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
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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|
Champagne | 1 | - |
Inc. GST
SG$1,003.67 |
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|
Rhone | 1 | 94 (WS) |
Inc. GST
SG$416.28 |
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Wine Spectator (94)Much more expressive on the nose than the '97--and darker and thicker--adding to the evidence that '96 is a better vintage in the northern Rhône. Delivers a round, clean, pure mouthfeel of vibrant, focused red berry and blackberry flavors. Superb balance, as it walks a tightrope among the relatively high acidity, ripe tannins and delicious fruit. Worth cellaring.--La Chapelle vertical. Best from 2003 through 2015. -PM |
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Bordeaux | 1 | 92 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. GST
SG$2,319.48 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92)Opaque black-ruby. More brooding aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and smoky oak, plus stony and mineral nuances; slight hint of exotic fruits. Lower-pitched than the '97, but with penetrating flavor and terrific vivacity. A floral note and a suggestion of chalky terroir contribute to the wine complexity. Finishes with firm but even tannins. Showing considerably more fruit complexity and personality than last year, when I tasted this wine in its several components. Thienpont expected to lightly fine this wine but not to filter it. Should age slowly and gracefully. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 92 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. GST
SG$2,030.63 |
|||||
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92)Opaque black-ruby. More brooding aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and smoky oak, plus stony and mineral nuances; slight hint of exotic fruits. Lower-pitched than the '97, but with penetrating flavor and terrific vivacity. A floral note and a suggestion of chalky terroir contribute to the wine complexity. Finishes with firm but even tannins. Showing considerably more fruit complexity and personality than last year, when I tasted this wine in its several components. Thienpont expected to lightly fine this wine but not to filter it. Should age slowly and gracefully. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 94 (WS) |
Inc. GST
SG$10,597.87 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (94)Wild aromas of crushed fruit, forest flower and wild mushrooms. Full-bodied, with incredibly velvety tannins that go on and on. Lovely and exciting fruit. Gorgeous, seductive wine. Hard to resist now. Better than I remember. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 94 (WS) |
Inc. GST
SG$5,230.81 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (94)Wild aromas of crushed fruit, forest flower and wild mushrooms. Full-bodied, with incredibly velvety tannins that go on and on. Lovely and exciting fruit. Gorgeous, seductive wine. Hard to resist now. Better than I remember. |
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|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
Inc. GST
SG$4,072.11 |
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|
Cognac | 2 | - |
Inc. GST
SG$804.38 |
|||||
The Prunier Vintage Fins Bois Cognac 1996 is an exquisite embodiment of masterful distillation from the famous House of Prunier. This premier cognac hails from Fins Bois, a sublime terroir of Cognac, France, adored for its dynamic, fast-aging eaux-de-vie. The 1996 vintage is a testimony to Prunier's inventive blending techniques paired with traditional distillation. Undisturbed for nearly two decades before bottling, Prunier Vintage Fins Bois Cognac 1996 offers an unparalleled depth of rich, balanced flavours; spicy oak with an undercurrent of luscious fruitiness. The soft, velvety texture tantalises the palate, leading into a long, warming finish, marking the excellence of its origins. Presented in a chic wooden box with a numbered certificate, the Prunier Vintage Fins Bois Cognac 1996 is made to gratify even the most discerning connoisseurs, making it a prized gem that has runs true to the Prunier legacy. |
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|
Rhone | 2 | 90+ (VN) |
Inc. GST
SG$2,805.92 |
|||||
Vinous (90+)Good deep red. Deeper aromas of black cherry, raspberry, pepper and licorice. Broad-shouldered but very closed, showing less sweetness today than the '96 Pignan. Red fruit flavors complicated by notes of leather, licorice and herbs. Strong acid/tannin backbone for aging. But tough going today. |
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|
Bordeaux | 2 | 90 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. GST
SG$929.16 |
