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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Matured within the esteemed Maison De Venoge's centuries-old wine cellars in the heart of Champagne, France, comes the exquisite De Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut 2002. As a highly respected blend of 50% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, and 25% Pinot Meunier grapes, it showcases the superior craftsmanship of De Venoge's winemakers. Each grape is meticulously selected from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards within the Montagne de Reims and Côtes de Blancs regions, thus guaranteeing exceptional quality.
The De Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut 2002 unveils an aromatic symphony of honeyed apricot and brioche, harmonized with a sublime buttery character. The palette is further tantalised with nuances of fresh almonds and pear, elevating the complexity of this divine vintage. A captivating cascade of finely tuned bubbles and luminous golden hues, it elegantly embodies the timeless sophistication of De Venoge's Champagne legacy.
د.إ1,980.00 -
Discover the exquisite Debrueil Fontaine Pernand Vergelesses 1er Cru Clos Berthet 2016 produced by the highly esteemed Domaine Debrueil-Fontaine. Located in the famed wine-growing village of Pernand-Vergelesses in the Côte de Beaune region of Burgundy, France, this renown vineyard boasts a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. With its south-east facing slopes and undulating hillsides, the terroir is perfect for expressing the wine's subtlety and finesse. This beguiling wine offers enchanting aromas of ripe red fruit and violets. Expertly crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, it demonstrates a beautiful balance of precision and aromatic intensity. On the palate, it reveals a complexity of flavours, presenting an elegant fusion of crushed berries, earthy undertones, fine tannins, and a lingering finish. Debrueil Fontaine Pernand Vergelesses 1er Cru Clos Berthet 2016 is indeed a testament to the extraordinary mastery of French winemaking.
د.إ2,455.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The NV Extra Brut Oeil de Perdrix is fabulous. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, this impresses with its persistence, cut and overall complexity. There's so much to discover in this striking, layered Rosé. Mint, white paper, chalk and jasmine linger on the articulate, vibrant finish. The Dehours Oeil de Perdrix is 84% Meunier and 16% Chardonnay, based on the 2022 vintage. Dosage is 1.1 grams per liter. Disgorged: December 2024.د.إ1,210.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Disgorged in early 2024 without dosage yet carrying three grams of residual sugar, the 2008 Blanc de Blancs Collection unfurls in the glass with a deep bouquet of lemon oil, Granny Smith apple and smoke, mingled with iodine, roasted cacao bean and burnt buttered toast. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied and concentrated, textural yet incisive, with impressive depth at its tightly knit core, underpinned by a bright spine of acidity and culminating in a long, chalky finish. Already highly pleasurable, it nevertheless possesses the structure to withstand the test of time. The cuvée incorporates fruit sourced from the six grand cru villages of the Côte des Blancs.د.إ2,615.00 -
(6x75cl) 2012Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (95)
5 Star Wine. Another fine release from Delamotte. Stone-fruits to the fore, with emerging toasty aromas. Vivacious, mouth-watering and devilishly moreish. This is one of the finest Grand Marque expressions of the macro terroir of the Cote des Blancs and a relative bargain.د.إ1,785.00 -
The Wine Independent (94+)
Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2014 is an assemblage of six Grand Cru terroir that was disgorged October 2022 and finished with a seven gram per liter dosage. Light burnished gold with a pinpoint, vibrant bead, the 2014 flaunts alluring aromas of lemon confit, poached yellow apple, white flowers, and brioche with hints of white pepper. Medium-bodied with a textured, open-knit palate of plush orchard fruit and racy acid vibrancy, it has a long, mineral finish.د.إ1,490.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (91)
