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 - Neal Martin (94)
The 2021 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru has a cohesive bouquet with brambly red fruit, crushed stone, sous-bois and a pleasing sense of transparency. Lovely. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins, brisk and saline in the mouth, focused with a tangible build to the structured finish. This is a well-crafted Clos de Vougeot that should age well in bottle. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.HK$13,845.00 -
HK$19,490.00 -
HK$11,925.00 -
HK$5,785.00 -
HK$12,105.00 -
HK$2,145.00 -
HK$5,625.00 -
HK$11,755.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021HK$13,035.00 -
(6x75cl) 2016HK$10,325.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018HK$10,025.00 -
(3x75cl) 2019HK$6,225.00 -
HK$19,065.00 -
Vinous (90-92)
The 2017 Corton Grand Cru was picked on 5 and 8 September and comes from Les Renardes but it also contains some fruit from the little known “Hautes Mourottes” and is made using vinification intégrale. It is deep in colour, and the bouquet is comparatively closed vis-à-vis Drouhin’s other Grand Cru, seeming quite broody, with blackberry and subtle iodine aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, one of the most muscular from Drouhin this year, and the saline finish is lightly spiced. Give it three or four years in bottle... at least.HK$4,695.00 -
(3x150cl) 2018Jancis Robinson (17)
Deep cherry red. Ripe damson, rich in ripe fruit. But the texture gives elegance to that ripe fruit. Firm, dry with lovely tannin texture. There’s power but the texture is fine to offset the richness of fruit. Chalky aftertaste.HK$9,230.00 -
Jancis Robinson (17)
Deep cherry red. Ripe damson, rich in ripe fruit. But the texture gives elegance to that ripe fruit. Firm, dry with lovely tannin texture. There’s power but the texture is fine to offset the richness of fruit. Chalky aftertaste.HK$5,940.00 -
HK$6,395.00 -
HK$6,070.00 -
HK$9,000.00 -
HK$10,480.00 -
James Suckling (97)
A small parcel that yields just six barrels. Impressive citrus aromas with a flinty edge, as well as pithy lemons and grapefruit. It delivers a mouthwatering impression of power and clarity. The palate has a very succulent, powerful and refined feel with a stunning,saline mineral cut. Supreme concentration and power. This is great. Organically farmed grapes. Drink or hold through to 2025+.HK$11,080.00 -
Decanter (95)
The east-facing climat of Les Languettes supplies all the fruit for this domaine white from Joseph Drouhin, so this is not an over powerful Corton-Charlemagne. Instead, it's built around a core of freshness and minerality with coiled, underlying concentration and stylish, scented 30% new wood. Racy and refined with some (skin) tannic grip.HK$9,375.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (95)
Part of this cuv e is domaine from Les Languettes and part is purchased from Clos Charlemagne and (again) Les Languettes. All are vinified separately. This starts with a chalky nose before diving into a delightfully concentrated mid-palate. Roasted apples, toasted grains, fresh cream and citrus lift give this complexity and flair. 2023-33HK$13,305.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-96)
From domaine fruit, picked on 26th August. 35% new wood from various forests. A deeper lemon yellow. Plenty of tension on the nose, with a breadth of apple fruit. A slight reductive quality before the oak takes over. A little youthful bitterness. I don’t find it showing at its best today but I suspect that there is more to this to emerge later. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted: November 2023.HK$6,510.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-96)
From domaine fruit, picked on 26th August. 35% new wood from various forests. A deeper lemon yellow. Plenty of tension on the nose, with a breadth of apple fruit. A slight reductive quality before the oak takes over. A little youthful bitterness. I don’t find it showing at its best today but I suspect that there is more to this to emerge later. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted: November 2023.HK$15,045.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94-96)
The 2023 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru hails from vines located on the eastern side in the lieu-dit of Les Longuettes. This has a fragrant bouquet with orchard fruit, crushed chalk and white flower notes that gain intensity in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with orange rind and tangerine tones. The vibrant, spicy, lemongrass-laced finish has a seductively waxy texture. This is excellent.HK$14,035.00 -
HK$1,425.00 -
HK$19,180.00 -
HK$19,900.00 -
(6x75cl) 2008Vinous (88-91)
Good bright red. Very reduced nose hints at cherry and redcurrant. Supple on entry, the quite closed in the mid-palate and hard to taste now despite its breadth and sweetness. Best today on the silky, lingering back end, which shows lovely finishing spiciness.HK$20,640.00
