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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Fonbadet 1981 epitomises the pinnacle of fine winemaking, crafted in the esteemed vineyards of Burgundy, France. This exquisite vintage emerges from meticulously selected Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, cultivated in limestone-rich soils that impart a distinctive minerality. Under the masterful guidance of Domaine Fonbadet, a family-run estate with over a century of heritage, each bottle undergoes a traditional fermentation process in French oak barrels, ensuring a harmonious balance of complexity and elegance. The Fonbadet 1981 exhibits a profound depth of flavour, showcasing notes of blackberry, truffle, and subtle oak undertones, seamlessly integrated with a velvety tannic structure. Aged gracefully for over four decades, this exceptional wine offers a remarkable bouquet and a lingering finish, making it a coveted addition to any connoisseur’s collection. Fonbadet 1981 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and unparalleled craftsmanship of Domaine Fonbadet.
HK$1,270.00 -
(12x75cl) 2015Jeb Dunnuck (90)
Tasted on three separate occasions, the 2015 Château Fonbadet is a rock-solid effort in the vintage, as well as a terrific value. A medium to full-bodied, mouth-filling, ripe Pauillac that has good acidity, classic notes of plums, mulberries, spice and dried tobacco, moderate tannin, and outstanding length, drink it anytime over the coming 10-15 years.HK$3,360.00 -
(12x75cl) 2017Jeb Dunnuck (91)
Made by the same team as Chateau Pauillac, the 2017 Chateau Fonbadet offers classy notes of blackcurrants, leafy herbs/tobacco, damp earth, and underbrush. Based on 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, brought up 40% new French oak, it's a medium-bodied, elegant wine with lively acidity, present, ripe tannins, and solid overall balance. Drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years. Tasted twice.HK$3,165.00 -
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(12x37.5cl) 2019Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and some cedary, spicy, lead pencil notes all emerge from the 2019 Château Fonbadet, a medium to full-bodied, rich, mouth-filling Pauillac with plenty of tannins, a balanced, layered mouthfeel, good concentration, and outstanding length. It will evolve for 20+ years if stored properly.HK$1,515.00 -
(12x75cl) 2019Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and some cedary, spicy, lead pencil notes all emerge from the 2019 Château Fonbadet, a medium to full-bodied, rich, mouth-filling Pauillac with plenty of tannins, a balanced, layered mouthfeel, good concentration, and outstanding length. It will evolve for 20+ years if stored properly.HK$3,880.00 -
(3x150cl) 2019Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and some cedary, spicy, lead pencil notes all emerge from the 2019 Château Fonbadet, a medium to full-bodied, rich, mouth-filling Pauillac with plenty of tannins, a balanced, layered mouthfeel, good concentration, and outstanding length. It will evolve for 20+ years if stored properly.HK$1,485.00 -
Behold, Fondreche Ventoux Divergente 2015, an exquisite Old World wine crown jewel. Crafted near the Mount Ventoux in Southeastern Rhône, its birthplace contributes a unique and robust terroir. The acclaimed winemaker, Sebastien Vincenti, who follows organic and biodynamic practices, carefully oversees the process. This beauty is a culmination of 100% Grenache, aged in cement tanks to maintain the purity of fruit and expression of the soil.
Fondreche Ventoux Divergente 2015 is a matured vintage with immense ageing potential of another decade or two and its low production makes it highly sought-after. Its deeply intense, complex character offers an enticing nose of black fruit, kirsch, truffle and lavender, effortlessly reaching a broad palate with prominent tannic structure and long finish. Bold yet elegant, this wine signifies the epitome of Ventoux’s potential. Revel in the formidable balance of this divine nectar, a testament to harmonious winemaking.