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Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90)Straw-gold. Marzipan, honey and toasted hazelnut on the nose. Moderately viscous and currently rather oaky. Has an impressively chewy texture but is not yet displaying its personality. Finishes with some youthful harshness. The '97 is at once stronger and finer. |
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|
Burgundy | 3 | - |
Inc. GST
SG$1,333.03 |
|||||
Indulge your palate with the exquisite Robert Ampeau Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru Ecusseaux 1996. From a renowned Burgundy producer, Robert Ampeau, comes this unforgettable expression, an authentic articulation of the Auxey-Duresses appellation. Displaying a timeless maturity, this French classic is a testament to the skillful viticulture and precision-driven winemaking methods. The vines matured for an enduring period before their delicate fruits were hand-picked, resulting in an evolved wine reminiscent of earthy woodland aromas, laced with autumnal undertones and silky textures. The enhancement of this wine showcases the producer's adherence to traditional wine cultivation techniques. The wine was meticulously aged in oak barrels, ensuring an eloquent balance of ripe fruit and integrated tannins. The nuances of the Robert Ampeau Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru Ecusseaux 1996 is a testament to the vintner’s dedication to quality. This spirit captures the essence of Auxey-Duresses, a magnificent encounter of nature and craftsmanship at its finest. |
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|
Burgundy | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. GST
SG$2,779.28 |
|||||
Vinous (96)Ruby-red. Sauvage aromas of black raspberry, blood orange, purple flowers, licorice and Worcestershire sauce; lifted by a suggestion of grapefruit. Thick, lush and seamless, but given razor sharp precision by penetrating acids. At once creamy and solid yet amazingly bright. Strong violety flavor carries through to the explosively long finish. Ripe tannins are inundated by velvety fruit. This is really amazing juice. |
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|
Champagne | 1 | 99 (WA) |
Inc. GST
SG$4,074.33 |
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Wine Advocate (99)This bottle of the 1996 Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Brut was drinking superbly and represents the apotheosis of Blanc de Blancs, unfurling over the course of three hours with a stunningly complex bouquet of citrus oil, confit lemon, dried white flowers and oyster shell, with hints of praline and pastry cream becoming more pronounced as the wine opens up in the glass. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, defined by the incisive spine so typical of the vintage that, here, is cloaked in layers of crisp fleshy and chalky extract. The finish is long, penetrating and saline. Unfortunately, since the 1996 Salon has been traded so zealously over the last decade, finding a bottle that hasn't travelled too far can be a challenge. But from a perfectly stored bottle, this is just the beginning. |
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|
Champagne | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. GST
SG$7,681.80 |
|||||
Vinous (97)Taittinger’s 1996 Comtes de Champagne is another highlight. The flavors are only now beginning to show elements of complexity, a great sign for aging. Gently spiced and buttery notes suggest the 1996 is about to enter the early part of its maturity, where it is likely to stay for another decade or so. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (WS) |
Inc. GST
SG$3,015.35 |
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Wine Spectator (91)Lots of blackberry, licorice and light tar aromas. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. This needs time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008. -JS |
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|
Burgundy | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. GST
SG$15,639.28 |
|||||
Vinous (93)Palish straw-yellow color; less bright than some vintages in this tasting. (I've seen published tasting notes on this wine dating back as far as a decade that described it as distinctly golden in color, but not this bottle!) Rather wild aromas of hawthorn, acacia flower, chalk and cedar, plus a hint of truffle; not about fruit. Powerful, large-scaled and penetrating on the palate; densely packed but a bit disjointed owing to its combination of sweetness and bracing acidity. Conveys a rare impression of solidity for Chablis, suggesting that it will live on in bottle for many more years. But will it ever truly be fun to drink? Dauvissat noted that there was not a lot of juice in the press in '96, and the wine is clearly high in dry extract. This wine actually finished its malolactic fermentation after the '97 Clos did, and it was bottled later than that wine. (Dauvissat described this wine as le monstre--a bit special for its combination of huge alcohol, gras and very high acidity; he picked what he described as a normal crop on September 23 with potential alcohol ranging from 12.5% to 14.5% and the wine finished with between 5 and 5.5 grams per liter acidity) |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Champagne | 1 | - |
