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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As a top-tier vintage in the realm of fine wines, the Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2009 is an exceptional contestant. This illustrious bottle hails from the revered winemaking region of La Clape, within southern France's Languedoc. Comprising Syrah and Grenache Noir, it has been aged meticulously, revealing its rich, powerful character which echoes the terroir's minerality.
Chateau de Negly is renowned for practising biodynamic viticulture, dedicated to creating wines of unbeatable quality and depth. Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2009 mesmerises with intense notes of blackcurrants, herbs, and copious dark fruit, supported by strong, yet refined and integrated tannins.
A remarkable offering that ages gracefully, expressing the winery's extraordinary savoir-faire and the unique charisma of the La Clape terroir. The Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2009 is sublime today and promises to continue to evolve for decades.
HK$7,660.00 -
Immerse yourself in the delectable depth of Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2010, a blend that ignites the palate with a refined, full-bodied experience. Hand-harvested from the sun-soaked terroir of La Clape in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, this richly vibrant wine showcases the expert craftsmanship of the distinguished Domaine de Negly. Meticulously vinified in new oak barrels for 24 months through traditional methods, this comely warhorse boasts an impressive concentration of Grenache and Syrah for an exquisite interplay of fruits and spices.
Glistening, deep ruby in colour, Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2010 presents a delightful sensory journey, unveiling notes of ripe red cherries, subtle herbs, and delicate spices. Cherished by fine wine enthusiasts for its impressive longevity, generous yet balanced, with a suave finish that lingers.
HK$14,975.00 -
Wine Advocate (95-97)
Another pure, elegant beauty that doesn’t pull any punches with regard to texture or richness, the 2014 Coteaux du Languedoc la Porte du Ciel offers those saline, sea breeze-like characteristics that are always found in this cuvee, as well as classy notes of black raspberry, smoked earth and spice. Full-bodied, ultra-pure and just flat out gorgeous, it will have 15-20 years of longevity.HK$2,555.00 -
Wine Advocate (96-99)
Scheduled to be bottled next year, the 2015 Clape la Porte du Ciel is another tour de force from this team that’s unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage. More clean, straight and fruit driven than previous vintages, without the standard Porte du Ciel wildness (which I suspect will develop with bottle age), its deep, saturated purple color is followed by awesome notes of cassis, licorice, violets and hints of olive tapenade. With ultra-fine tannin, no hard edges and full-bodied richness, it should shine with 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for a decade.HK$2,955.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Bottled just a month before my visit, the 2016 La Clape la Porte du Ciel looks even more impressive than it did from barrel. The warmth I noted last year has seemingly been absorbed into this huge, inky-purple wine. Pencil shavings accent classic Syrah notes of licorice, blackberries and grilled meat on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is supple and velvety, and blueberries and plums emerge on the long finish. Give it a couple of years if you have patience, and drink it over the next 15+ years.HK$3,145.00 -
The Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2017, masterfully produced by Chateau de la Negly in the acclaimed Languedoc region of southern France, is a sublime sensory experience for the discerning palate. This harmonious blend of Grenache and Syrah exudes a rich bouquet of cherry compote and purple flowers, harking back to the lush vineyards it hails from, sloping gently towards the Mediterranean. Aged carefully for 18 months in oak barrels, it imparts a distinct elegance and rounded character hardly found elsewhere. With each sip, you'll appreciate the opulence of ripe, dark berries balanced gracefully with mineral undertones and polished tannins. This wine's exceptional maturation potential makes it an unmissable addition to any serious collection. Revel in the complexity and depth of the Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2017, a celebration of Franc's winemaking heritage.
HK$6,640.00 -
The Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2018, an exquisite offering from the vineyard in the heart of France's prestigious Languedoc-Roussillon region, is, without a doubt, a must-try for fine wine enthusiasts. Regarded as a leading producer, Château de la Négly thoughtfully cultivates Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes on stony, south-facing slopes that catch the region's intense sunlight. Aged for 24 months in French oak barrels, the result is a profound, concentrated wine offering notes of black fruits, spices, and considerable minerality.
The stern structure of this red wine is countered by prodigious, lavish flavours that subtly unfold in the mouth, creating an intricate and harmonious balance. The Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2018 represents the peak of viniculture in the La Clape appellation, leaving a lingering impression on the palate and emphasising the crafted excellence rooted in every bottle.
