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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Wine Advocate (94-96)
From an enclave within the premier cru Perrières, Boillot's 2017 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Mouchère is utterly superb this year, wafting from the glass with aromas of lemon oil, mandarin orange, beeswax, iodine and subtle smoky reduction. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, satiny and layered, with striking volume and depth at the core, balanced by incisive acids that animate the long, mineral finish. Guillaume Boillot speculates that this monopole's comparative variety of mesoclimates and soil types lends the resulting wine greater complexity than would be the case with a small cuvée.Inc. GSTSG$2,521.67 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Boillot's emblematic 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Mouchère has turned out brilliantly, wafting from the glass with aromas of pear, hazelnut, dried white flowers, citrus oil, blanched almonds and smoke. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with terrific concentration, searing levels of extract and a long, mineral finish.Inc. GSTSG$2,155.39 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Boillot's emblematic 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Mouchère has turned out brilliantly, wafting from the glass with aromas of pear, hazelnut, dried white flowers, citrus oil, blanched almonds and smoke. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with terrific concentration, searing levels of extract and a long, mineral finish.Inc. GSTSG$1,784.79 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-97)
Gorgeous full yellow with lots of green reflections. A tiny bit of toast on the nose, which is one of the more reserved bouquets on show today, but suggests potential. Fabulous in the mouth here, retaining discretion, clinging to its toast, really very good all the way through and exceptionally long with a growth of minerals through the flesh.Inc. GSTSG$976.79 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-97)
Gorgeous full yellow with lots of green reflections. A tiny bit of toast on the nose, which is one of the more reserved bouquets on show today, but suggests potential. Fabulous in the mouth here, retaining discretion, clinging to its toast, really very good all the way through and exceptionally long with a growth of minerals through the flesh.Inc. GSTSG$2,204.44 -
Burghound (96)
(Outstanding) This is perhaps the most floral-suffused nose in the range with its aromas of essence of pear and plenitude of spice and citrus elements. Once again, the mid-palate mouthfeel of the medium-bodied flavors is absolutely gorgeous, which contrasts noticeably with the cuts-like-a-knife finish that remains ultra-refined, balanced and persistent. This is most impressive, particularly for the remarkably fine volume and power that is delivered with grace and class.Inc. GSTSG$1,067.26 -
Burghound (96)
(Outstanding) This is perhaps the most floral-suffused nose in the range with its aromas of essence of pear and plenitude of spice and citrus elements. Once again, the mid-palate mouthfeel of the medium-bodied flavors is absolutely gorgeous, which contrasts noticeably with the cuts-like-a-knife finish that remains ultra-refined, balanced and persistent. This is most impressive, particularly for the remarkably fine volume and power that is delivered with grace and class.Inc. GSTSG$2,362.49 -
Burghound (94)
Outstanding. Cool, airy and very pretty aromas of the essence of pear, exotic tea, spice and acacia blossom are trimmed in an admirably discreet touch of oak. Much like the Pucelles, the texture of the slightly bigger and more mineral-driven flavors is wonderfully refined and even more powerful on the explosively long, graceful and bone-dry finale. This is also highly recommended.Inc. GSTSG$2,216.47 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (95-97)
5 Star Wine. Mid yellow, with a biscuity touch. Seems unsubtle until you get to the palate which is super powerful but also with subtlety. This Monopole vineyard comprises four distinct terroirs though they are always assembled. An electric backbone stops the power overturning the balance. Yellow fruit, and then an extraordinary, indeed grand cru, weight. Incisive white fruit finish. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted: December 2023.Inc. GSTSG$1,983.15 -
Inc. GSTSG$753.34
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Inc. GSTSG$2,351.59
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Vinous (91-94)
More oaky and less open on the nose than the Combettes: always the least exuberant of these premier crus, notes Boillot. Dense but tightly wound, showing terrific energy to its chewy flavors of lemon oil, flowers and salty minerals. The slowly building, chewy, gripping finish suggests that this wine will blossom with time in bottle. The pH here is 3.19 and the acidity relatively high at 4.7 grams per liter, according to Boillot.Inc. GSTSG$1,878.57 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Boillot's 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles reveals aromas of orange oil, white flowers and peaches, complemented by classy top notes of nutmeg and warm bread. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and vibrant, with quite a tensile, tight-knit core for this typically enveloping premier cru. But looking back through my notes, that often seems to be the case chez Boillot.Inc. GSTSG$971.34 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Boillot's 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles reveals aromas of orange oil, white flowers and peaches, complemented by classy top notes of nutmeg and warm bread. