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
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | 91-93 (BH) | HK$3,920.00 | |||||
Burghound (91-93)Ripe yet cool aromas include those of cassis, poached plum, an array of spice elements plus a whiff of the sauvage. The very rich and even bigger and more voluminous large-scaled flavors also brim with sappy dry extract before culminating in a balanced, powerful and lingering finish where a touch of bitter chocolate slowly emerges. This isn’t massive in the way that it usually is though it is borderline opulent, which is a descriptor I use very rarely with respect to the 2021 reds. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 91-94 (BH) | HK$4,220.00 | |||||
Burghound (91-94)(from a .41 ha parcel). Reduction. The much bigger broad-shouldered flavors also possess outstanding density and power while exuding evident minerality on the precise, firm and very serious finale that delivers excellent length where the only nit is a hint of warmth. This is usually the undisputed best wine in the range but in 2022, the Perrières may well give it a run for its money. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$1,650.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | 92-95 (IB) | HK$845.00 | |||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-95)Rich purple, an even colour throughout the glass. Robust red fruit. There is a fine depth of flavour and some class here, plump in the middle, juicy and long, filling the mouth again, while keeping a mineral fresh feel too. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 16.5 (JR) | HK$3,370.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (16.5)Mid crimson. Deep-fruited and much more perfumed than the straight village Nuits-St-Georges. A marked step up in finesse. Dry, finely chalky tannins. Sinewy but elegant with that perfume on the long finish. Impressive persistence. (JH) |
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Burgundy | 1 | 88-91 (BH) | HK$3,000.00 | |||||
Burghound (88-91)A subtle but not imperceptible application of wood can be found on the ripe and fresh aromas of poached plum, fennel and soft earth nuances. The rich, concentrated and palate coating medium-bodied flavors are shaped by relatively refined tannins on the lightly stony, punch and youthfully austere finale. Worth considering. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 87-89 (VN) | HK$2,820.00 | |||||
Vinous (87-89)The 2019 Nuits Saint-Georges Village offers sensual red cherry and crushed strawberry fruit on the well-defined nose. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannins. An unashamedly approachable and malleable Village Cru with a rounded, plump finish. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$1,470.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 2 | - | HK$4,790.00 | |||||
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1 | - | HK$3,465.00 | ||||||
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Step into the world of French wines with the exquisite Jean Claude Lapalu Alma Mater 2017, meticulously crafted from hand-picked Gamay grapes in Beaujolais, France. This natural Burgundy red embodies the dedication of its creator, Jean Claude Lapalu, to the art of winemaking. He has toiled his six-hectare vineyard since 1996 to produce unfiltered, silky reds using traditional and organic principles. Behold the vibrant ruby hue of this biodynamically-farmed vintage, a testament to its minimal intervention approach and spontaneous fermentation method in aged oak barrels. This exquisite Jean Claude Lapalu Alma Mater 2017 elicits complex aromas of dark fruit, spice and earth, followed by an elegant, mineral-infused palate that balances supple tannins with alluring freshness. Its moderate alcohol content and delightful persistence make it a tantalising choice for an intimate dinner or a quiet solitaire reflection. An embodiment of Lapalu's craftsmanship, this wine is synonymous with the authentic expression of terroir and tradition. Indulge in this Beaune masterpiece which marks an excellent addition to your collection. |
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1 | - | HK$2,800.00 | ||||||
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Jean Claude Lapalu Alma Mater 2018 epitomises the finesse and elegance synonymous with the renowned Lapalu estate in Bordeaux’s esteemed Margaux appellation. Crafted from meticulously selected Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot grapes, this vintage benefits from optimal weather conditions, ensuring exceptional ripeness and balance. The grapes undergo a gentle fermentation process in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by ageing for 18 months in French oak barrels, which imparts subtle nuances of vanilla and cedar without overpowering the wine’s natural fruit character. Jean Claude Lapalu, a stalwart in sustainable viticulture, employs biodynamic practices, enhancing the terroir’s expression and contributing to the wine’s complexity and longevity. On the palate, Alma Mater 2018 reveals layered flavours of blackcurrant, cassis, and hints of tobacco, supported by fine-grained tannins and a lingering, harmonious finish. This exquisite vintage is a testament to Jean Claude Lapalu’s unwavering commitment to quality and tradition, making it a quintessential choice for discerning collectors. |
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1 | - | HK$3,800.00 | ||||||