HK$3,675.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
Reminding me of one of the Sélections Parcellaires Hermitage from Michel Chapoutier, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was mostly destemmed and brought up in foudre. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, peppered meats, graphite, and liquid rock notes all flow to a fat, unctuous, sexy Syrah that has beautiful acidity, fine tannin, and a huge finish. It's a true “Wow” wine that needs to be tasted to be believed. Put this in a blind lineup of top Hermitage and shock all your friends.HK$1,850.00 -
Wine Advocate (89)
The resurrection and rebound in quality of Fonplegade under the Adams family of America, who hired consulting oenologist Michel Rolland, has been remarkable. The 2011 continues to provide convincing evidence of their commitment to quality. Slightly more narrowly constructed than usual, it possesses good purity along with lots of red and black fruits and minerality in a medium-bodied, compact style. Nevertheless, it should age nicely for a decade or more.HK$3,695.00 -
(12x75cl) 2013The Fonplegade 2013 encapsulates the very essence of Saint Émilion, a heralded wine region in Bordeaux, France. Grown in vineyards with limestone and clay soils, this vintage boasts a harmonious blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. Its creator, Fonplegade, leverages an organic viticulture approach that accentuates the wine's character and provenance.
Rich with sensuous layers of ripe blackcurrants, figs, and savoury spices, Fonplegade 2013 has a gorgeous depth that heightens with decanting. This full-bodied, complex wine is beautifully rounded off with plum notes and cocoa undertones, exhibiting an exquisite balance of power and finesse.
Matures in French oak barrels for supreme texture and flavour, this vintage Flemingate 2013 delivers a long and unerringly pure finish. Regarded as one of the most refined offerings from Fonplegade, this wine offers a unique glimpse into the prestigious terroir of Saint Émilion.
HK$3,085.00 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Fonplegade opens with a very savory nose of smoked meats, tapenade, sautéed herbs and beef drippings over a core of plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and cedar chest plus wafts of violets and cigars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses both intensity and elegance, with the black fruit layers superbly framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.HK$2,388.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2017 Fonplégade is classy, polished and simply impeccable in its balance. The Fonplégade is not a huge wine, but it has really gained in finesse over the course of its aging. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, mint and cinnamon add character to this racy, silky, exceptionally polished Saint-Émilion. Floral overtones add brightness to the finish.HK$1,400.00 -
Wine Advocate (93-95)
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fonplegade strides confidently out of the glass with bold black cherries, warm plums and black raspberry scents plus hints of cedar chest, pencil shavings, lavender, garrigue and camphor. Full-bodied, rich and packed with expressive black fruits, it has a firm, velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long.HK$2,400.00 -
(3x150cl) 2019Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
The 2019 Fonplégade is elegant, refined and full of character. Sweet dark cherry, chocolate, leather, spice, menthol and licorice build effortlessly in the glass. Fonplégade is a Saint-Émilion that emphasizes elegance over sheer power.HK$1,960.00 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (94-96)
Crushed rocks, currants, cherries, flowers, licorice, smoke, cocoa and espresso covers all the bases in the perfume. Elegant and edgy, silky, soft and mineral driven, the fruits show a beautiful purity, freshness and refinement on the palate, leaving you with salty tannins and sweet plums that continue to linger and expand in the finish. The wine is made from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.HK$1,795.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93-95)
The 2021 Fonplégade is classy and refined to the core. It possesses terrific depth, with sweet floral aromatics and fine-grained tannins that convey finesse. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and bright saline notes all meld together. Fonplégade is built more on vertical persistence than volume. It is one of the most elegant Saint-Émilions of the vintage and a terrific effort from proprietors Denise and Stephen Adams. Tasted three times.HK$2,125.00 -
