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…
Wine Spectator – This pumps ripe raspberry, plum and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors through, with anise, fruitcake and Christmas pudding notes adding range and detail along the way. Flash of bay on the finish. A not-shy wine. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2022 through 2032.
Wine Enthusiast – Ripe, luminous wild strawberries and black cherry flavors explode from nose to finish in this hedonistic, intensely fruity blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. It's gorgeously primary in youth with a zesty mineral undertone, but is concentrated enough to improve, gaining earthier complexities through 2030 and likely further.
James Suckling – A very vibrant array of ripe raspberry, red-plum and berry-pastry aromas with mulberries, too. Very fresh. There’s a very rich and ripe, dark-fruit core here with a wealth of super plush and languid tannins that are dense yet soft. This is a hallmark of the vintage. A blend of 45% grenache, 30% syrah, 15% mourvedre and ten additional varieties. Drink over the next decade and more.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape features gentle herb shadings, ripe stone fruit and berry flavors, and a long, clean finish. It's full-bodied but somewhat delicate and silky in feel. I'd opt for drinking this blend of 35% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault over the next 7-8 years.
James Suckling – Currant, dried-flower, citrus-zest, and sandalwood aromas, with hints of sliced mushrooms. It’s medium-to-full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins and fresh acidity. Fragrant, pretty, and precise. Really fine.
James Suckling – "Currant, dried-flower, citrus-zest and sandalwood aromas, with hints of slicedmushrooms. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins and freshacidity. Fragrant, pretty and precise. Really fine. Try from 2024."
World Wine – “Deep ruby. Lovely aromas of dark plum, blackcurrant, graphite and black pepper. Then smooth and rich on the palate, with ripe blackberry and chocolate-covered blackcurrant flavors showing very good precision and lift. Finishes with lively acids and a bit of warmth, but this balanced, serious wine will provide delicious early drinking.”
87-90 points - Ian D'Agata, vinous.com
James Suckling – Tight and chewy yet polished and beautiful. Medium to full body, a pretty core of fruit within the center palate and a flavorful finish. Better than 2015 and on the same level as the excellent 2014.
93-94 points James Suckling
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.