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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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Juicy but understated, with Pauillac scrape and intensity, appellation signature in a glass - cassis bud, cocoa bean, graphite, bilberry, crushed mint, tobacco, saffron. There is enough weight and definition to the tannins to suggest that it will age well from here, but a good carafe will bring it into its drinking window. A definite standout and one to look out for. 75% new oak for ageing.د.إ2,500.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Juicy but understated, with Pauillac scrape and intensity, appellation signature in a glass - cassis bud, cocoa bean, graphite, bilberry, crushed mint, tobacco, saffron. There is enough weight and definition to the tannins to suggest that it will age well from here, but a good carafe will bring it into its drinking window. A definite standout and one to look out for. 75% new oak for ageing.د.إ1,600.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (97)
The 2016 Grand Puy-Lacoste has a clean, precise bouquet with nicely detailed blackberry, briar and tobacco aromas, touches of mint emerging with time, all utterly charming. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity, conveying a sense of symmetry throughout and leading into a deft, quite persistent finish. This is very classy, and it should age with style. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.د.إ3,675.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (97)
The 2016 Grand Puy-Lacoste has a clean, precise bouquet with nicely detailed blackberry, briar and tobacco aromas, touches of mint emerging with time, all utterly charming. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity, conveying a sense of symmetry throughout and leading into a deft, quite persistent finish. This is very classy, and it should age with style. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.د.إ1,595.00 -
Decanter (94)
These guys often over-deliver in challenging years, and have done so yet again. As you would expect in a vintage that has produced such an excellent Lacoste Borie, this GPL is exceptional, a real success that's juicy and carefully extracted. It has weight and impact, with a Pauillac tannic hold and presence. It's one of my wines of the vintage, and a must buy. The balanced, sculpted, juicy black fruits fully deliver personality and signature style. Harvested 15-29 September, yielding 45hl/ha. 80% new oak.د.إ1,230.00 -
The fruit profile is typically darker than the Lacoste but it is still vibrant, fresh and wonderfully concentrated. The palate is beautifully linear and balanced with excellent focus, mineral grain and a bit of muscle. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot. The highest alcohol levels ever at 14% but you’d never know it and it’s still not a patch on some of the big bruisers this year. As it sits in the glass it becomes even more forward and clear with lively red currant on top of the deeper black berry.د.إ1,545.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2019 Grand-Puy-Lacoste exhibits notions of minty cassis, plums, loamy soil, burning embers and cigar wrapper, followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich and velvety palate that’s deep and concentrated, its generous core of lively fruit concealing an elegantly muscular chassis of ripe, powdery tannin. Consisting of fully 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is another true classic from the Borie family.د.إ1,235.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (97)
The 2020 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has a wonderful, "cool" bouquet with refined, graphite-infused black fruit that simply oozes class. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid black fruit and wonderful symmetry, fresh and tensile with a persistent, tobacco-tinged finish that could only come from Pauillac. Wonderful. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.د.إ3,235.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (97)
The 2020 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has a wonderful, "cool" bouquet with refined, graphite-infused black fruit that simply oozes class. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid black fruit and wonderful symmetry, fresh and tensile with a persistent, tobacco-tinged finish that could only come from Pauillac. Wonderful. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.د.إ1,400.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Licorice with tapenade, cassis, roasted spices and a touch of bergamot and pencil shavings. Full-bodied and structured, this has filigreed tannins in a very dusty, almost powdery form. Really youthful and long. Juicy and compact with spot-on balance. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot. Give it at least three years to unwind and develop complexity.د.إ1,315.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
I am thinking about the purity of fruit here, with blackcurrants, cassis and lead pencil. There's an underlying character of mineral and flint. The palate is dense, focused and precise, with very fine tannins that are ultra-fine and layered and go vertically down the palate. Everything is in the right place. So much polish and a svelte nature. Then hints of hazelnut and walnut to the refined texture. Sophisticated. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot.د.إ2,055.00 -
(3x150cl) 2023James Suckling (95-96)
I am thinking about the purity of fruit here, with blackcurrants, cassis and lead pencil. There's an underlying character of mineral and flint. The palate is dense, focused and precise, with very fine tannins that are ultra-fine and layered and go vertically down the palate. Everything is in the right place. So much polish and a svelte nature. Then hints of hazelnut and walnut to the refined texture. Sophisticated. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot.د.إ4,618.42 -
James Suckling (95-96)
I am thinking about the purity of fruit here, with blackcurrants, cassis and lead pencil. There's an underlying character of mineral and flint. The palate is dense, focused and precise, with very fine tannins that are ultra-fine and layered and go vertically down the palate. Everything is in the right place. So much polish and a svelte nature. Then hints of hazelnut and walnut to the refined texture. Sophisticated. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot.د.إ1,300.00 -
Renowned for their historic Burgundy heritage, the Gros Frere et Soeur winery presents its exceptional 'Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Chaumes 2021'. Impeccably crafted in the coveted French vineyards of Vosne, the high pedigree of this Premier Cru is undeniable. The Gros family, revered across generations for their winemaking prowess, have produced a wine reflecting the unique microclimate and limestone-rich soil in which the grapes have flourished. Expect a seductive bouquet, entwining notes of ripe dark cherries, earthy truffle, and subtle spices that yield to a velvety palate. Notice the gentle tannins that elegantly bind the wine, giving it remarkable balance and finesse. An exquisite representation of Burgundy, the Gros Frere et Soeur Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Chaumes 2021 is an unrivalled choice for the discerning wine aficionado. With excellent ageing potential, this is a wine that promises to mature beautifully, becoming even more enthralling as the years unfold.
