French Classics - Champagne & Wine Selection - 6 Pack Value

Celebrate the elegance of France with this expertly curated collection of Champagne and premium wines. This 6-pack showcases the finesse and diversity of French winemaking, featuring a sparkling Champagne that exudes festive joy, alongside a selection of reds and whites from iconic wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley.

Each bottle has been chosen to represent the distinct characteristics and heritage of its region, offering a harmonious balance of flavors. Perfect for any occasion, this selection invites you to savor the art of French viticulture and toast to timeless sophistication.

1 x Domaine d'Estoublon Blanc (Organic) 2020 - Alpilles Provence, France

Bronze - Gilbert & Gaillard (2016 vintage)
16.5/20 Bettane et Desseauve (2013 vintage)

Silver - Challenge Millesime Bio (2019 vintage)
Silver - Challenge Millesime Bio (2018 vintage)
Platinum - Decanter World Wine Awards (2017 vintage)
Commended - International Wine Challenge (2017 vintage)

Organic

New launch! Owned by former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and his Supermodel & singer-songwriter wife, Carla Bruni, and Jean-Guillaume Prats of Château Lafite fame.

Decanter "Château d’Estoublon has a long winemaking history, and is today owned by some of France’s big names, including Jean-Guillaume Prats of Château Lafite fame, and former President and First Lady Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni. This is only the second vintage of Roseblood, a blend of Grenache and Cinsault with a dash of Tibouren. It’s impressive, a similar price to Whispering Angel but with more going on and real depth of flavour: tart strawberry and raspberry, with floral notes of peonies, some firm peach and apricot fruit, and a mineral streak. Serious rosé but so delicious. "

Decanter World Wine Awards "Evocative nose of bruised apple, toffee and ginger with hints of honey and exotic spices. Rich and broad palate with smoky wood supporting the ripe fruit. Long white pepper finish." (2017 vintage)

Gilbert & Gaillard "Bright gold. Rich nose of ripe white fruits layered over toasted vanilla and pastry pie notes with white pepper. Powerful palate boasting volume yet also full body. Impressive range of balanced aromatics. A wine for gourmet foods." (2016 vintage)

Winemaker "On the nose, this wine offers remarkable aromatic intensity with beautiful freshness, aromas of yellow fruits and white flowers highlighted by a touch of anise. On the palate, the attack is frank and mineral. Notes of yellow peach and vanilla blend harmoniously. A subtly spicy finish (cinnamon) with delicate nuances."

33% Marsanne 33% Roussanne 33% Grenache blanc
Alcohol: 13.50%

Organic wines are made from grapes grown without pesticides, following strict organic standards. Organic wines are produced in vineyards that do not use synthetic chemicals. Certified organic wines in France. 

Château d'Estoublon is a prestigious winery owned by former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, his wife, model-turned First lady, Carla Bruni, and Jean-

Nestled in the heart of Provence, France, Château d'Estoublon was established in 1489 and embodies the best of French elegance, a legacy of wine-making excellence, and the essence of Provence's terroir and heritage.

Château d'Estoublon wines benefit from the region's unique microclimate and limestone-rich soils, imparting wines with unparalleled depth and complexity. From the sun-kissed slopes to the cool, mistral-kissed valleys, each parcel of land contributes to the harmonious symphony of flavors found in every bottle.

Château d'Estoublon combines traditional winemaking and contemporary techniques, to create wines of exceptional quality and character. From hand-harvesting the estate grapes, to its comittment to sustainability, and organic agriculture, the estate is currently converting to biodynamics.

Provence is a wine region in the far southeastern corner of France best known for the quality of its rosé wines and for its warm, mild climate. The vineyards of Provence cover an area of France's south-eastern coastline that measures roughly 200 kilometres from east to west. In this definitively Mediterranean climate – no Provencal vineyard is more than 55km (25 miles) from the Mediterranean – the vines enjoy around 3000 sunshine hours per year.

1 x Lacroix Martillac Blanc 2015 ~ Bordeaux, France

Second label of the famous Grand Cru Château Latour-Martillac

The winemaker "A wine with very nice length and great finesse. A bright gold colour, with lively and explosive notes of fresh citrus and exotic fruits on the nose. On the palate, the richness of the white grapes and the acid tension supply a superb sophistication. Pure and authentic mineral notes." (translated from French)

Vinous "Bordeaux enjoyed its strongest vintage in a number of years in 2015. The warm, dry summer yielded opulent wines built on intense fruit and voluptuous textures. At their best, the 2015s are spectacularly rich, racy wines loaded with personality."

