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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Admired for its rare sophistication and elegance, the Auvenay Meursault 1er Cru La Goutte d'Or 1999 is an exquisite example of fine Burgundy wine. This splendid vintage is produced by Domaine Auvenay, a prestigious establishment owned by Lalou Bize-Leroy, co-owner of the revered Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. The wine hails from the La Goutte d'Or vineyard, a premier cru within the Meursault appellation in Burgundy.
The Auvenay Meursault 1er Cru La Goutte d'Or 1999 exhibits a rich, golden hue, symbolising its perfectly matured Chardonnay grapes ripened under the Burgundian sun's judicious gaze. Characterised by a complex bouquet of honey, apricot and toasted almond notes, it offers a voluptuous palate feel. The balanced acidity delivers a refreshing crispness, elevating the wine's inherent intensity. This prized vintage embraces traditional wine-making methods, ensuring an incomparable drinking experience, embodying the essence of its distinguished terroir.
Inc. GSTSG$11,314.09 -
Vinous (92)
At nearly twenty years of age the 1999 Meursault Les Narvaux is just starting to enter its early plateau of maturity now! Exuberant and powerful, the 1999 possesses off the charts intensity and a level of pure class that is far beyond the realm of most village crus. Time in bottle has started to bring out slightly tropical overtones that add complexity to the yellow orchard fruit character. Readers lucky enough to own it can look forward to another 20 years of exceptional drinking.Inc. GSTSG$11,314.09 -
Wine Advocate (100)
This is one of the greatest dry white wines I have ever tasted. The 1999 Ermitage l'Ermite is a liquid mineral, crystalline expression. It is the essence of its grape as well as terroir. It may be the greatest expression of terroir I have seen outside of a handful of Alsatian Rieslings (Clos Ste. Hune comes to mind). It has that transparent character that terroiristes talk more about than actually recognize. Drinking it is like consuming a liquified stony concoction mixed with white flowers, licorice, and honeyed fruits. It is frightfully pure, dense, and well-delineated. As I said last year, There is no real fruit character, just glycerin, alcohol, and liquid stones. That's about it, but, wow, what an expression! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050. This is for the connoisseur of rare wines. Along with Gerard and Jean-Louis Chave, Chapoutier is producing the finest expressions of white Hermitage. His single vineyard cuvees are to die for if you like these eccentric, idiosyncratic, mammoth dry whites.Inc. GSTSG$3,684.68 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90+)
Highly aromatic but youthfully subdued aromas of peach blossom, fresh pineapple, minerals and spicy oak; offers lovely lift and purity. Smooth, thick and spicy, with lively acidity giving it a light touch. Fruit salad flavors complicated by notes of spice, vanilla and grilled nuts. Finishes suave and long. A very elegantly styled wine with the structure to evolve slowly.Inc. GSTSG$976.42 -
Vinous (93)
The 1999 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 1er Cru boasts a bouquet that stops you in your tracks. It is blessed with stunning delineation despite just a subtle reduction – traces of white chocolate and white truffles underlying the electrifying flint-like aromas. The palate is crisp and fresh, the warmth of that growing season imparting weight and presence to this Puligny-Montrachet, long and persistent with a hint of ginger towards the finish, completing a truly awesome Folatières. 1,455 bottles produced. Tasted at Carré des Feuillants restaurant in Paris.Inc. GSTSG$13,657.59 -
Vinous (93)
The 1999 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 1er Cru boasts a bouquet that stops you in your tracks. It is blessed with stunning delineation despite just a subtle reduction – traces of white chocolate and white truffles underlying the electrifying flint-like aromas. The palate is crisp and fresh, the warmth of that growing season imparting weight and presence to this Puligny-Montrachet, long and persistent with a hint of ginger towards the finish, completing a truly awesome Folatières. 1,455 bottles produced. Tasted at Carré des Feuillants restaurant in Paris.Inc. GSTSG$65,628.25 -
Vinous (94)
Fairly pale color. Brilliantly fruity aromas of peach, pear and honeysuckle, plus an exotic hint of banana. Silky, rich and suave, and not at all heavy or especially sweet thanks to firm acidity. Extremely long on the finish, and not a bit hot. All in all, a remarkably elegant wine. Guigal sterile filtered this wine rather than adding a big dose of SO2, so I'd recommend drinking it on the early side.Inc. GSTSG$592.91 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92+)