(6x75cl) 2010Wine Advocate (87)
From the cool outreaches of Listrac, this attractive dark ruby-colored wine offers up notes of camphor, licorice and black currants. Its medium body and good richness as well as ripeness, purity of fruit, and endearing texture make for an attractive wine to drink over the next decade.HK$2,115.00 -
(12x75cl) 1990HK$13,220.00 -
(12x75cl) 2010HK$5,450.00 -
(12x75cl) 2013Vinous - Antonio Galloni (85-87)
The 2013 Fonroque comes across as a bit compact, with limited depth and complexity. Sweet red berries, hard candy, flowers and tobacco take shape nicely in the glass, but the mid-palate never really blossoms, which allows the oak tannin to dominate.HK$2,235.00 -
Decanter (96)
Power and structure in abundance, but it’s the spellbinding acidity that propels this stunning effort skyward. A shy nose of raspberries and sandalwood opens into a concentrated, long and impressively fruit driven palate (90% Merlot). Still grippy; needs time.HK$1,700.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90-92)
The 2017 Fonroque has a perfumed bouquet with redcurrant and crushed strawberry fruit, a touch of vanilla and a faint touch of cedar and dark chocolate. It opens nicely with aeration but never gets carried away (as Alain Moueix’s wines tend not to!) The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, fresh and tender in the mouth with quite a long, silky finish. Delightful!HK$1,120.00 -
(12x75cl) 2020Jancis Robinson (17)
Full bottle 1,325 g. Cask sample taken 7 April. Certified organic. Medium-intensity purple. Quite a distinctive nose of vegetation and herbs rather than brow-beating sweet fruit – attractive. Then on the palate there's some richness but this seems to have more elements at play than many of its peers. More transparent and expressive. Finishes decidedly dry but not drying. 14%HK$3,090.00 -
(3x150cl) 2020Jancis Robinson (17)
Full bottle 1,325 g. Cask sample taken 7 April. Certified organic. Medium-intensity purple. Quite a distinctive nose of vegetation and herbs rather than brow-beating sweet fruit – attractive. Then on the palate there's some richness but this seems to have more elements at play than many of its peers. More transparent and expressive. Finishes decidedly dry but not drying. 14%HK$1,960.00 -
The Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 1993 exemplifies the excellence of vintage French wines. Produced by Domaine du Rayas, a notable estate in Rhone Valley, this fine spirit embodies precision, grace and longevity. Revered viticulturist Jacques Reynaud was at the realm when Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 1993 was made, employing traditional practices to intoxicate senses.
Emanating from the heart of the Rhône Valley, the Gibraud family-owned vineyards, this wine showcases the richness of Grenache grapes, benefiting from the region’s diverse, historic terroir. The old vines, mostly untouched by modern viticulture, yield character-infused grapes to create the artisanal, signature blend.
Boasting a vibrant, ruby colour, this delicate wine rewards the palate with notes of ripe fruit, sweet spice and tannins, culminating in a harmoniously prolonged finish. Enjoy the Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone 1993's grandeur, a charming reverie of French winemaking’s golden era.
HK$2,410.00 -
(1x75cl) 1996Vinous (89)
Medium red. Cherry, black pepper and an exotic note of apricot on the nose. Dense and mouthfilling; complex but not especially fruity today, with a strong peppery quality. Has enough sweet middle to support the strong but evenly distributed tannins. Persistent finish. This should age extremely well for a Côtes du Rhône.HK$4,815.00 -
(1x75cl) 1999Vinous (88)
Medium ruby. Slightly rustic aromas of dark berries, leather, spices and meat. Sweetly penetrating, vinous flavors of raspberry, pepper and spices. Peppery finish exudes a late hint of dark chocolate.HK$4,725.00 -
(1x75cl) 2000Vinous (87)
Good full red-ruby. High-toned aromas of raspberry, leather and spice. Silky and aromatic in the mouth, with bright fruit and subtle hints of leather and minerals. Slightly dry but persistent and aromatic on the end.HK$4,120.00 -
(1x75cl) 2001Vinous (89)
Medium red. Highly perfumed, peppery aromas of cherry, raspberry, licorice and leather. Dense but bright and juicy, with pepper, leather and red fruit flavors; shows good thickness but also lovely verve and cut. Very lively and elegantly styled.HK$2,965.00
