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
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(1x600cl) 2019Vinous - Neal Martin (98)
Owners LVMH took the decision to delay the release of the 2019 Yquem until spring 2022. It was tasted with winemaker Sandrine Garbay in London. After the summer drought when Sauternes received just 2.5mm of rain until 26 July, that day saw a 112mm deluge that replenished underground reserves and gave ripening the push it needed. Dry and warm conditions prevailed throughout September when there was no sign of botrytis infection. That was finally provoked by 38mm of rain between 21 and 25 of September, followed by warm clement weather. After minor picking of Sauvignon Blanc on 7 of October, the main harvest began in earnest on 10 October. Pickers worked over the following five days, including Sunday. Time was of the essence because, as forecasts predicted, the weather suddenly changed on 14 of October with 40mm or rain. After that, the picking teams skirted between showers between 17 and 22 of October, though by now the fruit had begun to deteriorate. Therefore, the key aspect of this Yquem is the extremely tight picking window. The final blend contains 138g/L residual sugar, which is slightly less than the previous vintage, with 5.5g/L total acidity and 14.4% alcohol. Tasting the 2019, I noticed that it has a slightly paler hue compared to recent vintages (though I never read too much into the colour of young Sauternes.) For certain, it has a highly-aromatic bouquet that is beguiling in purity, enticing aromas of honeysuckle and saffron, soon joined by camomile, white flowers and orange blossom. It has wonderful delineation and gains intensity with aeration. The palate is supremely well-balanced with fine bead of acidity. Very harmonious and armed with just the right amount of viscosity, this Yquem is surprisingly understated at first but gains presence, offering irresistible flavours of layers of honey, lemongrass, lemon thyme and orange pith. Yquem is so tempting in its youth, but I feel that this vintage will repay those with the nous to cellar for at least a decade.HK$19,115.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2017 Dalem is vinified without SO2 and sees 40% new oak. It has a clean and precise bouquet with perfumed blackberry and freshly picked mint aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins. One of the most elegant Dalem wines that I have tasted in recent years with a clean and precise finish that is top drawer. This has kicked on since bottling and is turning into a very lovely Fronsac. Tasted twice with consistent notes.HK$1,395.00 -
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(6x75cl) 2019Jeb Dunnuck (94)
Readers looking for a smoking deal in the vintage should grab bottles of the 2019 Château Dalem. This rich, medium to full-bodied, mouth-filling effort has lots of ripe darker cherry and blackberry fruit as well as tobacco, cedar pencil, and violet nuances. Rich, textured, balanced, and with a real sense of purity and class, it's ideal for enjoying over the coming 10-12, if not 15 years or so.HK$1,185.00 -
(12x37.5cl) 2020Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2020 Dalem, the first vintage under the consultancy of Eric Boissenot, has a tertiary, sous-bois infused bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, discrete at first but opening beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, citrus-fresh with impressive focus, gradually building towards the clean and precise finish. This is a top-notch Fronsac that will give pleasure for 20-25 years.HK$1,325.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2020 Dalem, the first vintage under the consultancy of Eric Boissenot, has a tertiary, sous-bois infused bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, discrete at first but opening beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, citrus-fresh with impressive focus, gradually building towards the clean and precise finish. This is a top-notch Fronsac that will give pleasure for 20-25 years.HK$2,020.00 -
(1x150cl) 2020Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2020 Dalem, the first vintage under the consultancy of Eric Boissenot, has a tertiary, sous-bois infused bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, discrete at first but opening beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, citrus-fresh with impressive focus, gradually building towards the clean and precise finish. This is a top-notch Fronsac that will give pleasure for 20-25 years.HK$475.00 -
(1x300cl) 2020Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2020 Dalem, the first vintage under the consultancy of Eric Boissenot, has a tertiary, sous-bois infused bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, discrete at first but opening beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, citrus-fresh with impressive focus, gradually building towards the clean and precise finish. This is a top-notch Fronsac that will give pleasure for 20-25 years.HK$1,235.00 -
(1x600cl) 2020Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2020 Dalem, the first vintage under the consultancy of Eric Boissenot, has a tertiary, sous-bois infused bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, discrete at first but opening beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, citrus-fresh with impressive focus, gradually building towards the clean and precise finish. This is a top-notch Fronsac that will give pleasure for 20-25 years.HK$2,000.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2020 Dalem, the first vintage under the consultancy of Eric Boissenot, has a tertiary, sous-bois infused bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, discrete at first but opening beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, citrus-fresh with impressive focus, gradually building towards the clean and precise finish. This is a top-notch Fronsac that will give pleasure for 20-25 years.HK$910.00 -
