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
![Bottle of Cristal, Lafite, DRC, Rayas and Chave](https://media.cruworldwine.com/media/resized/500_300/catalog/category/France.png)
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James Suckling (94-95)
I can’t remember a Haut-Batailley this tannic, yet the tannins are savory and very ripe with beauty and purity. Full-bodied, chewy tannins and a long and intense finish.Inc. GSTSG$1,415.10 -
James Suckling (94-95)
I can’t remember a Haut-Batailley this tannic, yet the tannins are savory and very ripe with beauty and purity. Full-bodied, chewy tannins and a long and intense finish.Inc. GSTSG$737.53 -
James Suckling (95-96)
Plenty of blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors. It’s full and chewy with a powerful finish. Tar and graphite at the end. Solid core of fruit and tannin here. One of the most structured I have had from here. Cazes family making the difference.Inc. GSTSG$945.99 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is really minerally and stony with lots of chewy tannins. Medium-to full-bodied with a clean, fresh finish. Very classic Pauillac. Salty at the end with bitter citrus.Inc. GSTSG$1,475.05 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is really minerally and stony with lots of chewy tannins. Medium-to full-bodied with a clean, fresh finish. Very classic Pauillac. Salty at the end with bitter citrus.Inc. GSTSG$879.23 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93-96)
The 2023 Haut-Batailley is another impressive wine from this Chateau. There's plenty of the typical dark fruit and overall breadth that is such a signature, but the tannins show greater finesse than in some prior years—a very positive evolution that continues here. Black cherry, plum, lavender, cloves, leather and licorice are all beautifully amplified. The 2023 marks another major step forward for Haut-Batailley.Inc. GSTSG$925.19 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93-96)
The 2023 Haut-Batailley is another impressive wine from this Chateau. There's plenty of the typical dark fruit and overall breadth that is such a signature, but the tannins show greater finesse than in some prior years—a very positive evolution that continues here. Black cherry, plum, lavender, cloves, leather and licorice are all beautifully amplified. The 2023 marks another major step forward for Haut-Batailley.Inc. GSTSG$473.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93-96)
The 2023 Haut-Batailley is another impressive wine from this Chateau. There's plenty of the typical dark fruit and overall breadth that is such a signature, but the tannins show greater finesse than in some prior years—a very positive evolution that continues here. Black cherry, plum, lavender, cloves, leather and licorice are all beautifully amplified. The 2023 marks another major step forward for Haut-Batailley.Inc. GSTSG$946.99 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93-96)
The 2023 Haut-Batailley is another impressive wine from this Chateau. There's plenty of the typical dark fruit and overall breadth that is such a signature, but the tannins show greater finesse than in some prior years—a very positive evolution that continues here. Black cherry, plum, lavender, cloves, leather and licorice are all beautifully amplified. The 2023 marks another major step forward for Haut-Batailley.Inc. GSTSG$462.60 -
Inc. GSTSG$1,491.99
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Inc. GSTSG$906.66
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Inc. GSTSG$450.61
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Inc. GSTSG$412.46
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Decanter (91)
Lacoste-Borie is the second wine of Pauillac fifth growth Grand-Puy-Lacoste. While the 2010 grand vins are not yet in their drinking window, this will fit the bill. The nose has nicely defined cedar and black pepper with hints of struck match and bacon. The palate has softened out wonderfully, but retains structural liquorice and cocoa-infused tannins. There is a succulent black fruit edge, with savoury hints of tobacco and some herbaceousness behind.Inc. GSTSG$1,056.12 -
James Suckling (90-91)