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and vibrant, with quite a tensile, tight-knit core for this typically enveloping premier cru. But looking back through my notes, that often seems to be the case chez Boillot.Inc. GSTSG$1,464.18 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles exhibits aromas of orange oil, toasted nuts, pear and white flowers, framed by a deft touch of new oak. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, with an ample core of fruit and bright girdling acids, it concludes with a precise, mouthwatering finish.Inc. GSTSG$2,242.59 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet Village is superb, unfurling in the glass with aromas of white peach, clear honey, citrus oil and fresh pastry. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and textural, with lively acids and a long, precise finish. As I noted last year, it's derived from the superior lieux-dits of Les Houlières, La Rousselle, Les Charmes and Les Enseignères.Inc. GSTSG$1,719.39 -
Burghound (91)
Outstanding A subtle but not invisible application of wood sets off cool aromas of various flowers, pear, apple and orange peel. There is very good volume to the succulent, intense and agreeably textured flavors that culminate in a bone-dry, palate coating and lingering finale where a hint of youthful austere slowly emerges. This is a very impressive and age worthy Puligny villages.Inc. GSTSG$1,043.59 -
Burghound (91)
Outstanding Moderate reduction is enough to push the underlying fruit to the background. By contrast, there is excellent freshness and intensity to the solidly concentrated medium weight flavors that coat the palate with dry extract while delivering impressive length on the balanced, youthfully austere and citrus-tinged finale. This is a really good Puligny villages and even though it's more powerful than usual, it remains stylish and refined. One to buy plus it should age gracefully.Inc. GSTSG$1,393.52 -
Vinous (93)
The 2020 Puligny-Montrachet Les Tremblots Haut Densité has a fresh apple blossom, white tea and light chalky scents that gains intensity with aeration. The palate is very focused, with fine delineation and mineralité. It is tightly-wound towards the finish with a twist of bitter lemon lingering on the aftertaste.Inc. GSTSG$1,896.49 -
Vinous (90-92)
The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet Les Tremblots Vieilles Vignes contains some fruit from the "Haut Densité" vines. It took almost a year to completely ferment. The nose offers well-defined scents of crushed limestone and apple blossom, taut and quite focused. The palate is well balanced with a saline entry, fine weight in the mouth and good density toward the finish. This shows a lot of potential.Inc. GSTSG$3,262.33 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Les Tremblots Vieilles Vignes had just completed its malolactic when I visited at the end of October. It has a pithy, pear and red apple scented bouquet with a light sea spray note. The palate is well balanced with sour lemon, orange zest and a long saline finish. This is a tremendous Puligny that should age with style.Inc. GSTSG$4,772.89 -
Inc. GSTSG$457.69
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Vinous (89)
(bottled in March): Slightly reduced, soil-driven scents of peach, truffle and porcini. Nicely balanced and ripe but with lovely lemony cut to its saline mineral and apple flavors. I find this more energetic than its 2015 sibling.Inc. GSTSG$1,225.60 -
Wine Advocate (89-91)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Village offers up aromas of fresh pear, orange zest, white flowers and pastry cream. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and flavorful, it's generous and enveloping, with lively acids and a fragrant finish.Inc. GSTSG$1,675.24 -
Vinous (89)
The 2020 Puligny-Montrachet Village, a blend of several parcels, has a light Granny Smith and wet limestone-scented bouquet. It could benefit from more intensity. The palate is well balanced with more depth than expected, fine acidity though it just misses a little complexity and tension on the finish.Inc. GSTSG$1,219.12 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (89-91)
Glowing yellow colour, quite backward, good energy. A little bitterness, not the wealth of the hotter years, but good tension. Second cuvée a little less colour and power, but fuller on the palate, a more classical succulence. Third also discreet on the nose, but poised with good acidity. And some length. Going to work very well.Inc. GSTSG$1,715.44 -
Burghound (90-93)
A ripe, fresh, elegant, expressive and classy nose of green apple, pear and a hint of honeysuckle trimmed in a bit of wood toast leads to rich, full and impressively concentrated flavors that possess palate staining intensity on the opulent, powerful and explosive finish. This is a big but balanced effort.Inc. GSTSG$1,922.17 -
Tim Atkin MW (94)
Made entirely in barrels with 30% new oak, this exemplifies the delicate flair of Puligny. Starting off with dried white flowers, tree blooms, baking spice and orchard fruit, the aromas are very diverse. The mid-palate is focused with good density and the flavors finish with a pleasant, mouth-coating richness. This is enticingly accessible already. 2022-35Inc. GSTSG$1,378.20 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-95)
Excellent fresh lemon and lime colour. Relatively stern on the nose. This is backward, and very striking but not quite in place yet, very backward, all the intensity for sure. Stony white fruit as you would expect. How far does it stretch out. Youthful tension Tasted: October 2021.Inc. GSTSG$1,300.87 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-94)
13 barrels from one hectare. A full primrose yellow. The nose shows a touch more ripeness than Clos de la Pucelle. Ripe pears, and just a touch of the mandarin notes that you get attached to Sauternes, without suggesting any rot however. Juicy and long. Drink from 2026-2032. Tasted: October 2022Inc. GSTSG$1,765.15
