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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Vinous (90-92)
The 2012 Chambolle-Musigny is a great introduction to the year. Dark cherries, plums and spices jump from the glass in a sensual, expressive Chambolle with tons of near-term appeal. Violets, rose petals and spices all flesh out on the radiant, expressive finish. The 2012 is a bit richer and broader than is normally the case, but there is plenty of vibrancy to balance the intensity of the fruit.HK$5,370.00 -
Wine Advocate (90-92)
The 2015 Chambolle-Musigny Village, which contains around 20% new oak, has a crisp black cherry and raspberry-scented bouquet, tight at first but fanning out with open arms upon aeration. The palate is just wonderful: super fine tannin, a killer line of acidity, a little crunchiness to the texture, but bestowed with immense purity on the finish. The saline touch completes one of the best village crus that I tasted during my visits.HK$1,415.00 -
Wine Advocate (89-91)
Barthod's beautiful 2017 Chambolle-Musigny Village reveals an inviting bouquet of raspberries, red cherries, blood orange and espresso roast, subtly framed by classy new wood. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, layered and succulent, with a fleshy core of fruit, tangy acids and fine but chalky structuring tannins.HK$11,660.00 -
(1x75cl) 2017Wine Advocate (89-91)
Barthod's beautiful 2017 Chambolle-Musigny Village reveals an inviting bouquet of raspberries, red cherries, blood orange and espresso roast, subtly framed by classy new wood. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, layered and succulent, with a fleshy core of fruit, tangy acids and fine but chalky structuring tannins.HK$860.00 -
Wine Advocate (90-92)
The 2018 Chambolle-Musigny Village is showing beautifully, offering up aromas of cherries, raspberries and blood orange mingled with rich soil tones and hints of raw cocoa. Medium to full-bodied, succulent and lively, its ample core of beautifully succulent fruit is built around ripe, fine-grained tannins.HK$5,195.00 -
Wine Advocate (91-93)
The 2019 Chambolle-Musigny Village is superb, mingling aromas of cherries and raspberries with hints of dark chocolate, potpourri and spices. Medium to full-bodied, gourmand and layered, it's deep and textural, with terrific concentration, lively acids and a long, penetrating finish.HK$13,275.00 -
Wine Advocate (91-93)
The 2019 Chambolle-Musigny Village is superb, mingling aromas of cherries and raspberries with hints of dark chocolate, potpourri and spices. Medium to full-bodied, gourmand and layered, it's deep and textural, with terrific concentration, lively acids and a long, penetrating finish.HK$5,750.00 -
Vinous (89-91)
My sample of the 2020 Chambolle-Musigny Village contained no new oak, but there will be 15% in the final blend. It has an effervescent nose that seems to spring from the glass with its ebullient red cherries and wild strawberry. The palate is full of crunchy red fruit laced with citrus peel, fine tension with a delineated, almost Morey-like finish. Very fine.HK$1,055.00 -
Burghound (89-91)
Outstanding Top value. This is also aromatically very pretty with its essence of red pinot fruit, anise and acacia blossom scents. There is a bit more volume to the equally vibrant medium weight flavors that flash evident minerality on the clean and inviting if slightly austere finale. This too is very good for its level.HK$1,015.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-94)
(5 Star Wine) Mid purple. A very stylish perfumed Chambolle fruit of medium plus density. This is quite delicious in the mouth and seems relatively approachable. Raspberries and violets with a fine sense of precision, adequate acidity and very long. Drink from 2028-2035. Tasted: November 2023.HK$6,850.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (89-91)
Mid crimson ruby in colour, with softly ripe fruit on the nose. Attractive mid strawberry fruit, quite ripe though not heated, needs a touch more tension. Drink from 2028-2032. Tasted Nov 2024.HK$4,645.00 -
(1x75cl) 2020HK$940.00 -
The Gibryotte Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2011 exemplifies the pinnacle of Burgundy's esteemed terroir. Cultivated in the heart of Charmes-Chambertin, this Grand Cru Pinot Noir is meticulously vinified by the esteemed Gibryotte estate, renowned for its dedication to tradition and excellence. Handpicked grapes undergo a rigorous selection process, followed by gentle fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to preserve the wine's exquisite aromatics and structure. The wine gracefully matures in French oak barrels, enhancing its complex profile with notes of dark cherries, cassis, and subtle earthy undertones. Harvested from sustainably managed vineyards, Gibryotte ensures each vintage reflects the unique nuances of its terroir. The 2011 vintage is celebrated for its exceptional balance, depth, and ageing potential, making it a prized selection for connoisseurs seeking a refined and elegant expression of Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru. Discover the artistry and heritage embodied in every bottle of Gibryotte Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2011.
