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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(3x75cl) 2019Embodying the essence of perfection, Arnaud Ente Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts 2019 is a hallmark of superior viniculture craftsmanship. This bewitching blend hails from the renowned winemaker Arnaud Ente's precious parcels in Pulingy-Montrachet, a thriving wine commune in Burgundy, France. Ente, one of the world's most respected vignerons, meticulously cultivates these verdant vineyards ensuring a supreme yield.
Applying traditional wine-making methods, the grapes are handpicked at their peak and fermented with natural yeasts in French oak barrels, a distinct feature contributing to its rich, aromatics. Arnaud Ente Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts 2019 delivers a stunning bouquet filled with refreshing mineral notes, nuanced by subtle hints of ripened orchard fruits and delicate floral undertones. The palate is complex and persistent, rounded off with an impressive, polished finish.
Ensuring each bottle nurtures the rich legacy of its prestigious appellation, Arnaud Ente Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts 2019 is a timeless vintage which gracefully marries power and elegance.
$5,520.00 -
Wine Advocate (90)
Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2014 tasting, the 2014 Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots-du-Milieu from Arnaud Ente seems to show a lot of stem addition on the nose. It feels conspicuous at the moment, but there is sufficient fruit to support and absorb that with time. The palate is medium-bodied with that stalkiness coming through again. But there is cohesion and focus here, and its feels persistent in the mouth. Hopefully it will just gain more cohesion and knit together with a few years in bottle. Tasted September 2017.$603.00 -
Vinous (91)
The 2015 Volnay Les Santenots-du-Milieu 1er Cru has a clenched fist of a nose; the aromas are there, but it is almost as if this Volnay wants to keep the aromatics for itself instead of bestowing them upon the imbiber. Perhaps the best adjective is “selfish.” The palate is very well balanced with fine tannin and well-judged acidity that lends tension and energy, but remains very linear and strict in style. This is a Volnay that clearly refuses to come out and play at such a young age, and yet I suspect that it will mature into a very fine specimen with bottle age. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.$3,805.00 -
(6x75cl) 2016The Arnaud Ente Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots du Milieu 2016 is an exquisite exemplar of fine Burgundian red wine. Exclusively made from Pinot Noir grapes, it hails from the vineyards of Volnay, a region renowned for producing some of Burgundy's most elegant and refined wines. The creator, Arnaud Ente, is a master craftsman who favours a hands-off winemaking approach, letting the terroir express itself with minimal intervention. He has meticulously cultivated a vibrant wine, marked by its aromatic depth, silky texture, and an earthy complexity that is captivating to the palate. The 2016 vintage is particularly celebrated for its impeccable balance between intense fruit flavours and vibrant acidity, rendering this wine an excellent choice for ageing. Trust Arnaud Ente Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots du Milieu 2016 to deliver Burgundian brilliance in every glass.
$1,480.00 -
Impeccably crafted by the revered winegrower Arnaud Ente, the Arnaud Ente Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots du Milieu 2018 is exquisite. Sourced from vines in the heart of Burgundy's Côte de Beaune, situated within the 'Volnay-Santenots' 1er cru appellation, Ente’s viticultural philosophy respects the inherent terroir, exuding a blend of expertise and patience. Threading the needle between traditional and modern winemaking techniques, Ente prefers biodynamic practices, hand-harvesting and natural fermentation to maintain each grape's authenticity. This stellar vintage presents an irresistible balance of red cherry and plum flavours accentuated by subtle nuances of spice. The plush fruit core is shaped by a robust, mineral-inflected structure, paving way for a tantalising, sensuous finish. Renowned for its scarcity and uncompromisingly high quality, the Arnaud Ente Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots du Milieu 2018 epitomises the beguiling allure of fine French Pinot Noir. A symphony for the senses, this laudable wine is a testament to Ente's hallmarks of excellence.
$380.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018Impeccably crafted by the revered winegrower Arnaud Ente, the Arnaud Ente Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots du Milieu 2018 is exquisite. Sourced from vines in the heart of Burgundy's Côte de Beaune, situated within the 'Volnay-Santenots' 1er cru appellation, Ente’s viticultural philosophy respects the inherent terroir, exuding a blend of expertise and patience. Threading the needle between traditional and modern winemaking techniques, Ente prefers biodynamic practices, hand-harvesting and natural fermentation to maintain each grape's authenticity. This stellar vintage presents an irresistible balance of red cherry and plum flavours accentuated by subtle nuances of spice. The plush fruit core is shaped by a robust, mineral-inflected structure, paving way for a tantalising, sensuous finish. Renowned for its scarcity and uncompromisingly high quality, the Arnaud Ente Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots du Milieu 2018 epitomises the beguiling allure of fine French Pinot Noir. A symphony for the senses, this laudable wine is a testament to Ente's hallmarks of excellence.