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Wine Advocate (94-96)
From an enclave within the premier cru Perrières, Boillot's 2017 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Mouchère is utterly superb this year, wafting from the glass with aromas of lemon oil, mandarin orange, beeswax, iodine and subtle smoky reduction. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, satiny and layered, with striking volume and depth at the core, balanced by incisive acids that animate the long, mineral finish. Guillaume Boillot speculates that this monopole's comparative variety of mesoclimates and soil types lends the resulting wine greater complexity than would be the case with a small cuvée.In BondSG$2,260.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Boillot's emblematic 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Mouchère has turned out brilliantly, wafting from the glass with aromas of pear, hazelnut, dried white flowers, citrus oil, blanched almonds and smoke. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with terrific concentration, searing levels of extract and a long, mineral finish.In BondSG$1,920.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Boillot's emblematic 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Mouchère has turned out brilliantly, wafting from the glass with aromas of pear, hazelnut, dried white flowers, citrus oil, blanched almonds and smoke. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with terrific concentration, searing levels of extract and a long, mineral finish.In BondSG$1,580.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-97)
Gorgeous full yellow with lots of green reflections. A tiny bit of toast on the nose, which is one of the more reserved bouquets on show today, but suggests potential. Fabulous in the mouth here, retaining discretion, clinging to its toast, really very good all the way through and exceptionally long with a growth of minerals through the flesh.In BondSG$877.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-97)
Gorgeous full yellow with lots of green reflections. A tiny bit of toast on the nose, which is one of the more reserved bouquets on show today, but suggests potential. Fabulous in the mouth here, retaining discretion, clinging to its toast, really very good all the way through and exceptionally long with a growth of minerals through the flesh.In BondSG$1,965.00 -
Burghound (96)
(Outstanding) This is perhaps the most floral-suffused nose in the range with its aromas of essence of pear and plenitude of spice and citrus elements. Once again, the mid-palate mouthfeel of the medium-bodied flavors is absolutely gorgeous, which contrasts noticeably with the cuts-like-a-knife finish that remains ultra-refined, balanced and persistent. This is most impressive, particularly for the remarkably fine volume and power that is delivered with grace and class.In BondSG$960.00 -
Burghound (96)
(Outstanding) This is perhaps the most floral-suffused nose in the range with its aromas of essence of pear and plenitude of spice and citrus elements. Once again, the mid-palate mouthfeel of the medium-bodied flavors is absolutely gorgeous, which contrasts noticeably with the cuts-like-a-knife finish that remains ultra-refined, balanced and persistent. This is most impressive, particularly for the remarkably fine volume and power that is delivered with grace and class.In BondSG$2,110.00 -
Burghound (94)
Outstanding. Cool, airy and very pretty aromas of the essence of pear, exotic tea, spice and acacia blossom are trimmed in an admirably discreet touch of oak. Much like the Pucelles, the texture of the slightly bigger and more mineral-driven flavors is wonderfully refined and even more powerful on the explosively long, graceful and bone-dry finale. This is also highly recommended.In BondSG$1,980.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (95-97)
5 Star Wine. Mid yellow, with a biscuity touch. Seems unsubtle until you get to the palate which is super powerful but also with subtlety. This Monopole vineyard comprises four distinct terroirs though they are always assembled. An electric backbone stops the power overturning the balance. Yellow fruit, and then an extraordinary, indeed grand cru, weight. Incisive white fruit finish. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted: December 2023.In BondSG$1,760.00 -
In BondSG$672.00
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In BondSG$2,100.00
-
Vinous (91-94)
More oaky and less open on the nose than the Combettes: always the least exuberant of these premier crus, notes Boillot. Dense but tightly wound, showing terrific energy to its chewy flavors of lemon oil, flowers and salty minerals. The slowly building, chewy, gripping finish suggests that this wine will blossom with time in bottle. The pH here is 3.19 and the acidity relatively high at 4.7 grams per liter, according to Boillot.In BondSG$1,670.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Boillot's 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles reveals aromas of orange oil, white flowers and peaches, complemented by classy top notes of nutmeg and warm bread. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and vibrant, with quite a tensile, tight-knit core for this typically enveloping premier cru. But looking back through my notes, that often seems to be the case chez Boillot.In BondSG$872.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Boillot's 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles reveals aromas of orange oil, white flowers and peaches, complemented by classy top notes of nutmeg and warm bread. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and vibrant, with quite a tensile, tight-knit core for this typically enveloping premier cru. But looking back through my notes, that often seems to be the case chez Boillot.In BondSG$1,305.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles exhibits aromas of orange oil, toasted nuts, pear and white flowers, framed by a deft touch of new oak. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, with an ample core of fruit and bright girdling acids, it concludes with a precise, mouthwatering finish.In BondSG$2,000.00 -
