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) 2019HK$1,175.00 -
(6x75cl) 2010Wine Advocate (95)
Deep, chalky notes intermixed with black fruits, camphor, and an almost ethereal floral note make for a full-bodied wine that has slightly more austerity than Laforge or Teyssier (two other wines from the same team), but considerable style and nobility. In addition, it is substantial, powerful and capable of 20 years of longevity.HK$4,345.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)
Just as it was en primeur, the 2019 Le Carré is a wild, virile wine. The Cabernet Franc is again incredibly assertive, with strong savory and feral notes that lend quite a bit of character. Scorched earth, tobacco,, iron and smoke are laced throughout a core of black fruit. Le Carré is not exactly subtle in 2019, but it sure had a lot to offer. It is one of the more imposing wines in Jonathan Maltus's range.HK$2,735.00 -
Le Cartel Alicante-Henri-Bouschet VdF 2022 exemplifies the pinnacle of meticulous winemaking in the renowned Languedoc region. Crafted by the esteemed Le Cartel Winery, this vintage blends the robust Alicante Bouschet with the vibrant Henri Bouschet grapes, sourced from their premier vineyards nestled in fertile terroirs. Hand-harvested in optimal ripeness, the grapes undergo a precise fermentation process in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, preserving their innate fruitiness and structure. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice nuances while allowing the flavours to harmoniously integrate. The result is a rich, full-bodied wine with deep ruby hues, characterised by layers of dark berry fruits, hints of earthy undertones, and a velvety tannin profile. Le Cartel Alicante-Henri-Bouschet VdF 2022 offers a sophisticated palate experience, reflecting the producer’s unwavering dedication to quality and tradition.
HK$1,245.00 -
Le Cartel Cinsault Blanc de Noirs VdF 2023 epitomises refined elegance, meticulously crafted in the esteemed vineyards of the Rhône Valley. This exceptional white wine is exclusively produced from the Cinsault grape, traditionally a red varietal, selected for its ability to express delicate floral and citrus profiles when vinified as Blanc de Noirs. Under the expert guidance of the esteemed Le Cartel estate, the grapes are handpicked and gently pressed to preserve their purity. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, ensuring vibrant acidity and fresh, nuanced flavours. The wine undergoes minimal ageing, allowing the intrinsic characteristics of the terroir to shine through with notes of white peach, subtle herbs, and a hint of minerality. Sustainably farmed, Le Cartel is renowned for its commitment to quality and environmental stewardship. The 2023 vintage showcases exceptional balance and finesse, making Le Cartel Cinsault Blanc de Noirs VdF 2023 a distinguished selection for connoisseurs seeking sophistication and grace in every sip.
HK$1,245.00 -
Le Cartel Vieilles Vignes De L'Ile Salee Grenache VdF 2023 embodies the essence of aged Grenache from the esteemed L'Ile Salée appellation. Crafted by the renowned Le Cartel winery, this wine originates from meticulously cultivated old-vine vineyards, ensuring concentrated flavours and profound complexity. Hand-harvested grapes undergo careful fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the varietal’s vibrant fruit character while allowing subtle integration of oak from French barriques during ageing. The terroir, characterized by limestone-rich soils and a Mediterranean climate, imparts distinctive minerality and balanced acidity to the wine. On the palate, it reveals layers of ripe red berries, spice, and earthy undertones, culminating in a long, elegant finish. Perfectly suited for pairing with hearty dishes, Le Cartel Vieilles Vignes De L'Ile Salee Grenache VdF 2023 stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of Grenache in fine winemaking.
