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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(12x75cl) 2009Wine Advocate (93)
The 2009 Volnay Les Fremiets shows the wilder side of Volnay in its distinct notes of game, cured meats and dark red fruit. It, too, comes across as young and full of life. This is far from an easygoing 2009 on many counts. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029.HK$14,495.00 -
Vinous (90-92)
Bright, dark red. Reticent, rather wild aromas of dark cherry and underbrush. Energetic but backward; much tighter today than the village wine and more dominated by its structure. The wild quality carries through on the palate. Best today on the back end, where fine-grained tannins spread out to saturate the palate.HK$8,770.00 -
Vinous (91-93)
(these vines are 25 to 50 years old; from whiter soil that typical yields a harder, more austere style of wine than the Chevrets): Medium red. More discreet and a bit more medicinal on the nose than the Chevrets. Juicy red berry flavors are lifted by spicy high notes but kept under wraps by salty minerality and a medicinal menthol aspect.. Boasts lovely lift and inner-mouth tension and finishes with very fine-grained tannins, but this very promising wine will require at least a few years of bottle aging to loosen up a bit.HK$4,615.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2017 Volnay Les Fremiets 1er Cru has a perfumed bouquet of rose petal, morello cherries and light sous-bois aromas. The palate is well balanced and lightly spiced, with fine delineation. The sour cherry finish has its bitterness under firm control. This should drink well over 10–15 years.HK$3,105.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018Wine Advocate (93)
The 2018 Volnay 1er Cru Frémiets exhibits lovely aromas of raspberries and cherries mingled with orange rind, spice and raw cocoa. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, lively and fine-boned, from more calcium-rich soils than Les Chevrets and built around bright acids and fine, chalky tannins.HK$4,200.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-93)
Very intense mid purple, very floral, like dried cherries, a bouncing energy up at the front, continues through to the back, good acidity, some slightly dry tannins, but overall a very good prospect. I could believe there were whole bunches here, which there are not. Amazing persistence. Tasted: 10/1/2021HK$4,245.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)
The 2021 Volnay Les Fremiets 1er Cru has a focused and detailed nose with a mixture of red and black fruit, quite tight and a little more marine-driven than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, pastille-like purity, raspberry and blackcurrant and a touch of spice. Fine and cohesive with just the right amount of grip on the finish, this Volnay should give a decade of drinking pleasure. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.HK$5,170.00 -
HK$3,940.00 -
HK$845.00 -
HK$3,750.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
A great showing, Bonneau's 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Marie Beurrier has lots of garrigue, kirsch, truffle and spice to go with the classic gamy, bloody meaty-like quality that's always present in his wines. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, and sweetly fruited, it has fine tannin and a beautiful elegance that keeps you coming back to the glass. There's no baby fat here and it's at full maturity, but will certainly hold for a decade.HK$33,500.00 -
(12x75cl) 2003Vinous - Josh Raynolds (91-93)
Dark red. Sauvage aromas of dark berries, fresh game, truffle and underbrush. Rich, spicy and meaty, with deep, sweet flavors of blackberry and plum.HK$25,480.00 -
(12x75cl) 2005Vinous (94)
Bright ruby. Spicy and energetic on the nose and palate, offering lively red fruit aromas and flavors that become smokier and more fragrant with air. Deeper dark berry qualities come up on the back end and linger on the very long, sappy, alluringly sweet finish. This wine is still very young but there's a lot of appealing, surprisingly open-knit fruit on display today.HK$23,790.00 -
(1x75cl) 2006Vinous - Josh Raynolds (91-94)
Raspberry and cherry on the nose, with a complicating note of licorice. Showing more depth and power but a tad less finesse than last year, with dusty tannins adding grip. Finishes on a brighter red fruit note, with very good lift and precision.HK$1,650.00 -
(6x75cl) 2006Vinous - Josh Raynolds (91-94)
Raspberry and cherry on the nose, with a complicating note of licorice. Showing more depth and power but a tad less finesse than last year, with dusty tannins adding grip. Finishes on a brighter red fruit note, with very good lift and precision.HK$9,825.00 -
(12x75cl) 2010Wine Advocate (93-95)
A sensational vintage here, the 2010 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Marie Beurrier may be the finest vintage ever for this cuvée. Beautifully textured, full-bodied, thick and unctuous, it offers soaring notes of kirsch, crushed flowers, garrigue, melted licorice and spice. Softer and more rounded than the Celestins (and from when I tasted it last year), it's one sexy Châteauneuf du Pape that shows the class of this incredible vintage.HK$32,060.00 -