From the heart of La Côte de Blancs, the NV Champagne Brut is based on the 2021 vintage and features a classic blend of 60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and the remainder Meunier grown on chalky soils at different orientations and altitudes. A brilliant pale yellow hue, it’s very pretty on the nose, with inviting aromas of green apples, pears, and citrus. The 2021 vintage offers good freshness and bright acidity, along with nice tension. Open and approachable, with notes of fresh flowers and citrus blossoms as well as the mouthwatering crispness of Pinot Noir, it has a lively, fine mousse, a pithy, chalky texture, and a clean, powdery finish. It’s ready to enjoy as an aperitif now and will drink well over the next 10 years.د.إ751.00 -
Wine Advocate (97+)
Another killer Cote Rotie is the 2009 Cote Rotie la Landonne and it's a bigger, rich, more opulent version of the 2010. Raspberries, chocolate, exotic flowers, violets and ample minerality all give way to a full-bodied, seamless, layered 2009 that has massive mid-palate depth and a monster finish. Raised all in new oak, it should be drinkable at an earlier age than the '10, yet have a similar evolution.د.إ1,425.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
One of the gems in the vintage is the 2013 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes, which comes from both the Bessards and Grandes Vignes lieux-dits on Hermitage Hill. Completely destemmed, then vinified in stainless steel and concrete tanks, the wine is aged 18 months in 30% new French oak; it offers terrific notes of dark fruits, graphite and ample minerality in a full-bodied, layered, ripe profile. It’s more approachable than the Les Bessards, yet will still have three decades of longevity.د.إ1,410.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Boasting classic Les Bessards notes of sun-warmed cassis and crushed stone, the 2018 Hermitage Les Bessards has turned out to be a magnificent wine—a close rival to the potentially perfect 2015. Full-bodied and velvety, concentrated and tannic, overflowing with notes of grilled plums, grilled meat and black olives, it's all topped off by a forever finish that remains fresh and cleansing, courtesy of lingering salted-licorice flavors and the texture of finely ground stone dust. Try a bottle after 2025, if you can wait that long.د.إ2,875.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
While I've had multiple looks at previous vintages, this is my first review of the 2018 Hermitage Ligne de Crete Les Grandes Vignes. Inky in hue, it boasts powerful, brooding aromas that include hints of hardwood charcoal, dark berries, licorice, crushed stone and pencil shavings. Full-bodied and almost painfully intense, it's a huge, mouthfilling wine that seems capable of aging up to three decades. Rich, supple and creamy in texture, yet possessing remarkable length and retronasal nuance, it has to rank up there with some of the Hermitage hill's classics from other, more renowned producers. It certainly deserves a seat at that table and may be a candidate for a perfect score in the future.د.إ5,620.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
While I've had multiple looks at previous vintages, this is my first review of the 2018 Hermitage Ligne de Crete Les Grandes Vignes. Inky in hue, it boasts powerful, brooding aromas that include hints of hardwood charcoal, dark berries, licorice, crushed stone and pencil shavings. Full-bodied and almost painfully intense, it's a huge, mouthfilling wine that seems capable of aging up to three decades. Rich, supple and creamy in texture, yet possessing remarkable length and retronasal nuance, it has to rank up there with some of the Hermitage hill's classics from other, more renowned producers. It certainly deserves a seat at that table and may be a candidate for a perfect score in the future.د.إ3,165.00 -
Vinous (93-96)
Bachelet's 2013 Charmes-Chambertin is striking. Translucent and pulsating in the glass, the 2013 possesses notable energy and fabulous overall balance. Dark red cherry, violet, leather and smoke gradually unfurl in a mysterious, beguiling Charmes that will provide fabulous drinking for many years.د.إ14,225.00 -
Vinous (90)
The 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin Village, which this year contains the measly amount of Les Evocelles harvested, has superb concentration on the nose with black cherries, bilberry and light oyster shell scents, all beautifully-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and is very pure and concentrated, maybe just needing a little more mineralité to come through on the finish. Give this 3-4 years in bottle.د.إ2,845.00 -
