World Wine – Outer quote mark Vivid deep straw. White flowers, apple butter and honey plus a touch of vanilla on the nose and in the mouth. Fresh, clean and much richer and denser than Trimbach’s entry-level Pinot Gris, but I think it needs time to smooth out and come together. Closes a tad short, with a hint of residual sweetness on the medium-long finish (Pierre Trimbach said he feels that this wine needs that extra touch of residual sugar to have the best balance).
Wine Enthusiast – Outer quote mark A touch of ripe Mirabelle plum joins the pear fruit on the nose. The resolutely dry palate holds them tight on a very concentrated, fresh but also earthy body. Taut and clean, this needs a little more time in bottle. The finish is whistle-clean.
Wine Enthusiast – Slight hints of evolution are immediately apparent in the lifted notes of dried lemon peel. The palate is taut and concentrated, straight-laced and upright. This is all about linearity, focus and tension. Have it now or wait for it, it is worth witnessing at any stage. Prepare to be refreshed and revived. Drink now until 2025.
Wine Enthusiast – An aroma of ripe pear makes an appearance on the nose. The same pristine and abundant tone plays on the palate, supported by fresh lemon. Balance and concentration are an ideal counterbalance to a racy vein of acidity. The finish is utterly refreshing and lasting.
Wine Enthusiast – A subtle whiff of crushed citrus foliage sets a tone of aromatic, lifted freshness. The concentration and depth of the freshness on the bone-dry palate carries these aromatic notions in a bold, linear and powerful package. Freshness lets the citrus fruit shine, a real triumph in a hot vintage.
Wine Spectator – Racy, finely tuned acidity frames this elegant white, supporting a subtle, layered palate. Shows base notes of petrol and brine, tangy apple, grapefruit zest, fresh forest and candle wax. Long, long minerally finish. Drink now through 2027.
Wine Enthusiast – One of Trimbach’s top wines, this impressive Riesling, with all its bottle time, is maturing beautifully. It has that petrol character that is typical of aged Riesling, as well as a strong sense of steeliness and intense acidity on the finish.
James Suckling – Aromas of cooked pear, apple and white pineapple follow through to a full body with incredible dryness and a mineral finish. White pepper and oyster shell too. This is so serious and unforgiving yet a phenomenon. Owners say it is the driest Fred ever.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – Trimbach’s 2007 Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile – the driest rendition ever of this cuvee, at well under a gram of residual sugar, yet with nearly eight grams acidity – can definitely use the time it will receive in bottle before being released in late 2011 or early 2012! If this year’s reserve Riesling flirted with austerity, the Frederic Emile risks severity. That said, its arrow-like penetration and sharpness; its adamant stoniness; and its citrus zest and cherry pit bitterness, are allied to formidable density; bracing salinity; deep, marrow-like meatiness; a subtle suggestion of textural creaminess; and an overall impression of exhilarating, vibrant refreshment. This will be for those with patience and/or for acid freaks (of which I count myself one) and ought to remain fresh for 15 or more years.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The 2013 Gewurztraminer Cuvée des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre comes from predominately Keuper marl-limestone soils in Hunawihr (Muhlforst area) and Ribeauvillé (Trottacker) which give this age worthy wine a full and powerful style. Nobly clear and elegant on the deep and concentrated but super subtle nose where ripe bright fruit aromas with a dash of lemon juice are displayed. Round, piquant and very elegant on the palate, this is an intense, complex, lovely mineral and extremely well defined wine with a stimulating vibrancy and a nice tannin grip which, in combination with the minerality, gives not just tension and power but also a very long and salty Gewurztraminer with mandarin flavors and flowers in the very persistent aftertaste. This Cuvée is even more elegant than the Reserve and will go into the market most likely by end of 2019 since 2008 is on the shelves right now and will be followed by 2011 and 2012 first.' 94 points, Stephan Reinhardt, October 2015
French wines, with their rich heritage, have always stood as a testament to the country's deep-rooted winemaking traditions. Traversing through the lush valleys of Loire to the terraced hills of Côtes du Rhône, France offers a tapestry of diverse wine regions, each with its unique character and charm.
The terroir, a French term which describes the specific environmental factors affecting the taste and flavor of the wine produced, is an integral part of the French wine narrative. Bordeaux, for instance, with its maritime climate, produces wines that have an unparalleled depth and complexity. In contrast, the sun-kissed vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon yield wines that are fruitier and vibrant.
The meticulous art of winemaking in France is passed down through generations, preserving age-old techniques while embracing innovations. This delicate balance between tradition and modernity ensures that each bottle reflects the passion, dedication, and artistry of its makers.
In essence, French wines are more than just a beverage; they are a journey through history, culture, and craftsmanship.
French wines stand as an epitome of elegance, craftsmanship, and tradition. What makes French wines so special is the country's unique combination of soil, climate, and winemaking heritage – often referred to as "terroir." This term encompasses everything from the minerals in the vineyard soils to the way the grapes are tended and the wine is made. France's diverse regions, from the frosty climes of Champagne to the sun-soaked terraces of Provence, lend themselves to an array of wine styles, each carrying a distinct hallmark of its origin. Moreover, centuries of winemaking expertise, passed down through generations, have sculpted France's reputation on the world wine stage. Thus, when one sips a French wine, they're not just tasting the grape; they're imbibing history, tradition, and the very essence of the French countryside.
When discussing popular French wines, names like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne often top the list. Bordeaux, known for its powerful reds, is home to iconic blends featuring Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Burgundy, on the other hand, is celebrated for its Pinot Noir reds and Chardonnay whites, wines that have become benchmarks for these grape varieties globally. Champagne, the sparkling wine mecca, is revered for its effervescent offerings that have graced many a celebration. Beyond these, regions like the Rhône Valley, Alsace, and Loire Valley also offer wines that have garnered acclaim and large fan followings. Each region's unique terroir and traditions shape its wines' distinctive character.
For those delving into French wines, a logical starting point would be the classics. Begin with a crisp and elegant Chardonnay from Burgundy, then move to a robust Bordeaux blend to experience the depth and complexity of French reds. A bottle from Champagne will introduce you to the pinnacle of sparkling wines, with its delicate bubbles and complex flavors. From the Loire Valley, a sip of Sauvignon Blanc, often brimming with zesty citrus notes, is a must. And for a unique experience, a bottle from Beaujolais showcases the versatility of the Gamay grape, offering wines that range from light and fruity to deep and structured.
Defining the "best" French wines is subjective, given the vast diversity and individual preferences. However, certain wines have achieved legendary status due to their quality, heritage, and impact on the wine world. Wines from the Grand Cru vineyards of Burgundy, such as those from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, are often placed on a pedestal. Similarly, Bordeaux's First Growth estates, including Château Margaux and Château Latour, have set standards for red wine excellence. In the realm of bubbles, Dom Pérignon and Krug are among Champagne's shining stars. These wines, while representing the pinnacle of French winemaking, are just the tip of the iceberg. Each region, with its hidden gems and artisanal producers, brings to the table wines that can captivate the palate and soul in equal measure.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.