France - All White Wines
France is revered for its exceptional white wines, which showcase the country's rich winemaking heritage, diverse terroirs, and unwavering commitment to quality. Today, let us embark on a journey through the best white wines that France has to offer, exploring renowned vineyards and the regions that give birth to these extraordinary expressions.
In Burgundy, the appellations of Chablis, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet stand tall as the epitome of excellence in white wine production. Wineries such as Domaine Raveneau, Domaine Dauvissat, and Domaine Leflaive craft mesmerizing Chardonnays that capture the essence of the region's unique Kimmeridgian limestone soils. These wines exhibit precision, purity, and a remarkable balance of mineral notes, citrus flavors, and vibrant acidity.
Moving to the Loire Valley, the vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are celebrated for their exceptional Sauvignon Blancs. Domaine Vacheron, Domaine Didier Dagueneau, and Domaine Pascal Jolivet create expressive and terroir-driven wines that showcase the region's distinct flinty minerality, zesty citrus, and herbaceous undertones.
Further northeast in France, in the region of Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Domaine Trimbach, and Domaine Weinbach produce stunning white wines from varietals like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. These wines display remarkable depth, aromatic complexity, and a balance between sweetness and acidity, reflecting the region's unique microclimates and granite-rich soils.
In Bordeaux, the region of Graves is renowned for its white wines, particularly those crafted from the classic grape varieties of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Château Haut-Brion, Château Pape Clément, and Domaine de Chevalier are esteemed vineyards that produce rich and age-worthy white Bordeaux wines. These wines exhibit a beautiful interplay of tropical fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and a touch of toasty oak.
Finally, in the Rhône Valley, the appellation of Condrieu shines as a beacon of excellence in Viognier production. Renowned vineyards such as Domaine Georges Vernay and Domaine Yves Cuilleron create remarkable Viognier wines that seduce the senses with their exotic aromas of apricot, peach, and delicate floral notes. These wines showcase richness, elegance, and a silky texture that lingers on the palate.
France - All White Wines
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Jeb Dunnuck (97)
While no red Ex Voto was made in 2016, the 2016 Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc is brilliant, offering classic, powerful notes of Asian spices, toasted bread, acacia flowers, and crushed rocks as well as tons of quince and stone fruit notes. This beauty is full-bodied, multi-dimensional, and already impossible to resist. It’s going to evolve for 20-25 years or more.Inc. GSTSG$1,028.65 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
While no red Ex Voto was made in 2016, the 2016 Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc is brilliant, offering classic, powerful notes of Asian spices, toasted bread, acacia flowers, and crushed rocks as well as tons of quince and stone fruit notes. This beauty is full-bodied, multi-dimensional, and already impossible to resist. It’s going to evolve for 20-25 years or more.Inc. GSTSG$1,401.13 -
Unveiling an exquisite offering from the world-renowned vineyards of Burgundy is the Guy Amiot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers 2016. This French delight is crafted by the prestigious Guy Amiot winery, acclaimed for their meticulous attention to detail. Pinot Noir grapes, nurtured in limestone-rich soils, undergo a traditional vinification process that filters their robust, natural flavours. The resulting wine is a flawless blend of intensity and finesse, embodying a vibrant palette of delectable apple, pear and honey tones, intertwined with traces of toasted nut. The aged French oak barrels contribute to a lengthy, creamy finish, leaving a lasting elegance on the palate. This luminous, golden-hued tipple with a velvety texture exemplifies white Burgundy at its finest. Sip the Guy Amiot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers 2016 and indulge in a luxurious, ethereal experience that transcends the realm of ordinary wines.
Inc. GSTSG$1,383.65 -
The Guy Amiot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Demoiselles 2016 is a true exemplification of French winemaking at its finespun. Nestled in the renowned vineyards of Puligny-Montrachet, France, this exquisite wine is skillfully crafted by Guy Amiot et Fils, a vintner esteemed for its exceptional dedication to Burgundy viticulture since 1920. Using 100% Chardonnay grapes, this hand-harvested, fermented and aged in oak wine delivers a delicate equilibrium of intensity and grace.
Radiating notes of citrus, white flowers, and minerality, the complexity of flavours coupled with zesty yet profound acidity offers a stimulated palate and a persistent finish. This remarkable 2016 vintage bespeaks of an exceptional wine-growing period, allowing nuanced harmony between maturation and freshness. So, if you seek an invincible expression of grand French white wine, reach for the Guy Amiot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Demoiselles 2016.
