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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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$1,270.00 | |||||
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Samuel Billaud Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 2019 epitomises the elegance and precision characteristic of the esteemed Chablis region. Cultivated in the renowned Grand Cru Vaudesir vineyard, located on the Serein River’s eastern hillside, this exceptional Chardonnay benefits from the unique Kimmeridgian limestone soils imparting distinctive minerality. Meticulously hand-harvested, the grapes undergo a careful vinification process involving cold maceration and ageing in French oak barrels, allowing the wine to develop a harmonious balance between fruit purity and subtle oak nuances. The 2019 vintage showcases vibrant citrus notes intertwined with hints of white flowers and a pronounced flinty backbone, culminating in a crisp, lingering finish. Renowned for his commitment to sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques, producer Samuel Billaud delivers a Grand Cru expression that is both refined and expressive, making it a quintessential choice for connoisseurs seeking the pinnacle of Chablis excellence. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$6,395.00 | |||||
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A pinnacle of fine winemaking, the Samuel Billaud Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 2020 is an exquisite taste that speaks volumes in a single sip. Expertly crafted by revered winemaker Samuel Billaud, this limited-edition wine is a true embodiment of his commitment to unfailing quality and old-world technique. Produced in Chablis, it belongs to France's most prestigious vineyard designation, Grand Cru. A careful and considered use of oak balances the vineyard's distinctive minerality, creating an enchanting juxtaposition of volume and vivacity. Its palate reflects hints of ripe citrusy notes melded with a saline twist, brought on by the famous Kimmeridgian soils of the vineyard. While it commands an immediate allure, the Samuel Billaud Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 2020, much like its skilled producer, is bound to get better with age. A titan in the world of Chardonnay, it’s a collector's dream and a connoisseur's delight. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$775.00 | |||||
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Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux 2017 epitomises the refined elegance of the Chablis appellation. Cultivated in the prestigious Butteaux vineyard, the Chardonnay grapes thrive on Kimmeridgian limestone-rich soils, granting the wine its signature flinty minerality and vibrant structure. Under the expert stewardship of Samuel Billaud, the harvest is carefully hand-picked to ensure optimal ripeness. The winemaking process embraces traditional methods, with fermentation conducted in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to maintain purity of fruit and precision. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes extended maturation on fine lees, enhancing its complexity and texture without overshadowing its inherent freshness. The 2017 vintage reveals a captivating bouquet of citrus fruits, green apple, and subtle floral notes, supported by a harmonious acidity and a lingering, mineral-driven finish. This Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux 2017 is a distinguished choice for enthusiasts seeking depth, balance, and the authentic expression of terroir. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 93 (WA) | HK$5,255.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (93)From a special 7.5 acre parcel culled from the Bienfaisance vineyard, this 1,000-case cuvee is dominated by its Merlot component (the blend also includes some Cabernet Franc). As are most of St.-Emilion’s garigiste wines, it is given a Burgundian-like treatment of pre-fermentation cold maceration, malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees, and little clarification, all designed to accentuate the terroir, and enhance the wine’s texture and perfume. The stunningly perfumed 2005 offers up notions of toast, black cherry jam, blackberries, espresso roast, white chocolate, and juicy meat. It is full-bodied as well as opulent for the vintage, with a gorgeous texture, and a long, 35+ second finish. Consume it over the next 15 or more years. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (JD) | HK$4,840.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (96)An estate that has been firing on all cylinders recently, the Merlot-dominated 2016 Château Sansonnet sports a saturated ruby color as well as a beautiful bouquet of macerated black cherries, blackcurrants, smoked earth, spice, and tobacco. This ripe, sexy, full-bodied beauty has terrific overall balance, a layered texture, no hard edges, and a beautiful finish. It's a gem in the vintage and is well worth a case purchase. The blend is 90% Merlot and 5% each of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, all brought up in 80% new French oak. Don’t miss this brilliant wine. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 96 (JD) | HK$2,695.