(12x37.5cl) 2021James Suckling (92-93)
Blackberry, graphite and black-cherry aromas follow through to a full to medium body, creamy tannins and a juicy finish with blackberry, iron and ink.HK$1,365.00 -
(12x75cl) 2021James Suckling (92-93)
Blackberry, graphite and black-cherry aromas follow through to a full to medium body, creamy tannins and a juicy finish with blackberry, iron and ink.HK$2,125.00 -
(3x150cl) 2021James Suckling (92-93)
Blackberry, graphite and black-cherry aromas follow through to a full to medium body, creamy tannins and a juicy finish with blackberry, iron and ink.HK$1,265.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
Blackberry, graphite and black-cherry aromas follow through to a full to medium body, creamy tannins and a juicy finish with blackberry, iron and ink.HK$870.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (91)
Darker currants, cassis, graphite, and spring flowers define the aromatics of the 2022 Château Dalem. It has a Saint-Émilion-like sense of minerality, a medium to full body, and a layered, pure style that has tons to love. Drink bottles over the coming 15 years or so. I wasn’t able to get the release price, but this wine is almost always a brilliant value.HK$2,555.00 -
Indulge your palate with the prestigious Dame de Bouard 2017, an exemplary display of Bordeaux's finest. This vintage is created by the esteemed Hubert de Bouard, renowned for his winemaking finesse identical to Chateau Angelus. Nestled in the heart of Montagne-Saint-Emilion, each bottle marries the unique terroir with time-honoured traditions.
The Dame de Bouard 2017 harmoniously brings together Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Hand-harvested and carefully vatted, each grape variety reveals its distinctive character—providing a layered and robust wine experience. Aged for 14-18 months in exclusively French oak barrels, its depth of flavour is unrivalled. On the palate, anticipate a medley of dark cherries, cocoa, and tinges of spice.
Dame de Bouard 2017 embodies the quintessence of premium French viticulture. The outcome is a resplendent and powerful wine, promising a velvety texture and enduring finish—an essential addition for connoisseurs and collectors alike.
HK$1,435.00 -
Wine Advocate (88-90)
.HK$1,355.00 -
Wine Advocate (88-90)
.HK$1,270.00 -
Indulge in an exquisite vinous journey with the Dame de Bouard 2021, the epitome of elegance born out of the storied vineyards of Bordeaux in France. Meticulously crafted by the notable de Bouard family, inheritors of the world-renowned Château Angelus, this wine is a testament to their unyielding dedication to quality and grandeur.
Each sip reveals the distinct terroir differentiation, capturing the perfect essence of its Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend. The Dame de Bouard 2021 is traditionally vinified, with its grapes harvested manually, followed by a meticulous triple sorting process before being aged in French oak barrels. This painstaking process lends it an incomparable balance, a deep ruby hue, and a fresh taste profile with delicate tannins – a mesmerising dance of blackcurrant, raspberry, and floral notes punctuated by an elegant, polished finish. Truly, Dame de Bouard 2021 is the embodiment of French winemaking mastery embraced by wine connoisseurs globally.
HK$1,035.00 -
(6x75cl) 2016HK$1,930.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018HK$1,435.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018Exemplifying the intricacy of Loire Valley, the Damien Laureau Bel Ouvrage Savennieres 2018 is a paragon of fine French craftsmanship. Damien Laureau, recognised for his unwavering dedication to quality, has meticulously cultivated Chenin Blanc grapes on the gentle slopes of his Savennières vineyard. This specific 2018 vintage is hailed for its outstanding balance of ripeness and acidity, enhancing the wine's notoriously complex mineral-driven style.
The winemaking process, a sublime balance of tradition and innovation, utilises biodynamic farming and a slow fermentation on natural yeast, ensuring an authentic expression of its terroir. The resulting dry white wine unveils layers of rich honey, ripe apple, and surprising savoury notes, culminating in an elegantly long finish.
Enjoy the Damien Laureau Bel Ouvrage Savennieres 2018 for its multifaceted character, a true testament to the vitality of its celebrated appellation.
HK$3,675.00 -
Damien Laureau, Savennieres, Les Genets 2019 epitomises the elegance and complexity of the Loire Valley's renowned Savennieres appellation. Crafted from meticulously selected Chenin Blanc grapes, cultivated in the chalky soils of Les Genets vineyard, this vintage benefits from Damien Laureau’s unwavering commitment to quality and terroir expression. Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness in autumn 2019, the grapes undergo gentle pressing to preserve their integrity. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, ensuring vibrant acidity and pure fruit flavours are maintained. The wine is then aged sur lie for twelve months, enhancing its texture and developing nuanced notes of orchard fruits, honey, and subtle minerality. Damien Laureau’s expertise and sustainable viticultural practices shine through, resulting in a wine of remarkable depth and longevity. Ideal for both immediate enjoyment and cellaring, Les Genets 2019 is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and the distinctive character of Savennieres.