د.إ3,430.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
Full-bodied, layered and juicy young wine. Very tannic yet ripe and intense. Powerful finish. This will be excellent. Better than the 2015.د.إ3,070.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
A serious, more obviously structured effort than the suave 2019, the 2020 Gruaud Larose opens in the glass with aromas of blackcurrants and blackberries mingled with subtle hints of burning embers, pencil shavings and violets framed by a deft touch of classy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with rich, powdery tannins and vibrant fruit flavors, it concludes with an impressively penetrating finish. However, it appears likely to require patience.د.إ1,715.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
The 2022 Château Gruaud Larose is largely Cabernet Sauvignon yet includes 14% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 95% new barrels. It's an inky-hued 2022 that has a killer nose of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, liquid violets, and a beautiful, crushed stone-like minerality. This powerful, full-bodied Gruaud La Rose has plenty of mid-palate depth, fine, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's probably best hidden in the back of the cellar for a decade if possible, but it should be incredibly long-lived. I think it's as good as the 2018 and one of the absolute classics from this château.د.إ1,955.00 -
(3x150cl) 2023Decanter (97)
A complete knockout of a wine in 2023. Deep, vibrant purple in colour. Lots of milk chocolate, some exotic spices and black fruit touches on the nose, along with floral scents of roses and violets - smells gorgeous. Supple and filling, an immediate weight and texture on the palate, thick silk and ripe fruit, massy but then almost straight away quite clean and crisp. Forward and focussed, tannins RE supportive but so well integrated into the wine - almost a seamless expression - with plenty of underlying power. It’s delicious. Very drinkable, finessed and restrained, nothing overdone, no harshness. Everything feels in its place. Juicy and succulent cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry with high mouthwatering acidity. A great wine, I love it because it’s layered and lifted, you can feel the sculpting with muscles on show and it feels very ‘put together’. There’s lots of strict Cabernet, but this has a touch of plushness which you can't help but smile at. A top buy in 2023. 40% grand production, taken from 60% of the estate. 15% press wine.د.إ4,693.98 -
Decanter (97)
A complete knockout of a wine in 2023. Deep, vibrant purple in colour. Lots of milk chocolate, some exotic spices and black fruit touches on the nose, along with floral scents of roses and violets - smells gorgeous. Supple and filling, an immediate weight and texture on the palate, thick silk and ripe fruit, massy but then almost straight away quite clean and crisp. Forward and focussed, tannins RE supportive but so well integrated into the wine - almost a seamless expression - with plenty of underlying power. It’s delicious. Very drinkable, finessed and restrained, nothing overdone, no harshness. Everything feels in its place. Juicy and succulent cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry with high mouthwatering acidity. A great wine, I love it because it’s layered and lifted, you can feel the sculpting with muscles on show and it feels very ‘put together’. There’s lots of strict Cabernet, but this has a touch of plushness which you can't help but smile at. A top buy in 2023. 40% grand production, taken from 60% of the estate. 15% press wine.د.إ1,690.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2022 Mâcon-Pierreclos Juliette et les Vieilles de Chavigne is one of the high points of the range, unwinding in the glass with deep aromas of pear and waxy citrus framed by notions of iodine and smoky reduction. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, it's muscular and concentrated, with a racy spine, terrific depth at the core and a long, pure finish. Readers will have fun deciding which rendition of this cuvée is their favorite, but what is certain is that anyone who loves profound white Burgundy will want to own them all.د.إ8,585.00 -
Wine Advocate (93+)
The 2022 Saint-Véran 1er Jus retains the slightly exotic, passerillé style it revealed during élevage, exhibiting aromas of sweet stone fruits, clear honey and mango mingled with notions of toasted nuts and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered, it concludes with a long, saline finish.د.إ5,885.00 -
Decanter (94)
2020 was a ripe vintage, but Romain Guiberteau's Brézé is a restrained beauty with all the class of this top site. The nose is all smouldering smoke, toast and almonds, while the palate delivers an invigorating blast of mineral acidity coated with filigree strands of silken fruit – orange, tangerine, even ripe pineapple. But these are all tightly wound at present, with the tingling Brézé tension like a tightly pulled thread. This needs a couple of years to reveal its charms, which it surely will.د.إ1,830.00 -
Marvel at the magic of Guiberteau Saumur Les Arboises 2017. A rarity from the renowned Loire Valley region, this gem is the fruit of organic vineyards nurtured by Romain Guiberteau. Employing a minimalist approach, the grapes are hand-harvested, after which they undergo a gentle pressing, followed by natural fermentation in neutral oak barrels. The result? A wine that shines in its complexity and balance.