Inc. GSTSG$2,348.30 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
The white of the vintage is the 2016 Haut Brion Blanc, a Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes just under 30% Sémillon. Amazingly deep and rich, yet vibrant at the same time, it offers an exotic, liquid rock-like minerality as well as notes of citrus zest, crushed limes, and white flowers. It’s unquestionably one of the most concentrated, powerful wines out there, yet it still just glides across the palate with flawless integration of its fruit and acidity. It needs short-term cellaring and will keep for 20-30 years if you’re so inclined.Inc. GSTSG$9,717.83 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
The white of the vintage is the 2016 Haut Brion Blanc, a Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes just under 30% Sémillon. Amazingly deep and rich, yet vibrant at the same time, it offers an exotic, liquid rock-like minerality as well as notes of citrus zest, crushed limes, and white flowers. It’s unquestionably one of the most concentrated, powerful wines out there, yet it still just glides across the palate with flawless integration of its fruit and acidity. It needs short-term cellaring and will keep for 20-30 years if you’re so inclined.Inc. GSTSG$6,230.66 -
Produced in the renowned vineyards of Burgundy, France, the Heitz-Lochardet Meursault 1er Cru Perrieres 2016 bestows an unrivalled elegance and diversity of expression. From the knowledgeable hands of celebrated producer Armand Heitz, it is crafted using the finest Chardonnay grapes, unveiling an eloquent expression of its terroir. With a traditional vinification in French oak barrels and an adherence to biodynamic principles, it exudes distinct clay and calcareous soil notes.
Famed for its vibrant freshness and mineral backbone, the Heitz-Lochardet Meursault 1er Cru Perrieres 2016 reveals intriguing layers of lemon, pear, and nuanced oak on the palate. The long, precise finish leaves a lasting sensuous impression. An exquisite embodiment of Burgundy's white wine mastery, it's a masterpiece awaiting collection for discerning wine enthusiasts around the globe.
Inc. GSTSG$1,890.61 -
Vinous (95)
Compared to the premier crus at this address, this wine offers another dimension on the nose, with aromas of pear, white flowers, almond and hazelnut complemented by deeper-pitched soil tones and a hint of dried fruits. Hugely rich but surprisingly energetic on the palate, conveying seamless flavors of yellow and dried fruits and salty minerality. Totally saturates the mouth and mounts on the back end without leaving any impression of heaviness. Boillot told me that the 2017 version of this wine is a bit higher in acidity but this bottle boasts excellent verve.Inc. GSTSG$3,529.11 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-96)
Pale primrose, oak and ripe fruit to the nose. Intense concentration here, lively fruit, crystalline notes, lively orange blossom, very high quality. This also needs much longer elevage to show its paces but the quality is already apparent.Inc. GSTSG$11,031.28 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (96)
Pale lemon. Excellent weight of fruit on the nose which shows significant promise. White stone fruit and a few plums at the edges. With a very refreshing gunflint reductive minerality. This is very Corton-Charlemagne. Tasted: May 2019.Inc. GSTSG$3,324.98 -
Burghound (96)
A highly restrained nose requires considerable swirling to liberate the beautifully well-layered aromas of mineral reduction, white rose, spice, citrus and a wisp of exotic tea. Like the Pucelles there is excellent richness and detail and much more minerality-suffusing the almost painfully intense finale that is breathtaking in its persistence. This is a gem of a Puligny 1er and in 2016 is a lovely blend of power and finesse. In sum, this is a knockout.Inc. GSTSG$506.75 -
Wine Advocate (90)
The 2016 Viré-Clessé wafts from the glass with notes of musky peach and dried white flowers, framed by sublet reduction. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, tense and racy, with good depth at the core and an attractive sense of completeness. It will need some time in the cellar to unwind after bottling, but it's an elegant, vibrant interpretation of the appellation that ranks as one of Lafon's best cuvées this year.Inc. GSTSG$875.23 -
A true curation of fine craftsmanship, the Hubert Bouard Bouard Chardonnay VDP 2016 speaks eloquently of its French origin. Hailing from Bourdeaux, it is an exquisite creation by Hubert Bouard, a renowned name in winemaking circles, internationally celebrated for his commitment to producing high-quality wines. This varietal derives its complex profile from the distinct terroir of the region, renowned for offering wines with unique character and depth.