HK$1,340.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)
Full red-ruby color. Youthful aromas of spicy cherry and sweet leather. Bright, pure and firmly structured; rather backward for this wine but offers plenty of sweetness. Finishes with substantial but sweet tannins and very good persistence. Serious second wine.HK$14,415.00 -
(12x75cl) 1998Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)
Dark red. Sappy red fruits and smoke on the nose. Cedary, minerally and uncompromisingly dry, with strong acidity giving the flavors penetration and cut. Finishes firmly tannic, with very good grip. This is always a second wine with character, rather than simply a receptacle for the fruit that doesn't make it into the grand vinHK$11,460.00 -
(6x75cl) 2004Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (88)
Bright red-ruby. Ripe, enticing aromas and flavors of plum, smoked meat and underbrush. Pure and focused in the mouth, with a firm mineral spine contributing to the impression of tightness. Finishes with solid tannins that are a bit dominant today.HK$6,285.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)
The 2005 Bahans Haut-Brion is the second wine from Haut-Brion, known today as Le Clarence. A huge, virile red, the 2005 exudes intensity from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, smoke, tobacco, gravel and cured meats blast across the palate. The wine’s richness, heft and power are truly remarkable. Today, the 2005 comes across as shockingly young. This heady, exotic Pessac-Léognan has much to offer. It’s price naturally reflects its position as a second wine to a First Growth, yet the 2005 is a serious wine that has a ton to offer.HK$10,850.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)
Good deep red. Black raspberry, sassafras, road tar and spicy oak on the nose. Sweet berry fruit shows an almost liqueur-like creaminess, but a peppery element and good underlying minerality lend grip to the finish, which features a fine dusting of tannins and nice cedary persistence. An excellent second wine.HK$11,915.00 -
James Suckling (95)
This is very, very Haut-Brion. Perhaps this second wine is like the gran vin in 1995? Full body, with rich ripe tannins, with a silky texture. It is dense and powerful. Long and rich. Better in 2016. Best second wine of Haut-Brion ever? It has just about everything Haut-Brion has in an excellent year like this. Try in 2019.HK$10,585.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Coffee and currants with hints of sweet tobacco and vanilla bean. Subtle yet intense. Full body, with sexy tannins and a sweet fruit coating around it. Very fine and linear. Direct. Gorgeous. Better than I remember.HK$11,515.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Coffee and currants with hints of sweet tobacco and vanilla bean. Subtle yet intense. Full body, with sexy tannins and a sweet fruit coating around it. Very fine and linear. Direct. Gorgeous. Better than I remember.HK$5,405.00 -
James Suckling (91-92)
Lovely second wine of Haut Brion with tobacco, chocolate and dark fruits. Earth too. Full body with fine tannins and pretty finish. Very balanced. Nicely done.HK$9,415.00 -
James Suckling (91-92)
Lovely second wine of Haut Brion with tobacco, chocolate and dark fruits. Earth too. Full body with fine tannins and pretty finish. Very balanced. Nicely done.HK$6,215.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)
The 2012 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a dark, beguiling beauty. Smoke, violets, dried flowers and savory herbs lead to a core of expressive blue/purplish fruit in a powerful wine that is going to need time to settle down. Far from an easygoing 2012, the Clarence boasts notable depth and intensity to match its virile personality. This is an impressive second wine, that much is obvious.HK$11,145.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)
The 2013 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is soft, silky and medium in body. Rose petals, mint and sweet red berries all lift from the glass in an intensely floral wine supported by beams of mineral and graphite notes. Silky tannins add finesse to the supple, gracious finish. The 2013 is 57% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Cabernet Franc.HK$12,155.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Love the sweet-tobacco and floral aromas to this with currant fruit as well. Full-bodied, solid and tight. Chewy tannins. A racy second wine of Haut-Brion with lots of tone and tension. Try in 2024.HK$8,895.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Love the sweet-tobacco and floral aromas to this with currant fruit as well. Full-bodied, solid and tight. Chewy tannins. A racy second wine of Haut-Brion with lots of tone and tension. Try in 2024.HK$4,530.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Aromas of forest floor, mushrooms, lavender and violets. Full-bodied, tight and structured with fantastic tannins and focus. Long and layered. Impressively toned. Give it three or four years to come together. Begin drinking in 2023.HK$7,725.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Aromas of forest floor, mushrooms, lavender and violets. Full-bodied, tight and structured with fantastic tannins and focus. Long and layered. Impressively toned. Give it three or four years to come together. Begin drinking in 2023.HK$5,480.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is powerful and intense with lots of minerals, crushed stones and dark fruit. Dense and linear. Minerally and very energetic.HK$5,930.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is powerful and intense with lots of minerals, crushed stones and dark fruit. Dense and linear. Minerally and very energetic.HK$4,930.00 -
James Suckling (95)
This has a big start of tannins and fruit, yet the tannins are round and polished. Impressive backbone. Full body. Compact. Lots of blackberry and wet-earth flavors. Powerful finish. As the second wine of Haut-Brion, this shows lots of potential for the vintage. Drink after 2022.HK$2,430.00 -
James Suckling (95)
This has a big start of tannins and fruit, yet the tannins are round and polished. Impressive backbone. Full body. Compact. Lots of blackberry and wet-earth flavors. Powerful finish. As the second wine of Haut-Brion, this shows lots of potential for the vintage. Drink after 2022.HK$3,960.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A lovely, dense white with pretty phenolic tension and dried-apple and peach character. Medium to full body. Phenolics give this tension.HK$5,680.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A lovely, dense white with pretty phenolic tension and dried-apple and peach character. Medium to full body. Phenolics give this tension.HK$11,715.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A lovely, dense white with pretty phenolic tension and dried-apple and peach character. Medium to full body. Phenolics give this tension.HK$6,870.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A lovely, dense white with pretty phenolic tension and dried-apple and peach character. Medium to full body. Phenolics give this tension.HK$4,180.00