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Indulge in the splendour of French viticulture with the Jean Claude Lapalu Alma Mater 2020. The wine hails from Brouilly, the heart of Beaujolais, boasting a pedigree rooted in the minerally-rich, granite soils of Lapalu's old vines. Jean Claude Lapalu, now a revered figure in natural wine circles, meticulously tends his 12-hectare estate, using organic and biodynamic methods, resulting in wines that are pure, expressive, and elegantly structured. The Alma Mater 2020 is a stunning exemplar of Lapalu's artisanal approach. Meticulously hand-harvested, the Gamay grapes are left whole-cluster for a semi-carbonic maceration, followed by maturing in old oak foudres. This meticulous process yields a wine bursting with juicy red berry flavours, underpinned by a fresh, mineral-laden core and subtle tannins. Jean Claude Lapalu Alma Mater 2020 showcases its inherent harmony, depth, and elegance with every sip, asserting why Lapalu's creations are sought after by discerning wine lovers worldwide. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$1,425.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$3,315.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$1,365.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | 91 (VN (NM)) | HK$3,190.00 | |||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)The 2021 Chablis Valmur Grand Cru takes a few swirls to get going. It offers touches of yellow fruit and jasmine, with quite aromatic notes of pressed flowers and oily resinous aromas. The palate is well balanced with a slightly viscous entry, a keen line of acidity and a creamy texture, with a touch of custard creams and orange pith on the finish. Not long but it feels nicely composed. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$7,220.00 | |||||
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Esteemed as a pristine example of the Burgundian winemaking art, the Jean Dauvissat Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2017 entrances the palate with eloquent expression. Sourced from the windswept slopes of the premier cru vineyard of Montmains, the exceptionally old vines yield small quantities of intensely concentrated grapes. This Chablis is produced by the meticulous Dauvissat family, inheritors of traditional winemaking knowledge dating back to the 18th century. Capturing the nuances of Kimmeridgian limestone soil, this liquid poetry embodies scintillating acidity interlaced with notes of green apples, minerals, and white flowers. Maturation on fine lees elicits depth and silken textures, the result of Dauvissat's unwavering dedication to natural yeast fermentation and avoidance of oak. The voluptuously complex Jean Dauvissat Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2017, a testament to Chablis' prowess, is a compelling meta-narrative distilled into the glass — of terroir embraced and innovation delicate, of legacy respected, and new chapters written. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (VN) | HK$2,575.00 | |||||
Vinous (92-94)Tasted from tank just prior to bottling, the 2017 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru shows why this vintage is so compelling. Apricot, peach and tropical fruit give the 2017 a decidedly exotic flair, and yet bright acids keep the wine lively and energetic. Sweet floral and honeyed notes build into the creamy, layered finish in this super-expressive, inviting Chablis from Dauvissat. |
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Bordeaux | 7 | 90 (VN (NM)) | HK$3,220.00 | |||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (90)The 2018 Jean Faure is a vintage that I had tasted just a few weeks earlier as part of my vintage report, but I expressed reservations, and so I did not mind re-tasting another example so soon afterward. This was better and, I hope, more representative. It has a similar nose, light but better-defined than the previous bottles, with graphite-tinged black fruit. The main difference is that there is no green trait on the palate. Quite compact but with decent delineation, this is much more what I would expect from a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, and my score reflects this. |
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Bordeaux | 4 | 90 (VN (NM)) | HK$3,190.00 | |||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (90)The 2018 Jean Faure is a vintage that I had tasted just a few weeks earlier as part of my vintage report, but I expressed reservations, and so I did not mind re-tasting another example so soon afterward. This was better and, I hope, more representative. It has a similar nose, light but better-defined than the previous bottles, with graphite-tinged black fruit. The main difference is that there is no green trait on the palate. Quite compact but with decent delineation, this is much more what I would expect from a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, and my score reflects this. |
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Bordeaux | 6 | 90 (VN (NM)) | HK$2,395.00 | |||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (90)The 2018 Jean Faure is a vintage that I had tasted just a few weeks earlier as part of my vintage report, but I expressed reservations, and so I did not mind re-tasting another example so soon afterward. This was better and, I hope, more representative. It has a similar nose, light but better-defined than the previous bottles, with graphite-tinged black fruit. The main difference is that there is no green trait on the palate. Quite compact but with decent delineation, this is much more what I would expect from a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, and my score reflects this. |
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Beaujolais | 1 | - | HK$4,550.00 | |||||