Soft and silky second wine of Grand Puy Lacost. Medium to full body, juicy fruit and a velvety tannic finish.Inc. GSTSG$968.92 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2019 Lacoste-Borie was impressive as a barrel sample sent to my home last spring. Now in bottle, it has a vivacious, quite floral, almost Margaux-like bouquet that bursts from the glass, featuring raspberry, rooibos and black currant aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with good concentration, a little spicier than I remember and a little softer in the finish, yet with good length and admirable harmony. It should drink nicely after a couple of years. 14.3% alcohol.Inc. GSTSG$448.45 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2020 Lacoste-Borie, which comes in a new label, has an attractive nose with black fruit, pencil shavings and light minty aromas that remain in the background. Fine delineation, though not powerful. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins on the entry, a mixture of red and black fruit, hints of brine and cracked black pepper with an easygoing, seaweed-tinged finish that suggests this will just require a couple of years in bottle.Inc. GSTSG$508.49 -
James Suckling (92-93)
Perfumed and nicely polished second wine of Grand-Puy-Lacoste with pretty sandalwood, blackberry and currant notes. Some fresh herbs and mocha, too. Nicely framed with fleshy tannins. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot and 8% cabernet franc.Inc. GSTSG$463.69 -
Wine Spectator (97)
The great first-growth estate produced a wine with amazing length in this new vintage. Goes on and on, with mint, plum and cassis aromas and flavors and ultrafine tannins. A superb Bordeaux. Best after 1999. 25,000 cases made.Inc. GSTSG$15,678.56 -
Inc. GSTSG$2,158.09
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Inc. GSTSG$1,540.08
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Inc. GSTSG$5,427.87
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Wine Advocate (86-88)
The 1957, while not great, is nevertheless surprisingly good (twice I have rated it in the 86-88 range).Inc. GSTSG$1,747.18 -
Wine Advocate (70)
(Magnum)Inc. GSTSG$1,747.18 -
Wine Advocate (80)
Given the overblown praise for the 1961, 1966, and 1970 Lafites, it seems as though the 1964, a wine obviously made after the rains, is a wine that has taken more criticism than it deserves. Not that it is sublime or profound, but it has consistently shown a chunky, fruity character, and a whiff of some of Lafite's fabulous bouquet. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 7/82.Inc. GSTSG$2,807.67 -
Wine Advocate (80)
Given the overblown praise for the 1961, 1966, and 1970 Lafites, it seems as though the 1964, a wine obviously made after the rains, is a wine that has taken more criticism than it deserves. Not that it is sublime or profound, but it has consistently shown a chunky, fruity character, and a whiff of some of Lafite's fabulous bouquet. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 7/82.Inc. GSTSG$8,011.06 -
Wine Advocate (84)
Except for the 1966 and 1870 vintages of Lafite-Rothschild, these wines were poured on virgin territory on my palate. Isn't it ironic that the most disappointing wine (forgetting the spoiled 1875 Lafite-Rothschild, which had frightful levels of volatile acidity) was the youngest wine, the 1966 Lafite. With a light to medium ruby/garnet color, this wine exhibited a classy, weedy, herbal, Cabernet-dominated nose, soft, washed-out flavors, and little body and length. It is also beginning to dry out. I suppose if one were to taste a 30-year old Cabernet from Monterey County, California, it might reveal similar characteristics. The 1966 Lafite-Rothschild has consistently been a major disappointment from what is an irregular, but very good vintage.Inc. GSTSG$19,002.84 -
Wine Advocate (84)
Except for the 1966 and 1870 vintages of Lafite-Rothschild, these wines were poured on virgin territory on my palate. Isn't it ironic that the most disappointing wine (forgetting the spoiled 1875 Lafite-Rothschild, which had frightful levels of volatile acidity) was the youngest wine, the 1966 Lafite. With a light to medium ruby/garnet color, this wine exhibited a classy, weedy, herbal, Cabernet-dominated nose, soft, washed-out flavors, and little body and length. It is also beginning to dry out. I suppose if one were to taste a 30-year old Cabernet from Monterey County, California, it might reveal similar characteristics. The 1966 Lafite-Rothschild has consistently been a major disappointment from what is an irregular, but very good vintage.Inc. GSTSG$2,120.97 -
Wine Advocate (72)
This is a vintage in which Lafite could certainly have done better. Light ruby with browning very much in evidence, this wine in the mid-1970s had a fragrant, spicy, charming bouquet, easygoing, simple fruity flavors, and light tannins. Now it is quite tired with old, faded, fruit flavors. Drink up! Anticipated maturity: Now-probably in serious decline. Last tasted, 12/80.Inc. GSTSG$1,223.98 -
