France
The vast and diverse wine regions of France, each with its own unique terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques, are a treasure trove.
In Bordeaux, the birthplace of some of the world's most iconic wines, esteemed vineyards such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Haut-Brion produce exceptional red wines, showcasing the art of blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The region is also renowned for its exquisite white wines, with vineyards like Château d'Yquem and Domaine de Chevalier producing legendary sweet wines.
Moving to Burgundy, the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Armand Rousseau capture the essence of the region's revered terroir, crafting exquisite red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. Meanwhile, Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Coche-Dury are celebrated for their world-class white wines, predominantly made from Chardonnay.
The Champagne region, known for its sparkling wines, boasts illustrious houses such as Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Moët & Chandon, as well as grower-producers like Pierre Péters and Jacques Selosse. These vineyards create exceptional sparkling wines using the traditional method, offering a symphony of delicate bubbles, elegant flavors, and vibrant acidity.
In the Rhône Valley, iconic vineyards like Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Château de Beaucastel produce remarkable red wines in the northern appellations of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas, showcasing the elegance and power of Syrah. Further south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is celebrated for its rich and full-bodied red blends, with Château Rayas and Clos des Papes leading the way.
In Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and omaine Trimbach craft exquisite white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, expressing the region's unique terroir and varietal character.
These are just a few highlights among the diverse array of wines that France offers. From the Loire Valley's crisp whites and elegant reds to the Languedoc-Roussillon's bold and robust wines, each region presents its own vinous treasures.
France
-
Wine Advocate (94+)
The medium to full-bodied 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc boasts impressive concentration and richness, allied to terrific freshness and length. As I was tasting it, I kept shaking my head marveling at how this blend of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul and Roussanne achieved such a wonderful sense of balance. Hints of anise no doubt play a prominent role in achieving this, enlivening the melon and pear that form the wine's core, to be elegantly replaced on the finish by lingering notes of ripe citrus. Certainly this is one of the most impressive whites I can recall tasting from this benchmark estate.HK$10,540.00 -
Wine Advocate (94+)
The medium to full-bodied 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc boasts impressive concentration and richness, allied to terrific freshness and length. As I was tasting it, I kept shaking my head marveling at how this blend of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul and Roussanne achieved such a wonderful sense of balance. Hints of anise no doubt play a prominent role in achieving this, enlivening the melon and pear that form the wine's core, to be elegantly replaced on the finish by lingering notes of ripe citrus. Certainly this is one of the most impressive whites I can recall tasting from this benchmark estate.HK$3,695.00 -
HK$3,450.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
The 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is terrific and shows the crisp, vibrant style of the vintage yet still manages to bring plenty of richness and concentration. Ripe pears, peach, licorice, and white flowers all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, has a layered mouthfeel, and integrated acidity. It's another incredibly classy white from this estate that will keep for 10-15 years.HK$6,840.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
The 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is terrific and shows the crisp, vibrant style of the vintage yet still manages to bring plenty of richness and concentration. Ripe pears, peach, licorice, and white flowers all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, has a layered mouthfeel, and integrated acidity. It's another incredibly classy white from this estate that will keep for 10-15 years.HK$3,685.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is the usual blend of all the permitted varieties. It shows the richer, layered, opulent style of the vintage beautifully, with loads of pear, acacia flower, citrus oil, and spice notes all defining the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a layered, opulent texture and a great finish.HK$7,450.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is the usual blend of all the permitted varieties. It shows the richer, layered, opulent style of the vintage beautifully, with loads of pear, acacia flower, citrus oil, and spice notes all defining the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a layered, opulent texture and a great finish.HK$3,450.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
Beautiful, with a ripe, layered style, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc offers honeyed lemon, quince, crushed stone, and floral nuances that develop beautifully with time in the glass. It's medium to full-bodied, has a deep, layered mouthfeel, beautifully integrated acidity, and a great finish. It has a touch more depth and volume compared to the 2024 and is a sensational white from this fabulous winemaker that will keep for 20+ years if well stored. Drink 2025-2045.HK$6,225.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
Beautiful, with a ripe, layered style, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc offers honeyed lemon, quince, crushed stone, and floral nuances that develop beautifully with time in the glass. It's medium to full-bodied, has a deep, layered mouthfeel, beautifully integrated acidity, and a great finish. It has a touch more depth and volume compared to the 2024 and is a sensational white from this fabulous winemaker that will keep for 20+ years if well stored. Drink 2025-2045.HK$4,265.00 -
(12x75cl) 2006Experience the elegance of the Clos des Quatres Vents 2006, a quintessential Bordeaux red. Fashioned by the esteemed Clos des Quatres Vents in Margaux, this wine carries a distinct refinement. A legacy of Thomas Duclos' superior winemaking skill, this vintage is characterised by an exquisite blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot varieties. Nurtured among uncommon gravel soils, the vineyard's setup facilitates superior drainage and sun exposure. This imbues the wine with a classic, full-bodied complexity.