Vinous (89-91)
Deep red. Tightly wound cherry and red berry aromas are slow to unfold, eventually picking up hints of garrigue and cracked pepper. Tangy and focused on the palate, showing good depth to its bitter cherry and rhubarb flavors. Dusty tannins firm the finish, which features notes of succulent herbs and cherry pit.HK$3,580.00 -
Wine Advocate (92-94)
Apparently, there's no Les Celestins in 2013, which was a challenging vintage in the Southern Rhône. That said, the barrel we tasted of the 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Marie Beurrier was a bit light but elegant and silky in texture, with pomegranate-like red fruit and gentle spice.HK$11,640.00 -
(12x75cl) 2014Jeb Dunnuck (92-94)
There will be a single cuvee in 2014 and the 2014 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier is a pretty, spice-filled wine that has Burgundian style in its texture, medium-bodied richness, integrated acidity and fine tannin. This estate has a history of excelling in so-called off years and this should be rock solid.HK$14,370.00 -
(12x75cl) 2015Indulge your senses with the elegantly profound 'Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2015'. Manufactured in the heart of the Rhône Valley, this magnificent French red wine is a testament to the refined palate of its producer, Henri Bonneau. A benchmark for Chateauneuf-du-Pape for over sixty years, Bonneau’s meticulous vinification methods place him in the pantheon of world-renowned winemakers.
The 'Marie Beurrier 2015' is a marriage of predominantly Grenache with splashes of Mourvedre and Counoise grapes, resulting in a tantalising tiered tasting experience. Distinguishable notes of red fruit and spice lend a seductive complexity to the wine’s palette, while its deep colour bears the signature of its sun-drenched origin.
Produced in an old-world winery nestled in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Henri Bonneau cellar represents a millennium-old winemaking tradition. This particular vintage mirrors its illustrious lineage, summoning testimonials that laud its blend of rich taste, full-bodied structure, and delicate tannins. Experience the vibrancy of 'Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2015'- there's nothing else quite like it.
HK$14,165.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (91-93)
A vintage vinified by Marcel Bonneau, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier sports a healthy purple color as well as terrific aromas and flavors. Garrigue, kirsch liqueur, pepper, and gamey notes all emerge from this charming, balanced, medium to full-bodied barrel sample. It’s early days for the 2016s in this cellar, but it a good start.HK$8,810.00 -
The Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2018 hails from the illustrious Rhône Valley, crafted by the legendary winemaker, Henri Bonneau. Known for meticulous, artisanal winemaking, Bonneau only releases his wines when they reach maturity. Produced from old vine Grenache, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2018 showcases captivating complexity and depth.
Ripened under the Provençal sun, the 2018 vintage flaunts seductive aromatics of red and black fruits, intermingled with notes of spice, earth, and leather. On the palate, it exhibits superb structure enhanced by precision, balance, and a lingering finish.
Bonneau's commitment to traditional viticultural techniques guarantees the maintenance of natural acidity and a picturesque representation of the terroir. His methodology includes manually harvesting, whole cluster fermentation, and aging in ancient oak casks for a minimum of 36 months. Each bottle serves as a testimony to Bonneau's reputation as a venerated wine custodian.
Revelling in beauty and elegance, the Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2018 is a beacon of excellent Southern Rhône winemaking.
HK$16,775.00 -
The Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2018 hails from the illustrious Rhône Valley, crafted by the legendary winemaker, Henri Bonneau. Known for meticulous, artisanal winemaking, Bonneau only releases his wines when they reach maturity. Produced from old vine Grenache, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2018 showcases captivating complexity and depth.
Ripened under the Provençal sun, the 2018 vintage flaunts seductive aromatics of red and black fruits, intermingled with notes of spice, earth, and leather. On the palate, it exhibits superb structure enhanced by precision, balance, and a lingering finish.
Bonneau's commitment to traditional viticultural techniques guarantees the maintenance of natural acidity and a picturesque representation of the terroir. His methodology includes manually harvesting, whole cluster fermentation, and aging in ancient oak casks for a minimum of 36 months. Each bottle serves as a testimony to Bonneau's reputation as a venerated wine custodian.
Revelling in beauty and elegance, the Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2018 is a beacon of excellent Southern Rhône winemaking.
