In 2011, Wine Enthusiast's tasting panel reviewed more than 16,000 wines. We’ve recently published our Top 100 Best Buys (wines for $15 or less), our Top 100 Cellar Selections (cellar-worthy and highly rated collectibles) and our popular list of The Enthusiast 100 (weekend wines, restaurant purchases and special occasion wines) – now we’re releasing lists from the world’s most popular wine regions, including France, Italy, South America and the United States.
This list covers the top 100 French wines reviewed by our team. France is known for producing all styles of wine, from the cool wines of the Loire Valley, to the more powerful, muscular offerings of the Rhône Valley, making this list one of our most diverse this year. For more on French wine, be sure to check out our country profile and our full list of French wine ratings here in the Buying Guide.
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- 92
- $50
Alain Jaume et Fils 2008 Domaine Grand Veneur Rhône-style Red Blend (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Chez Jaume, the family took the difficult decision not to produce its luxury Cuvée Origines in 2008. That old-vine juice ended up in this bottling, which no doubt accounts for its splendidly lush yet balanced midpalate and intense notes of cracked pepper, cassis and espresso. A great success for the vintage. — J.C. (8/1/2011) — 92 -
- 93
- $110
Vieux Château Mazerat 2008 Bordeaux-style Red Blend (Saint-Emilion)
Very intense wine, packed with dark tannins, solid and powerful. It is leavened with great perfumes, while the overall effect is dark, brooding and concentrated. — R.V. (4/1/2011) — 93 -
- 93
Thienot 2001 La Vigne aux Gamins Brut Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay (Champagne)
From a small parcel of old vines in Avize in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, here is a wine that really expresses the intensity of its chalk terroir. It has all the texture and tautness along with a steely structure and pure, very fresh lime flavors. — R.V. (12/1/2011) — 93 -
- 93
- $164
Roux Père et Fils 2008 Corton-Charlemagne Chardonnay (Corton-Charlemagne)
All structure and textured fruit, this is a wine for the long term. All the elements are there, although restrained by the vintage. The yellow fruits are more peach than apricot, while wood is still domiNAt. But it does have the power and should be aged for 4–5 years. — R.V. (12/31/2011) — 93 -
- 93
Rieflé 2004 Grand Cru Steinert Pinot Gris (Alsace)
The concentration and richness of old-vine Pinot Gris is all here. This is definitely a wine on the sweet side, going for superripe peaches, white apricots, gorgeous spice and not much in the way of acidity. Revel in this wine for its opulence. — R.V. (2/1/2011) — 93 -
- 93
- $76
Pascal Bouchard 2007 Les Clos Grand Cru Chardonnay (Chablis)
A super-rich wine, packed with peach and green plum fruits, layers of wood and an intense concentration. An impressive wine that shows weight and richness as well as style. — R.V. (5/1/2011) — 93 -
- 93
- $115
Mailly Grand Cru 2000 Les Echansons Brut Champagne Blend (Champagne)
A beautifully crafted Champagne from grand cru vineyards, with pure acidity that weaves its way through the tense fruit flavors. There is just a hint of toast and yeast as the wine starts towards maturity. Like many wines from Mailly, this tastes dry. — R.V. (12/1/2011) — 93 -
- 93
- $100
Les Astéries 2008 Bordeaux-style Red Blend (Saint-Emilion)
With its classic mineral edge, dusty tannins and firm, dry structure, the wine has a core that weighs well with the severe texture. As a contrast, the fruit underneath is ripe and juicy. A wine for several years’ aging. — R.V. (4/1/2011) — 93 -
- 93
Lanson NV Extra Age Brut Champagne Blend (Champagne)
Creamy, textured wine, with a lively mousse and a balance of fine toasty age and fresh citrus fruits. It shows a dry character, firm and mineral, very textured with the weight to make it a food Champagne. — R.V. (12/1/2011) — 93 -
- 93
- $25
Joseph Cattin 2009 Hatschbourg Grand Cru Pinot Gris (Alsace)
Richly textured wine, full of ripe and spicy fruit, the acidity just a hint behind the dried honey and watermelon flavors. It is full-bodied, ripe, packed with intense fruit flavors. A wine for aging over 3–4 years. — R.V. (12/1/2011) — 93
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