Vinous (95-97)
The 2018 Chambertin Grand Cru is matured entirely in new oak with 40-50% whole-bunch fruit. It displays sublime purity on the nose, which offers layers of brambly red fruit mixed with crushed stone, pressed rose petals and freshly tilled soil. The medium-bodied palate delivers supple tannins and a perfect line of acidity. Tighter than the Mazis-Chambertin, with a precise and quite conservative finish. This is another profound Chambertin from Arnaud Mortet.د.إ5,715.00 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru includes 30% whole bunch and 60% new oak. It has a clean, well-defined bouquet with sous-bois and black truffle aromas permeating the red berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshy and charming, leading to an elegant, refined, caressing finish. Delicious and probably one of Mortet’s earlier-drinking cuvées.د.إ6,135.00 -
د.إ3,925.00 -
Vinous (93-95)
The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux Saint-Jacques 1er Cru is completely de-stemmed and raised in 70% new oak. It has a very well-defined bouquet of raspberry and wild strawberry scents, plus pressed rose petal and a touch of orange pith. The palate is very well defined with supple tannins, a perfect line of acidity and a slight confit-like finish. Understated and refined, this will give two decades of drinking pleasure.د.إ6,295.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-94)
5 stars. From the northern end of Gevrey-Chambertin, towards Brochon. One third whole bunch and 25% new wood. Glowing crimson purple, a little bit deeper than Arnaud’s Ma Cuvée. The oak shows a little less, this has a superb richness of fruit which remains totally fresh. All in red fruit. No question but this will make some great bottles. Really long finish. Tasted: December 2021د.إ3,235.00 -
Wine Advocate (89-91)
Notes of cherries, red berries and peonies introduce the 2020 Marsannay Les Longeroies, a medium-bodied, bright and lively wine with a pretty core of fruit and ripe, melting tannins.د.إ2,735.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The citrus-colored 2008 Amour de Deutz Brut Millésime is still yeasty on the nose, but very clear and elegant on the palate. This is a super pure and mineral, well-balanced Millésime with a long, intense and persistent finish. This is full of tension and finesse. A great wine.د.إ3,980.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Harvested in October, the 2013 Amour de Deutz—disgorged in September 2022 with a dosage of seven grams per liter—has evolved beautifully with additional post-disgorgement maturation. Based heavily on the Côte des Blancs fruit, it offers a profound bouquet of candied lemon, peach, pear, roasted pineapple and gooseberry layered with roasted cacao bean and smoky accents that underscore its subtly reductive signature. These olfactory impressions transition seamlessly onto the medium- to full-bodied palate, which is unusually generous in context of the vintage: fleshy, multidimensional and with a sweet fruit core enlivened with pinpoint mousse. This Blanc de Blancs culminates in a lingering, toasty finish, rendering it irresistibly approachable even at this early stage.د.إ2,940.00 -
(6x75cl) 2008The Champagne Guide (98)
65% Pinot mostly from Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay and Verzenay; 32% chardonnay mostly from Avize and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger; 3% meunier mostly from Pierry; 9.5g/L dosage. The finest vintages of William Deutz display profound contrasts and contradictions, juxtaposing the exacting precision of the house with the intensity of the pinot noir, and it is in the most energetic vintages that this accord finds its most alluring expression. No season exemplifies this more magnificently than 2008. It is built around depth and breadth, charged with an incredible display of the freshness of Deutz, and elevated and energised by ulta-fine, chalk-rich minerality that attains new heights of expression in this profound season. For all of its contrasts, it crucially maintains seamless persistance and breathtaking lightness. Youthful endurance is declared in vibrant lemon zest and young summer-fruit freshness, quietly touched with depth of brioche, ginger, vanilla nougat and toast. A prominent, mouth-enveloping, silky cloud of chalk dust is the grand highlight of a mesmerising finish, riding a laser-line of acidity of the utmost elegance. In a full bottle, it will live for decades, but in a half, it's irrestible right away. One of the greatest Deutz cuvees of the modern era.د.إ5,505.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2019 Pouilly Fumé Silex shows an initial tenderness, sitting quietly and not shouting that it's made it into your glass. This is a wine that has its act together, feeling integrated and balanced with plentiful concentration and a savory long finish. A delicate dill note, which is a characteristic of oaked Sauvignon peeks out amid the hush.د.إ5,430.00 -