The 2016 vintage is a reflection of the winemaker’s impeccable skills and commitment to quality. Hubert Bouard made use of low interventionist practices to preserve the natural integrity of the fruit. Opting for cold fermentation, the wine retains a vibrant acidity that balances its full-bodied depth and buttery finish. The wine presents a subtle and elegant bouquet with hints of citrus and vanilla extending to a polished, smooth palate. Be it for a special occasion or an elegant dinner, the Hubert Bouard Bouard Chardonnay VDP 2016 is indeed a noteworthy addition to any fine wine collection.
Inc. GSTSG$655.53 -
Effortlessly encapsulating the delicate subtlety of French craftsmanship, the Hubert Bouard Sauvignon Blanc 2016 presents an exquisite, ethereal journey of the senses. This Bordeaux white hails from the distinguished Loire Valley, where Hubert Bouard's esteemed tradition of viniculture thrives upon the verdant, mineral-rich terroir. Produced from premium Sauvignon Blanc grapes, its elegant structure showcases the expertise of Bouard family, illustrious winegrowers for generations.
The Hubert Bouard Sauvignon Blanc 2016, vivified through meticulous hand-harvesting and unique temperature-controlled vinification techniques, graces the palate with refined citrus and tropical notes. A lingering minerality enhances its freshness, underscored by a poised acidity that enhances the fruit-forward profile.
An exceptional testament to the savoir-faire of Bouard's wine artistry, the Sauvignon Blanc 2016 effortlessly embodies the vibrant essence and complexity of its singular varietal and origin. An exemplar of finesse in the realm of Sauvignon Blancs.
Inc. GSTSG$655.53 -
Vinous (89-92)
(from redder soil over rock; 30 hectoliters per hectare produced): Pale yellow. Aromas of iodine, crushed rock and spicy oak. Chewy and densely packed but quite backward, currently dominated by wet stone and mineral notes. Finishes powerful but youthfully austere, with a repeating wet stone character. Lamy has been planting part of this vineyard at high density, but this fruit is not yet part of the wine. (Incidentally, Lamy did not make a Chassagne-Montrachet Les Macharelles in 2016 owing to the frost.)Inc. GSTSG$5,654.88 -
Inc. GSTSG$5,324.54 -
Vinous (91-94)
A note of musky reduction to the aromas of white peach and quinine. Saline, energetic wine with terrific thrust and salty length. A superb mineral expression. This lot may yet go into the Lamy's classic cuvée of Derrière Chez Edouard. Lot #2, from a 2001 planting at a extreme density of 30,000 vines per hectare, which Lamy harvested first in 2016: Pale lemon-yellow. Metallic minerality and a note of minty freshness on the nose. Boasts superb sappy energy and intensity to its flavors of lemon zest, lime and stone, with captivating sweetness adding to its appeal. I would not call this an easy style but its vibrant, very long finish leaves the taste buds quivering. A great Saint-Aubin wine in the making.Inc. GSTSG$7,873.38 -
Vinous (91-93)
Aromas of lemon, menthol, crushed rock and ginger, plus a suggestion of spicy oak. Very rich, pliant wine with compelling sweetness and terrific energy to its flavors of crystallized lemon and lime and minerals; there's also a pear note here that reminded me of Chassagne-Montrachet. Conveys a strong impression of sappy density without weight, with the smooth, slowly mounting, gripping finish coating the palate with crunchy fruit and saline crushed-stone minerality. This assemblage of multiple parcels should make an outstanding Saint-Aubin wine.Inc. GSTSG$3,681.98 -
Vinous (88-91)
(30 hectoliters per hectare produced): Pale yellow. Brisk aromas of lemon and ginger. Then surprisingly supple in the mouth, offering captivating flavors of grilled hazelnut, spices and white pepper. The long, rising finish features strong salty minerality along with a faint hard edge that will require a long élevage.Inc. GSTSG$2,461.18 -
Vinous (93)
The 2016 Viré-Clessé is the vintage currently on the market, although Guillaume Thevenet suggested that it will benefit from five to seven years in bottle. That’s easier said than done given the irresistible bouquet with gorgeous white peach, nectarine, blood orange and light minerally notes. The palate is very harmonious and smooth with ginger and white pepper notes interlaced with the very subtle tropical fruit of pineapple and a hint of guava. Great linearity and length here, this is only just beginning to show what it can do, so maybe heed Guillaume’s advice!Inc. GSTSG$538.33 -
Vinous (90)
