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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Burgundy | 1 | - | د.إ6,870.00 | |||||
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Immerse yourself in a world of exceptional flavour and sophistication with the Pierre Girardin Richebourg Grand Cru 2021. This gem hails from the acclaimed vineyards of Burgundy, France, meticulously tended by Pierre Girardin, the talented 13th generation vintner. Pierre's passion for creating nuanced, sumptuous wines is crystal-clear in this 2021 Grand Cru. Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, this wine's vibrant ruby hue hints at thrilling depth and intensity. Seductive aromas of red cherries, cassis, and subtle dried herbs fuse with hints of rich dark chocolate and finely nuanced minerals. On the palate, the Pierre Girardin Richebourg Grand Cru 2021 unfolds layers of complex flavours, Macerated fruit, warmed spice, and robust yet refined tannins intrigue and enchant. Every bottle showcases Pierre's dedication to sustainable viticulture practices and innovative winemaking techniques. The Pierre Girardin Richebourg Grand Cru 2021 sets a new benchmark in fine wine. Experience this vinous masterpiece for yourself. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 16.5 (JR) | د.إ1,305.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (16.5)Blueberry and raspberry fruit, violet and sweet spice providing youthful complexity, and the finish has a toasted oak spiciness. Sleek and modern, but with the body and fine tannic weave of good Volnay. (RH) |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | د.إ3,885.00 | |||||
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Setting an example in Burgundy, the Pierre Girardin Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Suchots 2018 is a masterpiece. The young vintner, Pierre Girardin, orchestrated this wine with tradition and innovation, combining hand-harvesting and sorting with temperature-controlled stainless-steel fermentation, creating an unmatched composition. Located in the heart of Burgundy, the Vosne-Romanee appellation has long been recognised for producing high-quality Pinot Noir, and Les Suchots is among its finest Premier Crus. Featuring an intoxicating bouquet of ripe cherries, wild berries, integrated oak, and delicate hints of spice, it tempts the palate. On tasting, you'll find excellent concentration, velvety tannins, and a lengthy, elegant finish, illuminating the time-tested winemaking acumen of the Maison Pierre Girardin. This sublime creation is a testament to the prowess of Pierre Girardin, the 13th generation of the Girardin family, who are driving the evolution of Burgundy Pinot Noir with their subtle, precise wines. |
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NA | 4 | 95 (WA) | د.إ646.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95)Composed of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Grenache, and 7% Counoise, the 2018 Odyssée has a deep garnet color, bursting from the glass with a whole array of exotic spices notes—cumin seed, star anise, cardamom and cassia—over a core of stewed black plums, warm cassis and blackberry preserves, with hints of dark chocolate, lavender and tapenade. The full-bodied palate is jam-packed with concentrated black and blue fruits, framed by firm, rounded tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing very long with a peppery kick. A little more structured than previous vintages and with such impressive concentration, this should easily cellar 25 years or more. |
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99 | 94 (WI) | د.إ745.00 | ||||||
The Wine Independent (94)The 2019 Odyssee is an eclectic blend of Bordeaux and Rhone vineyards, made by Pierre Graffeuille (now at Montrose) and Matthieu Dumarcher, composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Medoc, and 25% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre from the Rhone. Medium garnet-purple in color, it springs from the glass with vivacious notes of black raspberries, mulberries, and juicy plums, followed by an undercurrent of crushed blackcurrants, Indian spices, and charcoal with a waft of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with spicy black fruit flavors, supported by velvety tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with a skip in its step. |
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6 | 95 (JD) | د.إ757.00 | ||||||
Jeb Dunnuck (95)Made by Pierre Graffeuille, the 2020 Odyssée is a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Médoc and Grenache from the Southern Rhône. It’s darker and richer than the 2022, with lots of cassis, blackcurrants, and tobacco, plus a touch of minerality. Medium to full-bodied, it’s got a gorgeous, layered feel, plenty of depth, and terrific balance. This is a seriously elegant wine that should evolve nicely for over a decade. |
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Champagne | 8 | 98 (JS) | د.إ2,565.00 | |||||
James Suckling (98)Orange rind and spices, such as cardamom on the nose, together with sourdough and fresh fig . Some salted butter, too. It's creamy, supple and silky, with a salty freshness. Soft bubbles. Long and chalky finish. 100% chardonnay from 90-year-old vines. Base wine fermented in stainless steel. Only made in exceptional vintages. Disgorged after 15 years on lees with 5g/L dosage. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 1 | 96 (WA) | د.إ9,565.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (96)"Why has the non-vintage concept largely been reserved to entry-level wines?" pondered Péters, and he decided to produce a new cuvée to change that. Based on the 2012 Les Chétillons and supplemented by wine from the family's long-established perpetual reserve, the NV L’Étonnant Monsieur Victor Edition MK 12 is the latest rendition, and it's showing very well, opening in the glass with aromas of lemon oil, warm bread, white flowers, crushed chalk, oyster shells and wheat toast. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with superb concentration, racy acids and a precise, intensely saline finish. |
