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 | 5 | 95 (DC) | د.إ2,245.00 | |||||
Decanter (95)Gorgeous rich dark purple in the glass. Quite jammy and concentrated on the nose, heady and perfumed with a lovely delicate florality to it too. Great freshness on the palate, juicy but a dark blackcurrant and cherry fruit juice. Beautifully balanced with integrated tannins and oak. Well defined fruit, generous and quite abundant against softly grippy, velvety tannins that just give support to the overall frame. It's serious but with a lightness of touch and playfulness - energetic and lively but still with depth. A great Alter Ego and confident winemaking on show. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 17+ (JR) | د.إ1,620.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (17+)50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Very much in the Alter Ego mould – lively, fruit-driven with that vineyard-fresh feel but with a little more structure than previous years. Pure and appetising but will age. (JL) 13.7% |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 94-95 (JS) | د.إ1,535.00 | |||||
James Suckling (94-95)Savory black and salted-olive character with oyster shells and black licorice. Fine, almost powdery yet firm tannins. Medium body. Excellent density and structure for the vintage. Second wine of Palmer. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot and 8% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 97 (JA) | د.إ1,095.00 | |||||
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)This is a white wine that I am always recommending to friends, because it stands out among the whites of the 1855 Médoc estates for its sharp, sleek and precise flavours, delivering just the right amount of flesh and juice. From a 1.8ha of vines, 10% new oak, harvest 12 to 13 September. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | د.إ872.00 | |||||
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Dive into an unparalleled vino adventure with Alvina Pernot Bourgogne Cote d'Or Chardonnay 2021, an exemplary embodiment of French winemaking finesse. Expertly nurtured in the prestige fruit gardens of Bourgogne Cote d'Or, this varietal hails from the esteemed vineyards of Alvina Pernot, an acclaimed producer renowned for tradition and innovation. This Chardonnay resounds with a subtle blend of sophistication and charm. Carefully fermented in barrels to capture its unique oaky flavours, the wine presents a lively, balanced palate, finishing with a display of lingering citrus notes that spell sheer elegance. One look at the golden-hued pour spells a tantalising foreshadow of the wine's flavour profile. Alvina Pernot Bourgogne Cote d'Or Chardonnay 2021 is an eloquent statement of the exceptional quality and rich heritage of Alvina Pernot's viticultural artistry, promising an indulgence that befits the discerning connoisseur. |
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Rhone | 1 | 95 (VN) | د.إ2,730.00 | |||||
Vinous (95)Translucent yellow. Seductively perfumed aromas of passion fruit, pear nectar, white peach and orange zest, along with suggestions of jasmine and tarragon. At once concentrated and lively, offering vibrant, mineral-laced orchard and pit fruit flavors that are complicated by a suave, steadily building floral nuance. Finishes with a strong jolt of minerality, repeating florality and noteworthy persistence. This wine's blend of power and finesse is quite something. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (JD) | د.إ24,080.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)The 2005 Angelus is as good as it gets, and despite having 2-3 decades of prime drinking ahead of it, is as profound a drinking experience as money can buy even today. Offering off the hook notes of blackcurrants, smoked herbs, blackberries, toasted spice, espresso and scorched earth, this beauty is unctuous and opulent on the palate, with incredible depth, yet never seems heavy, cumbersome or over the top. It has more depth and concentration than the 1990 (and I suspect any vintage in the 1990s or 2000s) and will keep for another 30 years or more. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 99 (WA) | د.إ17,890.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (99)Blended of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet colored 2009 Angélus sings of blackberry preserves, warm black cherries, stewed plums and dried herbs with hints of Chinese five spice, fragrant earth, truffles and new leather. Full, rich, spicy and decadent in the mouth, it has a plush, velvety texture and well-knit freshness, finishing very long with tons of spicy layers. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 97 (WE) | د.إ13,340.00 | |||||
Wine Enthusiast (97)Effectively half-and-half Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this is a tremendous wine. With very fine tannins, spice from a touch of wood and swathes of ripe fruits give this wine its concentration and its huge potential. The wine has weight and a dark, dense structure that will allow it to age for many years. Drink from 2027. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 99-100 (JS) | د.إ4,360.00 | |||||
