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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(1x150cl) 1990James Suckling (98)
This now has such a concentrated nose of toffee, roasted hazelnut, butterscotch, nutmeg, cocoa, spice box, dried fruit, dried apricot and marmalade on toast. Rich and intense, with a mellow and creamy palate. Soft bubbles. Immediate pleasure. Drink now.HK$4,830.00 -
HK$15,000.00 -
(1x150cl) 1995Decanter (98)
A most subtle hint of toastiness is expressed as grilled hazelnut on the rather shy nose. Later on, a hint of crushed lemon balm adds to the citric aroma. The palate has a vivid mousse that carries very bright, vibrant lemon notes to the nose, backed and supported by a chalky depth. That line of acidity is luminous, scented, pure, lasting and rather linear, but it is balanced by notions of riper fruit, ripe Mirabelle plum, even apricot. There is something saline, long, absolutely citrus-focused here; exquisite. There is just so much fruit, which is always framed by citrus. Exquisitely long. Tasted from magnum.HK$4,830.00 -
Decanter (98)
A most subtle hint of toastiness is expressed as grilled hazelnut on the rather shy nose. Later on, a hint of crushed lemon balm adds to the citric aroma. The palate has a vivid mousse that carries very bright, vibrant lemon notes to the nose, backed and supported by a chalky depth. That line of acidity is luminous, scented, pure, lasting and rather linear, but it is balanced by notions of riper fruit, ripe Mirabelle plum, even apricot. There is something saline, long, absolutely citrus-focused here; exquisite. There is just so much fruit, which is always framed by citrus. Exquisitely long. Tasted from magnum.HK$2,145.00 -
Emanating elegance and refinement, the Louis Roederer Vignoble de la Montagne Late Release 1995, 1996 NV graced the world with its majesty, courtesy of the acclaimed Champagne House of Louis Roederer. Birthed in the grandeur of Montagne de Reims, France, this wine is a testament to the meticulous cultivation and artistry in every Roederer creation. It offers an engaging dance of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, matured over three exceptional years, heightening its charm.
Upon tasting, connoisseurs savour the profound complexity and robust flavours held within its golden depths. A beautiful interplay of orchard fruits, honeyed brioche, and stone fruits, harmonised with an exquisite, mineral-laced finish that is quintessential of Louis Roederer Vignoble de la Montagne late releases. Its evolved, yet vibrant taste, earned through an extended ageing period, unveils a masterful balance that gleams through every sip, telling a story of a momentous vintage.
HK$9,500.00 -
Expertly crafted by acclaimed winemaker, Louis Roederer, the Vignoble de la Montagne Late Release 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999 NV is a wine of exceptional calibre. Born of the revered soils of the Champagne region in France, its exquisite blend marries Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in captivating harmony. This prestigious vintage is preserved with a late release, allowing the wine’s unique characteristics to evolve and enrich over time. The producer, Louis Roederer, is globally recognised for its meticulous viticultural practices and commitment to terroir expression. Each vintage showcases his expertise and passion; the elegant effervescence, the crisp acidity and complex flavour profile are true testament to this. For those seeking the epitome of fine wine, the Louis Roederer Vignoble de la Montagne Late Release 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999 NV offers a tasting experience of incomparable prestige.
