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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Bordeaux | 3 | 95-96 (JS) | د.إ2,480.00 | |||||
James Suckling (95-96)This is full-bodied with layers of fruit. Ripe and flavorful. Lots going on with a fleshy feel. No malolactic this year. Sweet peach, honeysuckle and citrus. Contrastive. 52% sauvignon blanc, 14% sauvignon gris and 34% semillon. |
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Provence | 3 | - | د.إ2,010.00 | |||||
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Provence | 9 | - | د.إ365.00 | |||||
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Provence | 6 | - | د.إ855.00 | |||||
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Provence | 19 | - | د.إ347.00 | |||||
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Provence | 30 | - | د.إ347.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | 90-92 (VN) | د.إ2,695.00 | |||||
Vinous (90-92)The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin "Symphonie" (tasted with classical piano tinkling away on the radio as I sat in their office!) has a delightful red cherry and bergamot bouquet that unfolds seductively in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Very harmonious on the finish, which feels caressing. This comes highly recommended. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 93 (IB) | د.إ2,155.00 | |||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93)Slightly the deepest in colour and the richest nose of the four premier crus. Some lemon notes and light plum, then white fruit. This has the most assured texture of the four. Good grip, as Clive Coates would have said, stretching out very nicely in a fine long finish. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 17 (JR) | د.إ4,225.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (17)Cask sample. Top-quality premier cru Puligny. Concentration and power on the nose/palate. Savoury edge, plenty of citrus keeping the palate fresh. Should age very well. Stony finish with an intriguing zesty character. GV. |
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Rhone | 1 | 94 (VN) | د.إ1,375.00 | |||||
Vinous (94)Inky ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of dark berry liqueur, incense and peony are energized by a smoky mineral flourish. Sweet and seamless in texture, offering densely packed blackberry and cherry compote flavors and suggestions of candied violet, spicecake and chewing tobacco. The floral and mineral notes resonate emphatically on an impressively long, penetrating finish that features mounting tannins and a sweet hint of cola. |
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Rhone | 2 | 96 (DC) | د.إ2,110.00 | |||||
Decanter (96)Vines with an average age of 60 years from lieux-dits Combe, Patou, La Côte, Les Mazards and Chaillot provide the fruit for this Cornas. It spends 20 months in barriques, around 20% new. There are multiple layers to the aromatic palate: rosemary, thyme, herbal bitters, blackberry, blackcurrant and loganberry. A medium-bodied, concentrated but unforced wine with no excessive extraction, a subtly spiced finish and sinewy, brushed tannins. Detailed, focussed, structured and textural, this is captivating and true to its terroir. |
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Rhone | 1 | 95 (WA) | د.إ1,080.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95)The 2017 Cairanne L'Estevenas has indeed turned out to be super. A 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah, it shows more of the Syrah side at the moment, with floral notes, peppery spice, black olives and licorice all making appearances on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied, with a supple, creamy feel and a rich, chewy finish. Impressive! Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | د.إ15,820.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 2 | 93 (BH) | د.إ7,430.00 | |||||
Burghound (93)(Outstanding) A markedly spicy and slightly more elegant nose is both quite pretty and floral in character with just a touch of wood toast to the mostly red currant-scented aromas. The ultra-refined, sleek and lacy middle weight flavors that possess a velvety mouthfeel that contrasts with the firm and youthfully austere finally that is very well balanced. This lovely effort should amply reward medium to even longer-term patience. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 85 (VN) | د.إ2,050.00 | |||||
Vinous (85)Also recommended. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (VN) | د.إ2,100.00 | |||||
Vinous (92-94)The 2017 Chambolle-Musigny Les Chabiots 1er Cru has a wonderful, expressive red cherry and crushed strawberry nose with beguiling floral aromas. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannin, finely pitched acidity and a long, poised, silky-smooth finish. A great Chambolle from winemaker Alain Serveau. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 91-93 (WA) | د.إ3,855.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (91-93)The 2016 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru was picked on 28 September, includes 30% whole bunch fruit and matured in 40% new oak. It has a clean, fresh and vibrant bouquet with red cherry, cranberry leaf and fine mineralité coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, impressive depth, quite saline in the mouth with a pinch of spice/black pepper toward the finish. This is a well-crafted Clos de la Roche that should age with style. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 87 (VN) | د.إ780.00 | |||||