HK$3,620.00 -
Crafted by the esteemed Château de la Négly, the Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2019 hails from the celebrated La Clape appellation, part of France’s Languedoc wine region. Made predominantly from Syrah and Grenache, it boasts a sensual palate and an exceptional balance of structure and elegance. Each vine is meticulously harvested and sorted by hand, ensuring only the finest fruit is used. The wine undergoes traditional maturation in fine-grained, French oak barrels, resulting in a complex expression of fruit and mineral tones with a subtle hint of spice. With its deep, intense ruby hue, the Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2019 demonstrates the bountiful richness of its Mediterranean roots. Its harmonious blend and refined finish reflect the producer’s unwavering commitment to excellence, making it a must-have for connoisseurs in search of exceptional fine wine experiences.
HK$2,565.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019Crafted by the esteemed Château de la Négly, the Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2019 hails from the celebrated La Clape appellation, part of France’s Languedoc wine region. Made predominantly from Syrah and Grenache, it boasts a sensual palate and an exceptional balance of structure and elegance. Each vine is meticulously harvested and sorted by hand, ensuring only the finest fruit is used. The wine undergoes traditional maturation in fine-grained, French oak barrels, resulting in a complex expression of fruit and mineral tones with a subtle hint of spice. With its deep, intense ruby hue, the Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2019 demonstrates the bountiful richness of its Mediterranean roots. Its harmonious blend and refined finish reflect the producer’s unwavering commitment to excellence, making it a must-have for connoisseurs in search of exceptional fine wine experiences.
HK$6,610.00 -
Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2020 exemplifies the pinnacle of fine winemaking from the esteemed La Clape appellation in the picturesque Hérault region of Southern France. Produced by the illustrious Negly family, renowned for their commitment to excellence, this vintage is a masterful blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes meticulously hand-harvested from their biodynamically managed vineyards. The winemaking process begins with a gentle maceration to extract rich flavours, followed by fermentation in stainless steel vats to preserve the wine’s vibrant fruit character. Ageing occurs over 18 months in a combination of French oak barrels, imparting nuanced complexity and a refined tannic structure. The Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2020 presents a deep ruby hue, unveiling aromas of ripe blackberries, plum, and subtle spices, accented by hints of cedar and dark chocolate on the palate. Elegant and balanced, this exceptional wine captures the distinct terroir and the expertise of its producers, making Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2020 a distinguished choice for discerning connoisseurs.
HK$2,600.00 -
Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2020 exemplifies the pinnacle of fine winemaking from the esteemed La Clape appellation in the picturesque Hérault region of Southern France. Produced by the illustrious Negly family, renowned for their commitment to excellence, this vintage is a masterful blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes meticulously hand-harvested from their biodynamically managed vineyards. The winemaking process begins with a gentle maceration to extract rich flavours, followed by fermentation in stainless steel vats to preserve the wine’s vibrant fruit character. Ageing occurs over 18 months in a combination of French oak barrels, imparting nuanced complexity and a refined tannic structure. The Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2020 presents a deep ruby hue, unveiling aromas of ripe blackberries, plum, and subtle spices, accented by hints of cedar and dark chocolate on the palate. Elegant and balanced, this exceptional wine captures the distinct terroir and the expertise of its producers, making Negly La Clape Porte du Ciel 2020 a distinguished choice for discerning connoisseurs.
HK$6,640.00 -
Wine Spectator (93)
Very grapey on the nose, with mineral, tarragon and fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with very well-integrated tannins and a light vanilla, berry and milk chocolate aftertaste. Subtle and balanced. The best Nenin in years. Best after 2012. -JSHK$10,945.00 -
(6x75cl) 2005Wine Spectator (93)
Very grapey on the nose, with mineral, tarragon and fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with very well-integrated tannins and a light vanilla, berry and milk chocolate aftertaste. Subtle and balanced. The best Nenin in years. Best after 2012. -JSHK$4,920.00 -
HK$8,575.00
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Wine Spectator (92-95)
Superfleshy but very direct, with long, racy raspberry ganache and red currant notes. Almost flashy, but stays focused through the long finish. Tasted non-blind. Score range: 92-95HK$9,190.00 -
(1x75cl) 2014James Suckling (95)
Incredible perfumes of flowers, berries and cherries. Ethereal. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and super length. The evolution in this in barrel has been wonderful. Only the best plots with old vines were used here — so one-third of the production of the site. Drink in 2021, even if this is already gorgeous.HK$800.00 -