Every bottle of Clos des Quatres Vents 2006 brims with the tell-tale depth of the Margaux terroir. This red wine offers stimulating notes of ripe black cherry, rich tobacco and dark chocolate, underpinned with earthy, truffle undertones. Experiencing this wine is akin to diving into a velvety symphony of flavour. It is a spectacular testament to the undisputed nobility of its birthplace and an absolute must for those seeking to savour the Bordelais wine tradition.
HK$2,885.00 -
(12x75cl) 2009
The Clos des Quatres Vents 2009 is a testament to the rich history of fine Margaux wine. Handcrafted by the esteemed Labrune family in the heart of Bordeaux's Left Bank, this wine showcases the quintessential blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, offering a tantalising bouquet of black fruits, plums and fine-ground spices. Accents of subtle oak fermentation enhance the ripe fruit flavours, culminating in a delicate yet persistent finish. Each bottle is a mirror of the sun-drenched clay-limestone soils, seasoned with gravel deposits dating back to the Quaternary period, all contributing to the distinct terroir of this remarkable wine. The Labrune family's unwavering commitment to traditionally patient wine-making practices allows for a rich, balanced and deeply expressive vintage. The Clos des Quatres Vents 2009 affords a taste of Bordeaux at its finest.
HK$3,260.00 -
Drawing from the illustrious terroirs of Margaux, our Clos des Quatres Vents 2011 is a fine depiction of traditional vinicultural craftsmanship. Produced by the venerable Luc Thienpont, this extraordinary vintage boasts a lavish blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. With a 20-month sojourn in oak barrels, the exquisite balance between strength and fruit garners laudable elegance.
Grown amidst the legendary vineyards of Bordeaux, the Clos des Quatres Vents 2011 mirrors the quintessence of its regal origin. The enchanting nose hints of ripe berries and cherries elegantly melded with subtle notes of spices and toasted oak. The deep, almost inky hue foretells the luscious array of opulent flavours, crowned by an enduring, harmonious finish.
Imbibers will struggle to resist the entrancing complexity of Clos des Quatres Vents 2011 as it offers a remarkable embodiment of Margaux's wine-making heritage.
HK$2,905.00 -
(6x75cl) 2002HK$1,760.00 -
(1x75cl) 2000Wine Advocate (99)
Possibly the wine of the vintage is the 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Le Clos du Cailloux. I tasted this wine four times from bottle, and it has blown away some tough competition. A wealth of fruit, power, and balance, amazing purity, and a sumptuous, 65-second finish are the stuff of legends. As usual, it is a blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah as well as miscellaneous varietals. The Mourvedre must be picked incredibly ripe as there is never any of that grape's astringency or toughness. However, being an anti-oxidant varietal, I am sure this is a sign of how much aging potential these wines possess. This is an enormous, well-delineated, superb wine. Anticipated maturity: now-2020+.HK$1,855.00 -
Vinous (95)
Inky ruby. Explosive aromas of red and dark berries are complicated by suggestions of star anise, potpourri and smoky minerals. Rich yet lithe on the palate, offering sweet black raspberry and cola flavors and an intense note of candied lavender. Made in a rich yet graceful style, finishing with superb clarity and length and sneaky tannins that come on late. One of my favorite wines of the vintage and almost shockingly approachable now.HK$12,745.00 -
(6x75cl) 2013Wine Advocate (95)
The cream of the lineup and one of the stars of the vintage is the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Reserve le Clos du Caillou. Incorporating more Mourvèdre than normal (a blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Mourvèdre), this smokin’ southern Rhône sports a deep ruby/purple color to go with notes of blackcurrants, white pepper, orange liqueur and graphite. Big, full-bodied, supple and elegant, it’s certainly not as massive as some of the greats from this estate (2001, 2005, 2007 or 2010), but hats off to the team for producing a wine of this quality in a difficult vintage.HK$3,840.00 -
(1x75cl) 2015Wine Advocate (97)