HK$8,800.00 -
(1x150cl) 1996Decanter (99)
Just hints of smoky lemon play on the nose before a touch of grilled cashew appears, seemingly propelled by lifting scents of smoky lemon zest. Incredibly scented. The palate adds a completely new dimension of flavour with an expressive note of lemon peel that is as salty as it is ripe. A profound note of chalk seems to pull you into the coolest of depths. The mousse still sparkles with lemony brightness, and the legendary 1996 acidity is electric, luminous, incandescent. This is incisive, deliciously uncompromising, wonderfully complex, utterly concentrated yet twirling weightlessly on tiptoe like a prima ballerina. You cannot help but want more of that endless, mouthwatering length. Incredibly youthful and endless. Tasted from magnum.HK$5,200.00 -
Decanter (97)
A touch of Mirabelle plum is framed by strident lemon on the nose. Smoky echoes seem to appear with more air, alongside freshly picked chestnut mushrooms. Later on, there is a real note of honey. The palate is bundled in its lemon expression: pure, heightened, linear, alive with lemon zest, almost like freshly squeezed Amalfi lemon juice tempering ripe Mirabelle plums. Yet there are shadows of grilled nuts, of deep chalk, of subtle smokiness - the bubbles still burst, carrying all these flavours. The finish presents a lovely note of peppery rye crumb. A very complex and compelling wine. You want to go back because every time you do, new things happen. Wow. Tasted from magnum.HK$4,300.00 -
Decanter (97)
A touch of Mirabelle plum is framed by strident lemon on the nose. Smoky echoes seem to appear with more air, alongside freshly picked chestnut mushrooms. Later on, there is a real note of honey. The palate is bundled in its lemon expression: pure, heightened, linear, alive with lemon zest, almost like freshly squeezed Amalfi lemon juice tempering ripe Mirabelle plums. Yet there are shadows of grilled nuts, of deep chalk, of subtle smokiness - the bubbles still burst, carrying all these flavours. The finish presents a lovely note of peppery rye crumb. A very complex and compelling wine. You want to go back because every time you do, new things happen. Wow. Tasted from magnum.HK$2,140.00 -
Decanter (97)
The merest touch of caramel pops up on the nose – or is it a tone of apple with a touch of maple syrup? Later on, lovely smokiness sets a reductive accent. The palate has a very textural presence, a very lively mousse, almost urgent and certainly vivid. That textural element is also expressed in flavours of wet chalk, countering bright lemon and being complemented by rounded ripeness of fruit. The lemony length is endless, mouthwatering, with an edge that is reminiscent of apricot or Mirabelle plum skin, underlining the mouthfeel before that lemon zestiness takes over again on the long finish. Tasted from magnum.HK$4,595.00 -
Decanter (97)
The merest touch of caramel pops up on the nose – or is it a tone of apple with a touch of maple syrup? Later on, lovely smokiness sets a reductive accent. The palate has a very textural presence, a very lively mousse, almost urgent and certainly vivid. That textural element is also expressed in flavours of wet chalk, countering bright lemon and being complemented by rounded ripeness of fruit. The lemony length is endless, mouthwatering, with an edge that is reminiscent of apricot or Mirabelle plum skin, underlining the mouthfeel before that lemon zestiness takes over again on the long finish. Tasted from magnum.HK$2,025.00 -
(3x150cl) 2002Vinous (93)
I suppose in keeping with the theme we should have drunk some Japanese sake, but I had already put a few bottles aside for the occasion. Therefore, we commenced with my last bottle of 2002 Brut Millésime from Louis Roederer. This has been drinking supremely well in recent months. The vivacious, beautifully defined yeasty nose offers hints of brioche and grilled almonds, and hazelnut in the background. The palate is à point, with a fine bead of acidity that complements the continuing yeasty theme. Quite saline in the mouth, it displays a lovely bitterness and nuttiness toward the finish that gets the saliva flowing. We become starry-eyed with prestigious cuvées in their deluxe packaging, but I often obtain just as much satisfaction from more modest champagnes like this, which frequently age supremely well.HK$8,480.00 -
(3x150cl) 2012James Suckling (96)
Just over two-thirds pinot noir (Verzenay) and the balance southeast-facing chardonnay from Chouilly. This has 30% of oak fermentation which has compressed the wine, lending it an air of extreme concentration. The nose is gently spicy, offering peaches and cherries as well as neat autolysis edge. The palate has a powerful, long and assertive feel, with peach and lemon pith, chalky minerals, and some grapefruit. A powerful vintage for Roederer.HK$5,450.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Just over two-thirds pinot noir (Verzenay) and the balance southeast-facing chardonnay from Chouilly. This has 30% of oak fermentation which has compressed the wine, lending it an air of extreme concentration. The nose is gently spicy, offering peaches and cherries as well as neat autolysis edge. The palate has a powerful, long and assertive feel, with peach and lemon pith, chalky minerals, and some grapefruit. A powerful vintage for Roederer.HK$3,875.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Roederer's newly released 2013 Brut Vintage is showing brilliantly, unwinding in the glass with a youthfully reserved but incipiently complex bouquet of crisp yellow orchard fruit, citrus zest, fresh bread and honeycomb. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, this is a tightly coiled, elegantly muscular Champagne, its layered core of fruit built around an incisive spine of acidity. Seamless and complete, this is an over-performing vintage that puts many prestige cuvées to shame. Built to age, it will reward patience.HK$4,930.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Round and creamy, yet bright and tangy, with delicious pie crust, walnuts, lemons, sourdough, white peaches and apricot stones. More gourmand, with a creamy mousse. Lingering praline and pastry notes. Pinot noir and chardonnay. Drink or hold.HK$3,417.00 -
HK$3,350.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018An exquisite exemplar of elegance, the Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau Sancerre En Chailloux 2018 embodies the craft of Loire Valley winemaking. The product of meticulous viniculture, this single vineyard Sancerre is grown in chalky clay soils, affording the Sauvignon Blanc grape the ideal conditions for full maturation. Head winemaker Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau, the son of legendary Loire winemaker Didier Dagueneau, favours purity and precision in his wines, preferring minimal intervention in the cellar to let the unique terroir speak for itself. The result? An extraordinary minerality, bright acidity and elegant notes of citrus and white peach that have become synonymous with Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau Sancerre En Chailloux 2018. As flirtatious as it is refined, this white ignites the senses with a harmonious blend of intensity, balance, and terroir-driven complexity. A delightful expressional masterpiece that confirms the Dagueneau family's reputation for producing unequalled Loire Valley whites.