Vinous (98)
I remember the first time I tasted the 2002 Dom Pérignon with then-Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy at Hautvillers. It was the upcoming release at the time. As was his custom, Geoffroy served the 2002 in a flight that included a number of previous releases. The bouquet was immediately stunning for its audacity. I had never tasted anything like it. Two thousand-two was a year marked by extreme ripeness in the Chardonnays, and that opulence has always been a big part of the wine’s profile. Today, what strikes me most about the 2002 is its timelessness. That youthful opulence remains, yet the 2002 is still vibrant, almost shocking in its freshness. Apricot, ripe peach, tangerine oil, butter and dried flowers all build towards a captivating crescendo of aromas and flavors that saturates the finish. Readers can look forward to another two decades of exceptional drinking.د.إ5,105.00 -
Vinous (98)
The 2004 Dom Pérignon is a totally different beast. It is the product of a very long and cool growing season marked by heavy summer rains in some sectors of the region and then ideal conditions through to harvest. After a brutally torrid 2003, the vines responded by setting a huge crop. In fact, 2004 remains the most abundant vintage in the history of Champagne. The best wines, though, well, they have always impressed with their laser-like cut and focus. That’s exactly what comes through in the 2004 Dom Pérignon. Tasted from magnum, the 2004 shows all the linear energy and crystalline precision of the year, but with that extra magic that comes from fermentation and longer aging in the big bottle. The 2004 has long been one of my favorite Dom Pérignons. From magnum, it is especially captivating.د.إ4,090.00 -
Vinous (96)
Powerful, dense and tightly wound, the 2006 Dom Pérignon is fabulous today. To be sure, the 2006 is a broad, virile Champagne, but I find it compelling because of its phenolic depth and overall intensity. Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy adds that August was quite cold and wet, and that ripening only happened at the very end of the growing season. Although numbers alone can never explain a wine, I find it interesting that the 2006 has more phenolics than the 2003. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2006 is easily the most reticent Dom Pérignon in the years spanning 2002 and 2009. I am confident the 2006 will have its day, but in its youth, it is not especially charming or easy to drink.د.إ4,190.00 -
Falstaff (100)
Light golden yellow, silver reflections, fine, persistent mousse. Touches of brioche underneath nuances of yellow tropical fruit, notes of peach and pineapple, citrus zest, discreet blossom honey, also toasted nut nuances and floral-mineral notes. Complex, pleasant fruit expression, juicy fruit notes, savoury nuances, taut acidity, rich but with finesse and so perfectly balanced, salty-smoky finish. Has super length and great development potential, world class.د.إ3,595.00 -
Falstaff (100)
Light golden yellow, silver reflections, fine, persistent mousse. Touches of brioche underneath nuances of yellow tropical fruit, notes of peach and pineapple, citrus zest, discreet blossom honey, also toasted nut nuances and floral-mineral notes. Complex, pleasant fruit expression, juicy fruit notes, savoury nuances, taut acidity, rich but with finesse and so perfectly balanced, salty-smoky finish. Has super length and great development potential, world class.د.إ5,745.00 -
Falstaff (100)
Light golden yellow, silver reflections, fine, persistent mousse. Touches of brioche underneath nuances of yellow tropical fruit, notes of peach and pineapple, citrus zest, discreet blossom honey, also toasted nut nuances and floral-mineral notes. Complex, pleasant fruit expression, juicy fruit notes, savoury nuances, taut acidity, rich but with finesse and so perfectly balanced, salty-smoky finish. Has super length and great development potential, world class.د.إ4,785.00