(the estate made 45 hectoliters per hectare here, as these vines escaped the frost): Bright, light lemon-yellow. Captivating aromatic lift to the aromas of white peach and flowers. A distinctly more graceful wine than the foregoing samples from frost-affected vineyards, offering subtly perfumed notes of stone fruits, flowers and spices complicated by a saline quality. Not large-scaled but dry, classic and intense, boasting lovely fresh fruit and noteworthy lemony lift on the back end. (12.8% natural alcohol with sound acidity)Inc. GSTSG$1,019.59 -
Vinous (93-94)
(harvested last among the whites, on September 29; no frost here): Bright, green-tinged yellow. Highly distinctive aromas of lime, powdered stone, mint, pine needles and white pepper; fruit is the least of it! A seriously concentrated wine of terroir, showing lovely powdered-stone lift to its flavors of menthol, chalk, brown bread and fresh mushroom. Saline, tightly wound wine with lovely clarity and inner-mouth tension; quite dry but plenty ripe. The salty, tactile finish saturates the palate and leaves the taste buds quivering. Very Corton-Charlemagne! (12.6% without chaptalization)Inc. GSTSG$1,983.47 -
Decanter (92)
A rare Côtes-du-Rhône from the northern Rhône, the vines grown near Ampuis. It's a medium-bodied, bright and attractive white with lovely balance between generous plump fruit and inner tension. Good acidity for a 2016 white, and lovely lift from the Viognier.Inc. GSTSG$892.49 -
Inc. GSTSG$348.15 -
Wine Advocate (92-94)
The 2016 Corton Charlemagne came from a one-year-old barrel (there will also be a new and two-year-old barrel). It has a straightforward, brioche-tinged bouquet that opens nicely in the glass, with hints of peaches and cream, later gooseberry tart. The palate is well balanced, honeyed in texture with notes of dried apricot, frangipane and a hint of honey. It does not quite deliver the length, but this is undoubtedly a well crafted Corton-Charlemagne from Jean-Michel that will give immense pleasure over the next 10 to 15 years.Inc. GSTSG$1,886.18 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92)
(13.5% natural alcohol): Pale lemon-yellow. Much more closed on the nose than the old-vines Vaillons, hinting at honeysuckle. Tighter in the mouth than the Vaillons as well but still in a supple, rich style for this cuvée, with an element of sweetness nicely buffered by firm acidity. Spreads out impressively to saturate the palate on the silky finish, with piquant notes of lemon oil and ripe grapefruit lingering.Inc. GSTSG$925.85 -
The Jean-Francois Ganevat Chateau-Chalon 2016 is a pristine embodiment of meticulous viniculture from the Jura region in France. Crafted by leading winemaker Jean-Francois Ganevat, famed for his indefatigable commitment to 'vins de terroir,' this exquisite wine showcases the beauty of biodynamic production. The 2016 vintage was a transformative year for Ganevat, who harmonised diverse grape varieties to create a complex, yet balanced flavour profile.
This remarkable wine matured in large foudres intensifies the expression of the region's signature Savagnin grape, imparting an unparalleled purity, depth, and vivacity. The nuanced interaction of rich, oxidative notes with refreshing minerality creates a captivating experience for the discerning palate.
The Jean-Francois Ganevat Chateau-Chalon 2016 stands as a testament to Ganevat's philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the true essence of the terroir to shine through. A collector's item, every sip of this wine is a profound exploration of tradition, innovation, and artistry.
Inc. GSTSG$1,257.97 -
Hailing from the renowned Burgundy region of France, the Jean-Marc Blain-Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Clos Saint Jean Blanc 2016 is a paragon of white wine distinction. This illustrious bottle is crafted with artisan care by Jean-Marc Blain and his wife Claire Gagnard, aiming for maximum viticultural authenticity. The wine is a 100% Chardonnay creature, born from Premier Cru vines in the esteemed Clos Saint Jean vineyard. Sourced from 60-year-old vine stock, the grape is handled meticulously, undergoing malolactic fermentation in barrel followed by up to 12 months of aging.
Vibrantly typifying the region's characteristic minerality, it presents an opulent bouquet of apple, citrus and a delicate hint of honey. On the palate, a masterful balance of ripe fruit, bright acidity and round, creamy notes persists through an impressively long finish. A judicious pairing to shellfish or poultry, the Jean-Marc Blain-Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Clos Saint Jean Blanc 2016 is nothing short of vinous enlightenment.
Inc. GSTSG$1,837.02 -
An exquisite gem, the Jean-Marc Blain-Gagnard Montrachet Grand Cru 2016 is a white wine that truly encapsulates the spirit of Burgundy, France. Crafted meticulously from 100% Chardonnay grapes, fiercely nurtured in the limestone-rich soils of the Côte de Beaune, the wine imparts an inherent complexity.