Amazingly perfumed and floral, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve is a striking wine, drawn from the sandy lieux-dits of La Guigasse and Pignan. The blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Mourvèdre yields plenty of refined cherry and stone fruit elements, silky tannins and great elegance on the long finish. It's not the biggest kid on the block, just one of the best looking. What a pretty wine!HK$870.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Lastly, and a perfect wine, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Reserve is a 60/40 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre that’s brought up in demi-muids. It shows the vintage’s ripe, sexy, yet also concentrated and powerful style, offering full-bodied aromas and flavors of red and blue fruits, Provençal herbs, pepper, and violets. Possessing sensational elegance, perfect balance, and ripe, polished tannins, it’s always the more aristocratic, classy, seamless wine compared to the more exuberant, overflowing with character Les Quartz release. This matches the otherworldly 2001, 2007, 2010, and 2016.HK$1,195.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
Lastly, and a perfect wine, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Reserve is a 60/40 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre that’s brought up in demi-muids. It shows the vintage’s ripe, sexy, yet also concentrated and powerful style, offering full-bodied aromas and flavors of red and blue fruits, Provençal herbs, pepper, and violets. Possessing sensational elegance, perfect balance, and ripe, polished tannins, it’s always the more aristocratic, classy, seamless wine compared to the more exuberant, overflowing with character Les Quartz release. This matches the otherworldly 2001, 2007, 2010, and 2016.HK$5,645.00 -
Wine Advocate (98-100)
A co-fermented blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Mourvèdre, matured in demi-muids (about 10% of the volume is in amphorae this year), the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve is a strong candidate for perfection. Sourced from the lieux-dits of Guigasse and Pignan, the nose delivers the essence of sandy-soil Grenache, with notes of rose petals, lavender, thyme, cherries and raspberries. Full-bodied and lush, silky and long, it adds hints of toasty oak and salted licorice on the finish.HK$6,175.00 -
HK$4,720.00 -
Wine Advocate (98-100)
A candidate for perfection, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre from sandy parcels in Guigasse and Pignan. Alluring scents of crushed stone, floral elements and almost truffle-like complexities accent black cherries and plums on the nose, while the wine is full-bodied and expansive in the mouth yet manages to do that without seeming heavy or overly rich, and the silky finish is near-endless, reverberating with notes of dark fruit and licorice.HK$6,120.00 -
(6x75cl) 2013Vinous (93)
Opaque ruby. Powerful cherry and dark berry scents show superb clarity and lift, picking up smoke and Indian spice nuances with air. Offers palate-staining, spice-tinged black raspberry and boysenberry flavors that show a suave blend of richness and vivacity. Finishes gently sweet and extremely long, with silky, even tannins contributing shape.HK$2,350.00 -
(3x150cl) 2019Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
Moving to the tiny production 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Quartz, which is mostly Grenache with around 25% or so of Syrah, it has a rich, full-bodied, dense, and almost backward style to go with powerful black fruits, ground pepper, and violet aromas and flavors. I love its purity of fruit, and it builds nicely with time in the glass, showing more mid-palate depth as well as ripe tannins. It’s a stunning bottle of wine, but patience will be required. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades.HK$3,475.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
Moving to the tiny production 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Quartz, which is mostly Grenache with around 25% or so of Syrah, it has a rich, full-bodied, dense, and almost backward style to go with powerful black fruits, ground pepper, and violet aromas and flavors. I love its purity of fruit, and it builds nicely with time in the glass, showing more mid-palate depth as well as ripe tannins. It’s a stunning bottle of wine, but patience will be required. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades.HK$3,055.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020HK$3,125.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres is deeper and richer than the base cuvée and possesses terrific notes of black raspberries, blackberry jam, exotic flower, and orange blossom. Full-bodied, polished, elegant and gorgeously pure on the palate, with fine tannin, it's a killer wine. Made from 95% Grenache (the balance is Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Vaccarèse), it too has a decade and more of prime drinking.HK$3,695.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021HK$2,385.00 -
James Suckling (92)
There’s a lot of complexity here. Plump, red plums and cherries with some wild herbs and meaty elements. Supple and plush, red-fruit palate. Slick and ripe. Drink or hold.HK$3,040.00 -
HK$1,270.00
