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 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 96+ (JD) | HK$1,720.00 | |||||
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! |
|||||||||
|
|
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 5 | 93-95 (VN (AG)) | HK$3,315.00 | |||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 5 | 93-95 (VN (AG)) | HK$1,520.00 | |||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 16 | 95-96 (JS) | HK$2,090.00 | |||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | 97 (WA) | HK$3,045.00 | |||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 2 | 95-97 (WA) | HK$3,370.00 | |||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | 96 (WE) | HK$2,970.00 | |||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | 96 (WA) | HK$2,285.00 | |||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 2 | 95 (VN) | HK$2,270.00 | |||||
Vinous (95)Deep magenta. A deeply perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruits, incense and licorice; a floral nuance builds as the wine opens up. Sweet, concentrated raspberry, boysenberry, candied lavender and Moroccan spice flavors become livelier as the wine stretches out. It displays sharp definition and an emphatic, spicy cut on an impressively long, floral-driven finish shaped by supple, well-judged tannins. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | - | HK$4,120.00 | |||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | 94-97 (JD) | HK$2,400.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (94-97)Lastly, the 2015 Gigondas Hautes Garrigues (60/40 Grenache and Mourvèdre) is a beauty boasting killer notes of dark fruits, crushed rocks, pepper, garrigue and scorched earth. This seriously good 2015 has building richness, a stacked mid-palate and a huge finish, all suggesting short-term cellaring will be your friend. It will keep for two decades of more. |
|||||||||
|
|
Rhone | 1 | 95-97 (WA) | HK$2,425.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95-97)A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, the 2017 Gigondas Les Hautes Garrigues is less aromatic than it was last year, folding in darker notes of black cherries and chocolate. Yet it's still wonderfully full and textured, with a plush, velvety feel and a long finish. It seems to grow in aroma and flavor the longer it's in the glass, always a good sign. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 95 (WE) | HK$3,645.00 | |||||
Wine Enthusiast (95)94-96 A solid, chunky wine. It has powerful dry tannins, although they are never dominant, leaving the sweet fruit to shine. Blackberry flavors and the dark core are becoming well integrated. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 6 | 90-91 (JS) | HK$1,700.00 | |||||
James Suckling (90-91)A medium-bodied red with blackberry and plum character, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Second wine of Gruaud-Larose. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 88-90 (VN (AG)) | HK$2,465.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-90)The 2017 Sarget de Gruaud Larose is a pretty second wine built on floral aromatics and silky red/purplish berry fruit. Given its mid-weight structure, I would prefer to drink the Sarget on the early side. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 10 | 91-92 (JS) | HK$2,915.00 | |||||
James Suckling (91-92)A juicy and fresh red with dark berries and hints of chocolate. Medium to full body, firm and juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Delicious already. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 4 | 91-92 (JS) | HK$2,670.00 | |||||
James Suckling (91-92)A juicy and fresh red with dark berries and hints of chocolate. Medium to full body, firm and juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Delicious already. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 5 | 88 (VN (AG)) | HK$1,205.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88)The 2019 Sarget de Gruaud Larose is a tasty second wine. Dark red/purplish fruit, spice, rose petal, cedar and tobacco all open in the glass. The 2019 shows good density, with firm, muscular tannins that wrap around the finish. Although a bit rustic, the Sarget has good depth and plenty of character. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 10 | 88 (VN (AG)) | HK$2,550.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88)The 2019 Sarget de Gruaud Larose is a tasty second wine. Dark red/purplish fruit, spice, rose petal, cedar and tobacco all open in the glass. The 2019 shows good density, with firm, muscular tannins that wrap around the finish. Although a bit rustic, the Sarget has good depth and plenty of character. |
|||||||||