(12x75cl) 2016James Suckling (95-96)
A linear and dense wine that sneaks up on you with fantastic depth of fruit and structure. Full and racy. Shows finesse and muscle. Better than 2015?HK$6,800.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2017 Nénin only comes from the plateau as frost devastated the lower reaches. It has a well-defined bouquet, nicely focused with blackberry, briary and crushed stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, very refined, not as deep or as opulent as the previous vintage but chiseled and very focused on the peppery finish. Very fine, a Nénin that does not show off like the 2018 because (whisper it quietly), this is better.HK$7,830.00 -
(6x75cl) 2017Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2017 Nénin only comes from the plateau as frost devastated the lower reaches. It has a well-defined bouquet, nicely focused with blackberry, briary and crushed stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, very refined, not as deep or as opulent as the previous vintage but chiseled and very focused on the peppery finish. Very fine, a Nénin that does not show off like the 2018 because (whisper it quietly), this is better.HK$3,620.00 -
(12x37.5cl) 2018James Suckling (96-97)
This is a special wine with unique black-cherry character and hints of hazelnuts. Full bodied, tight and totally melted together with the firm and ultra-fine tannins Extremely long.HK$4,100.00 -
James Suckling (96-97)
This is a special wine with unique black-cherry character and hints of hazelnuts. Full bodied, tight and totally melted together with the firm and ultra-fine tannins Extremely long.HK$3,495.00 -
(12x37.5cl) 2019Jeb Dunnuck (96)
The 2019 Château Nenin is truly fantastic, and my money is on it being the finest vintage to date for this estate. Based on 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc brought up in just 45% new French oak, it offers a pure, medium-bodied, ethereal style carrying gorgeous red and black fruits, spring flowers, damp earth, and chocolate aromas and flavors. It's not a blockbuster and is all about purity, finesse, and elegance, yet it still brings beautiful richness and length. This gorgeous, seamless 2019 will drink well for 20-25 years.HK$3,000.00 -
(12x75cl) 2019Jeb Dunnuck (96)
The 2019 Château Nenin is truly fantastic, and my money is on it being the finest vintage to date for this estate. Based on 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc brought up in just 45% new French oak, it offers a pure, medium-bodied, ethereal style carrying gorgeous red and black fruits, spring flowers, damp earth, and chocolate aromas and flavors. It's not a blockbuster and is all about purity, finesse, and elegance, yet it still brings beautiful richness and length. This gorgeous, seamless 2019 will drink well for 20-25 years.HK$5,605.00 -
(1x300cl) 2019Jeb Dunnuck (96)
The 2019 Château Nenin is truly fantastic, and my money is on it being the finest vintage to date for this estate. Based on 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc brought up in just 45% new French oak, it offers a pure, medium-bodied, ethereal style carrying gorgeous red and black fruits, spring flowers, damp earth, and chocolate aromas and flavors. It's not a blockbuster and is all about purity, finesse, and elegance, yet it still brings beautiful richness and length. This gorgeous, seamless 2019 will drink well for 20-25 years.HK$2,245.00 -
(3x150cl) 2019Jeb Dunnuck (96)
The 2019 Château Nenin is truly fantastic, and my money is on it being the finest vintage to date for this estate. Based on 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc brought up in just 45% new French oak, it offers a pure, medium-bodied, ethereal style carrying gorgeous red and black fruits, spring flowers, damp earth, and chocolate aromas and flavors. It's not a blockbuster and is all about purity, finesse, and elegance, yet it still brings beautiful richness and length. This gorgeous, seamless 2019 will drink well for 20-25 years.HK$3,010.00 -
(12x75cl) 2020James Suckling (97-98)
This is from only the old vines in the clay and gravel soils on the plateau. Really fantastic. It’s medium-to full-bodied and the tannins just roll off the palate at the end. Dark fruit and spices. So long. One of the best modern wines from here? 68% merlot and 32% cabernet franc.HK$6,495.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020
James Suckling (97-98)
This is from only the old vines in the clay and gravel soils on the plateau. Really fantastic. It’s medium-to full-bodied and the tannins just roll off the palate at the end. Dark fruit and spices. So long. One of the best modern wines from here? 68% merlot and 32% cabernet franc.HK$3,155.00 -
(12x37.5cl) 2021James Suckling (93-94)
Very fine tannins with a medium body and a fresh center-palate. Hints of spices and dried lemon peel. Bright and focused. Pretty fruit. Refined.HK$3,485.00 -
(3x150cl) 2021James Suckling (93-94)
Very fine tannins with a medium body and a fresh center-palate. Hints of spices and dried lemon peel. Bright and focused. Pretty fruit. Refined.HK$3,385.00 -
James Suckling (93-94)
Very fine tannins with a medium body and a fresh center-palate. Hints of spices and dried lemon peel. Bright and focused. Pretty fruit. Refined.HK$2,800.00