HK$20,205.00 -
Elevate your wine collection with the illustrious Gibryotte Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2021. With rich layers of complexity, this opulent Burgundy hails from the prestigious vineyard Charmes-Chambertin, famed for its highly aromatic Pinot Noir. Each vintage of Gibryotte is meticulously crafted by Domaine Claude Dugat, an elite producer boasting an esteemed reputation for adherence to biodynamic farming principles.
The Grand Cru 2021 is a commendable demonstration of the producer's artistry in winemaking. Hand-harvested and aged in French oak barrels, this wine possesses a deep ruby hue, hinting at flavours infused with subtle notes of cherry, violet, and earth. With well-integrated tannin structure and exquisite balanced acidity, it offers a longevity that will greatly reward patient collectors.
So, elevate your fine wine curation with the Gibryotte Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2021; a true testament to the grandeur of Burgundy’s viticultural heritage.
HK$25,240.00 -
Embodying the harmonious blend of prime terroir and expert craftsmanship, the Gibryotte Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2022 is a masterful representation of Burgundy’s Pinot Noir excellence. Produced by Domaine Gibryotte, a notable presence in Gevrey-Chambertin, this sumptuous Grand Cru derives its distinct profile from the revered Charmes-Chambertin vineyard.
Following traditional winemaking techniques, the grapes are hand-picked and subjected to natural fermentation, ensuring a pure expression of the soil. Each bottle mirrors its unique terroir, a seductive symphony of cherries, wild berries, violets, and soft spice, underpinned by supple tannins and a persistent finish. Subtle oak notes elegantly highlight its complex bouquet, a testimony to its 18-month maturation in French oak barrels.
The Gibryotte Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2022 is the epitome of refined indulgence, encapsulating the ethos of Domaine Gibryotte, well-regarded for its meticulous, non-interventionist approach to wine production.
HK$17,465.00 -
HK$3,355.00 -
HK$835.00 -
HK$1,005.00 -
HK$3,465.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2019 Chablis Vosgros 1er Cru was showing just a small reduction on the nose, though it could not disguise the scents of yellow plum and honeysuckle and touches of wet limestone. The palate is very well balanced, taut and fresh, pinned down by a fine bead of acidity and very intense on the minerally finish. This fulfills the potential I found last year out of barrel.HK$3,600.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
Unwinding in the glass with scents of citrus oil, oyster shell, fresh pastry and light reduction, the 2020 Chablis 1er Cru Vosgros is medium to full-bodied, satiny and incisive, with a racy spine of acidity and a long, mineral finish. This is another impeccably balanced, precise wine from Didier Picq.HK$3,388.00 -
(12x75cl) 2021Vinous (93-95)
The 2021 Chablis Vosgros 1er Cru is the only cuvée with a normal yield (50hl/ha) as Didier warmed the vineyard with wax candles during the frost. It has a perfumed nose with hints of pressed white flowers and a light oyster shell tincture that emerges with time. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, perhaps the most saline of Picq's cuvées with a long tail on the satisfying finish. Proper Chablis!HK$4,040.00 -
Burghound (93)
(from 40+ year old vines aged in 100% stainless). A more citrus-suffused nose speaks of green apple, sea breeze and algae hints along with a hint of crushed anise. The rich, full-bodied and very generously proportioned medium-bodied flavors exude evident minerality on the nicely dry, moderately austere and focused finale. This lovely effort is built to reward up to a decade of improvement, yet it should also be reasonably approachable young if desired. This is, in a word, terrific. Buy this as well.HK$4,200.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023Wine Advocate (93+)
