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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Champagne | 3 | 93 (VN) | HK$5,815.00 | |||||
Vinous (93)The 2019 Hommage a Camille (Mareuil-sur-Ay) is terrific. Bright and effusive, with gorgeous fruit purity, the 2019 dazzles from the start. Clean mineral notes frame a core of bright red cherry fruit. A whole range of earthy and savory undertones typical of Mareuil add layers of complicating nuance. I love the precision here. The 2019 is a gorgeous wine in every way. |
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Champagne | 1 | - | HK$15,000.00 | |||||
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Champagne | 1 | 98 (DC) | HK$2,145.00 | |||||
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. |
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Champagne | 1 | - | HK$9,500.00 | |||||
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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. |
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Champagne | 3 | - | HK$8,800.00 | |||||
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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. |
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Champagne | 2 | 97 (DC) | 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. |
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Champagne | 4 | 97 (DC) | HK$2,140.00 | |||||
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. |
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Champagne | 1 | 97 (DC) | 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. |
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Champagne | 1 | 97 (DC) | HK$2,025.00 | |||||
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. |
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Champagne | 1 | 96 (JS) | HK$3,875.00 | |||||
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. |
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Champagne | 4 | 95 (WA) | HK$4,930.00 | |||||
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. |
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Champagne | 1 | 95 (JS) | HK$3,417.00 | |||||
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. |
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Champagne | 1 | - | HK$3,350.00 | |||||
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1 | 91 (VN) | HK$5,490.00 | ||||||
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. |
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Rhone | 2 | 93 | HK$7,700.00 | |||||
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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. |
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Rhone | 1 | 92 (VN) | HK$8,475.84 | |||||
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. |
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Rhone | 1 | 95 (JD) | HK$2,005.00 | |||||
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. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | HK$5,075.00 | |||||
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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. |
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