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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(6x75cl) 2014The Jules Desjourneys Fleurie Chapelle Bois 2014 is an exquisite representation of French winemaking expertise. Sourced from the historic Fleurie region of Beaujolais, the 2014 vintage envelops the palate with notes of red cherry, raspberries, and creamy licorice nuances, underscored by characteristic granitic minerality. The 50-year-old vines grow on sloping Chapelle des Bois vineyard, naturally yielding low quantities and intensifying flavour concentration.
Jules Desjourneys, meticulously nurtures each vine, using biodynamic farming principles. The mastery lies in traditional winemaking techniques, boasting hand-harvesting, fermenting in concrete vats, and ageing in old oak foudres, culminating in an elegant and complex wine.
This vintage's magnetic charm lies in its velvety texture, interlaced with supple tannins and a spell-binding finish. The Jules Desjourneys Fleurie Chapelle Bois 2014 is, indeed, a tantalising indulgence for discerning oenophiles.
HK$3,900.00 -
Experience the epitome of Beauijolais grandeur with the Jules Desjourneys Fleurie Chapelle Bois 2020. Produced in the spellbinding vineyards of Fleurie, in the heart of the French Beaujolais region, this exquisite wine is the brainchild of meticulous viticulturist, Fabien Duperray. Employing organic practices in the lush hillside vineyards, Duperray meticulously nurtures Gamay grapes, compromising nothing in the pursuit of impeccable quality. This exquisite Fleurie is aged in Burgundian barrels adding to its complex structure and enhancing the purity of the Gamay fruit.
The Jules Desjourneys Fleurie Chapelle Bois 2020 titillates with a profound bouquet of crushed black cherries, wild berries and spices, underpinned by subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, it boasts a silky yet generous body with a vibrant acidity and mineral-infused finish that elegantly lingers. This remarkable blend showcases the distinctive charm and meticulous craft that Jules Desjourneys wines are renowned for. Truly a quintessential Beaujolais indulgence.
HK$4,585.00 -
(1x600cl) 1982Wine Advocate (92)
Unquestionably the greatest La Lagune until the 2005 was conceived, the 1982 exhibits a dense ruby/purple-tinged color along with a big, sweet bouquet of black cherries, licorice, smoky toast, and forest floor, a plush, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and sweet tannin. It is close to full maturity, and should keep for another decade. Release price: ($65.00/case)HK$12,500.00 -
(12x75cl) 2000Wine Spectator (89)
Pretty berry, chocolate and vanilla character, with medium body, fine tannins and a silky finish. Lacks a bit of punch, but a very good wine. Best after 2006. 17,500 cases made. -JSHK$6,640.00 -
Wine Spectator (89)
Pretty berry, chocolate and vanilla character, with medium body, fine tannins and a silky finish. Lacks a bit of punch, but a very good wine. Best after 2006. 17,500 cases made. -JSHK$3,095.00 -
(1x600cl) 2000Wine Spectator (89)
Pretty berry, chocolate and vanilla character, with medium body, fine tannins and a silky finish. Lacks a bit of punch, but a very good wine. Best after 2006. 17,500 cases made. -JSHK$5,950.00 -
(1x75cl) 2000
Wine Spectator (89)
Pretty berry, chocolate and vanilla character, with medium body, fine tannins and a silky finish. Lacks a bit of punch, but a very good wine. Best after 2006. 17,500 cases made. -JSHK$715.00 -
(12x75cl) 2005
James Suckling (95)
This is very tight and closed still but shows a beautiful line of tannins and freshness. It’s full-bodied,with structure and length. Light tea. Powerful and long. Needs a year or two to open and soften.HK$8,265.00 -
James Suckling (91)
This is racy for a 2006 with plenty of tobacco, berries and hints of mushroom. Light, stylish earthy character. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a pretty finish with lovely tension. Drink or hold.HK$5,110.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
One of the most beautiful wines of the vintage, the dark ruby/purple-colored La Lagune exhibits sweet cassis, camphor, truffle and white chocolate notes presented in a dense, medium to full-bodied, silky textured personality. Filled with purity, finesse, elegance and authoritative flavor intensity, this 2008 is already drinkable and should continue to evolve for 15+ years.HK$6,965.00 -
James Suckling (96)
This shows an enchanting nose of roses, violets and other flowers. It's also fruity but very subtle. A full-body, super-structured red with an excellent backbone of ripe yet firm tannins. Goes on for minutes. Don’t touch for five or six years. Try in 2019.HK$7,715.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2014 La Lagune has a tightly wound bouquet that may have closed down since I last tasted it. It begins to open with blackberry, graphite and wet limestone scents, quite strict and focused, but very well defined and showing great clarity. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, and density with a little chalkiness showing towards the second half. I like the tension and energy, lingering long in the mouth. It will need several years in bottle but it will be worth the wait. Tasted at the La Lagune vertical at the château.HK$7,325.00 -
Decanter (94)
The nose is both direct and exotic with Asian spices, then an almost Mediterranean richness of flavour and La Lagune’s seductively smooth texture. An exciting wine; a real classic.HK$4,875.00 -
Decanter (94)
The nose is both direct and exotic with Asian spices, then an almost Mediterranean richness of flavour and La Lagune’s seductively smooth texture. An exciting wine; a real classic.HK$1,935.00 -