Guiberteau Saumur Les Arboises 2017 features a vibrant hue and distinctive mineral-rich aroma, a nod to the limestone-rich, south-facing vineyards of Les Arboises. On the palate unfolds a fine play of ripe cherries, dark berries, and earthy undertones — an encapsulation of the vineyard's terroir. Endowed with refined tannins and a prolonged aftertaste, it's a wine that expresses its character with grace and quiet confidence.
An unfiltered and unfined marvel, Guiberteau's star is justly rising in the global wine world. Experience the illustrious Guiberteau Saumur Les Arboises 2017 — a symphony of quality craftsmanship and authentic Loire Valley imprint.
د.إ1,870.00 -
The Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Les Moulins Rouge 2020 is an exquisite gem from the heart of Loire Valley. Artisan producer Romain Guiberteau has restored a rich family lineage, leveraging limestone-rich soils and organic viticulture to produce this exceptional wine. The 2020 vintage is entirely from Cabernet Franc, with deep, vibrant flavours of red fruit, spiced by a mineral undertone. Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts, reflecting an absolute devotion to natural winemaking practices. After 18 months in French oak, the Moulins Rouge 2020 reveals a tannic structure that is both complex and pleasing. Light-bodied yet expressive, its bright acidity and precision balance highlight the wine's versatility and ageability. Like a classic French painting, "Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Les Moulins Rouge 2020" embodies an exquisite balance of tradition and innovation, making it a must-have for any fine wine enthusiast.
د.إ491.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Just about pure perfection and one of the finest Condrieu to pass my lips, the 2020 Condrieu La Doriane offers an insane bouquet of grilled pineapple, charcoal, crushed stone, acacia flowers, and white peach. It picks up an incredibly sense of salinity on the palate and is full-bodied, has blockbuster concentration, remarkable purity and focus, and a great finish. I like this beast/beauty today, but it will keep for a decade.د.إ2,160.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
I loved the 2015 Côte Rôtie Château D'Ampuis from barrel, and this beauty does not disappoint from bottle. Coming from a handful of top sites, it’s made in the same fashion as the top La Las, seeing four years in new barrels. Deep purple-hued with a classic bouquet of black raspberries, jammy blackberries, acacia flowers, vanilla bean, and spice, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a rounded, expansive mid-palate, sweet tannins, and a great, great finish. Savvy readers will stock up on this beauty. Give it 3-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades or more.د.إ2,070.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96-99)
I loved the 2017 Côte Rôtie Château D'Ampuis. It’s a ripe, expressive barrel sample overflowing with notions of black raspberries, cassis, vanilla bean, and incense. Medium to full-bodied, rounded, and silky, it has lots of ripe tannins as well as stunning balance. It’s in the same ballpark as the 2016 yet shows the warmer, sunny nature of the vintage.د.إ2,085.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
Not scheduled to be on the market until November of 2023, the 2018 Côte Rôtie Chateau D'Ampuis is nevertheless a remarkable Côte Rôtie that readers will love to have in the cellar. Sporting a deep ruby/purple hue as well as awesome Côte Rôtie notes of smoked game, violets, acacia flowers, and both red and black fruits, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, has polished, seamless tannins, and a layered, perfectly balanced mouthfeel. It shows the softer style of the vintage (especially compared to the more structured, tannic 2019) and already offers pleasure, but this will easily evolve for at least two decades.د.إ2,010.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Brooding and gently somber as usual, the 2019 Côte-Rôtie Château d'Ampuis opens with aromas of chocolate, oak, pencil lead, gentian and dark berries. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and deep, it’s structured around a powerful mid-palate framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a long, mineral and saline finish. This is a classic.د.إ2,115.00 -
د.إ4,130.00
