for its meticulously preserved old vintage wines, this vino exemplifies the producer's unmatched skill and dedication. The Charmes vineyard's distinctive terroir is artfully represented; the chalky soil begetting a Chardonnay of impressive depth and complexity. Fermented and aged in oak barrels, the wine boasts discernible aromas of white peach, almond, and subtle oak. A palate graced with layers of ripe fruit, undulating minerality, and a serenely buttery undertone affords a harmonious, lingering finish. The Potinet Ampeau Meursault 1er Cru Charmes 2011, despite its age, still gleams with youthful exuberance and upholds the promise of impeccable ageing potential. The Potinet Ampeau Meursault 1er Cru Charmes 2011 is the epitome of traditional Burgundian winemaking, making it a prized addition to the discerning oenophile’s collection. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 93 (WA) | HK$12,215.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (93)The 2011 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru is very attractive, opening up in the decanter to offer a classic young Ramonet bouquet of lemon oil, mint, honeyed pear, white flowers and a framing of toasty new oak. On the palate, the wine is fresh and vibrant, with a broad and elegantly glossy attack, but it ranks as a comparatively open-knit rendition of this great wine, without the depth, structure or complexity of the very best vintages. Of course, it's an excellent Bâtard nonetheless. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 93 (VN) | HK$30,475.00 | |||||
Vinous (93)The 2011 Chablis Butteaux is subtle, gracious and utterly impeccable in its elegance. All the elements are simply in the right place. Articulate, energetic and nuanced, the 2011 captures all the qualities of this 1er Cru site, in miniature. This is another of the more approachable 2011s from Raveneau. |
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Burgundy | 3 | 91 (VN) | HK$6,580.00 | |||||
Vinous (91)The 2011 Chablis Montmains is another relatively accessible wine from Raveneau. Beams of acidity and minerality lend support to peach and apricot flavors in a Chablis that is soft, open and beautifully expressive, even at this early stage. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 94 (VN) | HK$5,830.00 | |||||
Vinous (94)Layers of rich, expressive fruit resonate off the palate as the 2011 Chablis Blanchot emerges from the glass. A picture-perfect example of the vintage, the Blanchot is super-expressive, even at this early stage. Citrus, honey and spice nuances flesh out in an expansive, generous Chablis that will drink well with minimum cellaring. |
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