(1x500cl) 2015Decanter (94)
The nose is both direct and exotic with Asian spices, then an almost Mediterranean richness of flavour and La Lagune’s seductively smooth texture. An exciting wine; a real classic.HK$3,395.00 -
(6x150cl) 2015Decanter (94)
The nose is both direct and exotic with Asian spices, then an almost Mediterranean richness of flavour and La Lagune’s seductively smooth texture. An exciting wine; a real classic.HK$5,180.00 -
Decanter (93)
Now certified organic, and converting to biodynamics from this year. It displays a confident weight to the damson fruits that are hugely elegant and well placed. A little closed when tasted on two occasions, and the high Petit Verdot content of this wine is no doubt contributing to its slight austerity at this stage, but it also brings that beautifully welcome whoosh of black fruit spicing. Very good quality, elegant and long-ageing, just a dash below the exceptional 2015.HK$5,225.00 -
Decanter (93)
Now certified organic, and converting to biodynamics from this year. It displays a confident weight to the damson fruits that are hugely elegant and well placed. A little closed when tasted on two occasions, and the high Petit Verdot content of this wine is no doubt contributing to its slight austerity at this stage, but it also brings that beautifully welcome whoosh of black fruit spicing. Very good quality, elegant and long-ageing, just a dash below the exceptional 2015.HK$1,835.00 -
(1x500cl) 2016Decanter (93)
Now certified organic, and converting to biodynamics from this year. It displays a confident weight to the damson fruits that are hugely elegant and well placed. A little closed when tasted on two occasions, and the high Petit Verdot content of this wine is no doubt contributing to its slight austerity at this stage, but it also brings that beautifully welcome whoosh of black fruit spicing. Very good quality, elegant and long-ageing, just a dash below the exceptional 2015.HK$3,625.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2017 La Lagune is powerful and dense, but also a bit rough around the edges. Tobacco, game, licorice, smoke and dried flowers along with big, coarse tannins give the 2017 its decidedly hearty feel. Even so, there is quite a bit of complexity and plenty of personality. The 2017 is not exactly finessed, but it has a lot going on. The 2017 needs time to come together, but it is promising, that is for sure.HK$1,865.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (95)
The 2019 La Lagune offers exquisite transparency on the nose - one of the most terroir-expressive Pessac-Léognan wines this vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, taut and fresh, quite saline with a very integrated and poised finish that lingers in the mouth. Wonderful - could this be the best La Lagune in years? Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.HK$1,955.00 -
James Suckling (93-94)
A firm, polished red with tight, focused tannins that flow across the palate. It’s medium-to full-bodied with good length and a gorgeous finish. From organically grown grapes.HK$1,770.00 -
James Suckling (93-94)
A firm, polished red with tight, focused tannins that flow across the palate. It’s medium-to full-bodied with good length and a gorgeous finish. From organically grown grapes.HK$1,595.00 -
James Suckling (93-94)
Fresh and fine with tight-grained, lightly stemmy tannins. Violets, raspberries, currants and orange zest. Medium-bodied, tight and fine. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 10% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.HK$1,770.00 -
James Suckling (93-94)
Fresh and fine with tight-grained, lightly stemmy tannins. Violets, raspberries, currants and orange zest. Medium-bodied, tight and fine. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 10% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.HK$1,715.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This is long and fresh with a linear feeling to the rich fruit, showing plums, redcurrants and spices, with chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body. Fine tannins. This is the first year being certified biodynamic from Demeter and furthermore, La Lagune is always excellent in hot years.HK$4,520.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023James Suckling (94-95)
A subtle yet plush La Lagune with black olives, blackberries and hints of chocolate and hazelnut. Medium body with fine, polished tannins and a savory finish. There's a crunchy feel to it and it’s layered and deep at the end. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% merlot. No petit verdot.HK$3,585.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A subtle yet plush La Lagune with black olives, blackberries and hints of chocolate and hazelnut. Medium body with fine, polished tannins and a savory finish. There's a crunchy feel to it and it’s layered and deep at the end. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% merlot. No petit verdot.HK$1,555.00 -
(6x75cl) 2016Wine Spectator (91-94)
This has a sappy feel, with lots of kirsch, plum reduction and blackberry compote flavors, inlaid with brambly grip. Features a noticeable tarry streak through the finish, but this maintains good energy along the way. A strong showing.HK$1,555.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2019 La Louvière has an impressive bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, cedar and sandalwood scents, full of gusto and fine definition. The oak here is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, crisp and taut, with fine tannins and a focused, fresh, classically styled finish that shows finesse and persistence. Superb.HK$1,945.00