Sourced from a southwest-facing site planted between 1961 and 1986, the 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Vosgros unfurls in the glass with aromas of peach, pear and dried flowers, complemented by notes of almond paste. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, ample and textural, with a generous core of fruit, a racy spine of acidity and a long, grapefruit-inflected finish.HK$2,645 - HK$3,230
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(12x75cl) 2021Vinous (89-91)
The 2021 Chablis Village was picked as low as 20hl/ha in some parcels that were severely affected by frost. Nevertheless, it has a fresh and vibrant bouquet with fine mineralité and vivacity. "Classic Chablis" as Didier Picq tells me with what I am sure is a grin. The palate is fresh and taut, a fine saline undercurrent with a sharp and quite harmonious finish. You don't find Chablis-Village much better than this in 2021.HK$2,285.00 -
(12x75cl) 2022Burghound (89-91)
Outstanding Top Value An expressive, fresh and ripe nose freely offers up its aromas of mostly white orchard fruit and floral wisps that possess plenty of classic Chablis typicity. The nicely rich and attractively vibrant middleweight flavors exude a subtle salinity on the clean, dry and sneaky long finish. This is lovely for its level and worth considering.HK$2,415.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023Burghound (89-91)
There is good Chablis typicity present in the form of iodine, seashore and petrol along with citrus zest top notes. The delicious, vibrant and precise middle weight flavors flash good minerality on the clean, dry and saline-inflected finish. This is very good for its level and worth considering.HK$1,585 - HK$1,935
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(12x75cl) 2020Unearth the exquisite pleasure of the Gilbert Picq Chablis Dessus Carriere 2020, an exceptional incarnation of finesse and elegance from France's prolific wine region, Burgundy. The Picq family, known for their timeless artistry and meticulous viticultural practices, uses traditional methods to exalt the latent radiance of their Chardonnay grapes. This comes into full bloom in their 2020 Dessus de Carriere variant, a blend of minerally aromas and delicate accents of fresh citrus.
Created uniquely from calcareous clay and Kimmeridgian limestone soil, this remarkable single-vineyard Chablis expresses notes of pear, lime, seashore salinity, coupled with a satisfyingly refreshing acidity and masterful balance on the palate. Notably, the Picq family leaves the wine to age on its lees, imparting intricate nuances and enhancing the wine's sublime depth. The Gilbert Picq Chablis Dessus Carriere 2020 embodies the quintessence of Chablis, an unmissable experience for the discerning oenophile.
HK$2,695.00 -
(3x150cl) 2020Unearth the exquisite pleasure of the Gilbert Picq Chablis Dessus Carriere 2020, an exceptional incarnation of finesse and elegance from France's prolific wine region, Burgundy. The Picq family, known for their timeless artistry and meticulous viticultural practices, uses traditional methods to exalt the latent radiance of their Chardonnay grapes. This comes into full bloom in their 2020 Dessus de Carriere variant, a blend of minerally aromas and delicate accents of fresh citrus.
Created uniquely from calcareous clay and Kimmeridgian limestone soil, this remarkable single-vineyard Chablis expresses notes of pear, lime, seashore salinity, coupled with a satisfyingly refreshing acidity and masterful balance on the palate. Notably, the Picq family leaves the wine to age on its lees, imparting intricate nuances and enhancing the wine's sublime depth. The Gilbert Picq Chablis Dessus Carriere 2020 embodies the quintessence of Chablis, an unmissable experience for the discerning oenophile.
HK$1,485.00 -
Vinous (92-94)
At the moment, the 2022 Chablis Au Dessus des Carrières is stoic on the nose compared to Picq's other cuvées, despite both of us giving our glasses vigorous swirls. The palate is where the action is: great concentration and depth, hints of white peach and nectarine, the power loaded at its back end. Give this two or three years in bottle.HK$2,500.00