HK$5,085.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019Layered with depth, the Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau Sancerre En Chailloux 2019, is an inimitable creation from the esteemed French winemaker Benjamin Dagueneau. Intricately crafted in the Sancerre region of the Loire Valley, this wine extols the verdant beauty of France's heartland. Enhanced by the region's distinct terroir, its grapes are grown on limestone-clay soil, contributing to its mesmerizing mineral characteristics.
Benjamin Dagueneau meticulously ages this exceptional wine in large oak barrels, imbuing it with undertones of subtle complexity. Devoted to biodynamic farming constructions, sustainability infuses every essence of its vintage. On the palate, this remarkable creation boasts an immaculate balance of vivacious flavours- creamy citrus, fragrant chive and leafy greens. Its finish is lingering and generous, a poised interplay of intensity and elegance.
If you desire an authentic and sophisticated expression of a Sancerre blanc, the Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau Sancerre En Chailloux 2019 stands unrivalled.
HK$6,915.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020Embark on a luxurious journey through the vineyards of France with the Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau Sancerre En Chailloux 2020. Direct from the verdant slopes of Loire Valley, this prestigious Sancerre authentically expresses the terroir of its origin. Produced by esteemed vintner, Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau, named one of the 'Top 100 Winemakers of the Year' by Wine Enthusiast, the wine exemplifies his unwavering commitment to sustainable viticulture and meticulous vinification.
Meticulously harvested from 30-year-old vineyards, each grape exalts in its full maturity resulting in a wine characterised by effervescent freshness and extraordinary finesse. Ageing on lees in temperature-controlled tanks ensures a round, well-structured palate. Experience an aromatic profile of citrus blossoms and white peach, underlined by mineral notes reflective of the limestone-clay soils, and a nuanced finish that aptly showcases the elegance and complexity of the Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau Sancerre En Chailloux 2020.
HK$7,390.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau Sancerre En Chailloux 2021 exemplifies the pinnacle of Sancerre craftsmanship. Cultivated in the esteemed En Chailloux appellation, the meticulously hand-harvested Sauvignon Blanc grapes benefit from the region’s unique limestone and flint soils, imparting a distinct minerality. Under the expert stewardship of Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau, the 2021 vintage was vinified using traditional stainless steel fermentations, preserving the varietal’s vibrant acidity and expressive aromatics. Dagueneau's commitment to sustainable viticulture ensures a balanced composition and exceptional purity in each bottle. On the palate, this Sancerre reveals layers of citrus zest, white flowers, and subtle herbal nuances, culminating in a long, elegant finish. The Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau Sancerre En Chailloux 2021 is a quintessential expression of terroir and technique, perfect for discerning connoisseurs seeking refined elegance and depth.
HK$7,235.00 -
Vinous (91)
Due to a challenging, small-yielding season (-60% crop) and a high level of rot toward harvest, the XXI is the only wine produced by Dagueneau in 2021. It is a blend of the various cuvées that would typically be bottled separately. Tasted on the verge of being filtered as a finished tank sample, the result is a silky yet mouthwatering expression. It's all gooseberry and elderflower on the nose with green apples and a tangy sense of refreshment on the bright finish. It reflects the cooler side of the vintage with a good grip holding the mouth. It offers decent concentration, but it's not particularly complex or lengthy.HK$5,490.00 -
(6x150cl) 2005Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90+)
Good ruby-red. Dark cherry, smoke and spices on the perfumed nose. Full and lush, but with enough ripe acidity to perk up the chewy, intense flavors of dark cherry, licorice and melted chocolate. Firmly built and a bit youthfully medicinal, in need of a few years of patience and built to last.HK$7,515.00 -
(6x75cl) 2010The Lucie & Auguste Lignier Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru 2010 is a remarkable red Burgundy wine from France's celebrated Côte de Nuits region. Lucie & Auguste Lignier's commitment to traditional winemaking methods is evident in the stunning quality of their Grand Cru. The 2010 vintage offers a spectrum of savoury and sweet flavours; think ripe fruits, raw cocoa, and a hint of spice. The aging process in French oak barrels imparts distinctive, layered complexity while maintaining harmonious balance. The producer has also achieved exemplary vineyard management through meticulous work, resulting in expressive, concentrated Pinot Noir grapes as the basis. Savour the Lucie & Auguste Lignier Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru 2010, an embodiment of high-quality craftsmanship and the epitome of Burgundian terroir. An unrivalled addition to any connoisseur's collection, sure to spark conversation and create memorable moments.