Subtly leesy aromas of pineapple, honeysuckle and spice; comes across as more floral than mineral today. Very dense but almost magically vibrant and delineated, with the fresh pineapple flavor carrying through on the palate. Finishes with superb persistence. Wears its 14+% alcohol gracefully. Incidentally, Masclet considers the '98 Haut-Brion Blanc the second best release of the '90s, following the other-worldly '94.Inc. GSTSG$7,678.29 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90+)
Subdued but pure aromas of peach, orange marmalade and white plum, complicated and lifted by a floral topnote. Concentrated, fresh and spicy, with a flavor of peach and a repeating floral element. Youthful and persistent on the back end, which features sweet butter, vanilla and spicy oak.Inc. GSTSG$725.29 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-94)
Yellow-gold color. Aromas of mirabelle, creme brulee, honey and spices, along with a faint fusel nuance. Dense, unctuous, powerful and complex; superripe and concentrated but with excellent acidity contributing structure and shape. Very long and sweetly oaky on the back end. This struck me as like a more powerful, gripping version of the '98.Inc. GSTSG$905.14 -
Inc. GSTSG$2,762.93 -
Vinous (91)
Complex, subtle nose combines lime, smoke, minerals, nuts and earth. A distinct step up in texture and concentration from the premier crus; fresh, nicely delineated and solidly structured. Classy and light on its feet. Finishes subtle and long, and not at all austere for a '99.Inc. GSTSG$1,896.49 -
Inc. GSTSG$2,090.42 -
Explore rare elegance in every sip with the acclaimed Pierre Overnoy Arbois Pupillin Vin Jaune 1999. Crafted in the heart of Jura, France, this extraordinary yellow wine encapsulates the precision and passion of the master winemaker, Pierre Overnoy. His unique savoir-faire shines brightly in the 1999 vintage, as its bouquet unveils complex layers of walnut, spice, and nuanced fruit.
This Jean Macle Vin Jaune expertly ages in oak barrels for over six years under a film of yeast, imparting exceptional depth. Pierre Overnoy's commitment to Bidynamic agriculture and 'ouillé' winemaking techniques yields a wine with extraordinary vibrancy, which mirrors the stunning terroir of Pupillin. Overflowing with character, the Pierre Overnoy Arbois Pupillin Vin Jaune 1999 is a timeless treasure for those who covet exceptional French wine. Enjoy it with complex dishes like coq au vin or truffle risotto, where it truly blossoms.
Inc. GSTSG$4,261.68 -
Vinous (98)
The 1999 Montrachet Grand Cru from Domaine Jean-Claude Ramonet was my pick of the three wines, a stunning expression of this vineyard. Limpid silver in hue with green tints, the wine offers a bouquet that is ineffably complex and bursts with energy. The mineralité is palpable, which is some achievement given the warmth of that growing season. Scents of hazelnut and black currant leaf appear with a couple of hours in the glass. The palate is intense and supremely well balanced, balancing tiptoe on an absolute killer line of acidity with hints of gunflint and bitter lemon toward the astonishingly persistent finish. This flirts with perfection.Inc. GSTSG$12,233.59 -
Regnard Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 1999 is an exquisite, mature Burgundian Chardonnay produced in the celebrated Premier Cru vineyards of the Côte de Beaune. This grand vin owes its elegance to Maison Regnard, one of Chablis' oldest houses, whose production is steeped in tradition yet underpinned by modern winemaking techniques. Harvested by hand and aged in oak for a minimum of 18 months, the richly flavoured green-gold vintage embodies eloquence in a bottle.
Its full-bodied palate reveals balanced acidity and a complexity that only comes from well-aged wine, intermingling flavours of ripe pears, honey, almonds and earthy undertones. The finish lingers, soft and buttery yet with a hint of minerality typical of Chardonnay's of this calibre. Experts laud Regnard Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 1999 as a testament to Regnard's exceptional traditional winemaking practices, a true masterpiece that is testament to one of Burgundy's proudest heritages.
Inc. GSTSG$4,703.13 -
Imbibe in the legacy of Loire Valley's esteemed vintner with the Rene Renou Bonnezeaux Cuvee Zenith 1999. This delectable dessert wine brims with intoxicating sweetness and an exquisite balance that showcases its impressive heritage. Made from meticulously hand-harvested Chenin Blanc grapes, the wine bespeaks elegance and indulgence. Masterfully blended by the renowned Rene Renou, this Cuvee Zenith release hails from the highly-regarded Bonnezeaux appellation.
In the glass, it embodies a radiant golden hue, preceding the enchanting flavours of honeyed peach, ripe apricot and subtle spice notes, adorned by a lavish sunkissed acidity. Born in the bountiful terroir of the Loire Valley, its exceptional quality reflects the authentic traditional winemaking techniques rooted in the French culture. The Rene Renou Bonnezeaux Cuvee Zenith 1999, displays its impeccable pedigree, making it a distinguished choice for fine wine aficionados and collectors seeking a prized vintage.