Produced by the esteemed Jean-Marc Blain and his wife Claudine, the Gagnard family, with vineyards traced back as far as 1792, this wine bears testimony to their traditional, yet innovative, winemaking philosophy. After hand harvesting, the wine enjoys a long fermentation in oak barrels, adding tints of maturity and character to its palate.
Sumptuous and potent, this Jean-Marc Blain-Gagnard Montrachet Grand Cru 2016 unfurls layers of stone fruit, citrus and mineral nuances, enveloped in an elegant, creamy texture with a lingering finish. An unparalleled treasure for the discerning connoisseur.
Inc. GSTSG$2,097.06 -
Vinous (91)
Pale, bright straw-yellow. Aromas of yellow peach, toast and spices. Rich, fine-grained and a bit youthfully bound-up, showing good energy and a phenolic firmness in the early going. Ripe stone fruit flavors are leavened by saline minerality. Most impressive today on the savory, firm, persistent back end. This lively wine has harmonized nicely since I first tried it from barrel a year ago but needs at least a few years of cellaring.Inc. GSTSG$1,170.07
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Jeb Dunnuck (97)
While no red Ex Voto was made in 2016, the 2016 Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc is brilliant, offering classic, powerful notes of Asian spices, toasted bread, acacia flowers, and crushed rocks as well as tons of quince and stone fruit notes. This beauty is full-bodied, multi-dimensional, and already impossible to resist. It’s going to evolve for 20-25 years or more.In BondSG$916.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
While no red Ex Voto was made in 2016, the 2016 Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc is brilliant, offering classic, powerful notes of Asian spices, toasted bread, acacia flowers, and crushed rocks as well as tons of quince and stone fruit notes. This beauty is full-bodied, multi-dimensional, and already impossible to resist. It’s going to evolve for 20-25 years or more.In BondSG$1,230.00 -
Unveiling an exquisite offering from the world-renowned vineyards of Burgundy is the Guy Amiot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers 2016. This French delight is crafted by the prestigious Guy Amiot winery, acclaimed for their meticulous attention to detail. Pinot Noir grapes, nurtured in limestone-rich soils, undergo a traditional vinification process that filters their robust, natural flavours. The resulting wine is a flawless blend of intensity and finesse, embodying a vibrant palette of delectable apple, pear and honey tones, intertwined with traces of toasted nut. The aged French oak barrels contribute to a lengthy, creamy finish, leaving a lasting elegance on the palate. This luminous, golden-hued tipple with a velvety texture exemplifies white Burgundy at its finest. Sip the Guy Amiot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers 2016 and indulge in a luxurious, ethereal experience that transcends the realm of ordinary wines.
In BondSG$1,210.00 -
The Guy Amiot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Demoiselles 2016 is a true exemplification of French winemaking at its finespun. Nestled in the renowned vineyards of Puligny-Montrachet, France, this exquisite wine is skillfully crafted by Guy Amiot et Fils, a vintner esteemed for its exceptional dedication to Burgundy viticulture since 1920. Using 100% Chardonnay grapes, this hand-harvested, fermented and aged in oak wine delivers a delicate equilibrium of intensity and grace.
Radiating notes of citrus, white flowers, and minerality, the complexity of flavours coupled with zesty yet profound acidity offers a stimulated palate and a persistent finish. This remarkable 2016 vintage bespeaks of an exceptional wine-growing period, allowing nuanced harmony between maturation and freshness. So, if you seek an invincible expression of grand French white wine, reach for the Guy Amiot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Demoiselles 2016.
In BondSG$2,095.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
The white of the vintage is the 2016 Haut Brion Blanc, a Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes just under 30% Sémillon. Amazingly deep and rich, yet vibrant at the same time, it offers an exotic, liquid rock-like minerality as well as notes of citrus zest, crushed limes, and white flowers. It’s unquestionably one of the most concentrated, powerful wines out there, yet it still just glides across the palate with flawless integration of its fruit and acidity. It needs short-term cellaring and will keep for 20-30 years if you’re so inclined.In BondSG$8,860.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
The white of the vintage is the 2016 Haut Brion Blanc, a Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes just under 30% Sémillon. Amazingly deep and rich, yet vibrant at the same time, it offers an exotic, liquid rock-like minerality as well as notes of citrus zest, crushed limes, and white flowers. It’s unquestionably one of the most concentrated, powerful wines out there, yet it still just glides across the palate with flawless integration of its fruit and acidity. It needs short-term cellaring and will keep for 20-30 years if you’re so inclined.In BondSG$5,670.00 -
Produced in the renowned vineyards of Burgundy, France, the Heitz-Lochardet Meursault 1er Cru Perrieres 2016 bestows an unrivalled elegance and diversity of expression. From the knowledgeable hands of celebrated producer Armand Heitz, it is crafted using the finest Chardonnay grapes, unveiling an eloquent expression of its terroir. With a traditional vinification in French oak barrels and an adherence to biodynamic principles, it exudes distinct clay and calcareous soil notes.