James Suckling (99-100)This shows the purity of Angelus. I have never tasted a wine from here with such incredible clarity. Full body, full fruit and full beauty. Super silky tannins. A joy to taste. Makes you want to drink it. 62% merlot and 38% cabernet franc. |
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Bordeaux | 2 | 99-100 (JS) | د.إ6,995.00 | |||||
James Suckling (99-100)This shows the purity of Angelus. I have never tasted a wine from here with such incredible clarity. Full body, full fruit and full beauty. Super silky tannins. A joy to taste. Makes you want to drink it. 62% merlot and 38% cabernet franc. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (WE) | د.إ6,648.00 | |||||
Wine Enthusiast (100)This is a rich, perfumed wine, with dense tannins and intense layers of black plum and spice. The palate is firmly built yet broadened out by plump dark-fruit tones and honed by a solid, dry core. Drink from 2025. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (DC) | د.إ6,650.00 | |||||
Decanter (96)Emmanuelle has been making wine here for 22 years now. The freshness of the Merlot in 2017 reminds her of 2001 - I would certainly agree, and maybe with a hint of 2014 too. It's a beautiful wine, voluptuous but elegant. These vines were not frosted, but the Cabernet Franc produced less than usual, and they also made an extremely careful selection overall, leading to a yield of 30hl/ha. The wine has great complexity, which is a standout character in 2017, with bilberries, charcoal and plush damson - the Angelus signature of power and glamour. There is good tannic density here and it will clearly merit long ageing. 85,000 bottles of Angelus produced, representing around 80% of total production. Matured in 100% new oak. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (JD) | د.إ1,620.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)I loved the 2018 Château Angélus from barrel last year and it blew me away from bottle, epitomizing the new, fresher, more elegant style of the estate while still bringing classic Angélus richness and power. The 2018 is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in new oak, with a portion of the Cabernet Franc in foudre. A vivid purple color is followed by a vibrant bouquet of blackberries, crème de cassis, crushed violets, spring flowers, and cedar pencil. Beautifully concentrated, full-bodied, and flawlessly balanced on the palate, it has gorgeous tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and awesome length. I followed this bottle for multiple days and it only improved, picking up additional depth and richness, while never showing a hint of oxidation. Pure perfection, it's going to benefit from 7-8 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades. This is a sensational, magical wine from this talented team, led by winemaker Emmanuelle d'Aligny-Fulchi. Comparing this to the more opulent 2005 and 2009 over the coming decades will be an incredible experience. |
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Bordeaux | 3 | 100 (JD) | د.إ6,650.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)I loved the 2018 Château Angélus from barrel last year and it blew me away from bottle, epitomizing the new, fresher, more elegant style of the estate while still bringing classic Angélus richness and power. The 2018 is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in new oak, with a portion of the Cabernet Franc in foudre. A vivid purple color is followed by a vibrant bouquet of blackberries, crème de cassis, crushed violets, spring flowers, and cedar pencil. Beautifully concentrated, full-bodied, and flawlessly balanced on the palate, it has gorgeous tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and awesome length. I followed this bottle for multiple days and it only improved, picking up additional depth and richness, while never showing a hint of oxidation. Pure perfection, it's going to benefit from 7-8 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades. This is a sensational, magical wine from this talented team, led by winemaker Emmanuelle d'Aligny-Fulchi. Comparing this to the more opulent 2005 and 2009 over the coming decades will be an incredible experience. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 98 (JS) | د.إ7,280.00 | |||||
James Suckling (98)Redcurrants, sweet tobacco and flowers with some sandalwood. Very perfumed and floral. So pure. Full-bodied, yet so refined and layered, with a soft, compact palate and a crushed-velvet mouth-feel. Poised fruit at the end, together with fresh, rare wood and a light chocolate undertone to the aftertaste. This is open, yet there’s so much in reserve. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. Leave it in the cellar for at least eight years. Try after 2029. |