This wine comes from the vineyards of the well-known Grand Cru Bordeaux property of Château Latour-Martillac, owned by the Kressman family. The wines of Château Latour-Martillac gained widespread attention in 1934, when the red vintage was selected by the Wine and Spirit Benevolent Society of London for the celebration of the coronation of His Majesty King George the VI, King of England in December 1936.

The 6 children of the original owner, Jean Kressmann own the domain and continue with the family tradition of wine-making, assisted by the leading wine consultants in Bordeaux. In the 1980’s, they increased the area planted in Sauvignon Blanc to compliment the Semillon, the historical grape variety of the property.

Pessac-Leognan is a prestigious appellation for wines produced in a particular area of the Bordeaux region of south-western France. A relatively new appellation, it was carved out of the Graves sub-region in 1987 – recognized in its own right on the merits of its high-quality red and white wines. This was a significant change, as many of the chateaux in what is now Pessac-Leognan were the best performers in the Graves Classification of 1959.

Pessac-Leognan’s white wines are made predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc (a required minimum of 25%) and Semillon grapes, and are often matured in oak for greater complexity. These white varieties thrive on the sandier soils of the appellation and produce more age-worthy wines than any other part of the world.

Elsewhere, blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are best consumed within two years of harvest; in contrast, the best white wines of Pessac-Leognan can develop in bottle for well over a decade.

1 x Clos des Centenaires Grenache Vielles Vignes (Old Vines) Red 2018 - Southern Rhône, France

The Winemaker "Notes of raspberry, sweet spices and dry flowers. The palate is round and soft with a full bodied and smooth finish."

100% Grenache

Clos des Centenaires was founded Luc Baudet of Chateau Mas-Neuf fame, and Californian wine industry veteran, Jack Edwards who both share a passion for artisan wines and the terroir of France’s Southern Rhone.

Clos des Centenaires is a historic vineyard situated in Costieres de Nimes, close to the Mediterranean Sea. The vineyard boasts 70-year-old Grenache vines which are deeply rooted in the pebble stones overlooking the picturesque lakes of Petite Camargue. The vineyard also features Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, and Cinsault, and is known for producing unique, high-end, elegant wines of excellent value.

The vineyard soils are cultivated amongst natural grassland using shallow tillage methods and special attention is paid to the revitalization of vines (using annually prepared biodynamic compost). Inputs are limited to organically approved natural products.

Costieres de Nimes is the most southerly appellation of the Rhone wine region in southeastern France. The wines of the area are reputed to have been consumed by the Ancient Greeks and thus figure among the oldest known wines in the world. The Costieres de Nimes AOC covers an area between the towns of Nimes and Arles.

The Rhone Valley is one of France's key wine regions, and is divided neatly by a gap of about 25 miles (40km). Wines from the northern part of the valley tend to be Syrah-dominant (Hermitage and Cote Rotie being the most notable examples), while wines from the southern Rhone are more commonly blends, with Grenache playing a more dominant role. Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous example of a southern Rhone blend, but similar blends are found in wines from Gigondas, Vacqueyras and the regional Cotes du Rhone title.

Grenache is a red-wine grape grown extensively in France, Spain, Australia and the United States and is one of the most widely distributed grapes in the world. Grenache is the French name for the grape, but it has a number of synonyms. In Spain, where it is one of the country's flagship varieties, it is known as Garnacha, and on the island of Sardinia it has been known for centuries as Cannonau. In France, Grenache is most widely planted in the southern Rhone Valley and throughout both Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon. It is most commonly found alongside Syrah and Mourvedre in the classic Southern Rhone Blend (notably in Cotes du Rhone wines), and is the main grape variety in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

1 x Lavau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red 2020 ~ Rhône, France

92/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)
92/100 Robert Parker (2019 vintage)
91/100 Decanter (2019 vintage)
90/100 Jeb Dunnuck (2019 vintage)
91/100 Wine Enthusiast (2018 vintage)
90/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2017 vintage)
92/100 Wine Spectator (2016 vintage)
90/100 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2016 vintage)
92/100 Wine Spectator (2015 vintage)
91/100 Wine Magazine (2015 vintage)
91/100 Wine Enthusiast (2015 vintage)
Bronze - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2015 vintage)