Famed for its vibrant freshness and mineral backbone, the Heitz-Lochardet Meursault 1er Cru Perrieres 2016 reveals intriguing layers of lemon, pear, and nuanced oak on the palate. The long, precise finish leaves a lasting sensuous impression. An exquisite embodiment of Burgundy's white wine mastery, it's a masterpiece awaiting collection for discerning wine enthusiasts around the globe.
In BondSG$1,685.00 -
Vinous (95)
Compared to the premier crus at this address, this wine offers another dimension on the nose, with aromas of pear, white flowers, almond and hazelnut complemented by deeper-pitched soil tones and a hint of dried fruits. Hugely rich but surprisingly energetic on the palate, conveying seamless flavors of yellow and dried fruits and salty minerality. Totally saturates the mouth and mounts on the back end without leaving any impression of heaviness. Boillot told me that the 2017 version of this wine is a bit higher in acidity but this bottle boasts excellent verve.In BondSG$3,210.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-96)
Pale primrose, oak and ripe fruit to the nose. Intense concentration here, lively fruit, crystalline notes, lively orange blossom, very high quality. This also needs much longer elevage to show its paces but the quality is already apparent.In BondSG$10,065.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (96)
Pale lemon. Excellent weight of fruit on the nose which shows significant promise. White stone fruit and a few plums at the edges. With a very refreshing gunflint reductive minerality. This is very Corton-Charlemagne. Tasted: May 2019.In BondSG$2,995.00 -
Burghound (96)
A highly restrained nose requires considerable swirling to liberate the beautifully well-layered aromas of mineral reduction, white rose, spice, citrus and a wisp of exotic tea. Like the Pucelles there is excellent richness and detail and much more minerality-suffusing the almost painfully intense finale that is breathtaking in its persistence. This is a gem of a Puligny 1er and in 2016 is a lovely blend of power and finesse. In sum, this is a knockout.In BondSG$456.00 -
Wine Advocate (90)
The 2016 Viré-Clessé wafts from the glass with notes of musky peach and dried white flowers, framed by sublet reduction. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, tense and racy, with good depth at the core and an attractive sense of completeness. It will need some time in the cellar to unwind after bottling, but it's an elegant, vibrant interpretation of the appellation that ranks as one of Lafon's best cuvées this year.In BondSG$700.00 -
A true curation of fine craftsmanship, the Hubert Bouard Bouard Chardonnay VDP 2016 speaks eloquently of its French origin. Hailing from Bourdeaux, it is an exquisite creation by Hubert Bouard, a renowned name in winemaking circles, internationally celebrated for his commitment to producing high-quality wines. This varietal derives its complex profile from the distinct terroir of the region, renowned for offering wines with unique character and depth.
The 2016 vintage is a reflection of the winemaker’s impeccable skills and commitment to quality. Hubert Bouard made use of low interventionist practices to preserve the natural integrity of the fruit. Opting for cold fermentation, the wine retains a vibrant acidity that balances its full-bodied depth and buttery finish. The wine presents a subtle and elegant bouquet with hints of citrus and vanilla extending to a polished, smooth palate. Be it for a special occasion or an elegant dinner, the Hubert Bouard Bouard Chardonnay VDP 2016 is indeed a noteworthy addition to any fine wine collection.
In BondSG$542.00 -
Effortlessly encapsulating the delicate subtlety of French craftsmanship, the Hubert Bouard Sauvignon Blanc 2016 presents an exquisite, ethereal journey of the senses. This Bordeaux white hails from the distinguished Loire Valley, where Hubert Bouard's esteemed tradition of viniculture thrives upon the verdant, mineral-rich terroir. Produced from premium Sauvignon Blanc grapes, its elegant structure showcases the expertise of Bouard family, illustrious winegrowers for generations.