Inc. GSTSG$7,395.21
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James Suckling (94-95)
I can’t remember a Haut-Batailley this tannic, yet the tannins are savory and very ripe with beauty and purity. Full-bodied, chewy tannins and a long and intense finish.In BondSG$1,185.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
I can’t remember a Haut-Batailley this tannic, yet the tannins are savory and very ripe with beauty and purity. Full-bodied, chewy tannins and a long and intense finish.In BondSG$620.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
Plenty of blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors. It’s full and chewy with a powerful finish. Tar and graphite at the end. Solid core of fruit and tannin here. One of the most structured I have had from here. Cazes family making the difference.In BondSG$757.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is really minerally and stony with lots of chewy tannins. Medium-to full-bodied with a clean, fresh finish. Very classic Pauillac. Salty at the end with bitter citrus.In BondSG$1,240.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is really minerally and stony with lots of chewy tannins. Medium-to full-bodied with a clean, fresh finish. Very classic Pauillac. Salty at the end with bitter citrus.In BondSG$750.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93-96)
The 2023 Haut-Batailley is another impressive wine from this Chateau. There's plenty of the typical dark fruit and overall breadth that is such a signature, but the tannins show greater finesse than in some prior years—a very positive evolution that continues here. Black cherry, plum, lavender, cloves, leather and licorice are all beautifully amplified. The 2023 marks another major step forward for Haut-Batailley.In BondSG$730.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93-96)
The 2023 Haut-Batailley is another impressive wine from this Chateau. There's plenty of the typical dark fruit and overall breadth that is such a signature, but the tannins show greater finesse than in some prior years—a very positive evolution that continues here. Black cherry, plum, lavender, cloves, leather and licorice are all beautifully amplified. The 2023 marks another major step forward for Haut-Batailley.In BondSG$375.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93-96)
The 2023 Haut-Batailley is another impressive wine from this Chateau. There's plenty of the typical dark fruit and overall breadth that is such a signature, but the tannins show greater finesse than in some prior years—a very positive evolution that continues here. Black cherry, plum, lavender, cloves, leather and licorice are all beautifully amplified. The 2023 marks another major step forward for Haut-Batailley.In BondSG$750.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93-96)
The 2023 Haut-Batailley is another impressive wine from this Chateau. There's plenty of the typical dark fruit and overall breadth that is such a signature, but the tannins show greater finesse than in some prior years—a very positive evolution that continues here. Black cherry, plum, lavender, cloves, leather and licorice are all beautifully amplified. The 2023 marks another major step forward for Haut-Batailley.In BondSG$365.00 -
In BondSG$1,250.00
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In BondSG$713.00
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In BondSG$354.00
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In BondSG$319.00
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Decanter (91)
Lacoste-Borie is the second wine of Pauillac fifth growth Grand-Puy-Lacoste. While the 2010 grand vins are not yet in their drinking window, this will fit the bill. The nose has nicely defined cedar and black pepper with hints of struck match and bacon. The palate has softened out wonderfully, but retains structural liquorice and cocoa-infused tannins. There is a succulent black fruit edge, with savoury hints of tobacco and some herbaceousness behind.In BondSG$862.00 -
James Suckling (90-91)