James Suckling "Vibrant, fruity nose of red plums, cherries, raspberries, pomegranates, olives and red tea. It’s full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins. Round and supple. Some chocolate notes on the finish. Fresh and elegant for the appellation. Drink or hold." (2019 vintage)

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "A solid négoce wine, Lavau's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape—a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, all said to be from sandy soils and aged in new barriques and stainless steel tanks—offers up ripe cherries on the nose, plus hints of vanilla and maple syrup. Full-bodied, ripe and supple, with a creamy, plush feel, this is easy to drink, while showing ample depth and charm." (2019 vintage)

Decanter "Holds the new oak remarkably well (50% new), it's not excessive in aroma or texture from this sample. Well balanced with fine tannins and a little salty note - pretty smart stuff. Should be good when it's ready, no excesses here. Best yet from Lavau." (2019 vintage)

Jeb Dunnuck "An outstanding wine, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape offers lots of ripe black and blue fruits as well as plenty of pepper, cedar, and sappy, green garrigue-like aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it’s nicely textured and has terrific balance along with a great finish. A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, it was aged in 50% new oak, although you wouldn’t know that by tasting it." (2019 vintage)

Wine Enthusiast "Ripe, velvety swathes of blackberry and black-plum preserves abound in this full-bodied, softly tannic red. A blend of Grenache (50%), Syrah (40%) and Mourvèdre (10%) matured partially in oak, it is ripe in fruit but elegantly subdued by tones of freshly tilled earth, charred clove and graphite. Ready to drink now, it should hold well through 2028." (2018 vintage)

Wine Enthusiast "Intensely spicy, almost charry notes of roasted black cherry and plum abound on the nose. A blend of Grenache (50%), Syrah (40%) and Mourvèdre (10%) sourced entirely from sandy soils, it's a supple, profoundly fleshy wine framed by soft, feathery tannins. Its forward, youthful black fruit flavors will show best now–2027." (2017 vintage)

Wine Enthusiast "It's an easygoing, accessible red with soft acidity and ripe tannins, but maintains an alluring whisper of earthiness through the finish. Hints of fur, bramble and moss lend elegance to forward, fruity tones of black plum and mulberry in this wine." (2015 vintage)

Jeff Leve "Medium-bodied, easy-drinking wine with a forward, red berry core of fruit. Best to enjoy this young." (2015 vintage)

A blend of Grenache (50%), Syrah (40%) and Mourvèdre (10%).

Originally from Bordeaux, the Lavau family has been involved with winemaking for generations, and have had vineyards ranging from Bordeaux to Tunisia. In 1964 they were seduced by the richness and quality of the Provencal soil and settled down to make wine in the Rhone Valley. The cellars of Lavau are currently managed by Benoit and Frederic Lavau, who work in partnership with 350 different grape growers.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous Southern Rhône appellation and the finest expression of the Grenache grape and Grenache based blends. The name Châteauneuf-du-Pape means ""new castle of the Pope"" and harks back to the early 14th Century when Avignon was chosen as the new home for the Pope's court. It is one of the most renowned appellations in France, famous for a layer of stones called galets (""pebbles"") that surround the vines. The galets soak up heat during the day, and release it during the night, thereby regulating the temperature of the vines.

1 x Maxime Blin Son Naturel Optimiste - Champagne, France

Organic

Winemaker "A full bodied smooth and lingering Champagne, round, long, harminious, with a minerality on the finish. Ideal for an aperiftif, to accompany oysters and fish.

Maxime Blin is served on Qatar Airways & Air Italy

80% Pinot Noir 20% Chardonnay

Organic wines are made from grapes grown without pesticides, following strict organic standards. Organic wines are produced in vineyards that do not use synthetic chemicals. Certified organic wines have been certified by Association des Champagnes Biologiques in France.

Champagne Maxime Blin has captured the attention of the world's champagne experts. This fourth-generation family owned champagne house has produced many award winning champagnes which are rated highly and celebrated for their expression of the famous terrior in which the vineyard is located. It is one of the few certified organic champagne producers in the worrld. Situated in the Champagne village of Saint Thierry near Reims - the center of the Champagne world - boasting Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, Ruinart and Taittinger, Champagne Maxime Blin is the rising star amongst its big name neighbours.

Maxime Blin has been certified organic since 2021. The company. produced its first organic champagne in 2022. Maxime Blin champagnes are highly sought after due to the qualtiy and low volume of champagnes it produces. It cultivates the three Champagne grape varieties, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay on vines with an average age of twenty years.