The Hubert Bouard Sauvignon Blanc 2016, vivified through meticulous hand-harvesting and unique temperature-controlled vinification techniques, graces the palate with refined citrus and tropical notes. A lingering minerality enhances its freshness, underscored by a poised acidity that enhances the fruit-forward profile.
An exceptional testament to the savoir-faire of Bouard's wine artistry, the Sauvignon Blanc 2016 effortlessly embodies the vibrant essence and complexity of its singular varietal and origin. An exemplar of finesse in the realm of Sauvignon Blancs.
In BondSG$542.00 -
Vinous (89-92)
(from redder soil over rock; 30 hectoliters per hectare produced): Pale yellow. Aromas of iodine, crushed rock and spicy oak. Chewy and densely packed but quite backward, currently dominated by wet stone and mineral notes. Finishes powerful but youthfully austere, with a repeating wet stone character. Lamy has been planting part of this vineyard at high density, but this fruit is not yet part of the wine. (Incidentally, Lamy did not make a Chassagne-Montrachet Les Macharelles in 2016 owing to the frost.)In BondSG$5,085.00 -
In BondSG$4,875.00
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Vinous (91-94)
A note of musky reduction to the aromas of white peach and quinine. Saline, energetic wine with terrific thrust and salty length. A superb mineral expression. This lot may yet go into the Lamy's classic cuvée of Derrière Chez Edouard. Lot #2, from a 2001 planting at a extreme density of 30,000 vines per hectare, which Lamy harvested first in 2016: Pale lemon-yellow. Metallic minerality and a note of minty freshness on the nose. Boasts superb sappy energy and intensity to its flavors of lemon zest, lime and stone, with captivating sweetness adding to its appeal. I would not call this an easy style but its vibrant, very long finish leaves the taste buds quivering. A great Saint-Aubin wine in the making.In BondSG$7,185.00 -
Vinous (91-93)
Aromas of lemon, menthol, crushed rock and ginger, plus a suggestion of spicy oak. Very rich, pliant wine with compelling sweetness and terrific energy to its flavors of crystallized lemon and lime and minerals; there's also a pear note here that reminded me of Chassagne-Montrachet. Conveys a strong impression of sappy density without weight, with the smooth, slowly mounting, gripping finish coating the palate with crunchy fruit and saline crushed-stone minerality. This assemblage of multiple parcels should make an outstanding Saint-Aubin wine.In BondSG$3,275.00 -
Vinous (88-91)
(30 hectoliters per hectare produced): Pale yellow. Brisk aromas of lemon and ginger. Then surprisingly supple in the mouth, offering captivating flavors of grilled hazelnut, spices and white pepper. The long, rising finish features strong salty minerality along with a faint hard edge that will require a long élevage.In BondSG$2,155.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2016 Viré-Clessé is the vintage currently on the market, although Guillaume Thevenet suggested that it will benefit from five to seven years in bottle. That’s easier said than done given the irresistible bouquet with gorgeous white peach, nectarine, blood orange and light minerally notes. The palate is very harmonious and smooth with ginger and white pepper notes interlaced with the very subtle tropical fruit of pineapple and a hint of guava. Great linearity and length here, this is only just beginning to show what it can do, so maybe heed Guillaume’s advice!In BondSG$383.00 -
Vinous (90)
(the estate made 45 hectoliters per hectare here, as these vines escaped the frost): Bright, light lemon-yellow. Captivating aromatic lift to the aromas of white peach and flowers. A distinctly more graceful wine than the foregoing samples from frost-affected vineyards, offering subtly perfumed notes of stone fruits, flowers and spices complicated by a saline quality. Not large-scaled but dry, classic and intense, boasting lovely fresh fruit and noteworthy lemony lift on the back end. (12.8% natural alcohol with sound acidity)In BondSG$876.00 -
Vinous (93-94)
(harvested last among the whites, on September 29; no frost here): Bright, green-tinged yellow. Highly distinctive aromas of lime, powdered stone, mint, pine needles and white pepper; fruit is the least of it! A seriously concentrated wine of terroir, showing lovely powdered-stone lift to its flavors of menthol, chalk, brown bread and fresh mushroom. Saline, tightly wound wine with lovely clarity and inner-mouth tension; quite dry but plenty ripe. The salty, tactile finish saturates the palate and leaves the taste buds quivering. Very Corton-Charlemagne! (12.6% without chaptalization)In BondSG$1,790.00 -
Decanter (92)