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (96)An estate that has been firing on all cylinders recently, the Merlot-dominated 2016 Château Sansonnet sports a saturated ruby color as well as a beautiful bouquet of macerated black cherries, blackcurrants, smoked earth, spice, and tobacco. This ripe, sexy, full-bodied beauty has terrific overall balance, a layered texture, no hard edges, and a beautiful finish. It's a gem in the vintage and is well worth a case purchase. The blend is 90% Merlot and 5% each of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, all brought up in 80% new French oak. Don’t miss this brilliant wine. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 96+ (JD) | HK$1,690.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (96+)This estate has been on fire of late and that doesn't appear to have changed with the 2018 Château Sansonnet. Revealing a dense purple hue as well as a young, unevolved bouquet of pure crème de cassis, graphite, crushed violets, bouquet garni, chocolate, and distinct chalky minerality, it delivers remarkable purity, full-bodied richness, silky tannins, and flawless balance. A wine that builds slowly with time in the glass, offering a beautiful mix of richness, elegance, and length, it's as good, if not even better than the 2016. Don't miss it! |
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Bordeaux | 4 | 95-96 (JS) | HK$1,315.00 | |||||
James Suckling (95-96)A powerful and intense red with blackberry, blueberry and ultra fine chewy tannins. It’s so long and energetic. Dense center palate. |
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Bordeaux | 5 | 93-95 (VN (AG)) | HK$3,275.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93-95)The 2021 Sansonnet is once again a stand out. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, chocolate, new leather, licorice and espresso give this large-scaled Saint-Émilion tons of depth. As always, Sansonnet is an extrovert, but in 2021 it benefits from a kick of acidity that balances things out nicely. It was impressive both times I tasted it. |
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Bordeaux | 5 | 93-95 (VN (AG)) | HK$1,500.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93-95)The 2021 Sansonnet is once again a stand out. Blackberry jam, crème de cassis, chocolate, new leather, licorice and espresso give this large-scaled Saint-Émilion tons of depth. As always, Sansonnet is an extrovert, but in 2021 it benefits from a kick of acidity that balances things out nicely. It was impressive both times I tasted it. |
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Bordeaux | 16 | 95-96 (JS) | HK$2,070.00 | |||||
James Suckling (95-96)Really pure fruit here with blackberries and boysenberries. Some spice like white pepper. Medium-bodied with tight and fine tannins, and a fresh and bright finish. Terrific potential. 95% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon. |
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Rhone | 1 | 97 (WA) | HK$3,065.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (97)From the lightest, sandiest soils in the Gras Châteauneuf stable, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Saintes Vierges is a blend of 80% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre and 2% Cousoise. Befitting its origins, it's the most perfumed of the three wines this year, with floral, rose-like notes, a veritable potpourri of spice and herb shadings and a vibrant core of red berries. It's labeled (like the others) at 14% alcohol but feels lighter on the palate, soaring in silky arches of intermingled red berries and delicate tannins, then lingering elegantly on the finish. |
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Rhone | 2 | 95-97 (WA) | HK$3,395.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95-97)Still in foudre, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Habemus Papam looks to have softened considerably since I tasted it last year. Floral-herbal notes accent ripe cherries, while the palate boasts a wonderfully rich, creamy texture. Full-bodied, with supple tannins, this tour de force is long, silky and elegant. |
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Rhone | 1 | 96 (WE) | HK$2,990.00 | |||||
Wine Enthusiast (96)It's hard to choose a favorite among Santa Duc's 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but Le Pied de Baud stands out for the seduction of its smoky, floral nose. Raspberry and red cherry flavors are pristine and plump, etched by fine strokes of fur, charred earth, violet and tea leaves. An opulent but freshly balanced blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault framed by fine, persistent tannins. Approachable already but should improve further through 2030 and hold further. |
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Rhone | 1 | 96 (WA) | HK$2,300.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (96)Marked by aromas of resinous herbs, roses and raspberries, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Pied de Baud is an enthralling blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault from the Le Pied de Baud lieu-dit, in the south of the appellation. Raspberries, strawberries and redcurrants all make appearances, supported by crisp acids and silky, just-ripe tannins. Young Benjamin Gras is looking for tension in his wines, and this wine captures that elusive quality, lingering tautly on the mouthwatering finish. |
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