Vinous (87)The 2021 Chablis Vaucoupin 1er Cru has a primal, grapefruit and lemon thyme scented nose that feels a bit strict. The palate is well balanced with a sapid entry, though it needs more grip and substance on the finish. Fine, but early-drinking. Tasted blind at the BIVB tasting in Chablis. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 92-94 (VN) | د.إ1,930.00 | |||||
Vinous (92-94)The 2018 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru is very airy, weightless and lifted. The 35% new oak is not especially evident. The 2018 shows real finesse and aromatic intrigue. Citrus, white flowers, chalk, white orchard fruit, white pepper and mint come together in a very pretty and gracious wine with a long, persistent finish. |
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Burgundy | 3 | 94 (IB) | د.إ1,590.00 | |||||
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94)Fullish yellow. The complex nose shows the power of the vintage, a few drier tannins behind, fair acidity. I think the Clos character is there, but it is reticent today. The palate does deliver detail and layers of fruit though. The finish does also suggest the necessary class. Really good length here. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 95 (JS) | د.إ2,830.00 | |||||
James Suckling (95)Very energetic, concentrated and powerful flavors of lime and peaches. A wealth of mouthwatering acidity. Superb depth, purity and a long, stony mineral core. Holds long. Try from 2020 |
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Burgundy | 1 | 95 (DC) | د.إ3,180.00 | |||||
Decanter (95)Moutonne is one of Chablis' finest expressions and the 2019 will be another in a long list of memorable vintages. Although not the final bottling, it is clear that there is great power here, combined with finesse and a lightness on its feet. Savoury, umami, notes on the finish. Wood is a little evident now but will integrate beautifully once in bottle for 6-12 months. A lovely example, both powerful and restrained. |
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Burgundy | 2 | - | د.إ688.00 | |||||
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Burgundy | 1 | - | د.إ2,020.00 | |||||
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Champagne | 2 | 92.0 | د.إ596.00 | |||||
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"A lifted nose of ripe citrus with almonds and brioche that is extremely open and inviting. The palate treads the line between richness and refreshment perfectly. Round & generous fruit with a decent slug of dosage is balanced out with a super-fresh finish and spray of mineral at the last. 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay here meaning this Blanc de Blancs really over-delivers at the price point. An excellent house pour. " - Will Trotman, Head of UK Sales
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Bordeaux | 2 | 91 (VN (AG)) | د.إ479.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)Just as it was from barrel, the 2016 Alcée is rich, sumptuous and hedonistic. Red plum, dried herb, cherry, spice, tobacco and iron give the 2016 notable aromatic and flavor complexity. The interplay of dense fruit and persistent tannins makes for a compelling wine that delivers serious intensity at its level. The 2016 is super-ripe and potent, but has enough brightness and overall energy to make for a very complete wine. This is a strong showing from Alcée, Nicolas Thienpont's Côte de Castillon. Tasted two times. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 91 (VN (AG)) | د.إ479.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)The 2017 Alcée has turned out beautifully. Espresso, mocha, sweet red cherry, red plum, mint, cedar and spice give the 2017 very pretty aromatic brightness. Pliant and racy. This mid-weight Nicolas Thienpont's Côtes de Castillon has so much to offer. A touch of whole clusters adds nuance and vibrancy to this very pretty and expressive red. I would give it another year in bottle. There is plenty to look forward to, that is for sure. Tasted three times. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 91-93+ (WA) | د.إ479.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (91-93+). |
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Bordeaux | 4 | 91-93 (WA) | د.إ592.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (91-93)The 2020 Alcee has an opaque purple-black color and alluring scents of stewed black plums, black cherry preserves and raspberry pie, plus suggestions of star anise, rose hip tea, wild mushrooms and cinnamon toast. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with densely packed black fruit and red berry accents, supported by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. |
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Rhone | 2 | - | د.إ551.00 | |||||
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Dating back to 2015, the Alleno & Chapoutier Saint Joseph Croix Chabot 2015 is a luxuriously complex synergy of French artistry. Renowned Michelin starred chef Yannick Alléno and Rhône winemaker Michel Chapoutier immaculately craft this exquisite spirit. Sourced from a parcel on Saint Joseph's hill known as 'Croix Chabot,' the vineyard embraces an ideal geographic spot. This fertile land nurtures granitic soils that imbue the wine with a distinct minerality. The features of Syrah grapes beautifully shine through their vinification in concrete tanks followed by an ageing process in oak barrels for a span of 12 to 18 months. This meticulous process ensures a harmonious blend of the wine's fruity and spicy characters. The elegant full-bodied Alleno & Chapoutier Saint Joseph Croix Chabot 2015 unfurls flavours of dark fruit and undertones of liquorice and violet. With a delightful lingering finish, it offers a rich and inviting experience for the true wine connoisseur. |
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