A rare Côtes-du-Rhône from the northern Rhône, the vines grown near Ampuis. It's a medium-bodied, bright and attractive white with lovely balance between generous plump fruit and inner tension. Good acidity for a 2016 white, and lovely lift from the Viognier.In BondSG$700.00 -
In BondSG$260.00
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Wine Advocate (92-94)
The 2016 Corton Charlemagne came from a one-year-old barrel (there will also be a new and two-year-old barrel). It has a straightforward, brioche-tinged bouquet that opens nicely in the glass, with hints of peaches and cream, later gooseberry tart. The palate is well balanced, honeyed in texture with notes of dried apricot, frangipane and a hint of honey. It does not quite deliver the length, but this is undoubtedly a well crafted Corton-Charlemagne from Jean-Michel that will give immense pleasure over the next 10 to 15 years.In BondSG$1,675.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92)
(13.5% natural alcohol): Pale lemon-yellow. Much more closed on the nose than the old-vines Vaillons, hinting at honeysuckle. Tighter in the mouth than the Vaillons as well but still in a supple, rich style for this cuvée, with an element of sweetness nicely buffered by firm acidity. Spreads out impressively to saturate the palate on the silky finish, with piquant notes of lemon oil and ripe grapefruit lingering.In BondSG$790.00 -
The Jean-Francois Ganevat Chateau-Chalon 2016 is a pristine embodiment of meticulous viniculture from the Jura region in France. Crafted by leading winemaker Jean-Francois Ganevat, famed for his indefatigable commitment to 'vins de terroir,' this exquisite wine showcases the beauty of biodynamic production. The 2016 vintage was a transformative year for Ganevat, who harmonised diverse grape varieties to create a complex, yet balanced flavour profile.
This remarkable wine matured in large foudres intensifies the expression of the region's signature Savagnin grape, imparting an unparalleled purity, depth, and vivacity. The nuanced interaction of rich, oxidative notes with refreshing minerality creates a captivating experience for the discerning palate.
The Jean-Francois Ganevat Chateau-Chalon 2016 stands as a testament to Ganevat's philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the true essence of the terroir to shine through. A collector's item, every sip of this wine is a profound exploration of tradition, innovation, and artistry.
In BondSG$1,105.00 -
Hailing from the renowned Burgundy region of France, the Jean-Marc Blain-Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Clos Saint Jean Blanc 2016 is a paragon of white wine distinction. This illustrious bottle is crafted with artisan care by Jean-Marc Blain and his wife Claire Gagnard, aiming for maximum viticultural authenticity. The wine is a 100% Chardonnay creature, born from Premier Cru vines in the esteemed Clos Saint Jean vineyard. Sourced from 60-year-old vine stock, the grape is handled meticulously, undergoing malolactic fermentation in barrel followed by up to 12 months of aging.
Vibrantly typifying the region's characteristic minerality, it presents an opulent bouquet of apple, citrus and a delicate hint of honey. On the palate, a masterful balance of ripe fruit, bright acidity and round, creamy notes persists through an impressively long finish. A judicious pairing to shellfish or poultry, the Jean-Marc Blain-Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Clos Saint Jean Blanc 2016 is nothing short of vinous enlightenment.
In BondSG$1,580.00 -
An exquisite gem, the Jean-Marc Blain-Gagnard Montrachet Grand Cru 2016 is a white wine that truly encapsulates the spirit of Burgundy, France. Crafted meticulously from 100% Chardonnay grapes, fiercely nurtured in the limestone-rich soils of the Côte de Beaune, the wine imparts an inherent complexity.
Produced by the esteemed Jean-Marc Blain and his wife Claudine, the Gagnard family, with vineyards traced back as far as 1792, this wine bears testimony to their traditional, yet innovative, winemaking philosophy. After hand harvesting, the wine enjoys a long fermentation in oak barrels, adding tints of maturity and character to its palate.
Sumptuous and potent, this Jean-Marc Blain-Gagnard Montrachet Grand Cru 2016 unfurls layers of stone fruit, citrus and mineral nuances, enveloped in an elegant, creamy texture with a lingering finish. An unparalleled treasure for the discerning connoisseur.
In BondSG$1,915.00 -
Vinous (91)
Pale, bright straw-yellow. Aromas of yellow peach, toast and spices. Rich, fine-grained and a bit youthfully bound-up, showing good energy and a phenolic firmness in the early going. Ripe stone fruit flavors are leavened by saline minerality. Most impressive today on the savory, firm, persistent back end. This lively wine has harmonized nicely since I first tried it from barrel a year ago but needs at least a few years of cellaring.In BondSG$1,020.00