Inc. GSTSG$394.93 -
Inc. GSTSG$493.55
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Admired for its rare sophistication and elegance, the Auvenay Meursault 1er Cru La Goutte d'Or 1999 is an exquisite example of fine Burgundy wine. This splendid vintage is produced by Domaine Auvenay, a prestigious establishment owned by Lalou Bize-Leroy, co-owner of the revered Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. The wine hails from the La Goutte d'Or vineyard, a premier cru within the Meursault appellation in Burgundy.
The Auvenay Meursault 1er Cru La Goutte d'Or 1999 exhibits a rich, golden hue, symbolising its perfectly matured Chardonnay grapes ripened under the Burgundian sun's judicious gaze. Characterised by a complex bouquet of honey, apricot and toasted almond notes, it offers a voluptuous palate feel. The balanced acidity delivers a refreshing crispness, elevating the wine's inherent intensity. This prized vintage embraces traditional wine-making methods, ensuring an incomparable drinking experience, embodying the essence of its distinguished terroir.
In BondSG$10,370.00 -
Vinous (92)
At nearly twenty years of age the 1999 Meursault Les Narvaux is just starting to enter its early plateau of maturity now! Exuberant and powerful, the 1999 possesses off the charts intensity and a level of pure class that is far beyond the realm of most village crus. Time in bottle has started to bring out slightly tropical overtones that add complexity to the yellow orchard fruit character. Readers lucky enough to own it can look forward to another 20 years of exceptional drinking.In BondSG$10,370.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
This is one of the greatest dry white wines I have ever tasted. The 1999 Ermitage l'Ermite is a liquid mineral, crystalline expression. It is the essence of its grape as well as terroir. It may be the greatest expression of terroir I have seen outside of a handful of Alsatian Rieslings (Clos Ste. Hune comes to mind). It has that transparent character that terroiristes talk more about than actually recognize. Drinking it is like consuming a liquified stony concoction mixed with white flowers, licorice, and honeyed fruits. It is frightfully pure, dense, and well-delineated. As I said last year, There is no real fruit character, just glycerin, alcohol, and liquid stones. That's about it, but, wow, what an expression! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050. This is for the connoisseur of rare wines. Along with Gerard and Jean-Louis Chave, Chapoutier is producing the finest expressions of white Hermitage. His single vineyard cuvees are to die for if you like these eccentric, idiosyncratic, mammoth dry whites.In BondSG$3,325.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90+)
Highly aromatic but youthfully subdued aromas of peach blossom, fresh pineapple, minerals and spicy oak; offers lovely lift and purity. Smooth, thick and spicy, with lively acidity giving it a light touch. Fruit salad flavors complicated by notes of spice, vanilla and grilled nuts. Finishes suave and long. A very elegantly styled wine with the structure to evolve slowly.In BondSG$777.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 1999 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 1er Cru boasts a bouquet that stops you in your tracks. It is blessed with stunning delineation despite just a subtle reduction – traces of white chocolate and white truffles underlying the electrifying flint-like aromas. The palate is crisp and fresh, the warmth of that growing season imparting weight and presence to this Puligny-Montrachet, long and persistent with a hint of ginger towards the finish, completing a truly awesome Folatières. 1,455 bottles produced. Tasted at Carré des Feuillants restaurant in Paris.In BondSG$12,520.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 1999 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 1er Cru boasts a bouquet that stops you in your tracks. It is blessed with stunning delineation despite just a subtle reduction – traces of white chocolate and white truffles underlying the electrifying flint-like aromas. The palate is crisp and fresh, the warmth of that growing season imparting weight and presence to this Puligny-Montrachet, long and persistent with a hint of ginger towards the finish, completing a truly awesome Folatières. 1,455 bottles produced. Tasted at Carré des Feuillants restaurant in Paris.In BondSG$60,150.00 -
Vinous (94)
Fairly pale color. Brilliantly fruity aromas of peach, pear and honeysuckle, plus an exotic hint of banana. Silky, rich and suave, and not at all heavy or especially sweet thanks to firm acidity. Extremely long on the finish, and not a bit hot. All in all, a remarkably elegant wine. Guigal sterile filtered this wine rather than adding a big dose of SO2, so I'd recommend drinking it on the early side.In BondSG$539.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92+)
