World Wine – One of the best examples of this wine we have shipped. Nothing like the stereotype of Bordeaux, this is fresh, vibrant and medium bodied. Lovely purity, the red cherry, blackberry, iodine and subtle spice aromatics leading to a pretty, juicy and energetic palate with plenty of pulpy fruit and round tannins and a lip-smacking, tangy close. Another bargain.
Wine Spectator – Intense, stylish and pure, with a gorgeous beam of Jonagold apple, Cavaillon melon and quince flavors laced with extra hints of white peach and honeysuckle. A long quince echo shows on the succulent finish, which is deftly balanced by fine acidity. Best from 2014 through 2024.
James Suckling – A prototypical Alsace gewurz with plenty of lychee and pineapple character, delicate spice and a satisfying balance between full, creamy body and an almost dry, spicy finish that’s long and rather complex.
The Wine Front – GARY WALSH - THE WINE FRONT
This is our regular Provence rosé, and I’d reckon we’ve knocked off (easily) more than 20 bottles since last spring, so I thought I’d better push out a note. Pale. White peach and redcurrant, a bit of tang and ruby red grapefruit, light chalky feel, freshness and vibrancy. Good zesty length. Such a good drink. It keeps you coming back for more…
World Wine – Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Marc Brédif Vouvray Classic is a picture-perfect Chenin Blanc, with a touch of sweetness. TASTING NOTES: This wine is fresh, bright, and textured. Its pretty and floral aromas and smooth finish should make it an excellent choice with hummus-packed pita bread. (Tasted: August 22, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
Wine Spectator – Steely, with lemon pith, gooseberry and fleur de sel notes streaking over a flinty spine. An echo of lemon curd in the background adds nice contrast.
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.
Allen Meadows – This wine comes from the two districts of Bué and Sancerre, from vines that are between 30 and 60 years old. A blend of richness and a tight mineral structure, it is a firm wine, full of white fruit and likely to age well. Drink from 2018.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The Pouilly-Fume Tradition has much less of the green flavors often connected with this appellation. Instead, it is rather floral, displays more yellow colored fruit aromas (also citrus), whereas the fascinating foundation is built up by crushed limestone rocks. On the palate this is an expressive and powerful, yet elegant and persistent Pouilly that is still young and should benefit from further bottle age. Beautifully balanced, though it does not lack a thrilling structure. Since this wine does not cost a fortune, I highly recommend seeking it out.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – ‘A négoce blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the 2017 Cotes du Rhone Reserve Mont Redon combines black cherries and black olives in a supple, medium to full-bodied wine that's ideal for quaffing over the next several years. Drink 2019-2023.’ 87 points, Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate, August 2019.
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.