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Bordeaux | 3 | 98 (JS) | د.إ17,880.00 | |||||
James Suckling (98)Redcurrants, sweet tobacco and flowers with some sandalwood. Very perfumed and floral. So pure. Full-bodied, yet so refined and layered, with a soft, compact palate and a crushed-velvet mouth-feel. Poised fruit at the end, together with fresh, rare wood and a light chocolate undertone to the aftertaste. This is open, yet there’s so much in reserve. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. Leave it in the cellar for at least eight years. Try after 2029. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 98 (JS) | د.إ6,650.00 | |||||
James Suckling (98)Redcurrants, sweet tobacco and flowers with some sandalwood. Very perfumed and floral. So pure. Full-bodied, yet so refined and layered, with a soft, compact palate and a crushed-velvet mouth-feel. Poised fruit at the end, together with fresh, rare wood and a light chocolate undertone to the aftertaste. This is open, yet there’s so much in reserve. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. Leave it in the cellar for at least eight years. Try after 2029. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 98-99 (JS) | د.إ7,750.00 | |||||
James Suckling (98-99)This is wonderfully refined and balanced with such pretty depth. Full-bodied and so polished and pure. Subtle at first, then it takes off and keeps coming. Sophisticated. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 98-99 (JS) | د.إ6,865.00 | |||||
James Suckling (98-99)This is wonderfully refined and balanced with such pretty depth. Full-bodied and so polished and pure. Subtle at first, then it takes off and keeps coming. Sophisticated. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 95-96 (JS) | د.إ7,060.00 | |||||
James Suckling (95-96)Beautiful depth here, with currants and blackberries, as well as hints of fresh herbs and wet earth. Medium-to full-bodied, layered and long, with depth and beauty. Savory. Impressive for the vintage. Persistent. |
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Bordeaux | 10 | 98-100 (WCI) | د.إ9,945.00 | |||||
The Wine Cellar Insider (98-100)Deeply colored, the wine is all about its elegance in the texture. The fruits offer a level of purity and refinement that was not present in older vintages. Perfectly balanced, vibrant, long and intense, the wine is incredibly sensuous, velvety, and silky. The level of concentration remains, but the sensation here is now one of sensuality, balance, and sophistication. The silky, pure, red and black pit fruits with a cool touch of orange rind remain with you for close to 60 seconds. Fermentation at cooler temperatures and no sulfur during the fermentations helped maintain the wines elegance and purity. The wine blends 60% Merlot, and 40% Cabernet Franc, 14.5% ABV, 3.65 pH. Harvesting took place, September 6 - September 28. |
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Bordeaux | 14 | 97-98 (JS) | د.إ7,141.00 | |||||
James Suckling (97-98)The transparency of fruit and the finesse is really something here. There’s depth and beauty to the pristine, fresh fruit. Full-bodied and muscular with wonderful tannins that provide tension and form. Subtle and weightless, this is a thought-provoking young wine. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. |
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Bordeaux | 15 | 97-98 (JS) | د.إ7,183.00 | |||||
James Suckling (97-98)The transparency of fruit and the finesse is really something here. There’s depth and beauty to the pristine, fresh fruit. Full-bodied and muscular with wonderful tannins that provide tension and form. Subtle and weightless, this is a thought-provoking young wine. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (JD) | د.إ5,960.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (100)Only the second release of this cuvée (it was first produced in 2016 and will be produced in 2019 as well), the 2018 Château Angelus Hommage A Elisabeth Bouchet is 100% Cabernet Franc coming from a single parcel of vines averaging between 60-80 years in age. It was vinified in stainless steel and the aging spanned 18 months in new French oak. It's another magical wine from this château that somehow manages to marry serious power and richness with a sense of purity and elegance, as well as complexity, that's something to behold. Deep purple-hued, it offers a sensational array of blackcurrant and cassis fruits intermixed with truffle, spring flowers, and a subtle meaty, baking spice character that develops with time in the glass. Full-bodied on the palate, it's flawlessly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and an expansive, seamless, heavenly mouthfeel. Everything is in the right place, and it has perfectly integrated oak along with a gorgeous finish. There are just 849 bottles produced, with a few larger formats, so I expect this to be just about impossible to find in the marketplace (nor will it be cheap), but it's as fine a Saint-Emilion as has ever been made. It needs a decade of cellaring, and I suspect it will have 40-50 years of overall longevity. |