HK$8,695.00 -
(12x75cl) 2019Experience the exquisite taste of 'Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2019', a pure embodiment of finesse and complexity. This notable wine, crafted by the esteemed Henri Bonneau, hails from the acclaimed Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation within the Rhône region of Southern France. The vintner's adept, traditionalist approach is reflected in the wine's impeccable balance and robust flavours. Deploying predominantly Grenache, with a subtle inclusion of Mourvèdre, Counoise and Vaccarèse grape varieties, this wine reveals a vivid gustatory palette. Expect richly layered bouquet of ripe black fruits, sweet spice, and ethereal mineral undertones. A prolonged, cask ageing process occurs within older foudres and demi-muids enriching its depth. Henri Bonneau's estate, recognised for its masterful approach, has undoubtedly crafted a symphony of taste with this Marie Beurrier vintage. Emanating distinct soil-driven character and delectable ripeness, a bottle of 'Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2019' authentically typifies the sophisticated charm of its prestigious terroir.
HK$13,620.00 -
(3x150cl) 2019Experience the exquisite taste of 'Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2019', a pure embodiment of finesse and complexity. This notable wine, crafted by the esteemed Henri Bonneau, hails from the acclaimed Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation within the Rhône region of Southern France. The vintner's adept, traditionalist approach is reflected in the wine's impeccable balance and robust flavours. Deploying predominantly Grenache, with a subtle inclusion of Mourvèdre, Counoise and Vaccarèse grape varieties, this wine reveals a vivid gustatory palette. Expect richly layered bouquet of ripe black fruits, sweet spice, and ethereal mineral undertones. A prolonged, cask ageing process occurs within older foudres and demi-muids enriching its depth. Henri Bonneau's estate, recognised for its masterful approach, has undoubtedly crafted a symphony of taste with this Marie Beurrier vintage. Emanating distinct soil-driven character and delectable ripeness, a bottle of 'Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2019' authentically typifies the sophisticated charm of its prestigious terroir.
HK$8,185.00 -
(12x75cl) 2005Vinous (96+)
The 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Célestins opens with a spice-driven bouquet layered with dried red fruits, caramel, dates and savory undertones. On the palate, it is full-bodied and deeply concentrated, its richness carried by chalky tannins that structure the wine without overwhelming it. The finish is long and infused with a lingering spiciness. The 2005 Réserve des Célestins still holds much in reserve—another five years or more of cellaring will allow it to fully unfurl and enter its prime drinking window, where it will deliver immense pleasure for decades to come.HK$94,525.00 -
(6x75cl) 2005Vinous (96+)
The 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Célestins opens with a spice-driven bouquet layered with dried red fruits, caramel, dates and savory undertones. On the palate, it is full-bodied and deeply concentrated, its richness carried by chalky tannins that structure the wine without overwhelming it. The finish is long and infused with a lingering spiciness. The 2005 Réserve des Célestins still holds much in reserve—another five years or more of cellaring will allow it to fully unfurl and enter its prime drinking window, where it will deliver immense pleasure for decades to come.HK$45,510.00 -
(12x75cl) 2008Vinous (94)
Deep ruby. High-pitched aromas of red berry liqueur, cherry pit, lavender and allspice, with a zesty mineral nuance adding vivacity. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering vibrant black raspberry and floral pastille flavors that become richer and spicier with aeration. Silky tannins give shape to the strikingly persistent finish, which features sappy dark berry and fruitcake qualities.HK$44,230.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
The 2009 Châteauneuf Du Pape Reserve Des Celestins is certainly mature, yet it still has at least another decade of prime drinking followed by a gradual decline thereafter. A semi-opaque ruby hue with just a kiss of bricking at the rim, it has an essence of Provence-like perfume of sweet black cherries, roasted garrigue, licorice, and herbes de Provence. With full-bodied richness, a supple, layered, seamless mouthfeel, integrated tannins, and beautiful overall balance, it's not in the massive, concentrated style of the 2010 and shows the sun-kissed, complex, incredibly seductive style of the 2009 vintage beautifully. I followed this bottle over the course of an evening, and it needs about an hour of air to show at its best. Drink: 2025-2039.HK$45,365.00 -
(12x75cl) 2010Wine Advocate (97-99)
Schedule to be bottled next week (I suspect it will be in bottle by the time you read this), the 2010 Châteauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins is a sensational effort. Deeper, richer and more concentrated than the Marie Beurrier, it reveals an unusually inky ruby/purple color to go with overflowing notes of kirsch liqueur, roasted meats, crushed flowers, garrigue and just about every other Provençal spice you could name. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, layered and a blockbuster-styled effort, it should surpass the 2007 and possibly rival the 1990. This is a tour de force in Châteauneuf du Pape!HK$64,695.00