$1,750.00 -
Arnaud et Sophie Sirugue-Noellat Vosne-Romanee Les Barreaux 2021 exemplifies the quintessential elegance of Burgundy's esteemed terroir. Crafted meticulously in the heart of Vosne-Romanee, this Premier Cru Pinot Noir hails from the renowned Les Barreaux vineyard, celebrated for its optimal limestone-rich soils and favourable microclimate. The Sirugue-Noellat duo, esteemed for their dedication to sustainable viticulture, employ traditional winemaking techniques complemented by modern precision. Hand-harvested grapes undergo gentle fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, preserving the wine's delicate aromatics and vibrant acidity. Aging occurs in a selection of French oak barrels, imparting subtle nuances of red cherry, spice, and earthy undertones. The resulting wine offers a harmonious balance of finesse and depth, showcasing layers of red fruit, refined minerality, and a silky finish. Arnaud et Sophie Sirugue-Noellat Vosne-Romanee Les Barreaux 2021 is a distinguished expression for the discerning connoisseur, reflecting the passion and expertise of its creators.
$869.00 -
```htmlArnaud Lambert Saumur Clos de l'Etoile 2019 exemplifies the finest expression of Saumur’s terroir, meticulously crafted by the esteemed producer Arnaud Lambert. Cultivated in the prestigious Clos de l'Etoile vineyard, this wine benefits from sustainable viticulture practices, with grapes hand-harvested at optimal ripeness. The 2019 vintage underwent careful vinification in a combination of stainless steel and French oak barrels, allowing for a harmonious balance between fruit purity and subtle complexity. Originating from the Loire Valley, Saumur's limestone-rich soils impart a distinctive minerality, while the appellation's temperate climate ensures vibrant acidity and refined structure. The resulting wine presents an elegant bouquet of ripe red berries, floral notes, and delicate spice, culminating in a long, graceful finish. Ideal for pairing with gourmet cuisine or enjoying on its own, Arnaud Lambert Saumur Clos de l'Etoile 2019 is a testament to exceptional winemaking and the rich heritage of the Saumur region.
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(6x75cl) 2019Discover the exquisite Arnaud Lambert Saumur Clos de La Blanc 2019, a testament to the Loire Valley's revered craftsmanship. Cultivated in the pristine terroir of Saumur, this wine hails from the esteemed Clos de La Blanc vineyard, meticulously tended by Arnaud Lambert, a venerated name in fine winemaking. Crafted predominantly from Chenin Blanc grapes, the 2019 vintage undergoes careful hand harvesting, ensuring optimal ripeness and flavor integrity. Fermentation is conducted in stainless steel tanks to preserve the varietal's vibrant acidity and aromatic complexity, followed by ageing in French oak barrels for twelve months, imparting subtle vanilla and minerality notes. The result is a harmonious balance of bright citrus and floral nuances, underpinned by a refined, lingering finish. Ideal for discerning palates, this wine exemplifies elegance and precision, making it a distinguished addition to any cellar. Experience the unparalleled sophistication of Arnaud Lambert Saumur Clos de La Blanc 2019.
$223.00 -
Arnaud Lambert Saumur Clos de La Blanc 2020 embodies the exquisite elegance of the Loire Valley. Crafted in the esteemed Clos de La Blanc vineyard, this vintage showcases meticulously selected Cabernet Franc grapes, hand-harvested to ensure optimal ripeness. The grapes undergo fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by maturation in French oak barrels for twelve months, imparting subtle complexity and refined tannins. Arnaud Lambert, a revered name in Saumur, combines traditional winemaking techniques with a commitment to sustainable practices, resulting in a wine of remarkable balance and character. On the palate, notes of red berries, floral undertones, and a hint of minerality unfold, culminating in a lingering, harmonious finish. This splendid exemplification of terroir and craftsmanship makes Arnaud Lambert Saumur Clos de La Blanc 2020 a distinguished addition to any fine wine collection.
$245.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020Arnaud Lambert Saumur Coulee de Saint-Cyr 2020 is a distinguished expression from the heart of the Saumur appellation. Crafted from carefully selected Cabernet Franc grapes, this wine embodies the elegance and finesse characteristic of the region. The Coulee de Saint-Cyr estate benefits from the unique terroir, with its slate and limestone soils imparting a distinct minerality to the wine. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, the wine undergoes a gentle maceration to extract nuanced flavours without overpowering tannins. Ageing is conducted in French oak barrels, allowing subtle integration of oak nuances and enhancing the wine's complexity. Arnaud Lambert, renowned for his meticulous viticultural practices, ensures that each vintage reflects the purity of the fruit and the essence of Saumur. The 2020 vintage presents a harmonious balance of vibrant red fruit, floral notes, and a lingering, refined finish, making it a superb choice for fine wine enthusiasts.