Subtly leesy aromas of pineapple, honeysuckle and spice; comes across as more floral than mineral today. Very dense but almost magically vibrant and delineated, with the fresh pineapple flavor carrying through on the palate. Finishes with superb persistence. Wears its 14+% alcohol gracefully. Incidentally, Masclet considers the '98 Haut-Brion Blanc the second best release of the '90s, following the other-worldly '94.In BondSG$6,975.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90+)
Subdued but pure aromas of peach, orange marmalade and white plum, complicated and lifted by a floral topnote. Concentrated, fresh and spicy, with a flavor of peach and a repeating floral element. Youthful and persistent on the back end, which features sweet butter, vanilla and spicy oak.In BondSG$606.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-94)
Yellow-gold color. Aromas of mirabelle, creme brulee, honey and spices, along with a faint fusel nuance. Dense, unctuous, powerful and complex; superripe and concentrated but with excellent acidity contributing structure and shape. Very long and sweetly oaky on the back end. This struck me as like a more powerful, gripping version of the '98.In BondSG$771.00 -
In BondSG$2,515.00
-
Vinous (91)
Complex, subtle nose combines lime, smoke, minerals, nuts and earth. A distinct step up in texture and concentration from the premier crus; fresh, nicely delineated and solidly structured. Classy and light on its feet. Finishes subtle and long, and not at all austere for a '99.In BondSG$1,730.00 -
In BondSG$1,900.00
-
Explore rare elegance in every sip with the acclaimed Pierre Overnoy Arbois Pupillin Vin Jaune 1999. Crafted in the heart of Jura, France, this extraordinary yellow wine encapsulates the precision and passion of the master winemaker, Pierre Overnoy. His unique savoir-faire shines brightly in the 1999 vintage, as its bouquet unveils complex layers of walnut, spice, and nuanced fruit.
This Jean Macle Vin Jaune expertly ages in oak barrels for over six years under a film of yeast, imparting exceptional depth. Pierre Overnoy's commitment to Bidynamic agriculture and 'ouillé' winemaking techniques yields a wine with extraordinary vibrancy, which mirrors the stunning terroir of Pupillin. Overflowing with character, the Pierre Overnoy Arbois Pupillin Vin Jaune 1999 is a timeless treasure for those who covet exceptional French wine. Enjoy it with complex dishes like coq au vin or truffle risotto, where it truly blossoms.
In BondSG$3,890.00 -
Vinous (98)
The 1999 Montrachet Grand Cru from Domaine Jean-Claude Ramonet was my pick of the three wines, a stunning expression of this vineyard. Limpid silver in hue with green tints, the wine offers a bouquet that is ineffably complex and bursts with energy. The mineralité is palpable, which is some achievement given the warmth of that growing season. Scents of hazelnut and black currant leaf appear with a couple of hours in the glass. The palate is intense and supremely well balanced, balancing tiptoe on an absolute killer line of acidity with hints of gunflint and bitter lemon toward the astonishingly persistent finish. This flirts with perfection.In BondSG$11,205.00 -
Regnard Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 1999 is an exquisite, mature Burgundian Chardonnay produced in the celebrated Premier Cru vineyards of the Côte de Beaune. This grand vin owes its elegance to Maison Regnard, one of Chablis' oldest houses, whose production is steeped in tradition yet underpinned by modern winemaking techniques. Harvested by hand and aged in oak for a minimum of 18 months, the richly flavoured green-gold vintage embodies eloquence in a bottle.
Its full-bodied palate reveals balanced acidity and a complexity that only comes from well-aged wine, intermingling flavours of ripe pears, honey, almonds and earthy undertones. The finish lingers, soft and buttery yet with a hint of minerality typical of Chardonnay's of this calibre. Experts laud Regnard Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 1999 as a testament to Regnard's exceptional traditional winemaking practices, a true masterpiece that is testament to one of Burgundy's proudest heritages.
In BondSG$4,295.00 -
Imbibe in the legacy of Loire Valley's esteemed vintner with the Rene Renou Bonnezeaux Cuvee Zenith 1999. This delectable dessert wine brims with intoxicating sweetness and an exquisite balance that showcases its impressive heritage. Made from meticulously hand-harvested Chenin Blanc grapes, the wine bespeaks elegance and indulgence. Masterfully blended by the renowned Rene Renou, this Cuvee Zenith release hails from the highly-regarded Bonnezeaux appellation.
In the glass, it embodies a radiant golden hue, preceding the enchanting flavours of honeyed peach, ripe apricot and subtle spice notes, adorned by a lavish sunkissed acidity. Born in the bountiful terroir of the Loire Valley, its exceptional quality reflects the authentic traditional winemaking techniques rooted in the French culture. The Rene Renou Bonnezeaux Cuvee Zenith 1999, displays its impeccable pedigree, making it a distinguished choice for fine wine aficionados and collectors seeking a prized vintage.
In BondSG$328.00 -
In BondSG$433.00