In Bond
SG$901.00 |
|||||
|
Rhone | 1 | 94 (WS) |
In Bond
SG$373.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (94)Much more expressive on the nose than the '97--and darker and thicker--adding to the evidence that '96 is a better vintage in the northern Rhône. Delivers a round, clean, pure mouthfeel of vibrant, focused red berry and blackberry flavors. Superb balance, as it walks a tightrope among the relatively high acidity, ripe tannins and delicious fruit. Worth cellaring.--La Chapelle vertical. Best from 2003 through 2015. -PM |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 92 (VN (ST)) |
In Bond
SG$2,025.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92)Opaque black-ruby. More brooding aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and smoky oak, plus stony and mineral nuances; slight hint of exotic fruits. Lower-pitched than the '97, but with penetrating flavor and terrific vivacity. A floral note and a suggestion of chalky terroir contribute to the wine complexity. Finishes with firm but even tannins. Showing considerably more fruit complexity and personality than last year, when I tasted this wine in its several components. Thienpont expected to lightly fine this wine but not to filter it. Should age slowly and gracefully. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 92 (VN (ST)) |
In Bond
SG$1,760.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92)Opaque black-ruby. More brooding aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and smoky oak, plus stony and mineral nuances; slight hint of exotic fruits. Lower-pitched than the '97, but with penetrating flavor and terrific vivacity. A floral note and a suggestion of chalky terroir contribute to the wine complexity. Finishes with firm but even tannins. Showing considerably more fruit complexity and personality than last year, when I tasted this wine in its several components. Thienpont expected to lightly fine this wine but not to filter it. Should age slowly and gracefully. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 94 (WS) |
In Bond
SG$9,705.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (94)Wild aromas of crushed fruit, forest flower and wild mushrooms. Full-bodied, with incredibly velvety tannins that go on and on. Lovely and exciting fruit. Gorgeous, seductive wine. Hard to resist now. Better than I remember. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 94 (WS) |
In Bond
SG$4,790.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (94)Wild aromas of crushed fruit, forest flower and wild mushrooms. Full-bodied, with incredibly velvety tannins that go on and on. Lovely and exciting fruit. Gorgeous, seductive wine. Hard to resist now. Better than I remember. |
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|
Burgundy | 1 | - |
In Bond
SG$3,625.00 |
|||||
|
Cognac | 2 | - |
In Bond
SG$701.00 |
|||||
The Prunier Vintage Fins Bois Cognac 1996 is an exquisite embodiment of masterful distillation from the famous House of Prunier. This premier cognac hails from Fins Bois, a sublime terroir of Cognac, France, adored for its dynamic, fast-aging eaux-de-vie. The 1996 vintage is a testimony to Prunier's inventive blending techniques paired with traditional distillation. Undisturbed for nearly two decades before bottling, Prunier Vintage Fins Bois Cognac 1996 offers an unparalleled depth of rich, balanced flavours; spicy oak with an undercurrent of luscious fruitiness. The soft, velvety texture tantalises the palate, leading into a long, warming finish, marking the excellence of its origins. Presented in a chic wooden box with a numbered certificate, the Prunier Vintage Fins Bois Cognac 1996 is made to gratify even the most discerning connoisseurs, making it a prized gem that has runs true to the Prunier legacy. |
|||||||||
|
Rhone | 2 | 90+ (VN) |
In Bond
SG$2,565.00 |
|||||
Vinous (90+)Good deep red. Deeper aromas of black cherry, raspberry, pepper and licorice. Broad-shouldered but very closed, showing less sweetness today than the '96 Pignan. Red fruit flavors complicated by notes of leather, licorice and herbs. Strong acid/tannin backbone for aging. But tough going today. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 90 (VN (ST)) |
In Bond