Soft and silky second wine of Grand Puy Lacost. Medium to full body, juicy fruit and a velvety tannic finish.In BondSG$782.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2019 Lacoste-Borie was impressive as a barrel sample sent to my home last spring. Now in bottle, it has a vivacious, quite floral, almost Margaux-like bouquet that bursts from the glass, featuring raspberry, rooibos and black currant aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with good concentration, a little spicier than I remember and a little softer in the finish, yet with good length and admirable harmony. It should drink nicely after a couple of years. 14.3% alcohol.In BondSG$354.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2020 Lacoste-Borie, which comes in a new label, has an attractive nose with black fruit, pencil shavings and light minty aromas that remain in the background. Fine delineation, though not powerful. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins on the entry, a mixture of red and black fruit, hints of brine and cracked black pepper with an easygoing, seaweed-tinged finish that suggests this will just require a couple of years in bottle.In BondSG$417.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
Perfumed and nicely polished second wine of Grand-Puy-Lacoste with pretty sandalwood, blackberry and currant notes. Some fresh herbs and mocha, too. Nicely framed with fleshy tannins. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot and 8% cabernet franc.In BondSG$366.00 -
Wine Spectator (97)
The great first-growth estate produced a wine with amazing length in this new vintage. Goes on and on, with mint, plum and cassis aromas and flavors and ultrafine tannins. A superb Bordeaux. Best after 1999. 25,000 cases made.In BondSG$14,285.00 -
In BondSG$1,970.00
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In BondSG$1,405.00
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In BondSG$4,950.00
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Wine Advocate (86-88)
The 1957, while not great, is nevertheless surprisingly good (twice I have rated it in the 86-88 range).In BondSG$1,595.00 -
Wine Advocate (70)
(Magnum)In BondSG$1,595.00 -
Wine Advocate (80)
Given the overblown praise for the 1961, 1966, and 1970 Lafites, it seems as though the 1964, a wine obviously made after the rains, is a wine that has taken more criticism than it deserves. Not that it is sublime or profound, but it has consistently shown a chunky, fruity character, and a whiff of some of Lafite's fabulous bouquet. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 7/82.In BondSG$2,560.00 -
Wine Advocate (80)
Given the overblown praise for the 1961, 1966, and 1970 Lafites, it seems as though the 1964, a wine obviously made after the rains, is a wine that has taken more criticism than it deserves. Not that it is sublime or profound, but it has consistently shown a chunky, fruity character, and a whiff of some of Lafite's fabulous bouquet. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 7/82.In BondSG$7,310.00 -
Wine Advocate (84)
Except for the 1966 and 1870 vintages of Lafite-Rothschild, these wines were poured on virgin territory on my palate. Isn't it ironic that the most disappointing wine (forgetting the spoiled 1875 Lafite-Rothschild, which had frightful levels of volatile acidity) was the youngest wine, the 1966 Lafite. With a light to medium ruby/garnet color, this wine exhibited a classy, weedy, herbal, Cabernet-dominated nose, soft, washed-out flavors, and little body and length. It is also beginning to dry out. I suppose if one were to taste a 30-year old Cabernet from Monterey County, California, it might reveal similar characteristics. The 1966 Lafite-Rothschild has consistently been a major disappointment from what is an irregular, but very good vintage.In BondSG$17,315.00 -
Wine Advocate (84)
Except for the 1966 and 1870 vintages of Lafite-Rothschild, these wines were poured on virgin territory on my palate. Isn't it ironic that the most disappointing wine (forgetting the spoiled 1875 Lafite-Rothschild, which had frightful levels of volatile acidity) was the youngest wine, the 1966 Lafite. With a light to medium ruby/garnet color, this wine exhibited a classy, weedy, herbal, Cabernet-dominated nose, soft, washed-out flavors, and little body and length. It is also beginning to dry out. I suppose if one were to taste a 30-year old Cabernet from Monterey County, California, it might reveal similar characteristics. The 1966 Lafite-Rothschild has consistently been a major disappointment from what is an irregular, but very good vintage.In BondSG$1,930.00 -
Wine Advocate (72)
This is a vintage in which Lafite could certainly have done better. Light ruby with browning very much in evidence, this wine in the mid-1970s had a fragrant, spicy, charming bouquet, easygoing, simple fruity flavors, and light tannins. Now it is quite tired with old, faded, fruit flavors. Drink up! Anticipated maturity: Now-probably in serious decline. Last tasted, 12/80.In BondSG$1,115.00 -
In BondSG$6,745.00