HK$9,340.00 -
Rarely does a wine exude the excellence of terroir as playfully and profoundly as the Lucien & Andre Brunel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux 1989. Produced by father-son duo, Lucien and Andre Brunel, whose familial lineage in winemaking dates to the 17th century, this wine comes from Southern Rhône's prestigious Les Cailloux vineyard. This 1989 vintage carries 13% alcohol and boasts of Grenache-led grapes, blended to perfection with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault.
Meticulous viticulture methods and sustainable cultivation practices enhance the remarkable complexity of this wine. Enjoy the distinct expression of the heavily pebbled, clay-limestone soil that imparts a unique mineral character. This full-bodied red captivates with its multifaceted bouquet, combining mature, dark fruits, earthy undertones and hints of black chocolate, leading to a rich and lasting finish.
Experience the iconic integrity, grandeur and elegance of the Lucien & Andre Brunel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux 1989, a cornerstone of a true connoisseur's collection.
HK$7,700.00 -
Vinous (92)
Good full red. Roasted plum, smoke, licorice and game on the nose; less expressive than the 2001 following the October bottling. Sweet and supple in the mouth, with floral red fruit flavors and a silkiness of texture that reminded me of Burgundy. Sound acids give this 2000 a juicy quality and contribute to the impression of grip.HK$8,475.84 -
(12x75cl) 2009Vinous (92)
Deep ruby. Pungent, spice-accented aromas of red berry preserves, cherry and candied flowers. Sweet, pure and incisive, offering bright raspberry and lavender flavors and a deeper note of bitter cherry. Finishes with excellent focus and length, leaving spice and floral notes behind. The superb 2007 Cuvee Centenaire, which I had the chance to try again in December, is a remarkably lithe and elegant wine for the vintage and is balanced to age--no small feat for a wine from this ripe, often outsized year.HK$4,890.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape is flat-out brilliant, and readers looking for an incredible wine that will drink well for upwards of two decades should back up the truck on this one. Incredible black cherry, Provençal garrigue, pepper, and licorice notes give way to a full-bodied, perfectly balanced, seamless 2019 with ripe tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. You could safely put this up with the crème de la crème in a blind tasting and it would do just fine. The blend is 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 12% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault, aged mostly in concrete tank, with 12% brought up in old barrels.HK$2,005.00 -
Indulgence awaits in every bottle of the Lucien Boillot Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru 2020. This exceptional Burgundy red wine hails from Gevrey Chambertin, an acclaimed vineyard in the heart of Burgundy's Côte de Nuits. The deft hands of Lucien Boillot, a fourth-generation vigneron, have masterfully produced this wine. Reflecting the rich traditions of Burgundy and Boillot's meticulous attention to detail, this vintage is renowned for its stellar quality. Hand-harvested Pinot Noir grapes proffer a brilliantly dense and velvety palate, imbued with ripe fruit notes, delicate spice accents, and a hint of savoury complexity. Matured in oak barrels, the wine's excellent structure and depth are beautifully presented, carrying a long, elegant finish. The Lucien Boillot Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru 2020 is indeed a testament to stellar French winemaking that every fine wine collector will appreciate.
HK$5,075.00 -
Experience the elegance of Lucien Boillot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Perrieres 2021, a distinguished expression from the heart of Burgundy's renowned Puligny-Montrachet appellation. Cultivated in the premier cru Perrieres vineyard, this Chardonnay reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of the esteemed Lucien Boillot estate. Hand-harvested grapes from meticulously tended vineyards undergo precise vinification in stainless steel and select oak barrels, ensuring a harmonious balance between purity and complexity. The 2021 vintage showcases vibrant citrus and white floral aromas, complemented by a refined mineral backbone and a lingering, creamy finish. Crafted with a commitment to terroir and tradition, this wine epitomises finesse and sophistication, making it a quintessential choice for connoisseurs seeking unparalleled quality and character. Perfectly poised to enhance fine dining experiences, it embodies the exquisite heritage and dedication synonymous with Lucien Boillot.
HK$14,310.00