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Champagne | 1 | 95 (VN) | د.إ8,340.00 | |||||
Vinous (95)The 2015 L'Etonnant Monsieur Victor Edition TB.15 is impressive. In fact, it is the best of the 2015-base wines at Péters, and also shows how important blending can be in Champagne. For this bottling, Rodolphe Péters blends one tank of his Chétillons and a tank of Réserve Oubliée. The result is a Champagne of uncommon complexity and pedigree. Bright, floral and effusive, the 2015 base Monsieur Victor is just gorgeous. There is a feeling of translucence that is beguiling. Hints of dried flowers, marzipan, brioche and hazelnut linger on the delicate, super-refined finish. I would prefer to drink this on the earlier side, as the first signs of aromatic nuance are starting to settle in. Disgorged: December 2021. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. |
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Champagne | 1 | 97 (VN) | د.إ4,600.00 | |||||
Vinous (97)The 2014 Cuvée Spéciale Les Chétillons is fabulous. The 2014 is not as obvious as years like 2012 or 2013, but it presents a youthfully austere, classic personality that is absolutely beguiling. Readers will have to be patient here. There is certainly a lot to look forward to. The 2014 Les Chétillons is a Blanc de Blancs that sizzles with Mesnil tension and energy. Dosage is 3.5-4.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: May, 2021. |
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Champagne | 1 | 97 (VN) | د.إ7,115.00 | |||||
Vinous (97)The 2014 Cuvée Spéciale Les Chétillons is fabulous. The 2014 is not as obvious as years like 2012 or 2013, but it presents a youthfully austere, classic personality that is absolutely beguiling. Readers will have to be patient here. There is certainly a lot to look forward to. The 2014 Les Chétillons is a Blanc de Blancs that sizzles with Mesnil tension and energy. Dosage is 3.5-4.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: May, 2021. |
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Champagne | 1 | - | د.إ6,380.00 | |||||
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Revered as a paramount exemplar of fine Champagne, the Pierre Peters Les Montjolys Blanc de Blancs 2015 distinguishes itself with its refined character. Harvested in the esteemed Montjolys vineyard, known for its classic chalk and limestone soils, this splendid blanc de blancs exudes its unique terroir's distinctive fingerprint, showcasing Pierre Peters' savoir-faire in viticulture since 1919. It's an exclusive Grand Cru, crafted meticulously using 100% Chardonnay grapes. Marvel at its captivating golden hue with a fine effervescence that dances on the palate. Striking citrus notes intertwine harmoniously with a bouquet of baked apple, honeycomb and creamy nougat, capturing the essence of the 2015 vintage. This vintage offers an enlivening freshness, underscored by a well-structured minerality. Round and enveloping in the mouth, the Pierre Peters Les Montjolys Blanc de Blancs 2015 confirms the house's reputation for fusing tradition with innovation elegantly. Savour this exceptional Champagne's complexity and finesse, encapsulating the luxury of time. |
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Rhone | 1 | 100 (JD) | د.إ1,620.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)Getting more than one exclamation in the notes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is a deep, rich yet vibrant red that offers a kaleidoscope of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, crushed flowers, Asian spices, and cured meats. It's more opulent and sexier than the 2010, fresher and purer than the 2007, has deep, full-bodied aromas and flavors, and a huge finish. It's a sensational, heavenly Châteauneuf-du-Pape that tops out my scale. This cuvée is 100% Grenache that was not destemmed and was aged in 20% demi-muids and the balance in concrete tanks. |
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Rhone | 1 | 98+ (JD) | د.إ1,355.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (98+)One of the top handful of wines in the vintage, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is all Grenache, from the different terroirs (one sand, one clay, and one limestone) that was 50% destemmed and aged all in older demi-muids. Reminding me of the 2007 with its incredible perfume of ripe black raspberries, strawberries, flowery incense, peppery and Provençal garrigue, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a round, expansive texture, gorgeous tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. A wine of incredibly purity, precision, and elegance, yet also with power and opulence, this sensational effort is in need of 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep for two decades. |
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Rhone | 1 | 97 (JD) | د.إ1,670.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (97)The crème de la crème of the vintage, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is 100% whole cluster fermented Grenache raised mostly in demi-muids. It doesn't get more Provençal than this beauty, whose deeper ruby hue is followed by a killer nose of darker cherries, blackberries, olive tapenade, licorice, and peppery garrigue. With medium to full-bodied richness, the sun-kissed, perfumed, complex style of the vintage, ample opulence and fat, and sweet, integrated tannins, it's a stunning, classic expression of this cuvée to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years. There's no Reserve Des Deux Freres in the vintage, as the team didn't feel it was warranted in the vintage. |
