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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Jancis Robinson (18.5)
Four barrels made from 103 year-old vines. The yield in 2008 was just 12 hl/ha (‘We lose money on it’, according to Laurent Ponsot). Very opulent with a hauntingly layered nose. Almost more reminiscent of a cherry liqueur than a wine. Great energy – rather like a healthy drink for its real spine of life. Subtle, sweet, wild and long but with excellent freshness. ‘Probably the sort of wine that was drunk 200 years ago,’ Ponsot claims.Inc. GSTSG$7,235.92 -
The Remoissenet Pere et Fils Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2016 is a testament to meticulous winemaking and outstanding Burgundian terroir. Nestled in Beaune, the heart of Burgundy, Remoissenet Pere et Fils has been producing esteemed wines since 1877. This Grand Cru, originating from the revered Clos Saint-Denis vineyard, showcases the domaine's dedication to honouring tradition and preserving quality. Crafted from handpicked Pinot Noir grapes, the wine undergoes an attentive fermentation process before maturing in new French oak barrels, culminating in a wine with powerful structure and depth.
The 2016 vintage presents an intriguing bouquet of blackcurrant, raspberry and subtle hints of vanilla, underscored by firm yet elegant tannins. Incredible longevity is synonymous with the Remoissenet Pere et Fils Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2016, as it continues to evolve, offering an enhanced palate journey along the decades. Trust this Grand Cru to add a momentous addition to any fine wine collection.
Inc. GSTSG$3,367.77 -
Vinous (95)
The 2015 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru has a ripe, ostentatious bouquet of bold, well-defined black cherry, fig jam, peppermint and mineral scents; the oak neatly is folded into the fruit but certainly extroverted. The palate is sweet, ripe and lower in acidity than I would have liked, and rounded and fleshy with veins of blueberry and cassis toward the finish. A thoroughly enjoyable Grand Cru, its nobility translated by its elegance. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.Inc. GSTSG$1,691.11 -
Vinous (91)
The 2018 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru has quite an intense bouquet with red berry fruit, touches of blackcurrant, pain d'épice and sous-bois. This seems to grow and deepen in the glass, developing some unnecessary headiness and then, as if skulking from out of a darkened corner, noticeable and sadly compromising Brettanomyces. The palate is medium-bodied with quite thick and dense tannins. Backward and rather surly, this is a serious Clos Saint-Denis, more dark than light, with some dryness and austerity on the finish. Like reading Dostoevsky when you just want a simple page-turner. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting.Inc. GSTSG$1,725.97
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Jancis Robinson (18.5)
Four barrels made from 103 year-old vines. The yield in 2008 was just 12 hl/ha (‘We lose money on it’, according to Laurent Ponsot). Very opulent with a hauntingly layered nose. Almost more reminiscent of a cherry liqueur than a wine. Great energy – rather like a healthy drink for its real spine of life. Subtle, sweet, wild and long but with excellent freshness. ‘Probably the sort of wine that was drunk 200 years ago,’ Ponsot claims.In BondSG$6,585.00 -
The Remoissenet Pere et Fils Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2016 is a testament to meticulous winemaking and outstanding Burgundian terroir. Nestled in Beaune, the heart of Burgundy, Remoissenet Pere et Fils has been producing esteemed wines since 1877. This Grand Cru, originating from the revered Clos Saint-Denis vineyard, showcases the domaine's dedication to honouring tradition and preserving quality. Crafted from handpicked Pinot Noir grapes, the wine undergoes an attentive fermentation process before maturing in new French oak barrels, culminating in a wine with powerful structure and depth.
The 2016 vintage presents an intriguing bouquet of blackcurrant, raspberry and subtle hints of vanilla, underscored by firm yet elegant tannins. Incredible longevity is synonymous with the Remoissenet Pere et Fils Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2016, as it continues to evolve, offering an enhanced palate journey along the decades. Trust this Grand Cru to add a momentous addition to any fine wine collection.
In BondSG$3,060.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2015 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru has a ripe, ostentatious bouquet of bold, well-defined black cherry, fig jam, peppermint and mineral scents; the oak neatly is folded into the fruit but certainly extroverted. The palate is sweet, ripe and lower in acidity than I would have liked, and rounded and fleshy with veins of blueberry and cassis toward the finish. A thoroughly enjoyable Grand Cru, its nobility translated by its elegance. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.In BondSG$1,500.00 -
Vinous (91)
The 2018 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru has quite an intense bouquet with red berry fruit, touches of blackcurrant, pain d'épice and sous-bois. This seems to grow and deepen in the glass, developing some unnecessary headiness and then, as if skulking from out of a darkened corner, noticeable and sadly compromising Brettanomyces. The palate is medium-bodied with quite thick and dense tannins. Backward and rather surly, this is a serious Clos Saint-Denis, more dark than light, with some dryness and austerity on the finish. Like reading Dostoevsky when you just want a simple page-turner. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting.In BondSG$1,530.00
