French Wines
Despite a labeling system that is often confusing, French wine still gives the greatest pleasure of any wine producing region. The style of French wine echoes that of the French themselves elegant, well-dressed, showing an appreciation for the good things of life but never to excess. French wines go best with food, never overpowering either in flavor or in alcohol, always well-mannered, often beautiful.
All these qualities make it worthwhile to spend some time to get to know French wine regions through exploring our French wine reviews. The country produces all styles of wine, from the cool wines of the Loire Valley, the stylish whites of Alsace, through the classics of Bordeaux and Burgundy, to the more powerful, muscular offerings of the Rhône Valley and the warm wines of Languedoc-Roussillon. And unique in their northern altitudes are the great Champagnes. Our French wine guide includes thousands of French wine ratings you can sort by wine region, grape variety, vintage, producer or price.
Showing 1 thru -9 of 18,137
Krug 1998 Clos du Mesnil Chardonnay
- Cellar Selection
- $1400
A wine that has created its own universe. It has a unique, special softness that allies with the total purity that comes from a small, enclosed single vineyard. The fruit is almost irrelevant here, because it comes as part of a much deeper complexity. This is a great wine, at the summit of Champagne, a sublime, unforgettable experience.
— R.V.
(12/1/2010)
Château Latour 2005 Red (Pauillac)
- Cellar Selection
- $2000
A great wine, the summation of a great vintage in Bordeaux. The core of richness, the dense, bone-dry tannins, the black currants, red berries and black plum skins are the elements, but it’s the way they have been integrated that makes this such an impressive wine. There is great elegance as well, a fabulous counterpoint to such power. Cellar for at least 15 years…
— R.V.
(6/1/2008)
Château Pétrus 2005 Red (Pomerol)
- $6000
As so often, Pétrus has the ability to charm and impress, to seduce and overwhelm. This 2005, one of the greatest vintages from this great chateau, is massive and concentrated, with flavors of ripe black figs, chocolate and dark plums. Put that all together and the result is the utmost deliciousness, freshness and elegance. A major wine. Imported by Etablissements…
— R.V.
(6/1/2008)
Château Léoville-Barton 2010 Red (Saint-Julien)
- Cellar Selection
- $117
A magnificently solid wine, initially severe. At this young stage, the tannins dominate in a wine that also reveals a full fruit salad bowl of black fruits. Very dense, concentrated, this is a wine that’s even better than the legendary 2005. The structure tells of its extraordinary aging potential: don’t even attempt to drink this for 10 years.
— R.V.
(2/1/2013)
Château Léoville Las Cases 2010 Red (Saint-Julien)
- Cellar Selection
A hugely powerful wine, full of dark, brooding tannins. It’s a wine for seriously long-term aging, a sculptural vision of classic Bordeaux structure with with classy, ripe blackberry fruits. It has fresh acidity and an immense full-bodied character, cut through with mineral acidity. A great wine, with great potential.
— R.V.
(5/1/2013)
Château Lafite Rothschild 2010 Red (Pauillac)
- Cellar Selection
Almost black in color, this stunning wine is gorgeous, rich and dense. It’s grand and powerful, with a strong sense of its own importance. The beautiful tannins and the fragrant black currant fruits are palpable. It’s a great wine, with huge potential.
— R.V.
(5/1/2013)
Château Cheval Blanc 2010 Red (Saint-Émilion)
- Cellar Selection
This is the finest Cheval Blanc for many years. It is, quite simply, magnificent. The wine shows the greatness of Cabernet Franc in the vintage, with 57% of the variety in the blend. It is beautifully structured and perfumed with velvety tannins, balanced acidity and swathes of black-currant and black-cherry fruits. It’s well on course to becoming a legendary wine.
— R.V.
(5/1/2013)
Château Lafite Rothschild 2000 Red (Pauillac)
- $400
Perhaps of all the first growths in the totally un-classic 2000, this retains most of the classic Bordeaux. It is certainly almost black in color, while the new wood flavors are very present. But it shows an impressive restraint, leaving the power of the wine to be revealed over the years rather than immediately. This could well be the longest-lived of the Pauillac…
— R.V.
(6/1/2003)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 18,137
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