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Rhone | 1 | 100 (JD) | د.إ1,180.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)There's a single barrel of the 2016 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You, which is 100% Grenache from the Les Serres lieu-dit from the oldest vines of the estate. It wasn’t destemmed and spent two years in a neutral barrel. It offers an incredible bouquet of kirsch, blackberries, incense, white flowers, garrigue and spice that develops beautifully with time in the glass. Rich, powerful, full-bodied, and concentrated, it nevertheless glides over the palate with no weight, ultra-fine tannins, and a singular, exotic, lengthy style. |
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Rhone | 2 | 100 (JD) | د.إ2,980.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)While the 2020 will include a splash of Syrah, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Réserve Des Deux Frères is its normal 100% Grenache and is a selection made in the cellar. In 2019, it ended up being roughly 30% new oak, and I think there were some stems included as well. It’s another magical wine from this estate, boasting a dense purple hue as well as a perfume of black raspberries, cassis, blueberry liqueur, spring flowers, toasted bread, and lavender. Full-bodied on the palate, with an incredible mouthfeel, riveting purity, and ultra-fine tannins, it’s unquestionably one of the all-time greats of this cuvée. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following two decades or more. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 90-93 (IB) | د.إ1,210.00 | |||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-93)A blend from three vineyards, Perrières, Combes, Créot. Mid lemon not clear, more fruit weight on the nose, into ripe apples here, less citrus, a little tension, matching the opulence of the fruit. Good length again. Tasted: October 2021 |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | د.إ6,035.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | 90 (WA) | د.إ1,300.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (90)The 2021 Volnay Les Pluchots exhibits aromas of sweet berries, cherries and burning embers, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy palate. It's a success. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 93 (VN) | د.إ2,815.00 | |||||
Vinous (93)From the 32-year-old vines, the 2019 Volnay Clos des Chênes 1er Cru has the most backward and recalcitrant nose of Bouley’s Volnays, though well defined and focused. The palate is grippy on the entry with superb precision. It reminds me of Lafarge albeit with darker fruit towards the finish. Excellent. |
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Champagne | 2 | 93+ (WA) | د.إ1,075.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (93+)Unfurling in the glass with incipiently complex aromas of citrus oil, wheat toast, fresh peach and crisp orchard fruit, the newly released 2012 Vintage Brut is full-bodied, deep and tightly wound, with excellent concentration, racy acids and a fine mousse, concluding with a long and penetrating finish. Even though it's still a little reserved after its recent disgorgement |
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Champagne | 1 | 98 (TRR) | د.إ2,095.00 | |||||
The Real Review (HH) (98)Full golden-yellow colour; very toasty old-wine bouquet which gradually opened up and revealed more with time in the glass. Aromas of toasted bread, toffee, vanilla, apricot, blood orange, quince paste; the palate full, rich and very dry, the penetrating acidity powering a very long finish. A very mature Champagne, not for everyone, but for those who enjoy aged Champagne, it's a joy. The rating is purely about pleasure. (60/40 pinot noir / chardonnay. 4 grams/litre dosage; disgorged in January 2022) |
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Champagne | 18 | 98 (WS) | د.إ3,190.00 | |||||
Wine Spectator (98)A beautifully bright and expressive Champagne, with precision and vivid acidity throughout; roasted coffee bean and graphite notes lead to a rich palate of toasted brioche, crystallized honey, bergamot and crème de cassis. Exotic ground spice details of cardamom, ginger and anise show on the finish. Tasted from magnum. Drink now through 2030. |
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Champagne | 1 | 98 (DC) | د.إ2,660.00 | |||||
Decanter (98)Best in Show Award Pale gold in colour; very fine mousse. Fresh, pure and invigorating aromas in which green apple and citrus slowly give way to subtle, soft brioche, ivy leaf and plant sap; just a brush stroke of cream behind. This is a lean, pure Champagne of perfectly poised ripeness and restraint, very long in flavour, with the creamy richness of autolysis perfectly judged -- supportive but in no way obtrusive. The minority Chardonnay still takes a leading role at this stage; the majority Pinot Noir provides a pure frame and canvas. Exciting now, but don't hurry to drink, even though it already has a decade and a half behind it: there are further rewards ahead. |
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Champagne | 1 | 98 (DC) | د.إ1,370.00 | |||||
Decanter (98)Best in Show 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir With fourteen years' ageing under its belt, this Champagne has had time to gather and marshal all its resources - which it does with great style and assurance. It's a pale, glowing lemon yellow, with a fine mousse and ample wealth of billowing vanilla, cream and plump hazels. The palate has dramatic intensity and drive, delivering a wealth of chalky lemon; its athleticism and vigour almost come as a surprise after that floating veil of seductive scent. A fresh, mouth-cleansing finish completes the appeal of this skilful, sagely judged blend from a hugely likeable vintage. |
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Champagne | 34 | 93 (DC) | د.إ869.00 | |||||
Decanter (93)Richly biscuity on the nose, with steamed rice, fresh pear and citrus blossom complexity. Creamy mousse dissolves into red apple peel, lemon and stone fruits, with a depth of honeyed biscuits. The Reserve NV from Pol Roger is a blend of base wines from at least three vintages. With 6 months of post-disgorgement ageing, the wine is ready to enjoy now. |
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