$182.00 -
Unearth the true essence of Loire Valley with the exquisite Arnaud Lambert Saumur-Champigny Clos Moleton 2019. This compelling red wine embodies the passion and expertise of its renowned producer, Arnaud Lambert. The Saumur-Champigny appellation is hailed as the pinnacle of cabernet franc production and Lambert's bio-dynamic farming approach accentuates this wine's unique terroir.
The 2019 Clos Moleton originates from a 1.2-hectare parcel that showcases the region's acclaimed tuffeau limestone soil. This stellar vintage offers an enchanting aromatic complexity, harbouring alluring notes of vibrant berry and subtle hints of fresh herbs. Fermemtation took place via native yeasts in concrete tanks, followed by aging in old foudres and barrels for 12 months, which imparts a distinctive elegance and longevity to the wine.
Arnaud Lambert Saumur-Champigny Clos Moleton 2019 is a remarkable testament to the Loire valley's greatness and demonstrates the sublime harmony between respect for nature and the art of wine making.
$213.00 -
Vinous (92-94)
The 2020 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, 50% whole bunch and 50% new oak, has an elegant bouquet that is cut from a different cloth compared to the Mazoyères that Mortet insisted should be vinified separately as they are two different terroirs. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins, fine balanced, maybe not quite as sophisticated or as nuanced as the Mazoyères yet certainly long.$3,485.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020Wine Advocate (92-94)
Another notable success is the 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru La Perrière, a medium to full-bodied, ample and velvety wine evocative of cherries, wild berries, rose petals and loamy soil. Textural and seamless, it concludes with a long, mouthwateringly saline finish.$1,370.00 -
Vinous (89-91)
The 2021 Gevrey-Chambertin La Perrière 1er Cru, which is 50% whole bunches (pédicelles), has an open, earthy, slightly mulchy bouquet with light red berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with granular tannins, more black than red fruit, very nicely defined though it just lacks a bit of length on the finish.$1,730.00 -
$1,370.00 -
$2,330.00 -
Vinous (90-92)
Using 70% whole bunch to compare with the domaine example, the 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux Saint-Jacques 1er Cru is defined by those stems on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and comes across more peppery than the domaine version, quite defined but maybe without the sensuality of the domaine.$2,145.00 -
$1,640.00 -
$866.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018$621.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019$782.00
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$684.00
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$583.00 -
$742.00 -
Vinous (96-98)
The 2020 Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru contains 50% whole bunch and 50% new oak. This has a crystalline bouquet with shimmering black cherries and light cassis aromas, the underlying mineralité becoming more pronounced with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, fine acidity, taut and fresh with just the right undertow of spiciness on the finish. It just oozes class though it will require a cool damp cellar and a bit of patience.$612.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020Vinous (96-98)
The 2020 Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru contains 50% whole bunch and 50% new oak. This has a crystalline bouquet with shimmering black cherries and light cassis aromas, the underlying mineralité becoming more pronounced with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, fine acidity, taut and fresh with just the right undertow of spiciness on the finish. It just oozes class though it will require a cool damp cellar and a bit of patience.$2,730.00 -
$4,120.00 -
Experience the exquisite opulence of the Arnaud Tessier Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Dessus 2018, spaciousness embodied in a bottle. Arnaud Tessier, a highly respected, small-scale producer in Meursault, focuses on creating elegant Chardonnays that express the full character of this prestigious region in Burgundy, France. This charm-laden bottling hails specifically from Les Charmes Dessus, where vines over four decades old root deep into marl and limestone soils, absorbing the richly unique terroir.
On the nose, it heralds a refined bouquet of orchard fruits, honeysuckle and subtle oak. The palate echoes this harmonious blend, with balanced acidity and a mineral-laden grandeur that rounds off in a memorable, lingering finish. Adhering to organic viticulture, each grape is meticulously hand-harvested and vinified with minimal intervention, resulting in a wine that characterises the purity and finesse of Meursault. Indulge in the distinctiveness of Arnaud Tessier Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Dessus 2018 and let it unravel the narrative of its storied terroir, sip by exquisite sip.
$711.00 -
(3x150cl) 2020The Arnaud Tessier Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Dessus 2020 is a sophisticated white Burgundy from the reputable French wine producer, Arnaud Tessier. Based in Meursault, a renowned wine-growing village in Burgundy, France, Arnaud Tessier is committed to biodynamic viticulture, and presents an exquisite example of that dedication with this grand Cru. The 2020 Les Charmes Dessus ensures opulence and longevity with its mature Chardonnay grapes from the esteemed Les Charmes Dessus plots, which perfectly exhibit Burgundy’s noteworthy limestone-rich soils. This wine embodies a perfect balance of richness, minerality and elegant nuance, with lovely notes of white flowers, citrus, honey and oak. Arnaud Tessier’s meticulous wine craftsmanship shines through in this Meursault, resulting in an exceptionally classy, full-bodied wine with great aging potential. Indulge in the elegant complexity of the Arnaud Tessier Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Dessus 2020, a quintessential expression of one of Burgundy’s finest terroirs.
$907.00