Wine Advocate (91)
The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet Village is superb, unfurling in the glass with aromas of white peach, clear honey, citrus oil and fresh pastry. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and textural, with lively acids and a long, precise finish. As I noted last year, it's derived from the superior lieux-dits of Les Houlières, La Rousselle, Les Charmes and Les Enseignères.In BondSG$1,520.00 -
Burghound (91)
Outstanding A subtle but not invisible application of wood sets off cool aromas of various flowers, pear, apple and orange peel. There is very good volume to the succulent, intense and agreeably textured flavors that culminate in a bone-dry, palate coating and lingering finale where a hint of youthful austere slowly emerges. This is a very impressive and age worthy Puligny villages.In BondSG$900.00 -
Burghound (91)
Outstanding Moderate reduction is enough to push the underlying fruit to the background. By contrast, there is excellent freshness and intensity to the solidly concentrated medium weight flavors that coat the palate with dry extract while delivering impressive length on the balanced, youthfully austere and citrus-tinged finale. This is a really good Puligny villages and even though it's more powerful than usual, it remains stylish and refined. One to buy plus it should age gracefully.In BondSG$1,225.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2020 Puligny-Montrachet Les Tremblots Haut Densité has a fresh apple blossom, white tea and light chalky scents that gains intensity with aeration. The palate is very focused, with fine delineation and mineralité. It is tightly-wound towards the finish with a twist of bitter lemon lingering on the aftertaste.In BondSG$1,730.00 -
Vinous (90-92)
The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet Les Tremblots Vieilles Vignes contains some fruit from the "Haut Densité" vines. It took almost a year to completely ferment. The nose offers well-defined scents of crushed limestone and apple blossom, taut and quite focused. The palate is well balanced with a saline entry, fine weight in the mouth and good density toward the finish. This shows a lot of potential.In BondSG$2,890.00 -
Vinous (91-93)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Les Tremblots Vieilles Vignes had just completed its malolactic when I visited at the end of October. It has a pithy, pear and red apple scented bouquet with a light sea spray note. The palate is well balanced with sour lemon, orange zest and a long saline finish. This is a tremendous Puligny that should age with style.In BondSG$4,260.00 -
In BondSG$410.00
-
Vinous (89)
(bottled in March): Slightly reduced, soil-driven scents of peach, truffle and porcini. Nicely balanced and ripe but with lovely lemony cut to its saline mineral and apple flavors. I find this more energetic than its 2015 sibling.In BondSG$1,065.00 -
Wine Advocate (89-91)
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet Village offers up aromas of fresh pear, orange zest, white flowers and pastry cream. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and flavorful, it's generous and enveloping, with lively acids and a fragrant finish.In BondSG$1,430.00 -
Vinous (89)
The 2020 Puligny-Montrachet Village, a blend of several parcels, has a light Granny Smith and wet limestone-scented bouquet. It could benefit from more intensity. The palate is well balanced with more depth than expected, fine acidity though it just misses a little complexity and tension on the finish.In BondSG$1,065.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (89-91)
Glowing yellow colour, quite backward, good energy. A little bitterness, not the wealth of the hotter years, but good tension. Second cuvée a little less colour and power, but fuller on the palate, a more classical succulence. Third also discreet on the nose, but poised with good acidity. And some length. Going to work very well.In BondSG$1,455.00 -
Burghound (90-93)
A ripe, fresh, elegant, expressive and classy nose of green apple, pear and a hint of honeysuckle trimmed in a bit of wood toast leads to rich, full and impressively concentrated flavors that possess palate staining intensity on the opulent, powerful and explosive finish. This is a big but balanced effort.In BondSG$1,710.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (94)
Made entirely in barrels with 30% new oak, this exemplifies the delicate flair of Puligny. Starting off with dried white flowers, tree blooms, baking spice and orchard fruit, the aromas are very diverse. The mid-palate is focused with good density and the flavors finish with a pleasant, mouth-coating richness. This is enticingly accessible already. 2022-35In BondSG$1,205.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-95)
Excellent fresh lemon and lime colour. Relatively stern on the nose. This is backward, and very striking but not quite in place yet, very backward, all the intensity for sure. Stony white fruit as you would expect. How far does it stretch out. Youthful tension Tasted: October 2021.In BondSG$1,140.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-94)
13 barrels from one hectare. A full primrose yellow. The nose shows a touch more ripeness than Clos de la Pucelle. Ripe pears, and just a touch of the mandarin notes that you get attached to Sauternes, without suggesting any rot however. Juicy and long. Drink from 2026-2032. Tasted: October 2022In BondSG$1,560.00