HK$835.00 -
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$3,615.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2015 Pouilly Fuisse en Bulands Vieilles Vignes comes from vines with similar terroir as the Les Crays but with a westerly orientation and older vines, around 83 years in age. It has a very harmonious bouquet, tender at first with white flower, honeysuckle and apricot blossom aromas that reveal their more mineral side with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with crisp acidity, lively and tensile with a captivating sense of salinity on the long finish. This is one of the best 2015s from Barraud and comes highly recommended.HK$2,905.00 -
The Daniel et Julien Barraud Pouilly Fuisse En Buland VV 2020 is a sophisticated white wine from the Southern end of Burgundy’s Maconnais region in France. Cultivated by revered winemakers, Daniel and Julien Barraud, this blend comes from 60-year-old vines, demonstrating the inherited quality from years of traditional viticulture. Hand-harvested and aged for a year in French oak barrels, its complexity is undeniable. The wine exhibits a vivid golden hue, with a nose of apple blossom and citrus peel, developing into nuances of peach, apricot, and baking spice on the palate. The Daniel et Julien Barraud Pouilly Fuisse En Buland VV 2020 provides a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, balanced by a minerally-intense finish. This is a testament to the limestone-rich soils where the grapes are grown. A distinguished choice for enthusiasts who appreciate the finesse of an expertly crafted Burgundian Chardonnay.
HK$1,320.00 -
Proudly presenting the Daniel et Julien Barraud Pouilly Fuisse En Buland VV 2021, a distinctive expression of France's terroir. This exquisite wine hails from Pouilly-Fuissé, one of Burgundy's most celebrated vineyards where the Barraud family have been dedicated viticulturists since the 19th century. Crafted primarily from old vine Chardonnay, this acclaimed white wine achieves its complex depth from the family's meticulous cultivation of mineral-rich, marl and limestone soils.
The 2021 vintage enchants with a compelling balance of vivacity and depth. Barrel-aged under expert stewardship, it showcases luscious stone fruit and citrus notes framed by a vein of refreshing minerality and well-integrated oak. Its longevity and potential for maturation make it highly sought after and showcase the Barraud's exceptional winemaking heritag.
Your collection will be distinguished by the addition of the Daniel et Julien Barraud Pouilly Fuisse En Buland VV 2021.
HK$1,045.00 -
Wine Advocate (92)
Bottled in February 2021 (no, that isn't a typo), Defaix's 2009 Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet wafts from the glass with aromas of honeycomb, golden orchard fruit, apricot, spices and dried white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, broad and satiny, it's a lively, saline wine that concludes with a delicately nutty finish.HK$4,110.00 -
(12x75cl) 2013Experience the exquisite finesse of Daniel Etienne Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2013, a testament to the renowned terroir of Burgundy. Crafted from meticulously hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes, this premier cru originates from the esteemed Vaillons vineyard, where limestone-rich soils impart a distinctive minerality. Under Daniel Etienne Defaix’s expert stewardship, the wine undergoes precise fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving its vibrant acidity and pure fruit expression. A subtle ageing period in neutral oak barrels enhances its complexity without overshadowing the elegant citrus and green apple notes. The 2013 vintage showcases remarkable balance, with a crisp, lingering finish that reflects the meticulous attention to detail characteristic of Defaix’s craftsmanship. Ideal for both connoisseurs and those seeking to explore fine Chablis, this wine pairs beautifully with seafood, poultry, and creamy cheeses. Elevate your collection with Daniel Etienne Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2013, a distinguished exemplar of Burgundy’s finest offerings.
HK$5,040.00 -
(12x75cl) 2021Daniel Etienne Defaix Chablis Vv 2021 exemplifies the quintessential elegance of Chablis, meticulously produced in the heart of Burgundy's renowned vineyards. Hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes are cultivated in Defaix's carefully managed terroirs, ensuring optimal expression of minerality and acidity. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the wine's purity and vibrant fruit character, followed by ageing on fine lees to enhance texture and complexity. The 2021 vintage showcases a pale golden hue, offering aromas of citrus zest, green apple, and subtle flint notes. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious balance of freshness and depth, with a lingering, crisp finish. Crafted by Daniel Etienne Defaix, a respected vintner known for his dedication to sustainable viticulture and traditional techniques, this Chablis Vv 2021 is a testament to his mastery and the exceptional terroir of the region.
HK$3,490.00