SG$797.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90)Straw-gold. Marzipan, honey and toasted hazelnut on the nose. Moderately viscous and currently rather oaky. Has an impressively chewy texture but is not yet displaying its personality. Finishes with some youthful harshness. The '97 is at once stronger and finer. |
|||||||||
|
Burgundy | 3 | - |
In Bond
SG$1,120.00 |
|||||
Indulge your palate with the exquisite Robert Ampeau Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru Ecusseaux 1996. From a renowned Burgundy producer, Robert Ampeau, comes this unforgettable expression, an authentic articulation of the Auxey-Duresses appellation. Displaying a timeless maturity, this French classic is a testament to the skillful viticulture and precision-driven winemaking methods. The vines matured for an enduring period before their delicate fruits were hand-picked, resulting in an evolved wine reminiscent of earthy woodland aromas, laced with autumnal undertones and silky textures. The enhancement of this wine showcases the producer's adherence to traditional wine cultivation techniques. The wine was meticulously aged in oak barrels, ensuring an eloquent balance of ripe fruit and integrated tannins. The nuances of the Robert Ampeau Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru Ecusseaux 1996 is a testament to the vintner’s dedication to quality. This spirit captures the essence of Auxey-Duresses, a magnificent encounter of nature and craftsmanship at its finest. |
|||||||||
|
Burgundy | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
SG$2,530.00 |
|||||
Vinous (96)Ruby-red. Sauvage aromas of black raspberry, blood orange, purple flowers, licorice and Worcestershire sauce; lifted by a suggestion of grapefruit. Thick, lush and seamless, but given razor sharp precision by penetrating acids. At once creamy and solid yet amazingly bright. Strong violety flavor carries through to the explosively long finish. Ripe tannins are inundated by velvety fruit. This is really amazing juice. |
|||||||||
|
Champagne | 1 | 99 (WA) |
In Bond
SG$3,730.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (99)This bottle of the 1996 Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Brut was drinking superbly and represents the apotheosis of Blanc de Blancs, unfurling over the course of three hours with a stunningly complex bouquet of citrus oil, confit lemon, dried white flowers and oyster shell, with hints of praline and pastry cream becoming more pronounced as the wine opens up in the glass. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, defined by the incisive spine so typical of the vintage that, here, is cloaked in layers of crisp fleshy and chalky extract. The finish is long, penetrating and saline. Unfortunately, since the 1996 Salon has been traded so zealously over the last decade, finding a bottle that hasn't travelled too far can be a challenge. But from a perfectly stored bottle, this is just the beginning. |
|||||||||
|
Champagne | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
SG$7,000.00 |
|||||
Vinous (97)Taittinger’s 1996 Comtes de Champagne is another highlight. The flavors are only now beginning to show elements of complexity, a great sign for aging. Gently spiced and buttery notes suggest the 1996 is about to enter the early part of its maturity, where it is likely to stay for another decade or so. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (WS) |
In Bond
SG$2,665.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (91)Lots of blackberry, licorice and light tar aromas. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. This needs time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008. -JS |
|||||||||
|
Burgundy | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
SG$14,245.00 |
|||||
Vinous (93)Palish straw-yellow color; less bright than some vintages in this tasting. (I've seen published tasting notes on this wine dating back as far as a decade that described it as distinctly golden in color, but not this bottle!) Rather wild aromas of hawthorn, acacia flower, chalk and cedar, plus a hint of truffle; not about fruit. Powerful, large-scaled and penetrating on the palate; densely packed but a bit disjointed owing to its combination of sweetness and bracing acidity. Conveys a rare impression of solidity for Chablis, suggesting that it will live on in bottle for many more years. But will it ever truly be fun to drink? Dauvissat noted that there was not a lot of juice in the press in '96, and the wine is clearly high in dry extract. This wine actually finished its malolactic fermentation after the '97 Clos did, and it was bottled later than that wine. (Dauvissat described this wine as le monstre--a bit special for its combination of huge alcohol, gras and very high acidity; he picked what he described as a normal crop on September 23 with potential alcohol ranging from 12.5% to 14.5% and the wine finished with between 5 and 5.5 grams per liter acidity) |