Maxime Blin produces 11 champagnes ( Carte Blanche, Carte Douce, Rosé, Millésime, Grande Tradition, Cuvée l'Onirique, Cuvée l'Authentique, Cuvée Maxime, Millesime 1998, Cuvée Craziness, Clés d'Eole). Among the brands' many admirers which include artists, musicians, and wine experts, the Italian actress Manuela Arcuri, every year for her birthday, orders the Cuvée 'Craziness'.

Champagne is the most iconic sparkling wine in the world, produced in the region of Champagne in France. Synonymous with celebration, champagne is typically produced from a few specific varieties of grapes: pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot meunier. With effervescent flavors of citrus, almond, and apple, champagne comes in varying levels of sweetness and has a moderate amount of alcohol. The most treasured Champagnes age for a minimum of 3 years.

The Champagne region is located 140 kilometres from Paris, France. While the vines in this region have been producing wine since the Roman era, it is only in the past couple of hundred years that winemakers began producing Champagne using méthode champenoise - the complex method that produces the style of Champagne the world knows and loves today. Another important component of the production of champagne is the chalk and limestone soils which dominate the Champagne region. Vines grown in these conditions result in wines that are high in acidity - a key component to making good sparkling wine. Champagne's northerly location - about as north as grapes can ripen - also allow for higher acidity and lower alcohol levels which are also very important for producing quality sparkling wine.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of the wine growing region of Champagne is best known for the world's most famous wine product: champagne. The region of Champagne, traces its roots to the early medieval kingdom of Austrasia that was annexed to the French crown in the 1300s. Right from the early ages, the region has been famed for its hillside vineyards and its strictly regulated methods of creating those pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay grapes into – champagne. It is this ‘Method Champenois’ that connects champagne to its rich history, geographical location and image of luxury.

1 x Maxime Blin Carte Blanche Brut NV - Champagne, France

Bronze - Gilbert & Gaillard

1 Star - Le Guide Hachette des Vins

Silver - Challenge International du Vin
Silver - Vinalies Internationales
Silver - Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

Organic

Maxime Blin is served on Qatar Airways & Air Italy

Gilbert & Gaillard "Beautiful character.... Mature, focused nose combining dried fruits and dried vegetal aromas... Good staying power on the palate, structured and well-integrated. Dried apricot is exuded on the attack flowing into straw notes."

Le Guide Hachette des Vins "With a shimmering pale gold, the nose blends delicate notes of brioche, dried fruits and white flowers. Balanced, melted and long, the palate reveals pleasant aromas of exotic fruits."

Le Guide Hachette des Vins "The Maxime Blin Carte Blanche white obtained the note of 1 star, which corresponds to a very successful wine . This wine was noted in the 2013 edition of the Guide Hachette Vins."

Alexandra Durin-Hepkein "A fresh, round, light and harmonious champagne in which numerous fruity aromas express themselves with joy."

Nicoline Nybom "Fresh, light and harmonious with good fruit notes"

80% Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir

Sommeliers International "A mouthful of talent."

Organic wines are made from grapes grown without pesticides, following strict organic standards. Organic wines are produced in vineyards that do not use synthetic chemicals. Certified organic wines have been certified by Association des Champagnes Biologiques in France.

Champagne Maxime Blin has captured the attention of the world's champagne experts. This fourth-generation family owned champagne house has produced many award winning champagnes which are rated highly and celebrated for their expression of the famous terrior in which the vineyard is located. It is one of the few certified organic champagne producers in the world. Situated in the Champagne village of Saint Thierry near Reims - the center of the Champagne world - boasting Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, Ruinart and Taittinger, Champagne Maxime Blin is the rising star amongst its big name neighbours.

Maxime Blin has been certified organic since 2021. The company. produced its first organic champagne in 2022. Maxime Blin champagnes are highly sought after due to the qualtiy and low volume of champagnes it produces. It cultivates the three Champagne grape varieties, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay on vines with an average age of twenty years.

Maxime Blin produces 11 champagnes ( Carte Blanche, Carte Douce, Rosé, Millésime, Grande Tradition, Cuvée l'Onirique, Cuvée l'Authentique, Cuvée Maxime, Millesime 1998, Cuvée Craziness, Clés d'Eole). Among the brands' many admirers which include artists, musicians, and wine experts, the Italian actress Manuela Arcuri, every year for her birthday, orders the Cuvée 'Craziness'.