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Rhone | 1 | - | د.إ1,590.00 | |||||
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Crafted in the Southern Rhône Valley, the Anglore Lirac 2019 is a remarkable expression of Eric Pfifferling's expert winemaking prowess. Cultivated under the Mediterranean sun, in the mineral-rich terroir of Lirac, this unique blend benefits greatly from the old Carignan and Grenache vines it’s sourced from. Produced organically with no added sulphites, through the process of spontaneous fermentation, the Anglore Lirac 2019 delivers a harmonious balance of fruit and terroir, capturing the rich essence of its environment. The wine reveals a stunningly rustic palette, boasting of stewed cherries, laced with hints of baking spice and a mesmerising earthiness. Turning towards a velvety textured, medium-bodied composition, it delivers a complex and lingering finish. The character and finesse of the Anglore Lirac 2019 cement it as a leading example of natural wines from the Rhône region, not just a joy to savor but a true testament to Pfifferling's dedication to quality and authenticity. |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (VN (NM)) | د.إ808.00 | |||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)The 2020 Château Angludet is the product of a crop that suffered frost damage earlier in the season with a reduced percentage of Merlot. It has a lovely nose, maybe not quite as "brisk" as I described out of barrel, yet harmonious with those appealing black fruit laced with iris flower and violet. The palate is medium-bodied, the 30% aging in amphora imparting the spiciness, the liberal dose of black pepper towards the still gritty finish. Lovely length, lovely Margaux, lovely d'Angludet. |
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Burgundy | 1 | 94 (WA) | د.إ4,335.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (94)The 2016 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Sentiers Vieilles Vignes is absolutely superb, bursting from the glass with aromas of earthy cherries and berry fruit, mingled with notions of rose petal, smoked meats and blood orange. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, velvety and multidimensional, with excellent concentration, ripe acids and a strikingly long, penetrating finish. Production was low this year, but this Sentiers is well worth a special effort to seek out. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | د.إ7,315.00 | |||||
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Presenting the illustrious Anne Boisson Meursault Blanc 2016, a wine that bears the hallmark of refined viticulture. It originates from the revered chalky soils of the Meursault appellation in Burgundy, France. Anne Boisson, a pioneer in bio-dynamic farming, and winemaker extraordinaire, is the master behind this natural white gem. The grapes underwent meticulous handpicking before vinification followed by 18 months of maturing in French oak barrels. You're granted a sensation of powerful minerality with a tantalising white floral overtone. Pear and apple notes align elegantly with buttery undertones, assuring an enjoyable complexity. The Anne Boisson Meursault Blanc 2016 delights with a robust body and lengthy finish, indicative of its acceptable ageing potential. Its low-intervention winemaking ensures a wine that speaks truth to its terroir, whilst maintaining the quintessential charm of Burgundian chardonnay. Truly a testament to Anne Boisson's impressive artisanal skills in the wine-making realm. |
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Burgundy | 1 | - | د.إ2,065.00 | |||||
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The 'Anne et Herve Sigaut Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Fuees 2016' is a sophisticated red Bordeaux wine, embodying the expertise of French winemaking. This masterpiece originates from the small village of Chambolle-Musigny in the Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, a region acclaimed for crafting world-class Pinot Noir. Produced by Anne et Herve Sigaut, a husband-wife team renowned for their organic vineyard practices since 1990, their craft imprints the narrative of their terroir in every bottle. Only mature vines, aged 40-60 years, are deemed suitable for yielding the nuanced grapes for this Premier Cru. The 2016 vintage, marked by its assertive tannins and striking acidity, presents an opulent bouquet of red and black fruits and a touch of spice. It exudes an enviable longevity, testament to careful ageing in oak barrels. A treasure among wine enthusiasts, Anne et Herve Sigaut Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Fuees 2016 promises an exquisite experience. |
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